You could be considering a career change for many reasons, from wanting to earn more to looking for a more supportive work environment. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for career changers, and your age does not disqualify you from learning new skills and changing industries.
Wise career changers plan for their transitions. How should you prepare to change careers, and what should you keep in mind as you consider a new role?
Understanding why you want to change careers is the best place to start. Keeping this “why” at the top of your mind will help you stay motivated through the various stages of career change, especially when it involves pursuing a new degree. Staying rooted in your reasons for changing careers can also help you approach the job hunt confidently, as you will have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in a new career and remember that you have valuable things to offer your field of interest.
It took you time to get where you are today in your current career, and it will take another investment of time to change careers. Start small as you determine what to do next and what course to take. This can look like starting some community college classes, investing in your local resources and clubs, and reaching out to your network to see what they know about the field you’re interested in.
While there’s a time for investing in quick and cheap parts of your professional development, it’s essential to be ready to invest in your career when it’s time. Sometimes, that means pursuing a full college degree from a university. You should choose this school wisely and ensure it has the courses and graduate outcomes you want.
It’s also important to check your ego and your expectations as you transition careers. It can be challenging to be the new kid on the block again, but don’t be discouraged by the newness of a role or the job-searching process. You have a lot to offer various industries.
It’s okay not to have your career figured out, even at 40 (or older!). You have time to reach your career goals. It’s an excellent time to change careers now, as you likely have more financial stability than you did in your 20s. You also have career wisdom and expertise to draw on. Your self-awareness has also grown, giving you an advantage as you consider your goals and priorities in a new career and workplace.
While there are many ways to upskill and change careers, it will likely cost you financially. Be prepared for the change in your financial situation that comes with changing careers by having some money set aside for classes and certifications.
Another helpful way to plan financially for changing careers is to work part-time somewhere to supplement your income and try out new roles as you change jobs. Having a financial plan for changing your career will help remove an extra barrier you may have to get a new degree.
Some organizations specialize in helping people change their careers, so look into their resources to help plan this next step. You can also look into a university’s financial aid plans to see how they can help you reach your degree goals without breaking the bank.
Changing careers takes work on the back end, too. You’ll need to revamp your LinkedIn profile and your resume. A good way to spice up your work experience is to strategically phrase your past roles to appeal to your industry of interest. For example, you weren’t just a cashier but a customer service representative. Framing matters in a world where your potential employers are sifting through many applications.
Now is also the time to think through which talents and hard skills will be best to transfer to whatever new career you’re interested in. You’ve spent years honing these skills, and just because you’re switching jobs does not mean you have to start from square one in your talents.
Find other career changers in your network and explore options within and in new industries. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask to be introduced to your career heroes. You never know where a little bit of vulnerability can take you!
At West Virginia University, we want to help you change careers and feel confident in your new role. That’s why we offer graduate programs to help you transition into a more fulfilling job. You can explore some of our degrees designed for career changers in mind in our guide, Make the Change: A Guide to Graduate Career Changer Programs.
We hope this resource is valuable as you consider changing careers, and we’re here to help if you want someone to talk to about your professional goals. Request more information to chat with us about our programs!