If you’re thinking about a career change, you’re in good company, with more than one-third of workers globally doing the same, according to a 2024 report by ManpowerGroup.

But how do you move from feeling stuck to starting a fulfilling new chapter? This guide can help you brainstorm your next move and make a successful career transition.

Considering a Career Change?

It's hard to determine exactly how many times people change careers during their lifetime. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) explains that it doesn't track this number because there isn't a single, agreed-upon definition of a "career change." However, the BLS does note that people hold numerous jobs over their working lives, making transitions a normal part of their career.

Before you leap, it's important to understand your motivations. A recent Gallup poll highlights several key drivers for employees seeking new roles. The primary reasons people decide to change careers include:

  • Greater work-life balance and personal well-being (59%)
  • Better pay or benefits (54%)
  • Better stability and job security (54%)
  • Ability to do what you do best (48%)

When thinking about your current career, a change may be beneficial if you feel the following:

  • You're always exhausted and/or sick.
  • You feel bored, empty, and/or anxious when you think of work.
  • You can't shake the feeling that you should be doing something else.
  • The money's just not worth it.
  • Your daily tasks don’t align with who you are.
  • You’ve acquired new skills, education, or certifications.

“Any of these could be signs that your current career is not fulfilling,” says Jennifer Katz, director of the Center for Career Advancement at Purdue Global. “We spend too much time at work not to enjoy what we do. We see students turn that around all the time by gaining the education they need to enter a new field.”

Knowing your reasons will not only help you find the right path but also prepare you to confidently answer questions from potential employers.

Step 1: Start With a Self-Assessment

The first step in any career transition is to evaluate your current situation, including your skills and interests. Be honest about your knowledge, your abilities, and what you truly enjoy. Take an inventory of where you are by making a list of the following:

  • Needs, preferences, and lifestyle requirements
  • Experience in the workplace, internships, and volunteer work; consider what you’ve done that’s built and strengthened your skill set and knowledge
  • Long- and short-term goals
  • Education, including degrees, training, certifications, and single college courses you may have taken

Think about how you can use your existing skills and education in a new way that aligns with what you excel at and find rewarding.

Career assessment tools can be helpful in this process. For instance, Purdue Global offers a career assessment designed to match your interests with potential career paths.

“After you have completed your personal assessment, you should have a better perspective on which career options and industries may be right for you. You can then start researching the jobs and roles you may aspire to,” says Katz. “You’ll also have a better understanding of what you need to prepare for before you implement your job search strategies.”

Step 2: Brainstorm and Research Your Options

Once you have a better understanding of yourself, it's time to explore what's out there.

“Make sure to organize and document your findings so you can leverage them effectively,” Katz says. “You can supplement your research findings by reading about professionals already in the field.”

  • Make lists: Create two simple lists — one detailing the work tasks you enjoy and another for those you don't. Think about a great day at work. What were you doing? Perhaps you were analyzing data, collaborating with a team, or writing a report. Now, think of a bad day. Were you lacking focus or missing interaction with colleagues? These lists will help you clarify your search and eliminate unsuitable career ideas.
  • Explore job ideas: Use online resources, such as generative AI, LinkedIn, Indeed, and the BLS, to find careers that match your skills, interests, and values. Once you have a few potential job titles, you can browse job boards to see what descriptions and requirements employers are posting. This research is crucial for understanding what skills are in demand.

Consider the following resources when brainstorming career ideas:

  • O*NET OnLine. This career tool site is powered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It allows you to search by profession and common career titles, and it offers a wealth of information, including growth projections, average salaries, job duties, education needed, skills required, and more.
  • CareerOneStop.org. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this site provides career, training, and job search resources. If your potential future career has license requirements, check out CareerOneStop’s license finder to help you identify license requirements in your state.
  • LinkedIn Groups. After you've optimized your LinkedIn profile, find and join professional groups in the industry you’re interested in. Use these groups to connect with those in the field, network, and ask questions.

Step 3: Gain Insider Knowledge

Research can only tell you so much. To get a real feel for a potential new career, you need to connect with people who are already in the field.

  • Interview professionals: If you have an idea of the career you want, conduct informational interviews with people you may already know in the field. These can be friends, acquaintances, or contacts of others in your network. Speaking with professionals can give you a firsthand account of the daily responsibilities and challenges of the role, helping you decide if it’s the right fit.

  • Join professional associations: These organizations are excellent resources for exploring career options. Professional associations often share industry news, host networking events, and hold career fairs.

    “Professional associations are a great way to connect with others in your field and keep up to date on new industry trends, best practices, and career opportunities," Katz says. “Take advantage of virtual and in-person seminars and conferences, volunteer for a committee, or read their blogs and newsletters to enhance your industry knowledge and awareness of career options that may be of interest to you.”

  • Attend industry webinars: Webinars highlighting the latest trends and challenges affecting professions are also a great resource. Search “<industry> employment trends webinar” and look for webinars on the sites of relevant professional organizations.
  • Get an outside opinion: Ask former employers or trusted colleagues to brainstorm with you. Consider speaking with a Career Specialist, such as those at Purdue Global's Center for Career Advancement, for unbiased and expert opinions on your career possibilities.

Step 4: Identify and Bridge Skill Gaps

After your research, you may find that your ideal career requires new skills or credentials. Will you need additional training or a new certification? Does the role require a college degree?

Find out exactly what education and experience you need and make a plan to get it. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook lists the typical entry-level education needed for hundreds of occupations, making it a great place to start.

Step 5: Launch Your Search and Take Action

If you have the necessary qualifications, it’s time to start your job search. If you need more education, it’s time to enroll in a degree or certificate program that fits your goals.

Update your resume to highlight your transferable skills and accomplishments that are relevant to your new career direction. As you apply for jobs, customize your resume and cover letter for each specific role to show employers how your unique experience meets their needs.

Explore High-Demand Career Fields

To help you get started, here are three fields where the BLS projects significant growth and high demand for skilled professionals.

Health Care

The BLS projects that employment in health care occupations will grow much faster than the average for all other jobs through 2033, adding approximately 1.9 million openings each year. Some of the fastest-growing roles include:

Information Technology (IT)

Overall employment in computer and IT occupations is also expected to grow much faster than average, with projections showing over 356,000 new job openings annually through 2033. National growth rates for top IT careers include:

Business

The BLS estimates that business and financial occupations will add more than 963,000 openings each year through 2033, a rate faster than the overall average. This includes roles such as:

Find Out More About Your Next Step

Whether you need a college degree to enter a new field or are looking for career development resources, Purdue Global can help. With more than 175 online degree programs designed for working adults, you can gain the credentials to help you achieve your career goals. Learn more about Purdue Global's online degree programs, or request more information today.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

Connect with an AdvisorApply Online Today

About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

Careers