Changing careers after 50 can feel like an unclimbable hill, I know! But remember this: it is NEVER too late to take those all-too-important first steps towards something that brings you fulfillment and purpose.
With the right approach, anyone can change careers, even after 50!
If you’re considering a career change and need some guidance, here are five steps to help you gain the confidence you need to make that leap successfully.
1. Assess Your Current Skills and Experience
Before you dive into a career change, take stock of your skills and experiences – personally and professionally. These assets are often transferable and can help you stand out in a new field. For example, if you have years of management experience, your leadership and problem-solving skills will likely be valuable in many different industries. Likewise, your interpersonal and relationship-building skills will make you attractive to employers where team dynamics play an important role.
Start by making a list of your core strengths, professional accomplishments, and personal interests. This self-reflection will provide a clearer picture of how your existing skills could apply to a new career.
Example:
Joan, a 55-year-old who had spent 30 years as a teacher, was looking to transition into corporate training. She realized that her communication and presentation skills were highly transferable. By recognizing these strengths, Joan was able to position herself as an asset in a new field.
2. Explore New Career Options and Industries
At this stage, it’s important to research and explore various industries that match your interests and transferable skills. Take time to look into roles that suit your strengths and could provide long-term career satisfaction.
Example:
David, a 52-year-old former accountant, was drawn to the tech industry. After researching roles like project management or data analysis, he discovered that his attention to detail and analytical skills would make him a strong candidate in these fields. He decided to take an online coding course to upskill and made his first successful transition into tech.
3. Expand Your Knowledge and Skill Set
One of the most empowering steps in making a career change is upskilling. Consider taking courses, attending workshops, or earning certifications that are generally necessary to successfully begin a new career path.
There are many (and I mean MANY) free and low-cost resources available online through platforms like Alison, SkillShare, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Udemy, local community colleges and more!
You can even learn new languages with tools like Biread and TalkPal.
By upskilling, you’ll not only improve your confidence but also demonstrate to potential employers that you’re committed to your career transition.
Example:
Katherine, a 58-year-old project manager, wanted to transition into a digital marketing role. She enrolled in a digital marketing certification program, learning about SEO, social media strategy, and email campaigns. The new skills she acquired gave her the confidence to apply for jobs in her desired field.
4. Network and Build Connections
Networking is critical. Please read that again.
Networking plays a crucial role in any career transition. You can leverage existing professional connections, attend industry events, and engage in online communities related to your target field. You can (and should) also join relevant Glassdoor Community and LinkedIn groups to stay updated on industry trends and connect with people who may be able to support your journey.
Another great networking option are coffee chats – especially virtual chats. Consider reaching out for informational interviews with professionals in the industries and/or companies you’re interested in. These conversations can provide valuable insights into what the job market looks like, what skills are in demand, what’s available, and how to get started.
Example:
Tom, 60, was interested in switching from finance to nonprofit management. Through LinkedIn, he reached out to several nonprofit professionals to learn about their work. One of these connections led to a mentorship opportunity and, eventually, a job offer at a nonprofit organization that aligned with his values.
5. Seek Professional Guidance
Changing careers can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure about the best steps to take or how to approach employers. Hiring a career coach or consultant can provide invaluable support. Career coaches like me can help you navigate the job market, fine-tune your resume, and prepare for interviews with confidence.
I can also help with confidence coaching, career strategy, personality and behavioral assessments that can make career matching more precise and successful, and help you set clear goals and actionable steps to move forward.
Example:
After months of feeling unsure about her next move, Rima turned to me for career strategy. I helped her identify the skills she could highlight to make her experience more relevant to employers and helped her fine-tune her resume, professional portfolio and interview approach. With my support and guidance, Rima secured a new role in less than three months.
Changing careers after 50 is a journey that requires patience, planning, and the willingness to learn. By assessing your skills, exploring new industries, expanding your knowledge, networking, and seeking the right professional guidance for your needs, you’ll increase your chances of success and feel more confident as you make the transition. Remember, age is just a number—your experience and wisdom are valuable assets that can help you thrive in your new career.
If you’re ready to take the next step, consider reaching out for personalized career advice. Contact me to get started on your career change journey!