Making the decision to change careers can feel daunting, especially if you’ve spent years building expertise in a specific field. However, career changes are more common than ever and can lead to greater opportunities for growth and job satisfaction.
As Kaitlynn Arvidson, Director of Graduate and Professional Career Planning at Regis College, puts it, “Many students have had different jobs and careers in the past, and they want to move forward in a different role or industry. They just need help making that transition successful.”
For many, the challenge isn’t a lack of potential—it’s navigating the unknown and finding the right steps to turn their goals into reality. If you're uncertain about where to start, this guide will help you evaluate your options, build a transition plan, and find a path that aligns with your long-term goals.
Key Takeaways
- Take time to evaluate why you want a career change to ensure your new path will meet your long-term personal and professional needs.
- Identify transferable skills that you can leverage in a new industry to make your transition smoother.
- Explore growing industries like healthcare, technology, or renewable energy, which provide strong job prospects for career changers.
- If your new career path requires specific expertise, consider gaining additional education or certifications to enhance your qualifications.
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How to Change Careers
1. Evaluate Your Reasons for a Career Change
Before entering a new industry, it's essential to take a step back and evaluate why you're considering this shift.
“Some of the most common reasons people consider a career change are wanting to earn a higher salary, looking for careers that provide a better work-life balance, or even pursuing a newfound passion,” Arvidson says.
You can identify these driving factors by reflecting on what’s currently missing from your personal or professional life. Are you feeling burned out or stagnant in your current role? Is your work no longer aligning with your personal values? Are you seeking a field where you can make a more significant impact?
“More and more people are deciding to change their careers because they're reflecting on their skills and interests and how that's going to impact others in their life,” Arvidson adds.
Regis Tip: Reflect on your career goals by asking yourself various questions.
- What is motivating me to consider a career change?
- What aspects of my current job do I find unfulfilling?
- Am I seeking more alignment with my personal values or work-life balance?
By taking the time to evaluate your motivations, you can avoid jumping into another role that doesn’t meet your long-term needs.
2. Identify Transferable Skills
One of the most important steps to a successful career change is identifying the skills you can leverage in your new role or industry. This requires making a comprehensive list of your current skill set—considering both specialized and non-specialized skills.
“Taking an inventory of all the skills that you have mastered over the years is really important,” Arvidson notes. “And oftentimes we see students who are career changers overlook how many of their current capabilities can be applied to a new role.”
Regis Tip: Create a list of your top five skills that you’ve used most frequently in your current job. For each skill, write down a way it could be applied in a different industry.
Skills like leadership, communication, and project management are highly transferable across industries. For example, if you’ve managed teams or led projects in your current job, these experiences can position you for roles requiring coordination and management—even in a different field.
3. Research Growing Industries and the Job Market
When changing careers, it's crucial to explore fields that are growing and have a strong demand for new talent.
For example, healthcare is a thriving industry where transferable skills are particularly valued.
“The healthcare field is a thriving industry that needs people,” Arvidson says. “So in many cases, it can be very forgiving to career changers. Employers understand that many students have had different jobs and careers in the past that can be beneficial to the industry.”
Beyond healthcare, industries like technology, renewable energy, and education are also experiencing significant growth. These fields are seeking professionals with diverse backgrounds who can bring new perspectives and skill sets.
When researching new industries, pay attention to factors like job growth, long-term stability, and opportunities for advancement. Exploring industries with a strong outlook not only increases your chances of success but also helps ensure you're entering a field where your skills and expertise will be in demand for years to come.
Regis Tip: Try this job market research exercise.
- Identify three industries of interest: Write down three industries you’re curious about or that align with your existing skills.
- Conduct a quick job search: Use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor to search for roles in these industries. Pay attention to the job titles, qualifications, and skills required.
- Analyze the trends: As you browse job listings, note the following:
- Which skills appear frequently in the job descriptions?
- Are there recurring qualifications or certifications mentioned?
- What is the salary range for these roles, and does it align with your financial goals?
- Reflect on your findings: Based on your research, which industry seems like the best fit for your career change? Do you notice any skills gaps that you might need to address through additional training or education?
4. Pursue Additional Education and Credentials
To bridge any skill gaps and improve your chances of a successful career change, gaining additional education or certifications can be essential. Many roles, especially in fast-growing industries, require specific qualifications or technical expertise that you may need to acquire. This investment in education can pay off significantly, giving you the tools to transition smoothly into a new field.
“Some people are willing to take a little bit more time because they want a role that requires more education for a pretty high return,” Arvidson adds. “One of the most common fields we’re seeing this is nursing.”
However, this need for further education isn’t limited to healthcare. Many industries, such as technology, data analytics, and project management, also value certifications and advanced degrees. By identifying which credentials are necessary for your desired role, you can strategically upskill and make yourself a more attractive candidate in your new field.
5. Network in Your Target Industry
Building a strong network in your target industry is one of the most effective ways to ease the transition into a new career. Connecting with professionals who are already established in the field can provide valuable insights, guidance, and even job opportunities.
“One of the benefits of going back to school is that it allows students to network with employers,” Arvidson says. “Which can lead to positive outcomes like informational interviews or even referrals.”
Career changers should actively seek out networking opportunities through various channels like attending industry events, conferences, or seminars to meet professionals in their desired field. Platforms like LinkedIn can also help professionals connect with individuals who have successfully made similar transitions and can offer advice on navigating possible challenges.
Additionally, choosing a program with strong internship or industry partnerships can significantly enhance your ability to network and gain practical experience. Programs that assist with internship placements or provide connections to industry leaders can help you build relationships and acquire hands-on skills that make breaking into a new field more attainable.
6. Create a Transition Plan
Successfully transitioning to a new career requires a well-thought-out plan that balances your current responsibilities with your long-term goals.
According to Arvidson, you can start this process by assessing your financial situation and determining how much time and resources you can allocate toward gaining any necessary education or certifications. Consider whether you can continue working full-time or if a part-time schedule might allow for a more efficient path to your new career.
Establishing a strong support system is also very important. “It’s really important to have the support of family, friends, and even in some cases your employer when pursuing a degree,” Arvidson says. “So don’t wait too long to start having those conversations.”
By creating a solid transition plan and building a support system, you can manage your responsibilities and smoothly navigate the shift to a new career.
Your New Career Path Awaits
Changing careers can be a transformative experience, unlocking new opportunities for personal and professional growth. With careful planning, self-reflection, and leveraging your transferable skills, you too can successfully transition into a new role.
At Regis, we understand the challenges and rewards of transitioning careers. Our graduate and certificate programs are designed to help you build the skills and gain the credentials needed to succeed in your new field. With supportive faculty, flexible learning options, and valuable industry connections, Regis provides a path to your future success.
Whether you're looking to enhance your qualifications or enter a new industry, we’re here to help you take that next step with confidence.
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