How to Transition Into a New Industry: Tips for Changing Your Career

There often comes a time in your career when change feels necessary. Maybe you’re experiencing burnout, perhaps you’ve lost passion for your current role, or maybe you’ve always had a dream you’re ready to pursue. Whatever the reason, changing careers can feel daunting, and it’s something many people put off for far too long.

If this sounds like you, well, you’re certainly not alone. Did you know the average Australian changes careers 3 to 7 times over their working life? People make the switch for all kinds of reasons, including chasing higher income, finding more job satisfaction, or finally following their true passions and interests.

If you’re starting to feel that a career change is on the horizon, below are some practical tips to help you transition into a new industry and take your transferable skills with you.

Know Your “WHY”

Before making any leap, it’s important to be clear on why you want to change careers. Your passion and motivation will be the driving forces that determine how successful your transition will be and how quickly you’re prepared to apply for new roles and move forward in your new industry.

Ask yourself:

• Why do I want to move on from my current position and industry?

  
  

• Why do I want to transition to this new industry?

  
  

• Will this change “fill my cup” in ways my current job doesn’t?

  
  

Once you’ve explored a new pathway that excites you, it’s time for research!

Research The Industry And Identify Areas For Growth

When it comes to research, it’s not just about Googling jobs or scrolling through ads. It’s about digging deeper into the realistic side of the career you’re considering. Does it still interest you once you understand both the positives and the challenges?

After you’ve asked yourself the why questions, start talking to people already working in the industry. Learn about their real day-to-day experiences, the challenges they face, the highs and lows, and their overall job satisfaction.

It’s easy to look through rose coloured glasses when considering a new path, but to make the best decision, you need to understand the full picture… both the rewarding aspects and the difficulties. Hearing directly from people in the field can give you valuable clarity and insight into whether it’s truly the right path for you.

Once you’ve decided the change is right for you, consider whether you need to upskill yourself with formal qualifications or training. Some career changes require formal credentials. Research what is needed, including the time commitment (online, face-to-face, or placement requirements) and the cost involved. Once you understand these factors, you can create a realistic plan tailored to your situation and map out the steps needed to make the transition achievable.

It’s also important to research potential salary differences. For some people, a career switch might mean accepting a short-term pay cut with the potential to earn more in the long run. For others, it could mean reducing hours to allow time for study or upskilling. Being realistic about the financial impact helps you plan your transition with confidence. This isn’t to deter you from switching, it’s to ensure you’ll be financially comfortable with the move (and who knows, the new industry may even pay more!).

Some practical ways to research and prepare include:

• Research all your career options and create a clear, achievable plan to follow.

  
  

• Research salary growth and potential career progression in the industry

  
  

• Take courses or gain qualifications or clearances if needed. Depending on your industry and the state you reside in, there may even be government subsidies or free training available.

  
  

• Work with a mentor in your new industry or seek guidance from a career advisor.

  
  

• Start small with a side project to test the waters. Could you do an internship, volunteer, or explore it as a side hustle?

Identify Your Transferable Skills

Every role teaches you something, and chances are you already have a range of skills that can be applied in a new industry. Abilities like communication, problem solving, project management, leadership, and customer service are valuable across almost every profession, which makes them highly transferable.

Recognising these strengths gives you a solid foundation to build and leverage from. It can also make the idea of changing careers feel far less overwhelming, helping you realise that the leap into a new industry may actually be smaller than you first thought.

Take some time to reflect on your past roles and experiences. What tasks did you excel at? What feedback did you consistently receive from colleagues or managers? These clues can highlight the skills that will help you succeed in your next chapter.

If you’re unsure where your transferable skills lie, consider updating your resume or LinkedIn profile and reviewing the overlap between your current abilities and those required in your desired field. You might find you’re already more qualified than you think.

Positioning And Writing Your Resume For Success

Your resume should do more than list what you’ve done; it should tell your story. Highlight your experience, showcase your transferable skills, and most importantly, communicate your passion and dedication for your new career path.

Framing your resume around your goals and motivations helps employers see your potential, even if your background isn’t a perfect match for the industry. Include a summary at the top that outlines your previous experience, your transferable skills, and your goal of breaking into this new field. Explain why you want to make this change and how your background supports your ability to succeed. This demonstrates not only your reasoning for applying but also your willingness to learn and grow.

If you are truly passionate about making this career change, a well-crafted cover letter can also make a big impact. Use it to expand on your story, highlight relevant achievements, and show your commitment to the new path.

Finally, remember to tailor your resume for each job you apply for. Adjust the language, emphasise the skills most relevant to the role, and refine examples so they align with the position’s requirements. This increases your chances of standing out and demonstrating that you are a strong candidate, even if your previous roles were in a different industry.

Network, Network… And You Guessed It, NETWORK!

The more you put yourself in environments where professionals in your desired industry gather, the more opportunities you’ll uncover. Networking can include attending industry events, joining online communities, participating in professional associations, or connecting with professionals through LinkedIn. Every interaction has the potential to open doors, provide valuable insights, offer mentorship, and even lead to job opportunities.

It’s amazing how a simple conversation or connection can spark an opportunity that might never have come through traditional job searching alone. Often, people land jobs because they connect with the manager, hiring manager, or business owner. Skills can be taught, but personality, attitude, and a willingness to learn are often considered even more valuable by organisations.

It’s Not About Starting Over But Pivoting

Changing careers is no small step; it requires planning, research, and courage by understanding your “why,” researching realistically, identifying transferable skills, preparing your resume, and actively networking, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.

Remember, your career change isn’t about starting over but about building on what you already know and choosing a path that feels more aligned with your goals and passions.

For more tips and job-seeking advice, check out our other blogs or explore our FREE templates.