What are the Steps to Launch a New Career or Pivot Industries

You’ve felt it for a while now. Maybe your current job leaves you unfulfilled or you’re ready for a new challenge. Perhaps your passion has shifted or the industry you’re in doesn’t align with your values or goals anymore. Whatever your reason, making a career change, or even switching industries altogether, can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, it’s entirely possible to start fresh and build a future that excites you.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you move forward with purpose and confidence.

1. Reflect on Your Why

Before you dive into job listings or enroll in a course, take a moment to understand what’s driving your desire for change. Are you seeking more flexibility, better income or work that’s more meaningful? Getting clear on your “why” helps guide your decisions and keeps you grounded through the ups and downs of transition.

Ask yourself:

• What do I enjoy doing?

• What am I good at?

• What kind of lifestyle do I want?

This kind of honest reflection can uncover paths you hadn’t considered before.

2. Research New Paths

Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, start exploring careers that align with your goals. If you’re pivoting to a new industry, like from business to healthcare or fitness to education, research what roles are in demand and what qualifications they require.

Informational interviews are a great way to gain insight. Reach out to people working in fields that interest you and ask about their day-to-day responsibilities, the challenges they face and what they love about their work. You’ll learn more than you would from a job description and you might even build connections that help you down the road.

3. Identify the Gaps

Most career shifts involve a learning curve, especially if you’re changing industries. Once you know the roles you’re aiming for, identify the skills or credentials you’ll need to get there.

For example, maybe you want to move into sports nutrition, strength and conditioning or healthcare administration. You might discover that a master’s degree or specialized certification is the key to unlocking new opportunities.

Don’t let gaps discourage you. Instead, view them as a checklist of what’s next, concrete steps you can take to move toward your new career.

4. Upskill Strategically

This is where education comes in. Online learning has opened the door for working adults to upskill without pressing pause on their lives. Whether you need a bachelors or graduate degree, professional training or a foundational course, flexible online programs make it possible to gain new knowledge while balancing work, family and everything else life throws your way.

Look for programs that are built for adult learners, specifically ones that respect your time, offer support and focus on real-world application. Your education should be a launchpad, not a hurdle.

5. Build Your Brand

As you gain new skills and experience, don’t forget to update your resume, LinkedIn profile and portfolio. Tell your story of why you made the change, what you’ve learned and where you’re going. Hiring managers respect intentional career changes when they’re backed by effort, education and enthusiasm.

And don’t underestimate the power of networking. Share your journey with others. You never know who might open a door for you.

6. Start Applying and Stay Open

Once you’ve taken steps to prepare, it’s time to start applying for roles. Aim for positions where you can bring value right away while continuing to grow. You might not land your dream job immediately, but each role you take can be a stepping stone in the right direction.

Be patient, be persistent and stay open to opportunities that might look a little different than you expected. Sometimes the best career moves are the ones we didn’t originally plan for.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

At Concordia University Chicago, we’ve helped thousands of students pivot into new careers and advance their professions through flexible, high-quality online programs. Whether you’re looking to move into exercise science, strength and conditioning, sport leadership, healthcare or beyond, our fully online bachelors, master’s and doctoral programs are designed with your goals and your schedule in mind.

Our programs combine academic excellence with practical application so you can take what you learn and use it right away in the field. With experienced faculty, a supportive learning community and the flexibility to learn from anywhere, you can take that next step with confidence.

If you’re ready to launch a new career or shift into a field you’re passionate about, let us help you get there. Explore our online programs today and take the first step toward a future that inspires you. Book a call if you have any questions.