How to build a career that aligns with your values? Advice from a career transition expert

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to specialise in career development?

 My career path has been marked by an atypical trajectory and a constant quest for learning and development. After completing a bachelor's degree in Medical and Social Sciences, I began my career as a medical secretary. Very quickly, I felt the need to broaden my skill set, which led me to study Human Resources Management, obtaining a bachelor's degree and then a master's degree in this field.

With over 20 years of experience in HR, I have worked in France, Switzerland and internationally, holding positions of expertise and management. These experiences have enabled me to support many professionals in their development, whether in career transitions or personal and professional development.

Over the years, I have deepened my skills by training in coaching and complementary approaches such as emotional intelligence, Process Communication, team coaching and applied neuroscience. In 2023, I founded Manaar Consulting, a firm dedicated to supporting individuals and companies in their professional and personal transformations.

What do you think are the essential elements for building a successful career today?

The concept of «success» and «career» is unique to each individual. What is perceived as a successful career for one person may not necessarily be so for another. For me, a successful career is one that is aligned with our values and aspirations and that gives us a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.

Beyond technical skills, it is essential to cultivate adaptability, resilience and emotional intelligence. A successful career is also one in which you are constantly learning, seizing opportunities and bouncing back from challenges. Aligning our career choices with our core identity is the key to a fulfilling and sustainable career path.

What skills should professionals prioritise developing in order to adapt to changes in the labour market?

 Emotional intelligence is an essential skill. It enables greater self-awareness, effective management of emotions and a keen understanding of relationship dynamics. In a constantly changing world, where uncertainty and complexity are omnipresent, the ability to manage stress, interact with empathy and adapt to change is becoming a major asset.

Furthermore, developing soft skills such as critical thinking, interpersonal communication and the ability to learn continuously are essential. Digitalisation and automation are transforming professions, making agility and the ability to innovate indispensable for remaining relevant in the job market.

What advice would you give to someone who wishes to change careers or retrain professionally?

First, I would encourage them to view this change as an opportunity rather than a constraint. A successful career transition relies on a structured and introspective approach.

I would accompany him in exploring several key aspects:

• What is his real driving force for change?
• How determined is he to make this transition?
• Does he have a clear vision of the career or field he wishes to pursue?

If the person is clear about their project, I would help them structure an action plan. If they are still hesitant, coaching would enable them to refine their thinking and remove any obstacles. The important thing is to proceed methodically and realistically, while remaining open to opportunities that may arise.

How can you deal with periods of stagnation or doubt in your career, and what are the first steps you should take to bounce back?

Periods of stagnation and doubt are natural in a career and can be warning signs that an adjustment is needed. The first step is to become aware of these signals and ask yourself where they come from. It is essential to take time to reflect, be honest with yourself and try to understand what these doubts reveal. Often, they reflect a need for change, a misalignment with our values or a lack of motivation in our current position.

Sharing these questions with trusted individuals, mentors or coaches can provide new insights. Professional support can also be beneficial in identifying motivational drivers and drawing up an action plan for professional renewal.

Can you share an example of support you have provided that has enabled someone to transform their career path?

I recently worked with someone who wanted to leave their company and change jobs. Their need seemed clear at first: they no longer wanted to stay in their current environment. We set up a six-month programme including coaching sessions, a CV revamp, mock interviews, image consulting and personalised feedback.

As we worked together, this person realised that her dissatisfaction did not stem solely from her job, but from an attitude and perception that she herself could change. By making changes to her professional approach and mindset, she ultimately secured a promotion within her company instead of leaving. This support demonstrated that the key to change often lies in how we approach our environment.

What impact do you think new technologies and automation will have on career development, and how can we prepare for this?

 New technologies and automation are not fundamentally different from previous technological developments. They bring about major transformations but also offer new opportunities.

To prepare for this, it is essential to adopt a proactive approach:

• Continuously train in the new skills required by your sector.
• Understanding how technology can be a driver of efficiency and innovation.
• Developing agility and the ability to adapt to changing environments.

Professionals who embrace these changes with openness and adaptability will enhance their employability and be better equipped for the future of work.