Are you dissatisfied or unfulfilled in your current career? Is it time to make a career shift? Starting over in a new profession can seem daunting, but a career change can reinvigorate your passion for work. But this is a big professional decision that requires a lot of thought and planning. A career change is not just changing jobs. Instead, it means you want an entirely new career with a different job title and often in a new industry. For example, you’ve been in sales and now want to be a project manager.
If you are considering undertaking a significant change, the first thing you will realize is that this takes time to do. Many things must be considered. Will the salary be higher, or will you need to take a pay cut? Are you following a passion? Do you have a new interest or industry you want to work in? Will this change allow the option to advance your career, such as making a move into a management role? How long will it take to make the change? How much training or education is required to enter this new job area?
Thomas was a 50-year-old man, about to be laid off, who called for career counseling help. He said, “I see the writing on the wall. The type of job I’ve been doing for the last 12 years is becoming obsolete and going away. I feel I’m being forced to change my career, which is hard at my age and salary level.” He was correct in his assessment this change was going to be difficult.
Kaitlyn found herself in a job that had become impossible for her because she was so unhappy doing it. She asked, “I need a career change, so what should I do?”
There is one essential thing to do that will enable you to make your career change and land a job. But it’s not necessarily an easy thing. Learning new skills by taking classes or getting a new degree or certification will pave the way for you to present yourself to an employer in a more attractive light. Going to college and pursuing a new degree is a lengthy undertaking. It is also the perfect solution if that degree is essential to launch your career change. For many others, the solution is less time-consuming. To make yourself more marketable and get an employer’s interest, adding some new skills to your resume is often the answer.
Greg Brown is CEO at Udemy, the country’s largest online learning platform. He works closely with CEOs at small, medium, and very large organizations. Many executives tell him that they see a “skill gap” between their current employee skill levels and the essential skills the organization needs now and in the future. Brown stated that 87% of company leaders face skill gaps; if not today, they will in the near future. “Getting training to remain marketable is necessary, especially for people seeking promotions,” said Brown. “Employers want employees with a growth mindset. They look for curious individuals, and adaptability is key to moving ahead. Past achievements may not matter if they don’t differentiate you for the new role.” Udemy offers thousands of courses teaching critical workplace skills and technical industry-recognized certifications focused on your professional development. Brown reported that the top certifications employers want are in tech and business.
Brown noted, “AI is changing the workplace faster than anything else. One of Udemy’s most popular classes is how to use ChatGPT at work.” Employers have identified the specific skills they see as essential for a current or new employee. Udemy’s Workplace Learning Skills Infographic report revealed the trending skills by industry, and many of those are technology skills, while one highly desired professional skill is teaching. Supplementing with classes in soft skills like communications, project management, public speaking, or business writing help in many roles.
To begin making your career change, follow these steps.
Research careers you’re interested in. Determine what skills or certifications are required or preferred. Look at future career growth and whether these are high-demand skills. Talk to people working in those areas to get an insider perspective. Weigh the education or training required to break into a new field. Some careers require specific degrees or licenses. Check local community colleges, vocational schools, online programs, or continuing education programs offering relevant classes to enter your desired field.
Update your education and add new skills. Nothing will allow you to change careers faster than this. Udemy teaches thousands of classes taught by individuals to help you get a quick jump on learning something applicable to landing a new job. Couresa, another well-respected educational platform, has partnered with top universities and organizations to provide a wide range of learning programs, including specializations, professional certificates, and college degree programs.
Investigate if your company will pay. If you’re currently employed, see if your company offers tuition assistance or reimburses for job-related classes. This can help offset the costs.
Prioritize. Select the classes that give you hands-on skills, work experience, or certifications since those are attractive to hiring managers. For example, take an intensive IT program rather than just theory-based computer science classes. Ensure the training will give practical, in-demand skills aligning with your desired career. Be strategic in the courses you take to set yourself up for success in making your career change.
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