How To Make A Career Transition

Considering a career change and feeling alone? The simple fact is: You’re not.

Recent results from an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey reveal that more than half of Canadian job seekers are currently looking to enter a completely new industry, and 56% have already switched careers at least once. In addition, a staggering 73% of Canadians say they believe it’s never too late to pursue a new career path. Couple these trends with the fact that nearly 90% of Canadians who’ve switched careers in recent years have reported an increase in happiness, and the prospect of pursuing a job change has never sounded better!

Gone are the days when social norms dictated that individuals should enter a profession in their late teens or early twenties and retire from that same profession (and perhaps even the same company) 40 years later. Today, in fact, only 16% of Canadians surveyed by Express Employment Professionals have never considered switching careers and never plan to.

Of course, changing careers is rarely as simple as snapping your fingers and landing your dream job. For most job seekers, transitioning into a new role or industry is a process that requires a significant amount of forethought, planning, courage, and dedication. At Robertson College, we understand what a major life step a career change can be, and our experienced Student Advisors are here to support you every step of the way.

In this post, we’ve explored some of the reasons people change careers, outlined the steps involved in a successful career transition, and provided some tips on how to overcome common fears related to switching jobs. We’ve also highlighted the inspirational stories of several real-life Robertson graduates who’ve achieved the new careers they desire and haven’t looked back since.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to take the first step toward a new and fulfilling career with an industry-recognized diploma from Robertson College!

Why People Change Careers

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to your desire to explore the possibility of a new job. In fact, there are nearly as many reasons why people change careers as there are people seeking to change careers in the first place!

That being said, Canadians revealed some of their reasons for seeking a career change in a 2024 survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals. The top 4 were:

• Desire for more flexibility
• Lack of fulfillment and/or advancement opportunities in their current job
• Negative work culture in their current job
• Inadequate compensation in their current job

Other common reasons why people may consider changing careers include the desire to:

• Reduce stress
• Travel more or less
• Feel appreciated
• Make a real difference
• Pursue a specific talent or passion
• Work with a specific leader or team

What’s spurring your desire for a career shift? Read on to discover how you can turn that desire into tangible skills that will build the foundation for the future you envision:

Signs It’s Time For A Career Change

There’s no scientific metric that’s used to determine the perfect moment for a career shift, but most people know in their hearts when seeking a new job may be the right next step for them.

Not sure whether or not now’s the right moment for you? Here are some major clues that it might be:

• You Dislike Going to Work – This one’s pretty self-explanatory. If you go to bed on Sunday night with a pit in your stomach and dread the week ahead, it’s probably past time to find a new line of work that interests, engages, and fulfills you more.
• You Don’t See a Future in Your Current Job – Even if you like what you do, you may consider switching jobs if there’s a lack of opportunities for growth (or if you’re continually overlooked for promotions). Look ahead to your long-term career goals and consider whether or not your current job will get you where you want to go.
• The Compensation Is Poor – Money may not be the most important thing in life, but having enough of it to live comfortably (whatever that means to you) is vital. Is your current salary enough? Only you can determine the answer.
• Poor Work-Life Balance – If too much of your energy and focus is being diverted to work and not enough to your personal life (or possibly, vice versa), a new role or career could be the answer. What types of careers might offer a better balance based on your personal needs, goals, and circumstances?
• You Dream of a New Career – If you often look at others’ career paths with professional envy or daydream about the job you’d like to have, these are dead giveaways that you may not be happy with your current career. Explore Robertson College’s streamlined diploma programs to drive the change you desire!

Steps To A Successful Career Transition

While each individual’s career change journey will unfold uniquely, the steps below can help to guide you through the process, from planning to execution, with as little turbulence as possible:

Reflect And Reassess Your Goals

Once you’ve determined that you’re less than 100% satisfied with your current job and are ready for a change, it’s best to set aside some time for reflection and goal setting. This is your moment to get it right, and the last thing you want to do is inadvertently jump into another career you’re unhappy with.

Consider the following:

• What aspects of my current role am I happy/unhappy with?
• What values and/or interests are driving my desire for change?
• What are my financial goals and timeline for reaching them?
• What new skills will I need, and how will I develop/hone them?

