It’s not common that a person’s first job is their dream career. It takes time and experience to work your way up the ladder, to discover your strengths, weaknesses and to find something that fulfills you. Even if you do find yourself in the role of your dreams, the reality might be quite different from what you expected. This is why many people consider making a career change at one time or another. The idea of leaving a secure job to try something new can be intimidating and it is because of this that some people talk themselves into staying put. While there are risks involved in changing careers, you shouldn’t let this fear stand the way of pursuing the career you want.
However, if you have no prior experience within the new field of expertise you’re interested in, this could be a hindrance to you. If you would like to change careers but as of yet don’t have many relevant things listed on your resume, enrolling in an educational course could be an ideal resolution to your problem. Here are a few ways in which obtaining the right degrees or diplomas can help you change your career.
Knowledge
Studying a specific subject will help you gain a thorough understanding of it, especially when the course is broken down into various module topics. In this format, you can learn key aspects of the subject matter in more detail. It’s important to find a course that will be relevant to your desired career; otherwise, this could prove to be a waste of your time and resources. For example, if you’re interested in a job in communications (publishing, journalism, etc.) then consider studying a discipline such as English, Creative Writing or a Journalism course. If you’re unsure about what subject is required/recommended for your choice of career, do some research to get a better idea of the steps you need to take.
Skills
During these educational courses you will also be taught about the skills you will need to pursue a career in the field. Institutions like Kettering University Online offer online business management and development courses that teach students about the practical skills they will need to run a company or work in a leadership role. Just like these courses, other areas of study will help you to develop a specific skill set that will help you achieve your career goals. There may also be further opportunity to ask your teachers about additional learning resources you can use for this purpose and general advice.
Connections
Going back into education presents an excellent chance to meet new people and make connections within the industry. A lot of educational establishments have links to professional bodies and can make recommendations regarding their students. It is certainly an opportunity to network and create useful contacts for your future career path. They too, can offer you advice when it comes to filling out job applications and other things you want help with.
Experience
It is thanks to these professional connections that colleges and universities can organize internships and other work experience with local companies and businesses. If your course does offer some form of work experience, it is worth following through with it to improve your resume and as a further networking opportunity. Work experience is incredibly valuable and most employers expect to see that candidates have worked for at least 12 months in a relevant role. This may be difficult to achieve if you have decided to swap into an entirely different career; therefore, internships are a perfect way to gain that minimum level of experience for entry-level roles.
Friends and Colleagues
There is also the opportunity to improve your social life and make new friends when you return to further education. Meeting people who are interested in the same subject as you and who are pursuing similar career choices can make the whole experience feel less daunting. You can help each other study and also encourage each other when it comes to applying for jobs and going to interviews. It’s always nice to build new friendships with people and to have someone who can understand what you’re going through in your professional life, too.
Confidence
Applying and interviewing for jobs can make a lot of people feel nervous. While it’s common and perfectly natural to feel this way, you must show that you’re confident in yourself when you are in an interview. If you don’t, it won’t encourage those who are conducting your interview to believe in your ability to do the job. Once you have the knowledge and the skills to make the career change you want, you will feel much more confident when it comes to interviewing for job roles. Teachers and fellow students alike can also help you practice your interview skills and guide you on areas you can improve. You can also show off your technical knowledge when it comes to job interviews, which will impress employers and is something they are looking for in their candidates.
Opportunity
When you choose to make a career change, you might have a specific job role in mind. One of the other benefits of returning to study is that it could reveal to you other job opportunities you didn’t know existed within that field. These roles might be better suited to you or you might find them more interesting. Studying for the sake of your career allows you to explore the different paths that are available to you on the completion of your studies. It gives you the chance to discover something new and you might be surprised at how your thoughts and plans change by the end of the course.
Changing careers is a big step, but it’s one that should be taken if you’re unhappy with your current role. It’s important that you are happy in your professional life and are doing something that gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Consider enrolling on a relevant educational course to improve your chances of making a successful career change and to increase your confidence.
