Career Change Tips: 9 Steps for Making a Career Change

At its simplest, a career change is a shift from a current job in one role or industry to a new one in a different role or industry. Some career changers seek to achieve a greater work-life balance than they have on their current career path, while others hit the job market in response to a pay cut or a dissatisfying working environment. Others realize their dream job involves owning their own business. No matter the reason prompting your career shift, it’s important to approach a career transition in a smart, methodical way that maximizes your chance of success in a new field.

Switching to a different career can bring benefits both immediate and long-term.

1. 1. A chance to develop a new skillset: Even if you ultimately decide to go back to your original career choice, having new experiences can only help you become a more well-rounded colleague, manager, or entrepreneur.
2. 2. A chance to reframe your work-life balance: Switching careers can help you reorient your time commitment to work—particularly if you’re switching from full-time to part-time work. Similarly, switching to a job that allows for remote work might help you gain more flexibility.
3. 3. Improved salary or benefits: If your long-term career goals involve greater financial security, switching to a more lucrative profession may be worth the up-front expenses of additional education, internships, or apprenticeships. It may also be worthwhile to switch from freelance gigs to a full-time position if life changes require you to prioritize other benefits like healthcare and paid leave.

When you suspect the time is right to start looking for a new job, consider following these steps to approach your job search in a strategic way.

1. 1. Research potential new career fields. You can learn about new fields through internet searches or by speaking to people already working in those fields. Cast a wide net at this stage and research similar fields that you may not have considered before. Aim to get as much information as possible before you quit your current job or commit more time to exploration.
2. 2. Seek career advice from trusted sources. If you have mentors in your field or a set of co-workers you truly trust, let them know you are considering a career change and see what advice they offer. Some of them may have experienced career changes of their own and can offer their firsthand knowledge.
3. 3. Consider potential opportunities in your current industry. Your current role may have provided you with many transferable skills that you can bring to a new role within your existing field. Explore new job opportunities at other companies and ask your current employer about the possibility of applying for different roles within the company.
4. 4. Consider internships. If you want to dip your toes in a new industry without quitting your current job, consider a part-time internship or job shadow in the field you’re considering.
5. 5. Attend informational interviews, job interviews, and networking events. Hiring is a social business, so getting out and meeting others in your field can give you a leg up on job applications—especially if you meet face-to-face with hiring managers. It can also guide you toward the exact type of new job that will best fit your career goals.
6. 6. Amplify your skillset. Some of your existing abilities may be transferable skills for your next job. However, for a successful career change, prepare for the possibility of taking online courses, gaining new certifications, or even going back to school for a relevant degree. Assume you will need to buttress your skillset to impress potential employers.
7. 7. Explore working with a career coach. Career coaches specialize in helping people switch careers. They can help you craft resumes and cover letters or prep you for typical job interview questions. They can also steer you toward the type of jobs that you stand a chance of getting while still satisfying your career goals.
8. 8. Reach out to recruiters. Most job recruiting websites are free to job seekers, and many in-person headhunters also offer free services to job seekers. Working with these services can connect you to job openings that match your skillset.
9. 9. Plan ahead to protect your finances. Review your monthly expenses and determine how much money to set aside for emergencies. It’s typically recommended to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved. Depending on your financial situation, it may make sense to keep your current job until you have a new job offer in hand or reduce your budget so you can save more money before you quit.

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Sara Blakely, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more.