Exploring new careers can feel overwhelming. With so many directions to go, it’s hard to know where to start as you try to answer what feels like a looming question: What should my career be?
That’s why SkillUp built out new industry and career hubs to give you a clear, approachable way to explore non-degree paths that fit your goals and lifestyle.
These hubs bring together everything you need to know about growing industries, from career overviews to training options and even job opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of them.
Why We Created These Career Hubs
A lot of people come to SkillUp knowing they want a better job but aren’t sure which direction to take. Our hubs are designed to simplify that journey and help you focus on real opportunities.
We offer seven industry hubs:
As you explore our industry hubs, you’ll notice that, unlike other job sites, we don’t list every possible career in an industry. Instead, we hand-pick careers and training programs that meet our criteria:
- Train in under 12 months
- Affordable and accessible programs (many online, and some free!)
- Jobs that don’t require a college degree
- Roles that pay a living wage
For example, our Healthcare hub doesn’t include long-degree roles like doctors or nurses, even though they’re in demand. Instead, you’ll find careers like dental assistant, LPN, and medical assistant because they’re jobs that can be trained for quickly and affordably.
These curated hubs are designed to help you answer “What should I do next?” by giving you realistic, achievable paths.
How to Navigate the Career Hubs
Each hub is organized around a single industry. Inside, you’ll find:
- Industry overviews and benefits
- Career paths to explore
- Training programs to help you get started
- Job opportunities that fit the SkillUp criteria
You don’t need to know your “perfect” career to begin. Just start browsing, then create a free SkillUp profile to save the roles, trainings, or job listings that stand out. Our hubs are here to spark ideas for your next career move.
Tips for Exploring Career Paths
Career exploration is about testing possibilities and learning what fits you best. Here are a few ways to approach it:
- Start broad: Check out more than one hub to see where your interests line up.
- Use our Work Styles Quiz: If you’re not sure which career is best for you, this quiz can help you identify your preferred working environment, which in turn can highlight paths that match your strengths.
- Don’t stress about experience: Many roles in the hubs are built for beginners, so you’ll learn how to switch careers with no experience and still land a stable role.
- Set a career goal in your profile: Tracking progress helps turn ideas into action.
- Save as you go: Jobs, trainings, and resources can be stored in your SkillUp profile, so it’s super easy to revisit them later.
What to Focus on Next
Once you’ve explored a few hubs, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Timeline and affordability: Many SkillUp career paths are designed to get you trained and working in less than a year without breaking the bank for a bootcamp or certification.
- Living wage jobs: Look for opportunities that don’t require a degree but still pay enough to support your lifestyle.
- Fresh opportunities: New jobs and programs are added often, so check back and review your saved items.
- Extra support: If you’d like guidance, SkillUp also hosts free group career coaching sessions where you can ask questions and get encouragement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t SkillUp show certain careers on the industry hubs?
Our hubs only feature roles that meet our criteria: affordable training, short timelines (usually under 12 months), no college degree required, and living wage pay. That’s why you’ll see healthcare support jobs like medical assistants, but not long-degree roles like nurses or doctors.
Can I change careers without going back to college?
Yes. Many in-demand roles don’t require a four-year degree. That’s why SkillUp highlights jobs with affordable training that can be completed in under a year. You can shift into a new career path with short-term programs, certifications, or trade school training instead of a traditional degree.
How do I write a resume when changing careers?
Highlight your transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, or leadership, that apply across industries. SkillUp’s coaching sessions and resources can help you reshape your resume for your next step.
How do you know when it’s time to change careers?
Common signs include feeling stuck, realizing your job doesn’t provide growth, or needing better pay and stability. Exploring our hubs can show you what’s possible and help you decide if a shift makes sense.
How do I change careers at 30+?
Career changes happen at every age, from your 30s to 40s and beyond. Start by setting a career goal in your SkillUp profile and exploring short-term training programs that fit your budget and schedule.
How do I switch careers with trade school training?
Trade schools provide hands-on skills that transfer directly into growing fields. Use SkillUp to find training connected to in-demand jobs in areas like skilled trades, healthcare, or IT.
How do I leverage my existing skills?
Look at what you already do well—customer service, organization, teamwork—and connect those to new careers. From there, it’s a matter of reflecting your skills on your resume, even if you don’t have much job experience.
How much savings should I have to switch careers?
It depends on your situation, but many SkillUp paths involve free or low-cost training. That means you don’t need years of savings to start. Even a small financial cushion can give you peace of mind, especially if you plan to leave your current job to focus on training.
How do I sell myself in an interview when switching careers?
Be honest about your journey and emphasize your motivation to grow. Focus on transferable skills and any training you’ve completed; employers value adaptability and eagerness to learn.
