Career questions tagged career-change
What’s the best way to position extensive customer-facing and operations experience when pivoting into remote operations or customer success roles later in a career?
I’m finishing a business degree after many years of professional experience and looking to move from frontline support into more strategic, process-driven roles. I’m interested in how others have successfully reframed their experience for this type of transition.
How do I know if I should pursue my MSW?
How do I know if I should pursue my MSW? I’m early in my career and work in marketing, and I dislike the corporate 9-5 culture. I want to find more meaningful work that suits my soft skills better. Mental health has always been of importance to me and I want to be more people-centered, and honestly I would enjoy the prospect of working remotely or having my control over my schedule as well. I’m trying to find something I will enjoy long-term. For more context, I had also considered ESL teaching (i didnt enjoy lesson planning or public speaking) and also copywriting (i didnt want to turn a hobby into an occupation) so I kept going back to this. My own therapist even told me to look into social work as an option, and I’ve been doing some research ever since. She knows I worry about being stuck in something once I choose to pursue it. I was initially confident about this decision to go back to school and I have the support to do so, but after some recent conversations, I fear burn-out and having a stressful/large caseload once I’m in it. I would love any insight into this, what should go into my decision making, what to be aware of, etc. Thank you! (Edit: I already have my Bachelors. This would be a career change. And when I say pursuing my MSW I specifically mean going the clinical route and receiving my LCSW.)
How do I get started with a career change following graduation from my university with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and having no prior experience?
I have only worked in customer service, but I am looking to further expand my education after I graduate while also advancing towards a profession within my major. I am currently pursuing my degree and will finish by next fall. Thank you very much in advance for anything you have to help! #Fall25
how do you start a career fair?
One that is local but will help middle schoolers and will be known to many people
What is the best way to get into interior design or interior decorating? Wanting to change career from sales/customer service background.
What is the best way to get into interior design or interior decorating? I have a degree in psychology along with plenty of other professional experience in sales, customer service, and have run my own business making personalized gifts and event decor. I don't live near a big city so very few design studios in the area. Is there an online course or anything I could do that would give me a leg up if I am able to find a relevant position near me? I cannot move too far away, but am happy to travel semi regularly for consultations etc.
What is the best advice for someone switching into early childhood education and what is the best method for inspiring young learners?
Switching careers can be intimidating. I graduated from a film program and am now pursuing a career in teaching elementary school. What is the best advice for someone switching into early childhood education and what is the best method for inspiring young learners? #Spring25
What advice can you give me for a successful return to school at the age of 50 ?
I’m 50+ years old and decided to enroll in cosmetology & esthetician program at my local community college. Nervous!
When a person is 57 years old and they want to change careers, is this possible #Spring25?
Hello. I am a 57 year old female who has been a social worker since 1992. I have worked with people from many cultures, economic status’, across all ages, and with a broad spectrum of life challenges. I have professional experience working with children and adults who were mentally ill, chemically addicted (and a combination of both illnesses), neurodivergent, criminal offenders who were under probation supervision (as a Probation Officer for 17 years), physical illnesses, suicidal, homicidal, and self harmers. I have found that the majority of people were traumatized by childhood abuse/neglect, domestic violence, community violence, significant losses, systemic racism and/or homophobia, parental addiction/mental illness and/or incarceration, poverty, homelessness, veterans with PTSD, and the list goes on. During my career as a law enforcement officer, I realized that first responders overall, had been traumatized at some point(s) in their careers. First responders were extremely reluctant to acknowledge and seek treatment, unless they were surrounded by their peers with similar experiences. Only when they were in peer support groups and/or specialized therapeutic services, were they willing to break their silence and the stigma surrounding the effects their trauma had on their lives and careers. I then began to educate myself in specialized law enforcement peer support and critical incident stress management trainings. I also encouraged my law enforcement colleagues to consider utilizing peer support, crisis lines run by and for law enforcement, and/or specialized therapy. I have been very successful in my lengthy career, however I too have had lifelong trauma, whether it be as a child, as a young college student, and throughout my career. As a result, I am burned out. Although I have been in treatment for the majority of my life, trauma has led to early retirement from Probation and a subsequent job loss. This was followed by major back surgery 3 1/2 months ago. Today I find myself unemployed, reliant on a small pension, and was recently granted federal Medicaid and SNAP (formerly referred to as food stamps) benefits. I have not even been able to pay rent since December. One benefit of my time as an unemployed person since September 2024, is that I have had a lot of time to consider what I want to do with the rest of my career. I have realized that I have always wanted to work in emergency medicine and, as a result, I have applied to the community college that I am an alumni of and I am seeking to become a critical care nurse. Therefore, my question is, is it possible for me, at my age, to successfully complete the college requirements in order to become a critical care nurse? Thank you for considering this long description of my career and the reasons why I would like to pivot in another direction. Respectfully submitted, Kimberly A. Huber, MSW ,
How to change career paths?
