Have you always known what industry you’d like to work in growing up? Yes? No? Either way, we believe that learning isn’t a straight line. There are plenty of reasons that might lead you to think about a career change. But regardless of the reason, we’re here to let you know 1000s of people change careers every year and you can be one of them!
Who might be thinking about a career change?
Firstly, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to feel dissatisfied in your current role to begin to think about a career change. For some people, the idea of lifelong learning comes with the need for a challenge, and a new career can offer the opportunity to feel tested at work. Individuals in this situation may be prepared to retrain before their career change or seek out an additional qualification or apprenticeship. Remember: apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers!
Of course, the desire for a career change is often fueled by seeking to enhance income and potentially improve a work/life balance. These individuals may consider themselves to be flexible and adaptable. Changing career under these circumstances can perhaps mean moving into emerging industries such as artificial intelligence or green energy. It’s important to undergo a review of your transferable skills if you find yourself in this situation.
When discussing career changes, it is important to point out that some people will be wanting a new role because they are dissatisfied with their role and/or progression opportunities. These are very valid reasons to change career, but it’s important to conduct sufficient planning to ensure a smooth transition into your new role, and make the most of what your current role offers. If you feel this applies to you, consider reading our blog “How to know when to move on from your current job?”
Is a career change even possible for me?
There is not a typical profile that defines who is a career changer and who is not. Just as there are countless reasons someone might want a new role, there are people from all sorts of backgrounds who successfully make the switch. That being said, it does not mean that the process of a career change is not a high emotion journey, ranging from excitement to anxiety and doubt.
A career change is possible, but it can come with compromises. Perhaps it will require a relocation to a new area; perhaps it will mean taking a temporary pay cut. It’s important to plan ahead to ensure you give yourself enough time to truly balance out the risk to reward ratio so you can make a calculated decision on when to begin applying for roles. Planning ahead can also give you the opportunity to talk to people in your desired industry, perhaps online or at conventions, so you can get a feel of what the job might be like.
How do I know what careers I can change to?
This is a big question, and the full answer obviously would require a personal discussion with a career advisor or recruiter to get a full picture of your experience, strengths, and qualifications. Some roles will require a degree and could take many years to complete, such as nursing or occupational therapy. However, as these are in demand industries, it’s worth noting that there are degree apprenticeship vacancies available, so it is worth reaching out to universities.
Other professions do not necessarily require qualifications. These roles can include tech-based roles where interviewers often rely on tasks to test knowledge. Local colleges often offer courses for adults that are aimed at professional life. These courses can be ideal for career changes as they often take place on an evening or part-time basis, allowing you to continue working while retraining.
A career change might also be applicable to a recent graduate who has decided they no longer want to pursue the industry related to their degree. An example could be a civil engineer graduate who decides to pursue a teacher training course in maths or physics.
I’m set on a career change, how do I do it?
As we previously mentioned, there is not one profile that fits the definition of a career changer. It’s therefore no surprise that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We would encourage anyone in this position to speak to someone, either a friend or professional. However, here are a few helpful tips to help you on your journey:
- Do a skills audit: It can be tempting to jump straight to courses and qualifications, but you might actually have enough transferable skills developed though previous experience to land yourself a role in a new industry. If that’s the case, consider taking a look at our blog “Stand out by mastering a skills based CV“
- Expand your network: You might feel like an outsider, but many people in your chosen industry will be thrilled to hear about your career change project. Join relevant groups on LinkedIn and attend events in your local area. You’ll likely realise more people than you expect have also made career changes!
- Take courses: Though not necessarily a requirement, some career changes will require formal retraining. Research into how you might take your courses, you may have the option to learn online. There’s also the possibility to get support with funding and/or living costs from Student Finance, for example, depending on your personal circumstances.
- Research industry standard interview techniques: A new industry can mean a new approach to the hiring process. Certainly, this can feel daunting but there will be plenty of helpful guidance available on platforms such as YouTube and LinkedIn for you to gain an understanding of what to expect. Also, don’t be afraid to ask recruiters advice about upcoming interviews!
What are the possible hurdles I might run into?
A career change isn’t a small, one step project. It can impact all aspects of your life and possibly that of your loved ones. It’s normal to feel doubts and it’s important to remember that. Here are a couple of hurdles you might run into with some advice on how to mitigate their impact:
- Imposter Syndrome: This can take on many forms. Perhaps you struggle to accept yourself in this new industry, feeling your lack of direct experience makes you feel the need to constantly prove your worth. However, remember that ideas often flourish when looked at from a new angle, so while you may lack some expertise at the beginning of your journey, you can compensate for this within your team by bringing ideas that are truly out of the box!
- A culture shock: If you’re changing to a vastly different industry, such as marketing to healthcare, it can be difficult at first to adapt to a new work culture. Perhaps the hours are completely different, or maybe you’ve moved into a role where you work with a much smaller team than you’re used to. Either way, the best way to overcome a career change culture shock is to not be afraid to ask questions at work. Letting others know about your career change can help them understand why you might be working in a different way than what they are used to. They can help you learn industry norms, and hopefully learn something from you too.
All in all, changing careers is exciting. In many ways, it’s choosing to follow your dreams! It can be a difficult journey, but it’s certainly a rewarding one. Any career changer is not just moving into a new role but offering a fresh and innovative approach to an entire professional sector.
Ready to kick-start your new career? Start applying for jobs today with Unitemps!
This article was written by Lucy Hulton.
Last updated on 10 September 2024
Share this article