Stars Dance Into New Jobs

A full month before their competition begins, the new crew for “Dancing with The Stars,” ABC's hit reality show (DIS), is already practicing their jazz hands for season six. Premiering on Monday March 17, the show's amateur chorus line includes Elvis Presley’s former-wife actress Priscilla Presley, Olympic ice skating medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, tennis great Monica Seles and Steve Guttenberg, the star of the “Police Academy” franchise.

A chance at a new career is an exciting opportunity. However, adjusting a skill set from an old job and making it work for a new one can be a real challenge. For Steve Guttenberg, it now means worrying less about comedic timing, and more about counting out dance steps. If he botches his box step, millions of viewers will be laughing at him, not with him.

Fortunately, the stakes aren’t quite as high when non-stars make a career move. But even without a stage spotlight on you, working somewhere new requires preparation. The best thing you can do for that new first day is study up, says Marci Alboher, a career columnist and author of “One Person/Multiple Careers.” “Take classes, read trade publications, head to the most important conference in your new world,” says Alboher. And, if your budget permits, invest in a coach, tutor or expert for additional guidance.

For more budget-friendly advice, consult your university alumni services, says John Hotard, a New York-based career services consultant and coach. If that isn’t an option, “Find an association that does the work you fantasize about doing," says Hotard. "Maybe you are an accountant who wants to be a florist. Go to a florist meeting and become an active member in their organization.” You can also use the internet for your research. Hotard suggests Indeed.com. “It’s like Google. You type in a career and your zip code and boom! All the jobs in that area pop up."