• Career changes are increasingly common, with people switching jobs every few years.
  • Assess your career goals and transferable skills to identify roles that align with your strengths.
  • Training, certifications, and learning industry terminology are essential steps for a smooth transition.
  • Be prepared for a lateral move or temporary income changes as you transition to a new field.
  • Fortray provides tailored career change programs with mentorship, career services, and ongoing support to help you succeed in IT and project management roles.

In a world where the average American changes jobs every 4.2 years, the concept of a lifelong career at a single company is fast becoming an artifact of the past. Whether you're in the springtime of your 20s or the more seasoned years of your 50s, changing careers is not just possible—it's becoming the norm. But how do you navigate this daunting yet exhilarating journey? Here's your comprehensive guide to making a successful career change, with insights on how Fortray can support you every step of the way.

Consider Your Career Options

Before you dive headfirst into uncharted professional waters, take a moment to map out your desires and goals. What drives you? What professional achievements are you aiming for? Assess the job market to identify roles that align with your aspirations and leverage your existing skills and experiences.

Assess Your Transferable Skills

Often, skills from your current field can be your ticket into a new one. Soft skills such as problem-solving, effective communication, and adaptability are highly valued across industries. Identify these strengths and consider how they apply to your new chosen field.

Training and Education

If you find gaps in your knowledge or skills, don't be discouraged. This is an opportunity for growth. Pursue relevant training or certifications that will make you a competitive candidate in your new field. Remember, learning is a lifelong journey.

Speak the Industry Language

Immerse yourself in the sector you’re interested in. Understand the terminology, trends, and pain points. This knowledge will not only refine your job applications but also sharpen your interview responses, showing potential employers your commitment and awareness of the industry.

Prepare for a Lateral Move

Changing careers might mean stepping sideways—or even taking a step back—on the career ladder initially. Consider the potential impacts, such as changes in income, and plan how you can manage these transitions smoothly.

Fortray: Paving Your Path to a New Career

At Fortray, we understand that a career change is a significant life decision and requires more than just willpower; it requires support, resources, and guidance. That's why our Career Change Programs are designed to help you navigate your transition with confidence:

  • Tailored Learning Paths: Whether you're looking to break into cybersecurity, cloud engineering, or any other IT field, Fortray offers tailored learning paths to help you acquire the necessary skills and certifications.
  • Industry-Expert Mentors: Learn from professionals who have been in your shoes and have successfully navigated their career transitions. Our mentors provide insights, guidance, and encouragement throughout your learning journey.
  • Career Services: From resume writing workshops to interview prep, our career services team is dedicated to helping you present your best self to potential employers. We help you highlight your transferable skills and prepare you to speak confidently about your career switch.
  • Networking Opportunities: Gain access to industry events, webinars, and networking sessions where you can connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers. Networking is key in opening doors to new job opportunities.
  • Continuous Support: Even after you've completed your program, Fortray continues to support your career development with refresher courses, advanced certifications, and career counseling.

Take the Leap with Fortray

It's never too late to pursue a career that fulfills you. With Fortray'scomprehensive support system and your dedication, the career you've always wanted is within your reach. Start today by exploring Fortray Career Change Programsand taking the first step towards a rewarding new career journey. Because at Fortray, we don't just prepare you for a job change; we prepare you for a life change. Visit our website to discover how we can help you turn your professional dreams into reality, or contact one of our advisors to discuss your career change strategy. Embrace the possibilities—your future self will thank you.

FAQ

Upskill through IT certification programs like Fortray's tailored learning paths in cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and more.

Leverage transferable skills and take relevant courses like Fortray’s career change programs to acquire necessary IT certifications.

Yes, IT jobs like data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and cloud engineers are in high demand across the UK.

With the right skills and certifications, such as those offered through Fortray’s IT Traineeship programs, securing an IT job becomes much easier.

Entry-level IT support and data analyst roles are often easier to obtain with foundational IT skills and certifications.

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and IT Directors are among the highest-paid IT roles in the UK, with salaries exceeding £100,000 annually.