It's never too late to make a change, and start a new career

Have you found yourself itching for a change? According to a 2023 report from CIPD, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, “an estimated 4 million people have changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work…” That equates to about 12% of the UK workforce. If you're yearning to start a new career, for whatever reason, you're certainly not alone. 

How to start a new career in 7 steps

Figuring out how you can reach your goal and nab a job in a new sector doesn't have to be hard. However, it will take time, effort, and a whole lot of research. Creating a career-change action plan is the way forward so you don't become overwhelmed.

So what are the steps of a career action plan? Here's a quick breakdown of the things you should consider when planning your journey to start a new career:

1. Define your reason

Everyone has their own reasons for starting afresh. Before you take that leap towards finding a new career, examine what it is that's pushing you forward. There could be any number of reasons you wish to switch things up – here are a few of the most common complaints people have before leaving their current job:

  • You want to achieve a better work-life balance

  • Your current career isn't fulfilling

  • There's another career path you want to follow

  • You can't progress any further in your current role

  • You yearn for a new challenge

  • You're bored at work

  • Your life goals have shifted

  • There's a lack of flexibility in your current workplace 

Figuring out why you want to leave your job will help you to determine what you want from a new role.

You may already have a clear vision of the job you want in the future. However, for some people, things will be cloudier. It's important to gain a deep understanding of the change in career path that you want to make ahead of time. The better you know where you want to be in the coming years, the better you can define the steps you need to take to get there. 

Top tip: Jotting down notes on what your ideal career looks like will help clarify how you want to move forward and start a new career.

2. Choose a role and sector

This is the hard part: deciding what role you want when you're keen to start a new career. You may already have an idea of the sector you want to work in. For example, you may be hankering to move into the media industry or shift into sales. However, before you start submitting applications without a thought, you should have an idea of the type of job you want to get.

These are a few factors you should take into consideration:

  • Your “dream” role

  • Your existing transferable skills

  • Your personality (and roles that suit you)

  • How the new role would suit your lifestyle

  • How long it will take to retrain

Picking the right role for you is about deciding which job fits into your lifestyle, while matching both your personality and skills. If you're having trouble deciding what job you want to go after, it may help to get a second opinion. 

Top tip: Speak to a trusted friend who knows you well, or seek out professional help from a careers advisor or mentor. Whoever you choose to confide in, taking the time to talk this out may help you to better understand the type of job you want.

3. Research, research, research

Once you've pinpointed the job you want, grab your laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and get to work ‒ it's time to start researching the sector and the role.

You can start by looking at job postings for roles that you think may be a good fit. Skip to the requirements and see what you need to land these jobs. Chances are, you won't be in a place to apply for them right away. However, the more you understand what employers expect of candidates, the better position you'll be in.

The best way to gain insights into your chosen role is to speak to someone working in that field. Learn how to use LinkedIn during the job search, and find professionals working in that particular job. Connect with them and ask whether you can pick their brains over a cup of coffee or virtual meeting. It pays to be upfront about your motives, and explain that you're looking for some advice on how to enter their sector. Some people may turn you away or ignore your messages (it's no big deal!), but others will be happy to help.

4. Upskill (or reskill)

Now that you've got an idea of the skills you'll need, you should assess your standing. Do you have many of those skills that employers expect? If not, are you willing to put in the effort to develop them?

The beauty of the modern world is that there are a ton of online courses you can take in your free time. For some jobs, you'll need accredited qualifications. Be sure to find out exactly what you need ahead of signing up or paying for any courses.

You might want to study a new course whilst you're still in your current job. That way, you can take steps towards your career shift in your own time. Often, these courses can be done online, allowing you to fit them around your busy schedule.

5. Set clear development goals

Your career shift is unlikely to happen overnight. To make your professional dreams a reality, it's important to set some clear goals with a timeline. 

For instance, if you need a certain qualification, sign up for a course, and have a solid view of when you will complete it. Similarly, you can set goals for smaller steps of the process. You might set a goal of connecting with someone who works in that career this month, or even simply listening to an industry-specific podcast for job seekers.

6. Make the right contacts

Most people find the idea of networking intimidating. Before you land your next role, though, it would be handy to know some people in the industry. This step helps you to learn more about the sector, get some handy advice along the way, find out about new openings, and expand your professional circle.

The most obvious way to network is to attend sessions. Look for events in your area or online to get started. However, you should also make use of your existing social circle. The six degrees of separation rule means that you likely know someone who knows someone who knows someone who works in the sector you're interested in. Don't be afraid to speak up, and ask contacts for help.

7. Spruce up your CV

After you've done your research, upskilled, reskilled, and made some valuable connections, you'll be ready to apply for roles in your chosen sector. Of course, you need to ensure that your CV is in tip-top condition before you press send. Take the time to add any new skills to your CV, as well as any qualifications you've recently obtained.

When it comes to experience, you still want to add the professional roles you've previously held. Don't worry about the fact that they're not in the sector you're applying for. Instead, focus on the transferable skills each role gives you. For example, if you're applying for a new accounting role and you previously worked in admin, focus on the organisational and time-keeping skills that overlap. 

Identifying these skills and putting them to paper can be challenging, so you may find that working with a professional CV writer will help enormously.

Top tip: Mention your career change in your personal statement or cover letter. It's smart to let the employer know that you've recently had a shift, and to show the steps you've already taken to prepare yourself for the new field.

Step into your new career with confidence

Making a career change can seem intimidating, but when you break it down into manageable steps, it's an attainable goal. Try not to get overwhelmed by the magnitude of this change. Instead, keep your focus on the next item on your to-do list, and you'll be striding towards your new role in no time.

Looking to start a new career in a new sector? Ensure that your CV is up to the task with a free CV review. 

This article was originally written by Charlotte Grainger and has been updated by Elizabeth Openshaw.

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