How To Make A Successful Career Change

A career change can be a time to reassess your work-life balance, choose to follow your passion or simply try something new. If you’re considering a career change our guide will help you identify potential new positions or ways to upskill while navigating how to shift careers.

Your choice of a new career will depend on your qualifications, and experience and interests; but there are some careers that lend themselves to those who are changing direction or industries in high-demand. We asked Excelsia’s Career Advisor Kerrie Preedy to give her best career change advice to those thinking about making the career switch.

When should you consider a career change?

As a career coach, I’m asked this a lot. An important first step is to make sure you take the time to consider your current position before you make the change. Before you decide, it is important to evaluate your present situation, to explore career options, to decide if your career needs making over, and to choose a new career that will be more satisfying for you.

How do you adjust to change when making such a significant career move?

Get excited, as change is the only constant: change is never easy, but always possible. Let’s think about what’s happened to every aspect of our lives in the last few months. We have all been forced to change (some more than others), upskilling across the board and being agile in the face of keeping jobs to ensure we’re not left behind. As you plan to change your career smoothly, take the time to self-reflect and evaluate your current situation.

What are your top 3 tips to make a career change successful?

1. Research potential jobs and update your resume
   Assess your skills, research employers, and set up a career profile. Search various job boards, revamp your resume, get notified and apply for jobs with a career profile.

2. Evaluate your skillset
   Ask yourself, what are your current skills and what do you need to work on to make a change? You may find that you already have a head start in some areas. There are transferable skills that will help you bridge the gap such as: written and verbal communication skills, managing change, leadership, problem-solving, the ability to critically analyse, digital literacy and people and project management expertise.

3. Explore alternative career options
   Consider alternative careers and check out job options. Brainstorm ideas for career alternatives by researching career options at joboutlook.gov.au, and discuss your core values and skills with friends, family, and networking contacts. If you’re having difficulty coming up with ideas, consider meeting with a career advisor for professional advice.

Looking to get qualified to make a career change?

Established in 1983, Excelsia is an Australian Christian higher education provider with an innovative and creative community of people who are passionate about growing academically, professionally, personally and spiritually. Our students and alumni embark on a journey of lifelong learning and leadership.

Excelsia offers a range of courses specialising in the training and qualification of education, business, music and counselling courses to help career-changing students follow their passion and reach their potential.

Excelsia offers online qualifications to help kickstart your professional journey. FEE-HELP is available to eligible applicants.

All these short courses are delivered online and qualify for FEE-HELP where applicable.

To express your interest in Excelsia’s short course study and browse our brochure, please follow this link.

Our friendly team are here to help you with any enquiries. Please call 02 9819 8810 or contact us via the enquiry form on our website.