There’s no getting around it: Switching careers at any age is a challenge. That wasn’t always the case (think the hiring frenzy of the late 1990s), but today, most companies are doing more with less. Technology and outsourcing have led to smaller teams, with virtually no negative impact on the bottom line. On top of that, most employers are unwilling to take a chance on someone who hasn’t already succeeded in the exact same role somewhere else.
The good news is, it can be done. And if you’re around age 30 — carpe diem! Wendy D’Ambrose, Bentley’s director of graduate/alumni career advising and employer outreach, says that changing your career at 30 gives you the very best chance for success. Why? Job seekers at this age are still relatively young in an employer’s eyes, but typically have meaningful work experience that demonstrates their competency. The longer you wait, the harder it gets.
Whether you are still deciding on a career change, choosing a new career, or already know exactly what you want, take control of the process now. One or more of the five strategies below will put you on the path to the next step of your career.
5 Strategies For Changing Your Career At 30
1. Go to graduate school.
Attending graduate school is the easiest way to make what D’Ambrose calls a functional job change. Changing the essence of what you do — for example, switching from a marketing role to a finance role — constitutes what she calls a “Level 3” or “Level 4” job change, which are the hardest kinds to achieve. (A Level 3 change means a new job function within the same industry; Level 4 is a new job function in a new industry.)
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Because employers prefer to hire candidates with work experience that matches the job opening, attempting to get a job in a completely different field is an uphill battle. However, getting an MBA or an MS in the functional area you’re after gives you in-depth exposure to it and some degree of “experience” to draw on for your job search.
2. Find opportunities within your current job to get experience in the field.
If you want to make a functional job change but you don’t have the resources for graduate school, look for experience closer to home. Search for ways to gain experience in your desired field at the place you’re already working. For example, if you’re currently in marketing but you want to move into finance, start networking with people in the corporate finance department of your company. Also, pitch the idea of helping on a special project that will connect you to finance for the purpose of expanding your skill set. Offer to put in extra time at the office if need be. Your involvement will show potential employers that you have actively pursued your interest and have some practical knowledge of the field.
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3. Network like crazy.
Behind every network of connections is a hidden job market. People tend to do business with others they already know and like. Keep in mind that it isn’t about meeting more people — it’s about meeting well-connected people and showing how you can help them. To make this strategy work for a functional job changer, first consider what you have to offer, then identify the people who can actually help you. (In other words, is the head of finance the right fit, or is the HR person more likely to be helpful?)
4. Mine your alumni network.
Many people underestimate the power of their alma mater’s alumni connection. Most colleges invest a substantial amount of resources in bringing together current and former students through formal events, databases, and outreach personnel like D’Ambrose. People who went through the same college experience as you will be more inclined to have confidence in your abilities, which is a necessity if you’re making a big change in your career at age 30.
D’Ambrose says that, very often, students don’t utilize alumni networks to their full potential. She recalls one Bentley graduate who said she was using the Bentley alumni network— but only those people she already knew. That’s a mistake. “All of her Bentley alumni friends are young, like her. She should be reaching out to any Bentley alumni in a senior position in an organization she wants to be in. Bentley helps Bentley. If you do it in the proper way, someone will give you a break.”
5. Join a professional association. (Or more than one!)
Almost every career or industry has a professional association, so find it and join it. To make the most of your membership, participate in the activities, which may include everything from conferences and workshops to networking events and social media groups. It may also give you the opportunity to cultivate valuable skills to build your resume.
One final thought: Before investing too much time in any of the above, D’Ambrose advises to research the job you think you want. She’s come across many people who are misinformed about the realities of a job or choose a field that has less-than-bright prospects for future growth. Use all the information available to decide on a career change — then make your move.
If you’re currently deciding on a career change and would like to find out more about Bentley’s MBA and MS programs, check out our website or contact us.