How to Make a Successful Career Change
There are dozens of reasons why people decide to switch jobs. For instance, many people desire to change careers to incorporate new hobbies into their work. Apart from this, higher compensation and more flexible hours are just a few reasons why people become career changers.
However, before you make a decision, you should evaluate your current role, research job opportunities, and set career goals that will be more fulfilling. You can also find a career coach to help you along the way. If you’re wondering how to make a career change, we will provide you with all the information you need to make sure you do it right.
Why Do People Change Careers?
For the most part, people change careers to achieve a higher level of job satisfaction. For example, a middle manager may seek a higher-level position in an industry where their expertise and skills would be useful in an upper-management role. Another example is someone who feels stuck in their current job with limited opportunities for career advancement.
Find Your Bootcamp Match
- Career Karma matches you with top tech bootcamps
- Access exclusive scholarships and prep courses
By continuing you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and you consent to receive offers and opportunities from Career Karma by telephone, text message, and email.
Another important factor that influences job transition is work flexibility. Employees who juggle their work and personal life typically need a more flexible career option. People also seek a career transition to find a more meaningful career with job duties that help others and make a difference.
Things to Consider Before Changing Careers
- Evaluate Your Reasoning. There should be a compelling reason for quitting your job with your current company and an even stronger justification for accepting a new job. If you quit your job for the wrong reasons, the same problems might come up in your new career.
- Establish Your Purpose. Regardless of why you’re changing jobs, you should determine what you’re looking for in a new position. Consider what you’re looking for in a career so that you can feel confident when you do find something new.
- Research New Opportunities. Conduct research on the new company you want to join to ensure that you are making the right decision. You can even speak to people who work there to determine whether it’s the right place for you.
- Consider Company Advancement. Before making a change, consider whether the company has the potential to develop and flourish in its market. You don’t want to choose a job that isn’t stable.
- Consider Personal Goals. You must ensure that the new position you are considering offers equal, if not greater, opportunities for growth and promotion. You can also think about future positions you might want to hold and how a new job can help you get there.
Is It Too Late to Change Careers?
No, it is never too late to switch careers. Thousands of people change jobs each year, with most changes occurring later in life. You may have to start at the bottom, but as long as it provides you with the necessary skills and experience to advance your career in that field, it will be worthwhile.
10 Tips for Making a Career Switch
If you’re wondering how to make a career change the right way, examine the pointers provided below. These can help while you’re determining your interests, investigating options, weighing different career paths, and transitioning to a new profession.
1. Evaluate Yourself
Self-evaluation is key to understanding your current position. As a result, it is critical that you take a step back and assess your level of satisfaction with your current position in your career. What do you like and dislike about your current career? What makes you think a switch is an ideal choice? Answering these questions can improve your chances of success.
2. Consider Your Passion
Many people leave their current jobs because they do not enjoy them. Therefore, it is important that you consider what your passion is. A dispassionate employee may work hard to get their job done, but the lack of passion in their work prevents them from building a strong relationship with the company and increasing their self-satisfaction.
3. Research Your Alternatives
There are thousands of job opportunities available today, but not all are created equal. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, a data scientist earns $119,413 per year, but a data analyst earns $67,294 per year. You should research which options have better pay and better suit your education and experience level.
4. Compare and Contrast
After examining the available alternatives, compare them. A comparison analysis is an important step that many job seekers overlook. All you have to do is jot down the best options available to you, the pros and cons of each, and determine which one best suits your preference. A comparison analysis can prevent you from choosing the wrong career.
5. Get Personal
Learn everything you can about your new field and reach out to personal connections in those fields to schedule in-depth interviews. For informative interviewers, your college alumni professional network is a wonderful source of connections. LinkedIn is yet another excellent resource for connecting with professionals in specific fields.
6. Shadow a Mentor
Make arrangements for a job shadowing experience. Shadow experts in areas of interest to get a firsthand look at their work, so you should spend a few hours to a few days shadowing people in fields that interest you. The career center at your college or in your community can assist you in locating volunteers who are willing to arrange job shadowing.
7. Try Freelancing
There are several advantages to working as a freelancer. For example, if you’re considering a career in publishing, choose some freelance activities in writing and editing so you can get a feel for the industry. You can also take a look at jobs that pay $100,000 without a degree so you can earn money while you get back on your feet.
8. Take Classes
Examine your educational alternatives for bridging the gap between your previous experience and your new field. Consider enrolling for an evening or online course at a local university, or you could attend a weekend seminar for a day or two. By putting in the effort to learn a few things, you might find yourself securing a good job sooner than you think.
9. Upgrade Yourself
You’ll need to upgrade yourself and your skills if you want to make a successful transition to a new career. Therefore, you’ll need to write down your current strengths and weaknesses. After you’ve identified them, you’ll need to devise a strategy for overcoming your weaknesses and transforming them into strengths.
10. Research Your Industry
Consider other roles in your current industry where you could apply your sector skills. Furthermore, with the upgrade you’ve given yourself in terms of skills and personal development, you’d have better exposure when you re-enter the same industry. You’d have a lot more to offer and would be attracting more attention from organizations looking for talent.
How to Change Careers with No Experience
If you are wondering how to change careers with no experience at all, this section is for you. We’ve listed some excellent options below to assist you in making a career change with no prior experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also has a guide to the best jobs you can get without a bachelor’s.
Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are frequently referred to as the fastest pathway to well-paying tech jobs. These alternative education institutions are commended for improving access to tech education by offering lower tuition rates, shorter class periods, and a practical learning curriculum. If you’re interested in a career in technology, coding bootcamps are worth it.
Online Courses
Online classes can be an excellent way to learn new skills and advance your career in the right circumstances. They can help you advance in your career if you choose the right subject and institution. For example, if you want to learn to code, you can take a free coding course on Coursera or from freeCodeCamp.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are non-degree programs that are often offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduate certificate programs are open to students with a high school diploma or a GED, while graduate certificate programs are designed for people with a bachelor’s degree.
Professional Certifications
A professional certification program generally comprises specialized training in a specific field, such as health care technology or auto mechanic. You can also obtain a certification in a field that will help you advance in your current job. For example, there are many certifications out there for cyber security experts.
FAQ: How Do I Change Careers?
You should change jobs when you feel that your current career isn’t serving you and your goals, which can be every few years. When you are ready to work in a more demanding or satisfying job, you should consider changing careers.
Is it possible to have too many job changes?
Yes, employers may be hesitant to hire you if you switch between jobs without staying in them for an extended period. This is because companies invest time and money in hiring, training, and onboarding their employees, so they prefer to invest in people who are committed to staying.
What benefits can you get from changing jobs?
Changing jobs can help you increase your experience, get a pay raise, and take on more responsibilities. In most cases, you will be able to build a new network and improve your hard skills and soft skills.
How do I justify my career change during a job interview?
You can justify your career change by explaining why you decided to enter the new field and how it has benefitted you so far. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate your passion for the field and explain why you are the best person for the job.
