Many professionals may find themselves wanting a new start and looking into new industries, even mid-career. Whether driven to part from their current career and field by stagnant wages, new interests, or occupational hazards, professionals can find success in a new career field after age forty if they prepare, research, upskill, and network in their desired field, even in a technical field.
When considering entering a new technical field, Use online resources to start following influencers in your chosen field so you can be up to date on industry technology, developments, goals, and challenges. Do your research and learn about the pros and cons of new jobs to ensure that you are serious about making a switch and prepared to encounter the positive and negative realities of your new position. Consider working hours, required education, and the job market prospects within the industry.
If possible, try out a freelance or side project that will help you build your skills and expose you to the demands, challenges, and obstacles present in technical projects. Seek out online learning resources, especially for computer-based careers, like coding or graphic design, so that you can build experience and a portfolio to present to potential employers. For career fields that don’t lend themselves to independent projects, search for opportunities to volunteer or shadow established professionals to gain experience in your new field before departing from your current situation. Attend conferences and pursue professional development opportunities to help you get connected within your potential new field and make contacts that may be able to assist you in finding new opportunities for experience or training.
Those over forty are not too old or too far into their existing career to make a new start in a technical field. With research, training, and outreach, professionals can learn how to break into a technical field and find success. Networking, training opportunities, and online learning resources can all help you to find your footing and reach your new goals.
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