By: The Strayer University Editorial Team

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Maybe you’ve hit a point in your career where you feel like you’re coming up on a dead end. Or maybe your job is no longer the right fit (or maybe it never was). A career pivot could be in order – and that’s a significant step that requires a thoughtful strategy. By focusing on preparation and the right resources, a transition can become manageable and even rewarding.

Determine your new career path

Before making any major moves, it’s vital to identify exactly where you want to go. Passion is a great starting point, but it needs to be paired with diligent research.

• Identify your interests: Ask yourself what specific tasks bring you satisfaction in your current role.
• Understand your motivation: Clarifying what you hope to achieve can help sustain your momentum. Pinpoint whether you’re chasing a position that offers more leadership opportunities, technical growth or a new creative outlet.
• Chart your course: Find out which skills and credentials your chosen industry requires by researching current job postings. Having expert career services and resources available can help you map out your career path.

How to go back to school without putting life on pause

Making a career pivot often means picking up new skills or a fresh credential. If your plate is already full of work and family, a degree program with a flexible schedule is a game changer. Online learning allows you to attend class and study on your schedule.

As you master new skills, you’ll discover what you’re truly capable of and feel more prepared walking into an interview, knowing you have the tools to succeed in your chosen field.

Gain practical experience and a professional network

Strayer coursework helps you build real-world skills you can apply in your new career path. To help you transition, consider these opportunities.

• Internships: Even if you have years of experience in another field, firsthand exposure to a new industry is eye opening and can help you confirm that the new path is the right fit.
• Mentorship: A mentor in your target field can offer invaluable coaching, provide honest feedback and help you recognize how your transferable skills can apply to your new role.
• Networking: Building a professional circle allows you to ask the questions that job postings don’t answer. Alumni and industry organizations can provide a clearer picture of what your new career could actually look like.

Taking the next steps in your career change

A successful career change is built one step at a time. Breaking your journey into manageable goals, such as completing a specific module or attending a networking event, makes the process feel much more attainable.

With a solid plan and the right resources, you can turn a career pivot into an empowering new chapter.

Ready to take the first step toward your new path? Explore Strayer University’s online degree programs to see how you can align your education with your ambitions.