How to change industries and not regret it?
Professional burnout, a desire for development, dynamic changes in the job market, new trends, higher financial needs, or a lack of development opportunities in the current profession—these are the main reasons why we decide to change jobs. Interestingly, according to data from pracuj.pl, as many as 94% of Poles express a willingness to retrain. Changing industries is a complex process that requires commitment, patience, and perseverance. What can you do to make it a success? If you’ve ever thought about changing industries, this article is for you! We will look at various strategies and steps that can help in changing industries and overcoming any obstacles encountered on the way to a new professional career.
Polish People Want to Change Industries
In today’s incredibly dynamic world, full of changes and new opportunities, changing industries is becoming increasingly common and—quite often—almost inevitable. According to a study conducted by SW Research for Gi Group Holding, workers are aware that their continued professional activity will require them to adapt their qualifications to the current market needs. Nearly half of all employees are considering changing professions. The largest group considering a career change are workers under 25 years of age (56.9%). For many young people, this is a chance to secure a better position in the job market and improve their life situation.
On the other hand, the “Labor Market Barometer 2023” by Gi Group Holding shows that Polish companies continue to express a demand for workers—even despite the difficult economic situation, rising operating costs, and the general uncertainty that has been accompanying entrepreneurs for some time. As many as 75% of enterprises indicate a lack of suitable candidates on the market as the main reason for problems in recruitment processes they faced last year. According to the “2024 Salary Report” created by Hays, employers are preparing for challenges related to recruitment caused by the low availability of candidates—especially those with specialized qualifications and for managerial positions.
There is much talk today about the so-called skills gap, which is the discrepancy between the skills required for a given position and the actual competencies of employees.
What specialists does the market need?
One of the fastest-growing business sectors in recent years is the IT industry. It is said for a reason that if you want to work and earn well, it should be in IT. The industry offers many opportunities for professional career development with satisfying compensation. Experts predict that in 2024, the industry will not slow down. The “2024 Salary Report” indicates that IT companies plan to conduct the most recruitments this year.
Specialists are also sought by companies in the sales, manufacturing (including engineering), finance and accounting, customer service, and logistics sectors. Good jobs can also be found in marketing and PR departments.
Interestingly, there is also a growing demand for jobs related to environmental protection. In the near future, many companies may be looking for specialists from so-called green professions, that is, from the area of broadly understood sustainable development (ESG), especially specialists dealing with renewable energy sources, energy transformation, and non-financial reporting.
How to Change Industries Step by Step
We already know that it’s worth changing industries and which sectors of the job market to pay special attention to. Now, let’s get to the most important part—how to retrain to be successful?
Start the process with yourself. Reflect on your strengths, skills, qualifications, and professional goals. Perhaps you excel in an organizational role? Or maybe you’re great at managing a team? Can you work well under time pressure? Or, on the contrary, do you prefer to work in peace and quiet? Understanding your priorities will help you choose a new career path that will be satisfying and align with your values.
Once you’ve identified your strengths and weaknesses, preferences, and goals, carefully analyze potential industries and career paths. Consider what skills and experience are required in these fields, as well as the prospects for development and promotion opportunities. Regularly browse job offers, talk to professionals from the industry, and participate in industry events to better understand the professional environment you want to engage in.
The next important stage in the process of changing industries is the development of relevant professional skills. This may mean participating in courses, training, and industry events, as well as obtaining certifications that confirm specific skills.
Don’t forget to build industry relationships—for example, through LinkedIn. Professional contacts can provide you with valuable information, support, and professional development opportunities.
Be sure to update your resume. Add information about completed courses and obtained certifications. Make sure your application documents are consistent, visually attractive, and tailored to the industry in which you want to start your career.
How NOT to Change Industries: Common Mistakes
While the prospect of a quick job change is incredibly tempting, it’s important to remember that changing industries takes time. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Approach the process thoughtfully and act according to a plan. Transitioning to a new industry without a clear action plan can lead to confusion and frustration.
Understanding the realities and requirements of the new industry is also crucial. Before you decide to change industries, try to do an internship, apprenticeship, or volunteer work in the field. This will ensure that you are making the right steps. Moreover, you will gain experience in the new profession, which will make it easier to find a job in the future.
Remember that changing industries often requires substantial financial resources. Therefore, before starting the process, make sure you have adequate financial security.
Thinking about redirecting your professional career onto completely different tracks can be daunting. However, it is worth treating it as an opportunity for a better life. Changing industries can open new doors in your career, lead to the fulfillment of personal ambitions, and achieve job satisfaction. Changing industries is a process that requires patience and consistency. But it is undoubtedly worth persistently pursuing your set goals. Development is the best investment in yourself!