Are you feeling stuck in your current career? Do you dream of a new challenge, but you’re not sure how to make a change? You’re not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation at some point in their lives. The good news is it’s never too late to make a career change!
With Merit America, you can successfully make a career change at 30, 40, 50…you get the idea. After all, age is just a number.
Let’s take a look at Reshunda, a Merit America IT Support alum who made a successful career change and found new opportunities in the tech industry.
Reshunda never planned to leave her transportation career, but life happened, and she had to start over. One day, while scrolling on TikTok, she came across a video about Merit America that caught her attention.
“What really spoke to me was the partnership with OneTen, and I felt this would be the perfect opportunity for me,” she said.
Reshunda initially saved the video and didn’t think much about it. However, a week later, she stumbled upon the video again.
“I decided this was a sign for me to do it…One of the best decisions I’ve made,” she shared.
Reshunda’s journey with Merit America wasn’t without its doubts.
During the cohort, I felt like I may be too old to start something new and that maybe I wouldn’t have any transferable skills. Thankfully, my coach, Karin, knew better.
Reshunda, Merit America IT Support Alum
Today, Reshunda has launched her tech career as an ISP Support Technician and is optimistic about her future. Her journey serves as an inspiration to anyone contemplating a career change, regardless of age or circumstances.
“I am forever grateful for this program,” she said.
Take inspiration from Reshunda’s success story and consider these 8 tips to initiate your own career change—no matter your age!
Tips on Changing Careers
1. Do your research
The first step is to figure out what you want to do. What are your interests and passions? What are your strengths and skills? Making a personal assessment is a good start. Once you have a good understanding of what you’re looking for, you can start researching different career options.
2. Be honest with yourself about your reasons for wanting to change careers
Are you unhappy with your current job? Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you hoping to make more money? Once you understand your motivations, you can start to develop a plan to achieve your goals.
3. Get the necessary training or education
If you don’t have the necessary training or education to break into your desired career, now is the time to get it. There are many different ways to get the training you need. If tech sparks your interest, Merit America offers flexible training programs for adults stuck in low-wage jobs.
4. Network
Networking is essential for any job search, but it’s especially important when you’re making a career change. Get involved in professional organizations, attend industry events and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the more likely you are to hear about job openings.
5. Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom
If you’re making a major career change, it’s likely that you’ll have to start in an entry-level position. Don’t let this discourage you. Every job is a stepping stone to the next.
6. Be persistent
Making a career change can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible. Don’t give up on your dreams. Keep working hard, and eventually, you’ll achieve your goals.
7. Don’t be afraid to take risks
Making a career change is a risk, but it’s also an opportunity. If you’re not willing to take risks, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.
8. Be patient
It takes time to make a successful career change. During the immersion stage of our programs, we tell our Merit America learners to be patient and persistent, and they’ll eventually reach their goals.
Making a career change can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely possible. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success. So, what are you waiting for?
If you’re interested in breaking into a new career in tech, Merit America can help! You’ll benefit from peer support and best-in-class coaching while earning industry-recognized credentials. Check out our career tracks and learn more about our programs!