Changing careers is a journey that varies greatly from person to person. For some, it's a significant life decision that involves careful planning, preparation, and sometimes a leap of faith. For others, its a natural progression from one role to another. It depends on one's experience, resources, industry, personal circumstances and the extent of the change itself. Career change can thus take anything from a few months to a few years.
My own latest career change from business consultant into the careers and employability industry has taken 1 year so far, and still requires more study and experience until I am fully settled.
While there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for career change, understanding the common stages and factors involved can help you better navigate this transformative process.
Stage 1: Self-Assessment and Decision-Making
Duration: 1-6 months
The first step in changing careers is introspection and self-assessment. This stage involves:
Identifying Interests and Strengths: Reflect on what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. Tools like personality assessments and career aptitude tests can be helpful.
Researching Potential Careers: Once you have a clearer idea of your interests, explore different career options. This includes understanding the roles, responsibilities, and required qualifications.
Setting Goals: Determine what you want to achieve in your new career. Set both short-term and long-term goals to keep you focused and motivated.
Financial Planning: Assess your financial situation and plan how you will support yourself during the transition period. This might involve saving money, cutting expenses, or seeking financial advice.
It took me about five months just to realise that this was the new industry I wanted to be in after relocating to the UK. I took the Myers-Briggs personality assessment (which is freely available online), which confirmed that I need to be in a career where I can make a big impact on others. I went onto the National Careers Service website and took a free skills assessment, which highlighted my affinity for the learning, training and coaching industries. I became passionate about the industry through my own struggles to find a job in a new country. I did a lot of research into what it takes to make it in the industry at the leadership levels I want to play at. I looked at people's LinkedIn profiles who I admire and want to emulate, and then looked at the qualifications and experience they have. It was a process just to gain clarity on my career change goals, but once I was clear, everything else starting falling into place.
Stage 2: Education and Skill Acquisition
Duration: 6 months - 2 years
Acquiring the necessary education and skills for your new career is often the most time-consuming part of the process. This stage can include:
Formal Education: Depending on your chosen field, you may need to go back to school to earn a degree or certification. For example, transitioning into a field like healthcare or education typically requires formal qualifications.
Professional Development: Enroll in workshops, seminars, online courses, or training programs. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a plethora of courses that can enhance your skills.
Networking: Join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, and connect with others in your desired field. Networking can provide valuable insights and open doors to job opportunities.
The duration of this stage varies widely. If your new career requires a degree, expect to invest a few years. However, for careers that require shorter certification courses or professional training, this stage might only take a few months.
Before I was clear about my newly chosen career, I had already started doing a UK-based strategic leadership qualification to augment my Masters degree. I realised that while this qualification will serve me well and keep my skills up to date as a leader, I still needed to do coaching courses and careers qualifications over and above this. I am currently a member of the Chartered Mangement Institute, but I am also joining professional coaching and careers related associations to enhance my networks and continuous professional development in my new chosen field.
Stage 3: Gaining Experience
Duration: 3 months - 2 years
Experience is often just as important as education when it comes to changing careers. Here are some ways to gain relevant experience:
Internships and Volunteer Work: These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience and make valuable connections in your new field. They can be especially useful if you're transitioning into a competitive industry.
Part-Time or Freelance Work: Taking on part-time jobs or freelance projects can help you build a portfolio and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
Side Projects: Working on personal projects related to your new career can showcase your dedication and creativity. For example, if you're transitioning into graphic design, creating a portfolio of your work is essential.
The time spent gaining experience varies based on the field and how quickly you can find opportunities. For some, this stage can be completed in a few months, while others may need a couple of years to build a solid foundation.
I decided to take the initiative to create my own not-for-profit organisation in order to gain the experience I needed at the levels I wanted to reflect myself at, given that I have already had a 30 year career. This has also helped me to apply the things I am learning from the new courses and qualifications I am doing to aid my career shift.
Stage 4: Job Search and Application
Duration: 3-6 months
Once you have the necessary education and experience, the job search begins. This stage involves:
Updating Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Highlight your new skills and experiences. Tailor your resume to each job application, emphasizing your transferable skills.
Applying for Jobs: Actively search for job openings in your desired field. Use job boards, company websites, and professional networks to find opportunities.
Interview Preparation: Practice common interview questions and prepare to discuss your career transition. Be ready to explain why you're changing careers and how your background makes you a strong candidate.
The length of the job search varies depending on the job market and your specific circumstances. On average, it takes about three to six months to find a new job, but this can be shorter or longer based on demand in your new field and your networking efforts.
My own introduction to the job market when I first moved to the UK was frustrating, and I found that experience and qualification gaps for a specific role that you may want are the biggest challenge to overcome. Filling these gaps from stage 2 and 3 indicated above first makes the job hunting process far easier.
Stage 5: Transition and Adaptation
Duration: 6 months - 1 year
Starting a new career comes with a period of adjustment. This stage includes:
On-the-Job Training: Even with the right education and experience, there will be a learning curve. Be prepared to undergo training and learn new processes and tools.
Building Relationships: Establishing yourself in a new workplace involves building relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Networking within the organization can help you integrate more smoothly.
Performance Review: Regularly assess your progress and seek feedback. This can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that you are meeting expectations.
Adapting to a new job can take anywhere from six months to a year. During this time, it's important to remain patient and persistent as you navigate your new role.
Factors Influencing the Timeline
Several factors can affect how long it takes to change careers:
Industry Requirements: Some industries have stringent qualification requirements, which can lengthen the transition period.
Transferable Skills: The more transferable skills you have, the quicker you can adapt to your new career.
Economic Conditions: Job market conditions can impact the availability of opportunities and the length of your job search.
Personal Commitments: Family responsibilities, financial obligations, and personal health can influence how quickly you can make the transition.
Conclusion
Changing careers is a process with a varying timeline for each individual. that requires careful planning, education, gaining experience, and patience. Remember, the key to a successful career change is persistence, flexibility, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt. Keep pushing forward, and you'll eventually reach your career goals.
