Changing careers can feel like a leap into the unknown. It's a big decision that often requires a significant commitment of your time, money, or both. The good news is that changing careers isn't as scary as it might seem. In fact, a growing number of people are changing careers multiple times during their working lives.
To help you navigate this exciting but difficult journey, we've compiled our top five things to consider to ensure your career transition puts you on the correct track.
Get Clear on the Real Reasons You Want to Change Careers ❓
Why are you thinking about leaving your current role? Take a moment to pinpoint the exact reasons.
Are you seeking more rewarding or challenging work?
Do you want more flexibility?
Are you eager to explore a new industry?
Are you wanting to pursue a passion you’ve always dreamt about?
Whatever your motive, remember it. This will assist you in making decisions and should be included in your cover letter and at interviews. Finding a profession that truly suits you begins with understanding your reasons.
The majority of career transitions are the result of a desire for change. You are probably already aware of what doesn't work for you if you’ve had a previous job that you didn’t enjoy. But what about what you do want? Take some time to think about your objectives and investigate possible avenues. Which role appeals to you the most? Which opportunities or values are most important? Now that you have a better idea of what you want, you can begin focusing on jobs that fit that description.
Invest In The Right Skills ⚙
Begin by assessing your current skill set. If you're transitioning into a significantly different career, think through what skills are transferable and those you'll have to develop. Understanding where you stand is a good first step in bridging the gap.
Once you've decided on your new career path, the next important step is to get relevant experience. It can be difficult to find a new job if you lack the necessary skills, so it's important to demonstrate your commitment to your career change. Begin by looking for internships or entry-level roles or consider doing part-time volunteer work alongside your current job to gain practical experience. In addition, there are several online courses and free tools available to help you improve your abilities and explore new areas within your chosen industry. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning not only provide important courses but also allow you to display the credentials you've earned on your LinkedIn profile, indicating your dedication to growing your career.
Taking the initiative to develop your skills for your desired career is going to give you a significant edge in progressing past the CV evaluation stage.
Your Degree Doesn’t Define Your Career 🎓
It's easy to think that earning a degree in a particular subject ties you to it for life, but this couldn’t be further from reality. A degree is not a life sentence, it's simply a stepping stone, and one can change their career anytime. Most graduate jobs respect the fact that you've got a degree at all, with less emphasis on the specific topic and more on the skills you've acquired along the way.
Earning a degree indicates characteristics that employers value, such as a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, a knack for meeting deadlines, and the ability to handle complicated jobs. These qualities are transferable across industries, making your degree useful no matter what career path you go down.
Most often, changing your career does not require taking up a wholly different degree. Focus on practical experience gained through online courses, training, internships, or volunteer work. Your degree is just one part of your professional journey, use it to expand your possibilities.
Research Your Chosen Career 🔍
When planning a career change, knowledge is your greatest ally. Understanding the ins and outs of your target role or industry will help you make informed decisions and set yourself up for success. If you have a specific career in mind, start by researching these key areas:
Qualifications and Skills: What credentials or experience are essential? Do you need additional training to meet these requirements?
Job Market Trends: Is there a strong demand for this role, and are opportunities readily available in your location or field?
Earning Potential: What’s the typical salary, and how does it align with your financial goals?
Daily Responsibilities: What does a typical day look like in this role? Does it suit your interests and strengths?
Career Growth: Are there opportunities for progression or specialisation over time?
By researching these aspects, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and whether this career aligns with your long-term goals and values.
Embrace Networking 🤝
Although networking can seem a little scary at first, it's one of the most effective strategies for someone wanting to change careers. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
Attend industry conferences and events to network with professionals and gain industry insights.
Become a member of professional associations in your desired field to keep informed and meet others who share your interests.
Take part in online forums and discussions to exchange ideas and learn new things.
Reach out to alumni from your school who are already working in your desired industry.
Networking is more than simply asking for a job, it's also about building genuine connections and picking up tips from people who are currently in your desired position. Establish relationships with experts in your chosen sector by using websites such as LinkedIn. Many are eager to talk about their job, give advice, or share their experiences.
Changing careers is undoubtedly a significant step, but it can also result in amazing personal and professional development. Making a career change demands action, and fear frequently hinders people from moving forward. However, remaining in a job that doesn't fulfil you is still a choice, just not one that moves you towards a better future.
Preparation, a dedication to education, and a little bravery can help you transition to a career that genuinely fulfils you. Taking the leap to explore your options could open doors you’ve never imagined, and by this time next year, you might find yourself in a completely different and far more fulfilling place.