13 tips for choosing the right education for a career change

A career change can feel like you’re finally letting go of the shore and sailing towards something new and unknown. It’s an adventure filled with excitement, nerves, and many questions, especially when figuring out the right educational path to help prepare you for what’s ahead. With so many options out there, it’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed, like a tiny boat in the middle of an ocean. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

We understand that changing careers is more than just a professional shift; it’s a personal journey towards finding work that brings you joy, balance, and fulfilment, realigning your job with what’s truly important to you. In this guide, we’re sharing 13 tips to help you confidently choose the right course, making sure you’re ready for the journey ahead.

In Australia, 76% of Australians are considering a career change in 2024. This has increased by 15%, according to LinkedIn data.

Here are the 13 tips to help you on your journey:

1. Self-assessment for your career change: Consider this your compass calibration. Take a moment to reflect on your strengths, passions, and aspirations. Seek guidance from career counsellors or coaches to help you plot a course that aligns with your true north. If you are seeking a career change, you are not alone!

2. Research your career change options: Consider this your voyage of discovery. Dive deep into different industries, job roles, and market trends. Explore online platforms, connect with professionals, and gather insights to steer your course in the right direction. According to Labor Insights, Counselling has a predicted growth rate of more than 15% by 2028, and Complementary Health Therapists, including hypnotic therapies, have a predicted growth rate of more than 27.9%.

2. Skill development: Picture this as your skill-building adventure. Identify the skills you need for your new career and embark on a journey of learning and growth. According to Indeed’s data, 76% of professionals believe ongoing skill development is essential for career success.

4. Finding a course to support a career change: Imagine yourself as an explorer searching for hidden treasures. Research and compare different courses to find the perfect fit for your learning goals. You need to help ensure that the course you choose is of a quality that meets your desires and has the best trainers available for you. According to a study by Deloitte, 42% of Australian workers are willing to pay for additional education or training to advance their careers.

5. Networking: Think of this as assembling your crew. Build relationships with professionals in your target industry. Attend networking events, join online communities, and seek out mentors to guide you on your journey. In Australia, professional networking events like BNI, Meetup and industry conferences provide valuable opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

6. Stay adaptable: Think of this as your ability to navigate rough seas. Stay flexible and open to new opportunities and courses as you change your career. Lean on your support network to keep your spirits high when the waters get choppy. You should also feel comfortable knowing that your chosen course has unprecedented support.

7. Define your learning objectives: Set your sights on the skills and knowledge you want to acquire. Clarify your learning objectives to ensure you’re seeking the right course for your needs. According to research by Harvard Business Review, setting specific learning goals increases the likelihood of successful skill acquisition.

8. Consider your learning style: Understand how you best learn new information. Choose a course format that suits your learning style. For example, self-paced online eLearning may suit your flexible lifestyle.

9. Read course reviews and testimonials: The proof is in the pudding. Read reviews and testimonials from past participants to understand what to expect from the course.

Read IAP’s hundreds of 5-star Google reviews here.

10. Evaluate course content and curriculum:
Reading and reviewing the course syllabus and curriculum to ensure it covers the topics you want to learn is a good idea. Knowing that you are choosing a course that can help you achieve your desired goal is essential. This goal could include a qualification or a course recognised by an industry body. According to a study by McKinsey, 82% of executives believe that the quality of learning content is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of training programs.

11. Check instructor credentials:
Make sure you’re learning from the best of the best. Research the credentials and experience of the course instructors to ensure that you are truly learning from the best in the field, which can assist you with your career change.

12. Look for accreditation and recognition:
Seek out courses that have recognition from reputable institutions or industry bodies. Accreditation ensures your hard work will be noticed and helps future-proof yourself for employer desires and for any regulations that may come in later. According to a Gallup survey, 71% of adults believe that accreditation is important when choosing a learning program.

13. Take advantage of free trials or sample lessons:
Take advantage of free trials or sample lessons to understand the course’s offerings before committing to the journey.
According to a study by Statista, 86% of consumers say that a free trial or sample is an important factor in their purchasing decision.

In summary, whether you want to add a new skill set or start a career change, these 13 tips can help you navigate the course selection process confidently and clearly. Remember to stay adaptable, lean on your support network and embrace the adventure ahead.

If you would like to connect and chat about the best possible options that suit you, call us at 1300 915 497 or visit iap.edu.au to see which course may interest you and help you achieve your goals.