Three years ago, I quit my job in accounts payable. My parents contracted Covid. Mom became bedridden, and Dad has dementia. I decided to be their caregiver. Now, three years later, I want to return to the workforce; however, I do not want to return to a finance career. I want a change in my career. I'm seeking a meaningful, exciting, hands-on, and fulfilling job. Additionally, I'm looking for a career that understands and accommodates my learning disability, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and comprehension deficits., and comprehension deficits.
What is the quickest, most efficient and effective way to transition into a career in UI/UX design with no prior experience in the field, but with a bachelor's degree and a limited budget?
What is the quickest, most efficient and effective way to transition into a career in UI/UX design with no prior experience in the field, but with a bachelor's degree and a limited budget?
What resources might help a science education postdoc figure out a career change?
I always though I wanted to be a professor, but now that I have a Science Education PhD and am near the end of my postdoc, I find I don't really want to go into traditional academia (At least not with a research component). Unfortunately the schools that are hiring without a research component are hiring adjuncts or VAPs only, which is not sustainable long term. I've never considered what else to do and am seeing a lot of roles that I'm over-educated but underqualified for. I don't know what job hunting resources are out there when you have a PhD but no known/intended career field. I do not care about the money beyond pays-my-rent-food-and-gas, and I'm more than willing and even potentially interested in "downsizing" the career aspirations to a field where I can make a positive community impact that is not necessarily in my field. Are there any programs or coaches that could help me explore what might fit my skills?
How to change careers from Lawyer to Landscape Architecture ?
I’m a practicing attorney in business immigration law looking to switch careers but with little transferable skills in Landscape Architecture. Is getting the full Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture the only route?
Quickest Way To Become an Optometrist?
Hello all I wanted to know what was the quickest way I could become an optometrist I currently have a bachelor's in Arts and I'm 25. So I wanted to know how long it would take and whats the quickest route.
Is a Fitness Coordinator basically a Physical Therapy equivalent without a Doctorate Degree?
I have been sold on Physical Therapy for a while now, but recently I have begun struggling with the idea of going to Medical School and all of the debt and excessive studying that entails. I took a career quiz and it recommended Fitness Coordinator rather than Physical Therapy. I love studying the human anatomy, working out, and helping others learn about their body, how it functions, and how to strengthen and enhance their performance. Would a Fitness Coordinator be the same thing as Physical Therapy, just without going to Medical School and getting a Doctorate? Also, what is the job satisfaction like for a Fitness Coordinator? What about the hours? work load? salary? work environment?
What was your dream job as a child and what is your current job now?
Have your interests changed? How did you discover what job you truly wanted/was best for you? Do you have any regrets about where you are at right now?
I have DPT - is there a way to get ATC without having to go through 2-3+ years of school again?
I currently have doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) and right now the company I work for is looking to hire an athletic trainer (ATC) for my location. I was always interested in either doing DPT or ATC - now I am thinking about getting both certifications. I know that there are a bunch of classes that are basically the same thing in each curriculum (anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, etc.) I really don't want to have to take all of those courses again, so if anyone knows of like a transition program that I just take the necessary programs that were not included in the DPT program that I need for the ATC program, that would be great. Thanks!
