"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."—Andre Gide.
Changing careers can feel like a leap into the unknown. Whether you're seeking more purpose, better pay, or a healthier work-life balance, making a career change from your current career is a bold yet achievable goal. With the right mindset, strategy, and practical steps, you can successfully transition into a new career path—even if you’ve spent years in your current role.
If you’re wondering how to change careers, this guide outlines 10 practical ways to navigate your career switch with confidence.
Key takeaway
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The first step to changing careers is understanding who you are and what you want. Conduct a self-assessment to identify your passions, strengths, values, and non-negotiables. Ask yourself:
Use career assessment tools or personality tests to help clarify your career goals. This insight helps ensure that your next move isn’t just a reaction to frustration but a strategic shift towards long-term career growth. You can also use career assessment tools or personality tests like MBTI, CliftonStrengths, or the Holland Code to gain deeper insights. These help ensure that your next move is a deliberate step toward long-term growth, not just an escape from a frustrating role.
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Once you know what you’re looking for, it's time to explore various career options that align with your interests and skills. Research different industries, job duties, and growth prospects. Pay attention to:
Explore platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, especially if you are interested in evaluating potential career paths.
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An important step in your job search journey is gathering insider insights through informational interviews. Reach out to people who work in the industry or role you’re considering. Ask specific questions like:
These conversations offer a sense of the field’s realities and can help you determine if it’s a good fit.
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Transferable skills are a set of abilities and aptitudes that are relevant and valuable across different jobs, industries, and career paths. They are not specific to a single role or company but are portable, you "transfer" them from one experience to another.
You likely already have valuable skills from your current role that apply to your new career. These might include:
Use your resume to highlight these transferable skills and demonstrate how they can help you achieve your target roles.
After identifying your target career, determine what new skills or qualifications you’ll need. Many career changers start by enrolling in online courses, workshops, or certificate programs. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy offer flexible, affordable options.
If your new career path requires formal training or a degree, consider part-time or evening classes so you can continue working your full time job during the transition.
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Before fully committing, try gaining experience in your desired field on a regular basis:
This allows you to develop relevant experience, build relationships, and determine whether this career switch truly suits you.
Your resume is one of the most important parts of your career change strategy. Tailor it to reflect:
Use a strong summary to explain your career switch and showcase how your background adds value to your new role.
When it’s time to search, don’t just apply blindly to every open job. Instead:
Customize your cover letter for each application to explain your career shift and enthusiasm for the new opportunities.
Switching careers comes with challenges, especially when explaining your transition during interviews. Practice answers to questions like:
Frame your career switch as a win-win, emphasize your fresh perspective, ability to learn, and commitment to pursue growth.
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Most people face some hurdles when embarking on a new path. You may face rejections or uncertainty, but persistence is key. Surround yourself with supportive friends, mentors, or a coach who can help you stay on track.
Changing careers isn’t just a job move—it’s a life transformation. Celebrate small wins, reflect on your progress, and remain open to adjusting your path as you go.
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As a career changer, your primary challenge is being on the outside looking in. Attending career fairs and industry events is the fastest way to change that. Go beyond just collecting business cards; use these opportunities to validate your interest and gather intel.
Ask professionals about their day-to-day challenges, what skills are truly in demand, and what the career path looks like. This insider knowledge helps you speak the language of your new field and build a network from the ground up, making you a far more credible candidate.
Your resume shows where you've been, not where you're going. A personal brand allows you to control the narrative of your career change. Start documenting your journey online. Share what you're learning through LinkedIn posts, write a blog, or contribute to conversations on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
This does more than just "show initiative", it creates public proof of your commitment and growing expertise. When a recruiter looks you up, they won't just see your old job title; they'll see a dedicated professional actively building the skills for their next chapter.
A lateral career move is when you change jobs to a role that is at a similar level of seniority, responsibility, and pay as your current one, but with different duties or in a different department or industry.
Jumping to a new industry can feel like a huge, risky leap. Instead, consider a "bridge" role by first making a lateral move within your current company. This is a powerful, low-risk strategy. You get to learn new skills in a familiar environment while leveraging the reputation and trust you've already built.
This internal transition allows you to gain a track record in your new field, making your resume instantly relevant for future external roles. It’s the perfect way to pivot without having to start over from the bottom.
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Meet Linda, a 35-year-old accountant who felt unfulfilled in her current job. She was interested in creativity and problem-solving, something her role lacked. After a self-assessment, she discovered UX design as a potential new career.
Linda then took:
Six months later, she landed a junior UX design role. Her journey shows that with the right plan, even a major career switch is possible.
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The idea of changing careers can be challenging, especially when you’ve invested years in your current role. But with the right strategy and focus, a career change can open doors to greater satisfaction, purpose, and success.
Remember, you don’t need to have everything figured out. Take the first step, explore possibilities, talk to people, and trust that the path will become clearer. Whether you’re aiming for more career growth, better pay, or a healthier work environment, now is a great time to pursue your next chapter.
A successful career transition isn’t about abandoning your past, it’s about building on it to create a future you’re excited about.
Don't navigate your career pivot alone. Discover how a curated community and expert coaching can provide the clarity and connections you need. Learn more about the Highrise experience by contacting us today.
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