Even if you already have a dream job in mind, we recommend taking the time to engage with online resources such as Career Coach, Robertson College’s interactive career and resource portal, or connect with a career counsellor in person. Exploring a range of potential careers at the outset of your career transition journey is a valuable investment of time and energy that can help you to eliminate lingering doubts, narrow your professional focus, and move forward on your chosen path with confidence and certainty.

Explore New Career Options

You’ve assessed your goals, explored possible career options, and identified a specific industry or role you think you’d like to pursue. Now it’s time to take a deeper dive.

At Robertson College, we strongly encourage prospective and current students to get as much hands-on experience in their chosen profession as possible, both to familiarize themselves with on-the-ground realities and to begin building a professional network. This is one of the reasons our diploma programs include real-world practicum placements.

In addition to online research, consider doing one or more of the following:

• Reach out to individuals in professional roles that interest you and request to conduct an informational interview.
• Ask if it would be possible to job-shadow or volunteer for a short period of time.
• Attend professional events such as conferences, seminars, or industry meet-ups.
• Familiarize yourself with relevant professional organizations and publications.

This type of in-depth career research can be an important first step before applying to Robertson College’s School of Business, Technology, Community Services, or Health.

Bridge The Skills Gap

Whether you’re hoping to transition to a new role within your current field or pursue a job in an entirely new industry, developing new professional skills will likely be a vital aspect of your career change journey. Bridging the skills gap could involve working with a professional mentor or engaging in on-the-job training, but new credentials are often also necessary (or highly beneficial).

From micro-courses to full diploma programs, Robertson College offers students a vast spectrum of industry-recognized skill development opportunities. Explore our website or contact a Student Advisor today to learn more!

Plan, Prepare, And Take Action

Your research is done, and it’s time to start actively achieving your professional goals. Explore the institutions, programs, and learning formats that make the most sense for you, and begin the application process!

Overcoming Common Career Change Fears

Interested in switching careers but feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or downright terrified about the prospect of actually taking the first step?

That’s 100% normal. Changing careers is a major life decision that involves stepping outside (sometimes far outside) your comfort zone.

Some of the most common fears prospective students contemplating a career transition share with us include:

• Fear of the unknown
• Fear of failure
• Fear of financial loss
• Fear of losing status

Ultimately, it’s essential to recognize that certain sacrifices will almost inevitably accompany you on your path toward a new career. However, it’s critical to also remember that they’ll be balanced by the emergence of unexpected opportunities, the development of valuable skills, and the achievement of new professional goals.

Robertson College has supported countless students as they successfully upskill or transition into new professional roles or fields. You can be next, if you so choose, with the expertise of our team fully behind you. Learn more here about making a successful career change at 30 (or beyond). 

How Education Can Help You Pivot

How can education help you pivot into a new professional role? A diploma from Robertson College will:

• Equip you with industry-recognized professional knowledge and skills
• Provide you with hands-on practicum experience and the opportunity to establish a professional network
• Connect you with our Workforce Team, a group of dedicated professionals who strive to provide our learners and graduates with professional support at every stage of their career journeys

Real Stories Of Successful Career Changes

It’s one thing to be told you’re not alone in your career change journey, and it’s another to meet real people who have already successfully navigated the challenges and rewards of going back to school to pursue a new career. We invite you to browse real student success stories or career change testimonials featuring proud Robertson College graduates to learn more about what it’s like to actually take the leap and pursue the training necessary for a new career path.

Have further questions? Contact one of our supportive and experienced Student Advisors today to learn more.

Start Your Journey With Robertson College

At Robertson College, we are dedicated to equipping students from all backgrounds and walks of life with relevant, industry-recognized skills and experience in a streamlined timeframe. Our flexible program formats (online, hybrid, or in-person) cater to the learning styles and lifestyle demands of a diverse array of students, and most programs can be completed in one year or less.

Looking to upskill or transition to a new career? Explore our extensive selection of diploma program offerings. Contact a knowledgeable Student Advisor today to get started!