Is it okay for me to change my desired career path, and how would I go about doing so? ?
Note: this is part of our Professionals series where volunteers share questions they wish they saw on the platform
I dropped out of medical school; now what?
What are some ways to pivot if you drop out of medical school? Note: This is part of our Professionals series where volunteers share questions they wish they saw on the platform
What can I do if I select a career and decide its not a good fit?
This is part of our professionals series
What if you want to switch careers after you've already started college? How about if you've already started working in the field?
This is part of our professionals series
Hi I'm planning to shift course but I only got into a ladderized course (Diploma in Industrial Facilities Technology) and planning to get a BS Customs Ad, Is it possible for me to shift course from Ladderized to BS?
Hi I'm planning to shift course but I only got into a ladderized course (Diploma in Industrial Facilities Technology) and planning to get a BS Customs Ad, Is it possible for me to shift course from Ladderized to BS?
Changing Careers to Creative
I'm looking to make a career change back into the creative space with the goal of being a Creative Director. Any advice on how to make this switch?
How to approach finding engineering work after ten years of only being hired for low-skill jobs?
Received master's degree in engineering ten years ago with excellent grades but I have never had a chance to work in the field. I've had to accept zero-education or associate's degree level work just to have any income at all, and I've worked two associates-level jobs for the past six years. I have been applying to engineering jobs frequently since my graduation, but I haven't even had any interviews since 2014. I've done some of Cornell's free online engineering certification courses, that hasn't helped. The career office at the college where I got my associates says my work history of associates-level work has poisoned my prospects and I have no chance of ever getting into engineering. I estimate my application: interview rate is 0.1%. I have checked to ensure my resumes are compliant with the most common applicant tracking software. Beyond that, is there anything I can realistically do to get any attention at all?
I am currently doing BSc in Business Management and Information Systems. What are the possibilities of doing MD after? Read below.
I am doing Coursera courses and specializations. I am gaining as much knowledge as I can. I am planning on doing GRE chemistry and GRE psychology (as I want to go into psychiatry). I know it’s very hard but I am doing whatever I can. Any recommendations or anything at all (what do you think?) How do I prepare for the MCAT without taking any medical courses in undergraduate studies? Also, I am doing my bachelor's at the University of Aberdeen and here we don't have electives.
What proffesion would you recommend for a person who likes being in charge?
#career #career-change #careers #life #special-effects #medical
What are some options for someone who might drop out of college and who would like to become a teacher?
Asking on behalf of a friend who might need to take some time off due to mental health challenges <3 #college #career-change #college-drop-out #teaching #education #mental-health
For anyone who has made a successful career change, what were the most important things you had to do, or what advice would you give others looking to do the same?
I'm a current college student, so I haven't officially started my career yet, but I'm extremely anxious about doing so, especially now that the pandemic has changed life as we know it. I've changed my career aspirations several times already, but now I'm nearing graduation and I'm still terrified that I'll wind up in a career I don't enjoy. Whether you ended up changing careers because you were dissatisfied or because you found better opportunities in another field, I'm really interested in hearing the experiences of professionals who have been in a situation like me. How did you overcome your worries, and what advice would you give to someone else? #career #career-counseling #careers #career-advice #future #career-options #college #college-student #graduation #career-change #career-switch #career-changes #career-switches #advice #july #july20 #scholarship
Should I finish paying my college fees and tuition first or pay to start my own business after I graduate college?
#business woman #professionals #career #career-change
Would someone graduating at 40 with their first degree in civil engineering have a chance in the workforce?
Is it sensible or feasible (or how does the outlook seem in general) to get one's first degree at 40 as a civil engineer? (Entering college at 35, graduating at 40) Would potential employers be biased against an "old" newbie, making it impossible to pay off school debt at such a late date because jobs would go to younger graduates? #engineering #civil-engineering #adult-education #career-change
Could you change your major on your fourth year of college?
If you change your major on your last year, will you have to make up more years? #not-trynna-be-in-college-for-more-than-4-years #career-change