Why a Career Change May be What You Need
Why a Career Change May be What You Need
Are you feeling stuck in a rut career-wise? It’s not unusual, especially if you’ve been in the same role for many years. No matter how young or old you are, there is always the opportunity for a change of career. But where do you start? Facing up to such a great change takes courage and dedication, and we want to help you understand what you need to do.
Where Do I Begin?
Your first step is to decide whether you want to go down a specific career path or whether you are unsure what direction you are taking. Either is fine, as your next move is to enhance your education.
For those who have a profession in mind, a specific degree may be the way ahead. However, if you are looking to study and then choose a new direction, there are many degrees that may be worthwhile.
Studying a liberal arts degree, for example, gives you a grounding in general education and the arts and will also introduce other study areas such as English and humanities. This type of degree is helpful for those who want to move into management or marketing.
What level of degree do you need to earn? Let’s have a look at the different levels of education.
Types of Degree
Most will graduate with a high school diploma. This can be an entry-level qualification for many jobs, and there is no requirement to go straight into further education.
Some people decide to get a job, earn some money, and experience the ‘real world’ while thinking about university study in their later years. Many choose to study online – a convenient and popular option that can save costs – or to combine a course of on-campus study with online classes.
A common choice is to study for an associate's degree. This is a two-year course that can be converted later into a bachelor’s degree with further study at university. As the course can be studied at a junior college, the cost may be less than going to university for a 4-year degree.
Be aware that many employers see a willingness to study as a positive, and they may agree to help you finance your education. It’s also worth investigating state grants and scholarships as there are sometimes funds available from these sources.
Choosing Your New Career Path
We often take a job for convenience, as we all have bills to pay! It’s sometimes necessary to compromise on your initial career plans, but all is not lost. As we have explained above it is entirely possible – at any age – to go back to college and study for a degree. You may want to do it to further your education or because you are interested in a particular subject, and the end result is a qualification that will be of interest to potential employers or may open the door for a better position in your current place of employment. Check your options now and start researching for a better future.