For many students newly entering the workforce, conventional wisdom says you need to pick a degree, finish college, and then work on pursuing a career related to your field of study. But what happens if you find out that you’re not really as interested as you were before in your choice of career? Meanwhile, for professionals feeling stuck in a rut, what’s the best way to find a new job that’s more rewarding?
Contrary to popular belief, the conventional way of building a career is not for everybody. Students, for instance, may have second thoughts about their degrees, and some employees may feel burned out from certain types of work after trying them out.
Fortunately, there are several alternative pathways you can take to pursue a new career. These paths won’t always require a full college degree or a conventional 9 to 5 job just for the purpose of gaining experience. There are new ways for you to forge success for yourself when looking for job hiring in Makati and openings in other cities. Let’s delve into these pathways:
1) Upskilling and Reskilling
With a rapidly changing professional landscape largely driven by innovations such as artificial intelligence and robotics, continuous learning is the key to future-proofing your career. Indeed, upskilling and reskilling can open doors to new opportunities by equipping you with the latest skills and knowledge. Unlike a full college degree, many upskilling opportunities available today don’t require years of study or expensive tuition fees.
Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer an endless choice of courses across various fields. Whether you’re interested in coding, graphic design, or project management, there may be a course that’s available for you to complete in a short period. What’s more, these courses are flexible and often come with certifications that will enhance your resume. Armed with these brand new skills, you can increase your chances of topping a job hiring list.
Meanwhile, for those looking for a more immersive experience, boot camps are a fantastic option for upskilling or reskilling. These intensive, short-term training programs are particularly popular in tech fields where participants learn to code, study new programming languages, and explore new technologies. They’ll focus on practical skills on top of concepts learned in a traditional classroom setting, and many include career services that may help you land a job post-completion.
2) Entrepreneurship
If you have a passion for innovation and a desire to be your own boss, entrepreneurship might be your ideal pathway to a fulfilling new career. Starting a business will allow you to take the lead when it comes to turning your ideas into reality. However, any entrepreneurship venture will require careful planning, thorough market research, and a solid business plan. Another challenge is garnering capital for more capital-intensive business ideas.
While starting a business will no doubt be incredibly challenging no matter where you currently are in your career, the rewards can be quite substantial. If you succeed, you’ll be able to earn both your own financial independence and great personal satisfaction.
3) Apprenticeships and Internships
Few things are as valuable as hands-on experience when transitioning to a new career. As an alternative to a college education, students and professionals looking for a fresh start can undergo apprenticeships and internships instead. These educational programs offer not just practical training, but also a foot in the door.
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and they are often found in skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Another great thing about apprenticeships is that they often lead to professional certifications and job placements. For these reasons, apprenticeships serve as concrete pathways to new careers.
Internships, on the other hand, provide short-term work experiences that are particularly beneficial for students or those looking to change fields. They’ll offer a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a profession and may also open up networking opportunities that can lead to permanent positions.
4) Freelancing
For those seeking flexibility and independence, freelancing may be one of the most viable options. There are job platforms that connect you with clients looking for your specific skills. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, or programmer by trade, freelancing will allow you to expand your personal portfolio, set your own rates, and choose your projects.
Before you start freelancing, work on building a strong portfolio, which is essential for attracting clients. Take on smaller projects first to garner experience, and then gradually take on more complex tasks as you gain confidence and expertise.
5) Networking and Professional Associations
Who you know can be just as important as what you know. Networking and joining professional associations can significantly impact your chance of securing a new career that you’re happy with.
Attend industry conferences, seminars, and meetups to connect with professionals in your desired field. At such events, you’ll be able to learn about job openings and the workings of the industry as well as gather valuable contacts.
Your effort to join a professional association, on the other hand, will give you access to resources, job boards, or exclusive perks. These organizations also oftentimes hold training, certifications, and events that can enhance your career prospects.
6) Volunteering and Non-Profit Work
Volunteering can be a rewarding way to gain experience and make a difference while exploring a new career path. You can offer your time to non-profits or community organizations to help you develop relevant skills, build your resume, and expand your current network. Aside from these benefits, volunteering may also provide you with a sense of fulfillment from contributing to a cause you care about.
Transitioning to the non-profit sector in earnest can also be easier if you start in a volunteer or lower-paid position. Non-profits often value passion and dedication, which can help you move up within the organization and grow a sustainable career there.
As demonstrated above, you don’t necessarily have to follow the conventional route to find a new career. These alternative pathways might be better at helping you secure the right fit for your skills, interests, and goals. Don’t rule them out, and if one or more of these options makes sense to you, go ahead and take the leap!
