How to Change Careers

Article by: Shayna Joubert

First, it’s important to acknowledge that changing careers sometimes isn’t a personal choice, but a necessity. For example, you may have found yourself on the wrong end of a significant layoff and are ready to pivot for more long-term job security. Regardless of the reason behind this change, there are various steps you can take to make the transition work to your benefit.

Start making a plan to find a job that embraces your passions, because happiness is a key component of job performance and career advancement. Follow these steps to push yourself off of autopilot and make the change.

1. Get specific about what’s not working.

First, take time to understand what exactly is causing you so much distress in your job. Does your dissatisfaction stem from external factors, such as your co-workers, boss, organizational culture, or even the commute? If so, would switching teams or leaving the company remedy your unhappiness, or do you still have that same sense of dread thinking about the work you’ll be doing, regardless of a change in scenery? If your discontent is related to the functional responsibilities inherent to the job itself, a more drastic change may be in order.

2. Identify what you like about your current role.

Think back to when you first started in your current role. What were your motivations? Was it the day-to-day responsibilities? The promise of career growth? Then, examine the parts of your job you still find enjoyable and seek to understand why they interest you. Is it the creativity your role involves? Strategic thinking? Number crunching? Do you love the constant change…or maybe you crave stability?  Keep these themes in mind when looking toward your next role. By assessing your current likes and dislikes, you’ll have a better grasp on areas to seek out or avoid in your next career move.

3. Consider your core values.

In any job, it’s important to find a good cultural fit. Examine your values and understand what type of company culture will complement your personality. Do you value autonomy, community, innovation? Would you be uncomfortable working somewhere where maintaining the status quo is encouraged? Or maybe it’s important to you that you’re working toward a benevolent cause.

Whatever your values, when taking this type of self-inventory, it’s important to be honest with yourself. Think about those friends’ jobs you covet. Are you actually interested in their role, or is it really the freedom and empowering culture you crave? Find out what makes you feel alive, even if it’s not what you (or others) think you “should” be doing. It may be that your values have changed since you first started working—and that’s ok. Just be clear on your priorities today.

4. Assess your strengths and skill gaps.

If it were not for money, time, location, or whatever other reason, what would you be doing? Now is the time to figure out how to do just that. While a complete one-eighty isn’t feasible overnight, examine how your current role and your ideal role overlap. Think about your transferable skills, related experience, and network connections that can help you make the most credible transition, particularly if your current and dream jobs are worlds apart.

It’s also wise to chart out the gaps in your skills and experience that may get in the way. You may need to get creative: start a side gig, engage in part-time internships, or even return to school. Carving out a career that’s rewarding and pays the bills can take time, so be patient, and develop your plan.

5. Research popular jobs for career changers.

While the ideal job for you will depend on your unique background and interests, certain fields present fewer barriers to entry and are more open to hiring career changers than others. Career changers often find success in high-paying fields like computer science and data science, for example, amongst others.

Computer science and data science careers are ideal for career changers as they are in high demand, provide competitive salaries, and offer many different pathways to enter the field. For example, someone interested in gaining computer science skills can participate in a coding bootcamp, take online courses, enroll in an undergraduate program, or pursue a master’s degree.

6. Develop and execute your plan.

After a thorough self-assessment, map out your goals, identifying short-term milestones along the way, and give yourself reasonable timelines. Perfect and polish your personal brand to boost your career search. And along the way, focus on expanding your network and reaching out to old contacts, and continually developing your skills.

What Age is Best to Change Careers?

As you consider a career switch, you might start to doubt whether it’s a feasible move for you. Some thoughts might include, “Is it too late?” or “It might not be worth pursuing a different career at this stage of my life.” Maybe you’ve spent too many years in your current role and doubt if there’s a career that suits your dreams.

But the truth is, there’s no limit to when you can change careers. A successful career change is possible for anyone who’s willing to obtain the qualities and skills needed to perform the job effectively—regardless of your age or stage in life.

Don’t be scared or disheartened by the search for your new career. And don’t forget to check in with yourself on a regular basis to make sure your current role is aligned with your long-term goals. Take advantage of any job opportunities that come your way but also know when to walk away, and when to move on. It’s never too late to start again in order to do what you love, every day.

Easing the Transition

While switching careers might seem overwhelming, you owe it to yourself to do something that you enjoy. As you plan your career transition, consider ways that you can facilitate the process and acquire any additional skills necessary for the transition. A graduate degree is often a great way to further your skills and shift your career trajectory in a different direction.

Northeastern’s graduate degree programs provide working professionals who are looking to make a change with flexible part-time and online options.

Additionally, Northeastern offers programs designed specifically for career changers:  Computer Science Align and Data Science Align. These programs are for students who have an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field and are seeking to begin a career in the field.

Regardless of the career that you choose, pursuing a graduate degree is a great way to gain the skills, professional relationships, and hands-on experience necessary for a smooth transition and lasting success.