Career Shifts/Career Change: When and How To Do It

Short answer: A career change makes sense when you dread work more often than not, worry technology may replace your role, or have developed new interests. Keep your current job while you explore options, brush up skills with a tutor, earn any required degrees or certifications, revamp your resume around transferable skills, and start with part-time work, internships or volunteering.

Changing careers is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a leap in the dark. A step-by-step plan makes the transition manageable.

Key points

• Know your why: Dreading work, technology risk or new interests can all signal it’s time.
• Keep your job: Prepare in your free time while you still have income.
• Explore first: Career assessments and real conversations reveal good fits.
• Refresh your skills: A tutor can help you prepare for classes or certification tests.
• Reframe your resume: Lead with transferable skills and tailor it to each job.
• Be persistent: Your first job in a new field may take a while to land.

When is a career change a good idea?

Steve Jobs asked himself the same question every day: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” When he answered “no” too many days in a row, he knew it was time to make a change.

Realistically, most people can find meaning and worth in their career even if it’s not what they’d choose to do on their last day. But if you dread going to work more often than not, it may be time to consider a change.

Or maybe you love your job, but you’re worried new technology might replace you. For years the mantra “learn to code” was aimed at blue-collar workers displaced by technology, but artificial intelligence may soon take over the jobs of coders and other white-collar workers.

Whether you want a leg up on future technology, don’t enjoy your job, or have developed new interests, exploring your options can help you decide when or if to make a change.

How do you successfully make a career transition?

Unless you’re independently wealthy or have a guaranteed source of income, you’ll probably keep your current job while you prepare. Use your days off and other free time to work out where you want to go and how to get there:

1. Explore different career options. Match your interests, strengths and skills.
2. Brush up your skills with a tutor. Get ready for new classes or proficiency tests.
3. Earn required degrees or certifications. Take the classes your new path needs.
4. Revamp your resume. Reframe your experience around transferable skills.
5. Take on new employment. Start applying, beginning with part-time work or internships if needed.

How do you explore different career options?

If you’re not sure what your next step should be, take time to explore. The best career changes happen when you find a job that matches your interests, strengths, and skills, and a career assessment test can be a good place to start.

Once you’ve found some leads, research job descriptions, average salaries, and growth predictions for the roles that interest you.

If possible, contact someone who has the job you want and ask about their experience. They can describe their average day, wages, and what their employer values. There’s no substitute for firsthand information.

Tutor tip: Before you commit, list the specific skills your target job requires and mark which ones you already have. The gaps on that list become your study plan.

How can tutoring help you brush up your skills?

Once you’ve decided on a career, working with a tutor can help you develop or refresh the skills you need to break into a new field. If you’ve been out of school for a while, a tutor can ease the transition back into education.

Many well-paid careers, particularly in tech, require a proficiency test to prove your qualifications. A tutor can help you study more efficiently if you need to pass a certification test.

You can accomplish a lot in less time with a focused study plan and the help of a tutor. Look for someone with skills and experience in the area you’re studying, rather than a generalist or college student.

Do you need a new degree or certification?

Your career change may require a degree or certification, but you probably also have skills you can carry over. If you do need more education, your next step is taking the necessary classes.

There are many online and nontraditional options for adult learners, so you’ll likely find one that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

How should you revamp your resume for a career change?

Updating your resume is critical when changing careers, because reframing your experience highlights your applicable skills. When you revamp your resume:

• Identify transferable skills that apply to your new field, such as project management, leadership, communication, or problem-solving
• Highlight similar skills, even if they’re not directly related
• Customize your resume to the specific job you’re applying for
• Use a functional format that highlights your skills and achievements
• Ask for feedback from people in your professional network

For more, see the benefits of a well-written resume.

How do you land your first job in a new field?

Finally, start applying for jobs in your new field. Consider starting with part-time work or internships to get experience, and update your professional and personal social media to reflect your new skills and interests.

Since you’re not a traditional candidate, you’ll need to widen your search. These tips can help:

• Let everyone know you’re interested in changing fields
• Look for similar roles with your current employer
• Attend professional events in your new industry, such as conferences, job fairs, and trade shows
• Consider a volunteer position to gain experience
• Develop a portfolio to showcase your ability to do the job

Landing your first job in a new industry may take a while. Be patient, but persistent: career changes take time and effort, but they’re worth it. In the meantime, keep learning, developing your skills, and building your network.

Tutor tip: Treat a certification exam like any math test: work practice problems under timed conditions, check your answers only at the end, and redo every type you missed.

How can online tutoring help you prepare for a career change?

Online tutoring can give you an edge when landing your first job in a new field. The job market is competitive, so working with skilled tutors who have demonstrated proficiency can set you apart.

At Alexander Tutoring, our tutors hold degrees in their subject areas and can help you get up to speed on technical and quantitative skills quickly.

Frequently asked questions