Thinking about a career switch? Study might be a good start

Remember getting that first degree and thinking it would set you up in a career you'd love?

Actually, no degree guarantees that kind of rose-coloured vision!

A first degree was a good start though, especially if you went straight from high school to uni.

But after a few years in the workforce, you get to know yourself better.

You get to know the things you love doing or learning about.

Maybe those things led you to your current job?

But the job hasn't lived up to expectations.

There’s limited career progression.

Or you're simply tired or bored and need a new challenge.

Maybe it's time for a career switch?

Switching is more common than you think

According to the Australian government's Your Career website*, on average, most workers in our economy will have five to seven career moves in a lifetime if they aspire to update or advance their skills and qualifications, or switch careers.

And while that might sound a bit like moving house every few years, it's not.

A career change is more of an expedition than a day trip.

It might involve going back to study a completely new degree.

Or completing a short course or other professional development that allows you to upgrade or specialise in your current field.

For some people, it's about doing something with their lives that they believe will be more fulfilling.

For others, it's a case of not really knowing what they want to do.

All of these scenarios are quite common.

But it helps to know what your options might be, especially if you're open to some study.

You don't always need a degree

If you don't have a degree but have five or more years work experience in your current field, you can be eligible to study a university postgraduate qualification like a Graduate Certificate.

Graduate Certificates cover a wide range of topics and can take from 6 months to 1 year of full-time study.

And many of these courses can be studied online.

You don't need the 'right' degree either

Even if your original uni degree is in a field unrelated to the one you're interested in, you can still apply for a Graduate Certificate course.

That's because universities recognise that you've already studied at tertiary level.

If you do have a degree, there's also the option to study another undergraduate degree where you might be awarded credit for previous study.

Alternatively, if you're passionate about and experienced in a specific subject, e.g. music, you could qualify to study a course like a Master of Teaching.

Ready to switch to some study?

*Source: Your Career website