Career Transition: Where To Start, How To Do It And More

Career dissatisfaction is very common. According to surveys, nearly 90% of people are unhappy in their jobs.

This unhappiness can stem from many causes—making a rushed early career decision, facing limited growth opportunities, feeling disconnected from your role, losing motivation, or dealing with external circumstances beyond your control.

Because of this, many people choose to stay in their current jobs even if they’re unhappy, as changing careers often feels too uncertain or risky.

However, making a career transition can be a rewarding alternative for finding greater purpose and fulfillment in your work.

If you’re thinking about switching careers but aren’t sure where to begin, keep reading for practical insights and steps to guide your journey.

What Is a Career Transition?

A career transition—or career change—happens when someone decides to pursue a new profession. It’s often a response to dissatisfaction with a current career path, but not always by choice. External factors like a shrinking industry, layoffs, or limited growth can also push people to explore new directions.

Where to Start When Considering a Career Transition

The first step in any career change is self-reflection—understanding whether a complete switch is the right move.

Being unhappy at work doesn’t always mean you need to change industries. Sometimes, the issue may lie in your workplace culture or the specific role you’re in. Changing companies or exploring new roles within your current field could be enough.

For example, someone trained in administration might dislike corporate office environments but thrive in education as a university lecturer.

So before you commit to changing careers, evaluate all options within your current industry. Self-awareness is key to understanding whether your dissatisfaction is about the broader career path or your specific situation.

How to Plan a Career Change

Once you’ve decided to switch fields, approach it with a structured plan. Every transition is unique—some are smooth, others more difficult—but planning ahead can reduce uncertainty.

Step 1: Identify Your Desired Profession

If you’re sure you want a change but unsure of the destination, start by listing what you enjoy and what motivates you. Career assessment tools can help you explore potential paths.
Once you have a few ideas, talk to professionals in those fields to understand the day-to-day work and job outlook. You can also try volunteering or enrolling in short courses to get hands-on exposure before fully committing.

Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research

This stage is about gaining information and testing your interest in the new field.
Look into:

• Required qualifications
• Industry growth trends
• Starting salaries
• Common entry-level roles

If you’re a fresh graduate or early-career professional, your learning curve might be shorter compared to someone with years of experience in another field.

How to Make a Career Transition

After planning, here’s how you can take actionable steps toward a new profession.

1. Know the Training Required for the New Field

Some careers, like healthcare or law, require specific degrees or certifications.
Once you’ve chosen your new path, make a checklist of essential qualifications and map out how you’ll meet them.

2. Take Relevant Courses

Online and offline courses are widely available to help you acquire the necessary skills.
Choose those that fit your budget, learning style, and long-term goals. Prioritise practical content that prepares you for real-world application.

3. Gain Experience Outside of Work

Employers may consider you even without direct experience if you’ve built transferable skills.
To gain relevant experience:

• Volunteer for related roles
• Start passion projects
• Take on freelance work
• Apply for internships or part-time roles

These efforts help build your portfolio and prove your commitment.

4. Participate in Selection Processes

Landing your first job in a new field may be tough, especially without formal experience. That’s why preparation is key.

When applying:

• Tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills and relevant achievements
• During interviews, show how your past experiences bring value
• Express genuine interest and willingness to learn in your new field

5. Prepare Financially for the Transition

Expect that your first role in a new industry might pay less than your previous job.
Budget wisely and prepare for a temporary dip in income as you gain experience and build credibility.

How to Write a Resume for Career Transition

Crafting a strong resume is essential, even if you lack direct experience in your target field. Focus on showcasing your potential.

• Highlight relevant certifications, coursework, and side projects
• Emphasize transferable skills from past roles (e.g., leadership, problem-solving)
• Write a compelling career summary that explains your shift and your value

Example:

“Former retail manager transitioning into digital marketing. Completed Google Digital Marketing certificate and launched a social campaign for a local nonprofit, increasing reach by 50%.”

Keep your resume clean, focused, and aligned with your new direction.

Changing careers is a major decision—but with the right mindset and preparation, it’s entirely possible.

Take the time to reflect on your goals, explore all options, and plan your next steps with intention. Equip yourself with the necessary skills, gain experience where you can, and stay open to learning.

A career transition may feel daunting at first, but it could be the key to rediscovering purpose and joy in your work.