Are you ready for a career change? Read this article to learn some practical tips on how you can start working your way toward a new career now with no experience.
Today’s employees spend the majority of their time at work or doing work-related activities. Unfortunately, studies have shown that:
71 percent of employees are not engaged at work and are looking for new employment opportunities.
Unhappiness at work stems from a variety of reasons including:
- Limited compensation
- Time away from family on holidays and weekends
- The inability to ‘move up the ladder’
For many, these roadblocks can be due to a lack of education or training or simply a lack of direction. If you need a career change but don’t know how to start a new career with no experience, you’re not alone.
A recent study found that: The average person changes jobs at least 12 times. The study also cited lack of career advancement and a mismatch of skills and abilities as primary reasons for the change.
If you find yourself asking how to find meaningful and energizing work, wondering how to get started, or exploring how more education can impact your quality of life and self worth, this article may be of some help to you.
Read on to learn more about the transition process as well as some of the fastest growing and best career change jobs on the market.
Learn How to Start Your Search for a New Career Field
If you feel like you’ve reached a dead end in your job and need a new opportunity, here are a few ways to get started on your journey:
Career Finding Task No. 1 – Make a List of Your Goals & Needs and Do Some Quick Research
- Make a list of reasons you don’t like your current situation.
- Write a list of skills you already have in your toolbox.
- Identify the salary range you need to meet your financial goals.
- Create a list of companies who do meaningful work in your area.
- Research industries and career fields with a high level of projected growth.
From here, you can begin to focus on companies in the area that meet your requirements. The job search process can be overly intimidating if you don’t have a clear direction. This brainstorming process is a great way to gain the focus and direction you need and deserve. You’ll be able to spend your time more wisely and will feel more productive with a clear pathway.
Career Finding Task No. 2 – Take an Online Career Aptitude Quiz
Another way to gain some early momentum is to enlist the help of an online career quiz. These surveys are generally designed by experienced researchers and aim to measure your personality and aptitude. The assessments will direct you toward a career path that matches your survey results based on your responses. You might be surprised with the findings and feel refreshed with a new perspective.
Here are a two of the most highly recommended career interest tests on the market. Give one or both a try!
- Princeton Review Career Quiz – This online test is free. Answer 24 questions and it will give you a report of your ‘personal interests’ and ‘usual style’. Login is required.
- Strengths Finder 2.0 – This is a paid test (or buy the book, ebook, app, or on-line test). Prices range from $10-89 and helps you identify your top 3-35 strengths. Created by Gallup.
Consider Furthering Your Education as a Stepping Stone to a New Career
Education level can have a huge impact on your ability to land certain jobs.
Recent career change statistics demonstrate that continuing education offers a great option if you don’t know how to start a new career with no experience.
Generally, schooling does not require any experience within the given field. It is an opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge of the industry – without the pressure to perform in a work environment.
Do your research on vocational schools – Find out about schools and college in your community that offer programs in your area of interest.
Consider vocational training programs that offer internship or externship opportunities – You might want to look for curriculum that requires an internship experience. An internship can offer you additional skills and experiences that can improve your likelihood of landing a full time gig in your newly explored arena.
Vocational or Trades Careers Are Great Alternatives to Careers Requiring a 4-Year Degree
Obtaining a certificate or an associate degree in some sort of vocational work is a great route to a better and more fulfilling work situation. Here are just a few reasons why:
- Vocational schools generally require less of a time commitment.
- Vocational college career training programs typically last around 9-18 months.
- Throughout the program you’ll learn skills that can be in high-demand and relevant in the workplace.
- These career colleges typically offer plenty of guidance and assistance with job search preparation, from helping you write your resume to preparing you for a critical interview in your new career field.
Vocational training is a great route for someone who may not have the time or resources to complete a full load of course work required with a 4-year university or master’s program.
Career Change Ideas: Jobs You Can Get with No Experience
Below is a list of some vocational options that land a spot as some of the best careers with no experience. They also top the list for best career change jobs.
1. Automotive Technician
The automotive technician field is expected to grow approximately five percent in the next ten years. Professionals with this skill set are able to work in a shop or even go on to open and operate their own business. Hours are flexible and technicians typically have the opportunity to stay moving rather than stagnant throughout the day.
2. Refrigeration & HVAC Technician
Professionals in this role are responsible for the repair and maintenance of heating and cooling units in residential or commercial properties. This field offers lots of diversity as you can practice in a variety of industries. Pay fluctuates, but due to the current high demand of skilled trades technicians in this industry, there are currently some great career opportunities in the HVAC field.
3. Computer and Network Systems Techs
With the increasing use of technology in business applications, this technical role expects upwards of 12 percent job growth in the next decade. Jobs in this field will be in high demand and can lead to more lucrative careers in IT management. The expected growth and upward mobility definitely makes it one of the best career change jobs on the list.
4. Nursing Assistant
Becoming a nursing assistant generally requires a short certification process. On the job training is prominent in this role. Nursing assistants help provide patient care in settings like hospitals and nursing homes. The career is highly rewarding and could offer insight toward becoming a registered nurse, which could offer even more financial stability.
5. Medical Assistant
The growth rate for this career is expected to increase a whopping 23 percent over the next ten years. This job growth rate is much higher than the average for other medical careers, meaning there should be lots of employment opportunities around the corner! Medical assistants work closely with the clinical staff and assist with paperwork and other administrative duties in a clinic, hospital, or other medical setting.
6. Dental Assistant
Working as a dental assistant offers a full-time position with lots of day-to-day diversity in tasks. Professionals in this role will do anything from patient care, to assisting a dentist, to scheduling appointments. The job outlook for this role shows a much higher rate of growth than other occupations. The position is generally paid on an hourly basis, providing you the flexibility you need for your home life.
7. Cosmetologist
Cosmetology generally requires several months of schooling and apprenticeship. The profession is very people-oriented and rewarding. Cosmetologists have the ability to set their own schedule, and appointment fees generally rise with years of experience. Entrepreneurial cosmetologists can explore the option of owning and operating their own salon, which can lead to even more earnings.
8. Massage Therapy
The demand for massage therapists is on the rise. You’ll most likely need to get certified in massage therapy, but the career options can be numerous from that point. The work environment can be relaxing with flexible hours. Job growth in the field is anticipated at 22 percent over the next 10 years.
Summary
Overall, navigating a career change can be a fun and exciting process if given the right tools and direction. If you need a career change and don’t know where to start, follow these tips and find out more about this list of ‘best careers with no experience’. You’ll be well on your way to landing a job that will provide you with the life and comfort you’ve been craving.
Resources
- The Balance – https://www.thebalance.com/how-often-do-people-change-jobs-2060467
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition – https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- IntelliTec Colleges – http://www.IntelliTecCollege.com
- Strength Finders 2.0 – http://www.strengthsfinder.com/home.aspx
- The Princeton Review – https://www.princetonreview.com/quiz/career-quiz
- Dale Carnegie Training – http://www.dalecarnegie.com/employee-engagement/engaged-employees-infographic/