Hi Wendy,

Thanks for writing to us and congratulations on starting to plan a new career! I have sent your question over to our career coaches who will be in touch with their advice soon. In the meantime, if you haven't already done so, I would recommend submitting your resume to our free review service here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new 

Best,

Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Hi Wendy, 

It is exciting that you will be starting a new chapter and that you know what you want to do! You haven't really asked a specific question so I will give you some advice about looking for part-time work. 

It would be ideal if you can get a part-time job related to addiction counseling in some way, even if it is a paid internship. I would think about the experience you need and skills you would like to develop and focus your job search on these. 

While you may be forced to apply for jobs on-line, most jobs are found through networking so I would go to professional association meetings related to addiction counseling and start connecting with people who work in the field on LinkedIn. 

Sarah mentioned the resume review service and I as I am the coach who reviews resumes, I encourage you to send it for my detailed feedback and suggestions. 

Additionally, if you have other questions, please write back again! 

Take care, 

Julie

Wendy:

Sorry for being a bit tardy in responding to your
question.  I’ve just returned to the
office after a brief vacation.

Congratulations on your decision to start a new
career as an addiction counselor.  I
agree with Julie when she suggests you look for part time work in the addiction
counseling field.  The experience will
look good on your resume when you begin applying for jobs after finishing your
certification. 

Julie’s advice on networking is also spot on.  I always advise my coaching clients to build
their networks before they need them.  Get
started now.  Meet as many people in the
addiction counseling field as you can. 
By building your network now, you will be well positioned to land a job
when you complete your certification. 

Regarding your resume – I suggest you submit it as
Sarah suggested in her comment.  Julie
does an excellent job helping people prepare effective resumes.  My best resume advice is to do more than
merely list your responsibilities in your previous position.  Focus on what you have accomplished.  As much as possible, quantify these
accomplishments. 

Best of luck as you move forward in your life and
career.

Bud