How To Change Careers: 7 Ways To Succeed

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) September 2020 report, employees have only worked for their current employer for a median of 4.1 years. The BLS states that younger workers are more likely to change jobs than older workers.

While it’s easy to track how often people change jobs, tracking career changes is a little more difficult. Still, chances are you’ll experience it at some point. You could be contemplating it now.

Let’s talk about why people change careers and lay out the seven best steps to go through the process.

There are many reasons people change careers: higher pay, more opportunity, better work-life balance, etc. Sometimes this career change comes from a life-changing event, such as a job loss or change in health. Other times it’s due to dissatisfaction or interest in a different field.

Work can be exhausting for everyone. However, if you find yourself constantly stressed, despondent and apathetic toward your job, these are major signs of burnout. To alleviate burnout, you’re going to need to slow down or change gears.

To flourish, you need to be in a role in which you feel recognized and supported and where you see a future. Unfortunately, your current position may not allow it. Your current organization may not have the resources or the environment to help you.

If you’re burned-out, or fear you may be getting there, you may want to take steps to put yourself in the position to change careers.

Once you’ve started thinking about changing careers, it’s helpful to lay out a process. Fortunately for you, we’ve got seven great ways to start your career change:

What are your interests? What are your needs? What are your qualifications? These are all questions you should be asking yourself. Start listing out your requirements for a new career and what that career will require of you. Take stock of where you are, what you want and what you need to do to get there.

A lot of times you don’t know what roles exist in a new career until you start exploring them. Are you interested in an entirely new field or a career that’s tangential to what you’re doing now? If you’re interested in a completely new area, research what positions there are where you’ll likely start given your qualifications.

A lateral move may be easier, but it may not be entirely what you want. Even if it’s not your exact dream role, it may be the step in the right direction. Think about your long-term path, knowing that by exploring new options, new doors may open to you.

Building your skills through education or training is essential if you’re changing to a brand-new field. If your employer offers any trainings, certificates or tuition payment, take advantage of it. Research local universities, career development centers and online trainings. If you’re unable or unready to spend money, many classes are available for free online.

If you need a refresher on math or an introduction to computer programming, enroll in something like the Khan Academy. There you can take courses for free, learn new skills and sharpen old ones to be prepared for your career change.

Once you’ve identified what you want, find people and organizations that need those skills. Whether you’re volunteering or getting paid, you’re gaining experience. You can use this experience as leverage. As you have more experience in a new career, you will have more to show future employers. You may also learn how to build a viable freelancing career.

As the old adage goes, it’s all about who you know. Networking with people in a new field is crucial to getting your foot in the door. If you’re training and volunteering/freelancing, chances are you have already started networking whether you know it or not.

If you have an acquaintance, former colleague or friend of a friend in the role you want, reach out. See if they’re willing to talk and offer advice. Many people refer to this as an informational interview. It gives you a chance to meet them and learn more about their role. If you make the connection, they may think of you when they hear of a position opening.

While you’re making connections, volunteering and getting educated, you should be updating your resume. You want your resume to reflect who you are. It should look professional, but unique.

Consider using a template with some color and that features a professional-looking headshot. For most positions, you’ll want to limit your resume to one page. Remember the best resumes are memorable, readable and impactful. Every word should matter.

You’ve done a lot of work to get to this point. Let’s recognize that. Whether it’s your first interview or your fifth for this new career, kudos to you for stepping out and growing. Be prepared going into the interview. Arrive early, looking your best, ready to learn and ask questions.

Remember that interviews are about starting a relationship. Employers want to find the right fit for their company. You want to find the right fit for you. This is especially true if you’re coming from a position where you’re burned out. You don’t want to go through this whole process only to feel the same about your new career.

Changing careers is a big step and it can be intimidating. If you’re unhappy where you are and think you’ll be more engaged doing something else, take steps toward where you want to be. Staying in a career you hate is no place for anyone. You deserve to be in a career you’re interested in where you feel supported and heard.