Career Transitions: How to Successfully Switch Your Specialty

Changing careers can bring both excitement and apprehension, especially for non-traditional students balancing multiple responsibilities. Whether you're in a healthcare or a business/technology program, transitioning into a new sector or role can feel like you’re starting from square one. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can navigate this process without feeling like what you did before didn’t matter — it actually might ensure your next role goes even better. 

Here are actionable steps to help you make a successful career transition and how career development resources are available to you as a Herzing student and alum.

Understanding the Why

The first step in any successful career transition is understanding your motivation. Why do you want to switch sectors or roles? Are you looking for better work-life balance, higher pay, or more job satisfaction? Knowing your "why" will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the transition process, not to mention helping you figure out the stuff you like and the things you don’t like (company culture, management styles, benefits, and more).

For Example: Sam, who worked in the service industry, realized his passion for helping people and pursued a career in healthcare for better stability and growth opportunities.

Take stock of your current skills and interests. Identify transferable skills that can be applied in your new role. For healthcare professionals, skills like patient care, communication, and problem-solving are valuable. For business and technology professionals, project management, analytical thinking and technical skills are in demand.

Create a skills inventory. List your current skills and experience, then match them to the requirements of the new sector or role you are interested in. Use the Career Market Insights tool to explore job titles and salary insights that align with your skills and interests.

For Example: Maria, who worked in retail, identified her strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage teams as transferable to healthcare administration.

Gaining Relevant Experience

Transitioning to a new sector often requires gaining relevant experience. This can be achieved through volunteer work, internships, part-time roles, or additional coursework.

Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in your target field. This might involve taking online courses, volunteering, or shadowing professionals. Check out opportunities on Handshake, our comprehensive job board, for relevant positions and internships.

For Example: John, who worked in retail, wanted to move into healthcare. He volunteered at a local hospital, assisting with administrative tasks and gaining insights into healthcare operations.

Networking is crucial in any career transition. Building connections with professionals in your desired field can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and job opportunities.

Join industry-specific professional organizations, attend networking events, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Use Career Connect to network with fellow alumni, mentor current students, and gain valuable career insights.

For Example: Emma, who worked in retail and was transitioning into healthcare, attended industry conferences and joined professional organizations related to healthcare. Through these connections, she found a mentor who guided her transition into healthcare administration.

Your resume is your first impression on potential employers. Tailor it to highlight your transferable skills and relevant experiences. Focus on how your background can add value to the new sector or role.

Revise your resume to emphasize skills and experiences that are relevant to your target role. Use keywords from job descriptions and highlight relevant coursework, certifications, or volunteer experiences. Leverage VMock for personalized, on-demand career development feedback on your resume, interviews, and LinkedIn profile.

For Example: Michael, who had business management experience and recently completed a leadership course, tailored his resume to highlight his leadership skills and new education, helping him secure a role in a technology company's leadership team.

Career transitions come with challenges, such as learning new skills, facing rejections, or adjusting to a different work culture. It's essential to stay resilient and maintain a positive outlook.

Prepare for setbacks and view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Keep refining your approach and stay persistent in your job search. The Career Center offers a wealth of career development resources and personalized guidance to help you stay on track.

For Example: Michael, who was transitioning into a leadership position, faced several rejections before landing the role. He used each rejection as a learning opportunity to improve his skills, tailor his resume, and practice interview techniques.

Transitioning into a new sector or role can be a fulfilling journey that opens up new opportunities and career growth. By understanding your motivations, assessing your skills, gaining relevant experience, networking, tailoring your resume, and staying resilient, you can successfully navigate this process. Remember, career transitions are not linear, and it's essential to stay adaptable and open to learning. Apply these strategies, and you'll be on your way to a successful career transition, whether you're moving from nursing to healthcare administration or from business to technology.

Embark on this exciting journey with confidence, knowing that each step brings you closer to achieving your career goals. Utilize Herzing University’s many available career development resources both before and after graduation to support your transition and long-term success.