Thinking About a Career Change? Here’s Your Step-by-Step Guide
Changing careers can feel overwhelming, but it’s more common than you think. Whether you’re looking for better pay, less stress, or just a fresh start, this guide will help you make the switch—even if you have no experience in your new field.
Can You Really Change Careers With No Experience?
Absolutely! People do it all the time. Some realize they’ve been in the wrong job for years, while others have to switch due to layoffs, moving cities, or personal reasons. The good news? Age doesn’t matter. Whether you’re 30, 40, 50, or older, your experience is valuable in a new career.
Step 1: Ask Yourself—Why Do You Want a Change?
The job market is changing fast. More jobs are going remote, companies are using more tech, and people are prioritizing happiness over just a paycheck.
Top Reasons People Switch Careers:
- 47% want better pay
- 39% find their job too stressful
- 37% need better work-life balance
- 25% want a new challenge
- 23% lost passion for their field
And the results? Those who switched saw big improvements:
- 77% felt happier
- 75% were more satisfied
- 69% felt more fulfilled
- 65% were less stressed
Plus, many even earned $10,800 more per year after switching!
If this sounds like what you need, keep reading. If not, maybe upskilling in your current job is the way to go. Either way, UK Learns has courses to help.
Step 2: What Are You Good At—And What Do You Love?
Before jumping into a new career, take time to reflect:
- What parts of your current job do you enjoy?
- When were you most successful? (At work, volunteering, or even in hobbies)
- What skills helped you succeed?
- What values matter most to you?
Make a list of careers that match your skills and passions.
Step 3: Where Are You Now—And Where Do You Want to Go?
Some people switch to a completely different industry, while others stay in the same field but take on a new role. There’s no right or wrong—just what feels right for you.
Step 4: What Are the Best Careers to Switch Into?
Here are some great options (depending on your skills):
1. Software Developer
They build and test software—from business tools to apps you can buy.
How to start? Try our Scrum Fundamentals course to learn Agile methods.
2. Social Media Manager
They create posts, run ads, and grow a brand’s online presence.
Interested? Our Digital Marketing MSc (with Northumbria University) teaches real-world strategies.
3. Teacher
Teaching is rewarding, in high demand, and lets you work abroad. Plus, you could get a £24,000 bursary for training.
Want to try? Our Teaching for Impact course helps you master online teaching.
4. Project Manager
They manage budgets, deadlines, and teams—skills that work in any industry.
Need training? Our Project Management course covers everything from planning to risk management.
5. Data Scientist
This field includes jobs like analyzing data, building reports, and spotting trends.
Curious? IBM’s Data Science course teaches the basics.
Step 5: Learn New Skills
Since jobs keep changing, learning is key. You could:
- Take an online course (like the ones at UK Learns)
- Ask your employer to sponsor your training
- Shadow someone in your dream job
- Try volunteering or internships to test the field
Step 6: Update Your CV for a Career Change
Even if your experience is in a different field, many skills (like teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership) still matter.
Tips for your CV:
- Focus on transferable skills
- Explain why you’re changing careers in your cover letter
- Show how your past experience helps in the new role
Need help? Check out our how to write a good CV guide.
