Are you considering that your next job doesn't necessarily have to be in the field you've previously worked in? Then you might be heading towards a career change. In this course, you'll get the knowledge you need to move forward.
Why change careers?
There can be many reasons why you're considering changing direction in your working life:
- Health issues: You can no longer perform your previous work
- Lost motivation: You no longer feel passionate about what you do
- Fewer positions: Your industry has shrunk, and job opportunities are limited
- Desire for change: You simply dream of something new
Regardless of the reason, many questions often arise that you don't know the answers to. And you might not know where to find those answers.
This course is designed to prepare you for exactly that.
Different types of career changes
A career change is not just a career change. There are different approaches, and it's important to clarify which type you're considering.
Type 1: Completely new industry and new job functions
You change both the industry you work in and the tasks you perform. This is the most comprehensive type of career change.
Example: An office assistant at a bank who wants to work with children in an institution.
Type 2: Same industry, new job functions
You stay in the industry you know but switch to other tasks.
Example: A salesperson in retail who wants to work with purchasing instead.
Before you begin, you should clarify:
- Why do you want to change?
- What do you hope to achieve?
- How can the change create value for your situation?
How long does a career change take?
It varies greatly.
In some cases, a career change can be completed in a short time. Your current skills can perhaps be transferred directly to a new industry.
In other cases, it takes longer. This especially applies if you need to:
- Take new courses or certifications
- Start a new education
- Build experience through internships or temporary positions
Be prepared for both scenarios. And be realistic about what's required.
What the course contains
This course consists of 10 guides that take you through the most important topics:
- This introduction: Overview of career change
- Motivation: Why motivation is especially important
- Define motivation: Put into words what drives you
- The company's motivation: Match your motivation to theirs
- Skills: Overview of professional and personal skills
- Professional skills: Step-by-step skills assessment
- Personal skills: Especially important in career changes
- Tools: Job Compass and other resources
- eGuidance: Free personal guidance (a Danish government service)
- Plan the future: Concrete next steps
We recommend going through the guides in chronological order.
What will you get from the course?
By working through this course, you'll get:
- Clarity about what motivates you
- Overview of your professional and personal skills
- Knowledge of how to present yourself to a new industry
- Concrete tools to find inspiration
- A plan to move forward
Common challenges in career changes
- You lack "the right" skills: Motivation and personal skills can compensate
- You don't know what you want: The course helps you figure it out
- You're nervous about starting over: You're not starting over – you're building on what you have
- It takes too long: With the right plan, you can accelerate the process
Practical tips before you begin
- Be honest with yourself about why you want to change
- Set aside time to work with the material (it requires reflection)
- Have a notebook or document ready for your thoughts
- Be open to new opportunities – even those you haven't thought of
- Talk to your advisor along the way
Try it yourself
- Write down: Why are you considering a career change?
- What type of career change are you thinking about? (Completely new or new functions?)
- What do you hope to achieve?
- What worries you most about the change?
Frequently asked questions
Is a career change realistic for me?
For most people, the answer is yes. Your skills are often more transferable than you think. And motivation plus personal skills can compensate for a lack of professional experience.
How do I figure out what I want?
That's what this course helps you with. Through working with motivation and skills, you become clearer about your options.
Do I need to get a new education?
It depends on what you want to switch to. In some cases yes, in others, courses or internships may be enough. eGuidance (eVejledningen in Danish) is a free government career counselling service that can help you clarify this.
Next step
You now have an overview of what a career change involves and what this course can help you with.
In the next guide, we look at motivation for career change – and why it's especially important to have your motivation clear when you're changing direction.
Remember: A career change is not starting over. It's building on what you can already do.