How To Make a Career Change (Even If You’re Not Sure Where To Start)

Updated October 2025

The job market has changed fast in the last few years—and that’s good news if you’re thinking about switching careers. More employers are focusing on skills over degrees, and new roles are being created every month in industries like healthcare, business, and technology. The demand for skilled workers is higher than ever, and many of these roles can be reached through short-term training or certification programs.

Why Now Is a Great Time to Make a Career Change

Many growing industries offer affordable, flexible ways to learn the skills you need.

• Healthcare programs often take less than a year and lead to high-demand roles like medical records specialist or patient care coordinator.
• Business and marketing certifications—some even available on LinkedIn Learning—can help you pivot into remote or hybrid roles.
• Technology programs teach beginner-friendly tools like Salesforce, Google Project Management, and data analytics with no previous experience needed.

SkillUp connects you with free or low-cost online training programs in all these fields so you can start learning at your own pace and move toward a new career path.

Steps to Take Before You Enroll in a Training or Certification Program

Step 1: Discover what you actually enjoy

Getting started can feel overwhelming. There are so many industries and job titles out there that it’s hard to know where to begin. Start by reflecting on your strengths: what tasks energize you, and which skills come naturally?

If you need help figuring that out, take the work styles quiz on SkillUp or explore our skills inventory tools from partners like InsideTrack to find a starting point.

Step 2: Match your interests to real careers

Once you have a sense of what motivates you, explore jobs that align with your values and goals. Researching industries that fit your interests can help narrow your focus and give you confidence that your next step is a meaningful one.

You can browse our Career Discovery section to see what roles match your interests, along with salary ranges, growth outlook, and the skills employers look for.

Step 3: Choose the right training program

When you’re ready to build new skills, look for programs that balance flexibility, affordability, and support. SkillUp’s catalog includes hundreds of trusted training partners offering everything from tech certificates to healthcare credentials.

Here are a few popular options by industry:

• Healthcare: MedCerts – Electronic Health Records Specialist
• IT & Technology: Climb Hire – Salesforce Admin, Google Project Management
• Business & Marketing: General Assembly – Data Science, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics

You can also explore our Earn & Learn programs, where employers pay you to learn while you work.

Step 4: Build your community and plan for success

Career change is easier when you’re not doing it alone. Join SkillUp’s free career coaching sessions and find people on the same path who are sharing encouragement, advice, and job tips.

Step 5: Stay consistent and celebrate progress

Set clear goals, track your milestones, and keep a growth mindset. Even small steps—like completing a quiz, finishing a short course, or updating your resume—move you closer to your next job. Progress takes time, but every step forward is proof that you’re building something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if it’s time to change careers?

If your job no longer feels meaningful, you’ve stopped learning, or you’re curious about other industries, it might be time for a change. Many people make successful career shifts every year, sometimes with just a short training program or new certification to guide the transition.

What are the best careers for people changing industries?

Healthcare, technology, and business are three fields especially friendly to career changers. These industries value transferable skills (like communication, organization, or problem-solving) and often provide short-term training or entry-level opportunities to help you get started.

Can I switch careers without going back to college?

Yes! Many growing industries now focus on skills over degrees. You can prepare for new opportunities through online courses, certificate programs, and on-the-job learning. SkillUp connects you to free or low-cost training options that help you build new skills without the cost or time commitment of a degree.

How long does it take to make a career change?

It depends on your goals and the path you choose. Some people complete short training programs in just a few months and start applying for jobs right away. Others take a year or more to retrain and transition. What matters most is consistency; taking one small step at a time adds up quickly.

What’s the first step toward a successful career change?

Start by identifying your strengths and interests. From there, research career paths that match your skills and values. You can use SkillUp’s Career Discovery tools to learn what roles might fit you best, then explore relevant training programs to get started.

How can SkillUp help me make a career change?

SkillUp provides everything you need in one place: career exploration, low-cost or free training options, job listings, and group coaching. You can compare short-term programs, connect with other learners, and find clear, affordable pathways to new career opportunities.