A career change can be challenging, stimulating, and fulfilling and the life changing move that has been inside you for some time.  A career change is not something done abruptly but rather after careful thought and deliberation.  

Is it advancement you’re seeking in your current career or a change of career entirely? 

If advancement and a desire to handle more responsibility, manage a greater role in your professional field, and earn more income is important to you then you may need to enhance your education to create more opportunities for yourself. If you feel your current skill set does not match with your long-term career objectives then reassessing how your education can better develop skills, interests, and a new direction upon which to build a career is the basis for a career change.   

Instead of focusing on the dissatisfaction in your current career, try cultivating your best skill set that you bring to your position.  Building upon your organizational strengths, evaluating and developing your interests in and out of your career field, pursuing the personal passion you have for something you may consider an avocation, or turning your hobby into a career are all ways you can formulate a career change.  

You may find yourself working full time and also interested in further study.  College degrees and courses can be pursued on a part time basis on campus or through an online degree program.  For a busy working person, starting part time and furthering your education may be the best route.  

Maybe you finished high school and did not continue onto college. Maybe you began a college course of study only to have an interruption. It is always possible to continue your education.  Often times a break from education can provide an impetus to re-examine your direction and how you want to pursue a new career. 

There are degree programs of two-year and four-year lengths, certificate programs of one year and less than two years, so opportunities are there. Master’s degrees can be completed in about two years.

Based on surveys indicating high job growth and attractive earning potential, here are some new careers you may want to consider and their college degree options:

Nursing or other health care jobs – You can begin your career in the health field in less than a year with a certificate in as little as 12 months, or a two-year associate’s degree can get you started in nursing. Read more about health degrees >>

Information technology and computers – there is high demand for IT and computer programming college graduates, and those working in the computer field can earn very attractive salaries.  ITT Tech is very well known for technology degrees where you can seek a campus-based or online degree. Read more about computer degrees >>

Teaching – A two-year associate’s and a four-year bachelor’s degree, plus any required teaching certificate, can prepare you for a very rewarding career in teaching. Read more about teaching degrees >>

Read more about college majors that can prepare you for a job in a high-growth field >>