How to Change Careers Successfully

Change can be scary and challenging, regardless of how prepared or equipped someone may be. Yet, change can also be exciting and rewarding as you take the next step toward personal and professional goals.

For example, many change careers to pursue different passions, job opportunities, and benefits by returning to school at a career-focused university.

While this is becoming an increasingly popular decision, knowing how to change careers takes strategic and thoughtful planning. Let’s look at why people change careers and the steps you can take to change careers successfully.

Why Do People Change Careers?

There are a myriad of reasons as to why someone may want to change careers. Yet, changing jobs can mean you need to return to school to earn a certificate or degree that will give you the skills required to qualify for your desired position or role.

Thus, candidates first need to understand their reasons for changing careers. Or, put a different way, what motivates or inspires them to pursue a new profession? For example, someone considering a career change to nursing might be doing so because they want to make a difference and help people in need.

Other reasons people change careers include:

Stress reduction
Greater flexibility in schedule or responsibilities
Salary increase
Advancement opportunities
Improved sense of self and external appreciation

Before enrolling in a new educational program, however, ask yourself why you want to make a career change. Then, imagine how this change will improve your life, reach your goals, and increase your overall satisfaction.

3 Steps to Preparing and Making a Career Change

Now that you have determined your ‘why’ and discovered the motivation needed for a career change, it’s time to pursue your new career.

1. Identify Current Skills and Any Additional Skills Needed for the New Career.

Individuals looking to change careers are often surprised that many of their current skills are helpful in their next career. At the same time, there will likely be new skills you need to acquire before being qualified for a new job.

Thus, it’s essential to identify your current and needed skills and find ways to bridge those gaps with a new degree or a collegiate certificate program.

Collegiate certificate programs are often career-focused, allowing candidates to spend less time in the classroom and more time in their industry, gaining knowledge, experience, fulfillment, and wealth. Examples of these certificate programs include Business Administration and CNC Machining, Metrology, and Manufacturing Technology.

Other positions in career fields, like law, social work, or nursing, require more advanced degrees. Candidates should seek out schools and programs that are flexible and affordable with part-time and in-person, online, and hybrid options. All of which allow adult learners to juggle their personal and professional responsibilities.

2. Enroll and Complete Your New Degree, Certificate, or Diploma Program.

Now that you know what education and skills you need, it’s time to apply and enroll for that specific degree, certificate, or diploma program. The degree you pursue will depend on the career you want to have, such as a career as a:

As we’ve mentioned, certificate programs are a great, shorter way for students to meet their goals at an accelerated pace. Plus, they show employers you have received specialized education and completed necessary testing in a particular subject or skill. Programs like Certified Addiction Counselors, Computer-Aided Design, Mechatronics, Medical Billing and Coding, and Medical Assisting are all fantastic certification choices.

3. Apply, Interview, and Obtain Your Dream Job.

Upon earning the skills, knowledge, training, and experience you need for your career, it’s time to assemble your resume and interview for positions in your new field.

Candidates should highlight transferable abilities and accomplishments, especially when they have little experience in their new industry. This can include summarizing why you are changing career paths and highlighting new or relevant coursework or certifications earned.

Additionally, look into your university or program’s career services center, which aims to prepare students and alums to become career-ready professionals. Services like assistance with resume and cover letter development and review, mock interviews, job search assistance, careers fairs, assessments, and more are beneficial tools when discovering how to change careers, ensuring individuals land the perfect position in their new career.

When is the Best Time to Change Careers?

Unfortunately, this question is a trick question. There’s no right time or way to answer the question, “How to change careers?” That said, there is a time when each person is best suited to make the leap.

If you are unhappy, unmotivated, or chronically dissatisfied with your job or field, changing careers might be the right next move. Of course, you may have other responsibilities that make changing careers more challenging.

It’s for that very reason that Goodwin University offers flexible course offerings and degree formats that allow students to complete their degrees from home and part-time for those who need to continue working while they make a career transition. Plus, we even have several accelerated degree options for students looking to get ahead in a shorter amount of time.

With three academic sessions each year and evening and weekend course offerings, there’s no reason why you can’t change careers successfully with our career-focused programs at Goodwin University.

Contact us for more information, or apply today. We can’t wait to help you get through college and into your next great career!