Transitioning from one industry to the next requires careful planning and an innovative mindset, from self-assessment and research through networking, mentorship and adaptability.

Many skills are transferrable across industries, which makes the transition process less daunting and helps you realize your full professional potential.

Identify your transferable skills

No matter your motivations for changing careers - be it new job opportunities, changing interests or learning new ones - transitioning from one industry to the next requires strategic planning and an adaptable attitude. You must identify transferable skills, gain new experiences through volunteerism or informational interviews and develop a training program tailored specifically to fit into your schedule.

Self-assessments can also help you identify your core competencies, or the abilities you bring to any professional situation. These may be soft skills or qualities that make you an outstanding team player or manager; using them during your job search will allow you to set yourself apart from other candidates while showing that you would make a valuable addition to any company.

Once you've identified your transferable skills, use them to craft a resume or LinkedIn profile that's tailored specifically to the industry in which you're applying. Make sure to emphasize those most valuable for the role you're applying for; as well as giving examples of where and when these abilities have been put to use in past roles.

Along with identifying your transferable skills, it is also crucial to conduct extensive research into the industry in which you intend to move into. Doing this will enable you to better understand which skills are in demand as well as any requirements of the role. Furthermore, researching this industry will allow you to build up a network of industry professionals as well as prepare you for any interview questions that may come your way.

Find a mentor

If you're starting over in your career, having an advisor as your guide through the transition can be invaluable. Many find switching industries can bring renewed professional satisfaction; however, changing completely can be daunting when moving into an unknown field without established connections in place.

One way of finding mentors is through friends and family with experience in your desired industry, but LinkedIn also can provide great resources. When you identify potential mentors, arrange an initial meeting so you can learn from their expertise as well as explore how they could support your transition.

Merrell notes that during initial meetings it's essential to show consideration for your mentor's time by sending a calendar invite, arriving promptly for appointments, sending agenda or questions before appointments, as well as offering to pay for coffee or meals when meeting in person.

Keep in mind that mentors can only offer advice on specific issues; they cannot assist with finding work, raising your income or getting promoted--that is what sponsors do.

Prepare for interviews

Undertaking a career transition can be both exhilarating and daunting. From shifting market trends, seeking personal development or changing passions, successfully transitioning from one industry to the next requires careful planning and preparation.

Interviewers may pose many different types of questions during an interview process; be prepared for them. Common queries that career changers might face may include "Why are you leaving your current position?" and "How will your skills translate to the new industry?".

Identification and demonstration of transferable skills are crucial during interviews. Be sure to explain how your prior experience will benefit the new industry, while giving examples of when you have used these abilities for success in the past.

Research the industry and company you're interviewing for before attending your interview. Doing this will allow you to better comprehend the needs of the role, tailor your answers accordingly and establish rapport during the meeting. Also researching interviewers beforehand will allow you to identify any common ground or interests which could serve as potential leverage points in building rapport during an interview session.

Prepare yourself for any questions interviewers might use against you during an interview that might disqualify you as a candidate, such as, "Do you have experience (specific requirement in job description)?" and, "Why would you leave a position that pays well?".

Balance your responsibilities

Transitioning industries is a time-consuming task that demands much research, networking and professional development to become competent in your new field. Juggling these activities with executive responsibilities isn't always an easy feat - so learn how to balance them effectively to ensure success when transitioning industries.

As a high-level design executive, for example, you may find that the challenges presented by your current company's industry have outpaced what you feel you can contribute in your role. This may indicate that your career in that sector has hit a plateau and that it might be time for change.

Even if your desire to switch industries is less dramatic than anticipated, it is essential to conduct an in-depth assessment before making any major changes. This should involve considering your financial stability, personal obligations and the impact on family. In addition, consider ways in which pursuing your new career while working your current job, such as by working on projects or networking on weekends.

Planning is essential when transitioning into a new career field and prioritizing activities based on importance and urgency. Doing this will ensure that you remain productive in your existing role while simultaneously working toward your new professional objectives.