How To Make a Career Change: Your Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Making a career change can feel daunting, but if you choose a new career that you’re passionate about, the results can make the risk worthwhile. In fact, one study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that an increasing number of US workers who changed jobs earned more money than those who stayed with the same employer.

Whether you want to earn a higher salary or work in an industry you’re passionate about, there are plenty of benefits to making your next career move. While changing careers can involve exciting new opportunities, there are new challenges as well. Learn more about strategies you can implement to make a successful career change.

How to make a career change

  1. Assess your current position
  2. Set career goals
  3. Research the job market
  4. Develop new skills
  5. Expand your network
  6. Apply for new positions

Here are the steps you can take as you move toward a new career path:

1. Assess your current position

When you’re ready to make a career change, start with some self-reflection about your current job. Ask yourself what aspects of your current role you enjoy, as well as what limitations you’re pushing against. To gain more insight, consider taking a self-assessment quiz that can help you learn more about your values, interests, personality, and skills.

Write out a list of industries and professions that you’re passionate about, including the daily tasks you’re interested in doing. Focus on jobs that speak to the strengths you identified during your self-assessment.

Read more: What Inspires You? 9 Inspiration Sources of Entrepreneurs

2. Set career goals

After reflecting on your interests and current role, set clear objectives for what you want to get out of a new job. For example, you might set a goal to have a better work-life balance, a higher salary, better health insurance coverage, or a position with more opportunities for upward mobility. If you’re not sure what goals to set, career coaches are trained to help you develop a plan.

3. Research the job market

Schedule time to research available positions in your desired field and read job descriptions to learn more about that particular industry. Identify what levels of experience are required, what types of skills are necessary, and what kind of average salary you could expect in that career.

Look at job postings online through platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor. Read feedback from employees who’ve worked for the companies you’re interested in, and consider reaching out to current employees for advice.

4. Develop new skills

Once you’ve figured out the types of experience, education, and skill set your ideal job requires, start learning new skills. You can adopt new skills by taking community college courses, hiring a well-reviewed, helpful tutor, or exploring online resources like podcasts, articles, instructional videos, and workshops. Research if the jobs you want require a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, and explore higher education options if necessary.

Reflect on your existing skill set as well, and identify your transferable skills. Several hard and soft skills are applicable across many industries, including communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills.

Prepare a résumé that highlights the skills you already have that are relevant to your desired career path. For example, someone with sales experience could apply their active listening and teamwork skills to a related field like customer service or outreach. Similarly, a data scientist could leverage their skills for market research into a position as a marketing manager.

Success story: This ceramics maker made a radical career change

Raquel Acosta shares her unconventional journey to becoming an artist, and how her pottery hobby became a profitable business.

Read Raquel’s story

5. Expand your network

One of the best strategies for switching careers is to network with people who work in your desired industry. Attend networking events, expand your social media network, and take as many informational meetings as you can. Learning from people with expertise in the field can give you more context and knowledge going into a new career.

Making connections in a new industry can help immensely when looking for a new role. People already working in an industry may know about open positions and can even recommend you for specific jobs. Remember to be genuine and useful in your conversations, and take the time to develop real friendships.

Read more: 9 Inspiring Women in Business—and the Women Who Inspire Them

6. Apply for new positions

Create an action plan for your job application process. Prepare a list of jobs you’re interested in, and make sure your résumé and references are ready. Write a thoughtful cover letter for each application, explaining why you’re making your career transition and what skills you can apply to your new position.

When meeting with potential employers, avoid making negative statements about places where you’ve previously worked; instead, focus on why you’re so passionate about that new career, company, or job.

Thoroughly research every business you apply to, and prepare thoughtful questions specific to that role. Be patient and stay positive; it can take several months, but with the right skill set and network, you can make a new career path possible.

Career change FAQ

What do I do if I want a career change?

If you want to make a career change, assess your values and interests, identify your career goals, research the job market, and develop any necessary new skills through courses and online resources. Make connections with people who work in that field and prepare a résumé that focuses on your transferable skills.

When should you consider a career change?

Consider making a career transition when you’re no longer engaged with your current position or industry. If you’re experiencing chronic burnout or stress in your personal life because of your job, you might want to look into new careers. Other common reasons to make a career change include wanting a higher salary, a better work-life balance, and more opportunities for upward mobility.

Is changing careers difficult?

Changing careers can be challenging and time-consuming. However, the hard work can pay off, especially if you choose to transition into a new career that you’re passionate about.

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