Whether you’re simply looking for a new employer or seeking to on-ramp to an unexplored job sector, temping can be your first step on a new career path. Delmar Johnson, president of HR Brain for Hire staffing company, suggests what you can do as a temp and what temping can do for you.

Explore a new career. Is your back ground in banking but you yearn to work for a nonprofit? temping allows you to enter a new career arena and show how you can transfer your skill set to the sector. And you get the advantage of testing out a career shift without making a full commit ment to it, so you can decide if you truly want to traverse this new avenue.

Sharpen your skills. They called you the PowerPoint Queen at your last job for the amazing slideshows you created. A temporary job can both help you keep the skill razor-sharp and let you impress a new boss. Plus, the on-the-job training you may receive can be a hands-on crash course in your new career.

Maintain your marketability. Large gaps on your resume can be tricky to explain. Employers look more favorably upon temp assignments that are relatable and were successfully completed. In fact, many potential bosses view temp work as your initiative to stay current in the job market. It’s also a great way to network in a new industry. Who knows: your temp job might even lead to a permanent position at that company.

Tip: Make an effort to learn about the company you temp for so you can become more valuable to your boss.