Tips For Your Mid Career Switch

As you go further in your career, your interests and priorities may change. If you feel unsatisfied with your current job, it might be time to consider a career switch. With this, you may be asking yourself, “how do I switch careers?” Before we proceed, let’s discuss first what is a mid career switch.

What is a mid career switch?

A mid-career switch refers to the act of changing one’s career path or industry after several years of working in a particular field. It usually involves transitioning from one profession to another, which may or may not be related to the individual’s previous work experience or educational background.

A mid-career switch is typically made by individuals who have spent a significant length of time in their current careers and are seeking new opportunities or challenges. They may be looking for a career that offers more fulfillment, greater job security, better work-life balance, or more opportunities for career advancement.

Mid-career switches can involve a range of different steps, such as going back to school to acquire new skills or knowledge, building a network in a new industry, gaining relevant work experience through internships or part-time work, or starting their own business.

Making a mid-career switch can be a challenging and complex process, but it can also lead to new and exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. It often requires careful planning, research, and a willingness to take risks and adapt to new situations.

Why do people do mid career switch?

There are many reasons why people may choose to make a mid-career switch, including:

• Seeking New Challenges: After years of doing the same job or working in the same field, some people may feel that they are no longer being challenged or have hit a plateau in their careers. A mid-career switch can allow one to try something new and take on fresh challenges.

• Pursuing a Passion: Many people may have followed a career path for practical or financial reasons rather than a genuine passion for the work. A mid-career switch can allow them to explore their interests and pursue careers more aligned with their passions and values.

• Job Security: With advances in technology and automation, some industries may be experiencing job loss or downsizing. A mid-career switch can allow individuals to transition into a more stable or growing industry and secure their employment prospects.

• Work-Life Balance: Some people may choose to switch careers to achieve a better work-life balance. They may be looking for a job that allows them to have more flexible working hours or more control over their workload.

Overall, a mid-career switch can be daunting but rewarding, allowing individuals to pursue new opportunities, challenge themselves, and find greater fulfillment in their careers.

How do I start a new career at the beginning?

Starting a new career can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting, especially if you’re starting from scratch. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Explore career alternatives

Before making a career switch, see what mid career switch jobs are out there. This gives you more information about which careers make more sense to switch into. For example, find out which roles are in demand to identify where the greater opportunities lie. You may be able to find some information online, such as the demand for different industries and their respective salaries. Also, find out more about what working in the new industry is like. You can speak with people you know who work in your desired role to get more insights. This insight allows you to create a strategy for how to approach your career change.

Consider your current skill set

Changing your career does not mean you are back to square one. Consider your current skill set and leverage your transferable skills for your new career. This may include some soft skills or experiences that can still be applicable for your new role. For example, if you have five years of management experience, learning some technical skills can make you an ideal applicant. Other transferable skills may include presentation skills, teamwork and problem solving.

Understand what employers in the new industry are looking for and how your skills fit in with this demand. You should create a new resume that is optimised for the desired industry. Highlight these transferable skills to future employers at the top of your resume.

Network with professionals in the new industry

Networking can be daunting when entering a new industry. However, connecting with people already in the industry can give you an idea of their career path. With this, you can understand what steps you could take to break into the industry. This can be done through networking events or even interviews, allowing you to speak directly with recruiters about potential opportunities.

You may also leverage your existing network if they have connections in your new industry. This can be useful for getting to know future employers or clients.

Gain experience for your new career

Gaining experience relevant to your desired industry gives you a step up in your new career. This may include taking on additional projects at your current job that may help with your next role. Alternatively, consider doing voluntary work or personal projects related to the new industry. While these projects might not be seen as professional work experience, they can show off your skills to potential employers.

If you are looking to change careers in Singapore, there are government-supported programmes like the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme. With this, mid career switchers can gain experience and retraining in a new industry while still receiving an income.

Develop new skills or get qualifications relevant to the new industry

You may be wondering how to switch careers without a professional degree. Today, most employers do not require formal qualifications as long as you can demonstrate your proficiency. Mid career switch courses are also available for in-demand industries, including data analytics, UI UX design, and data science. 

In Singapore, a career switch has never been more convenient, with beginner-friendly courses suitable for mid-career professionals regardless of experience. Vertical Institute offers online courses taught over the weekends, so you can upskill for your career change while working full-time. Pick up some tech skills, develop your portfolio and maximise your future employability. Earn accredited certifications from home, with our accredited Data Analytics Certification, UI UX Design Certification or Python certification. Through these courses, gain access to a large industry network and mentoring from experienced professionals in top companies.

It is never too late for a mid career switch, explore your options with Vertical Institute today!

About Vertical Institute

Vertical Institute prepares individuals for the jobs of tomorrow. We specialise in teaching in-demand skills, building the next generation of changemakers and inventors through our world-class tech courses and certifications. 

Singaporeans and PRs can receive up to 70% IBF Funding off their course fees with Vertical Institute. The remaining fees can be claimable with SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP Funding.