Careers can grow in unpredictable directions for a variety of reasons: Markets can change, demands can shift, or individual workers can eye new roles in new industries. This can seem daunting, especially for those who have only worked in one role or field.
But transitioning to a new career, be it a major move or a strategic shift, can offer huge benefits, especially to workers with transferable skills or the ability to quickly upskill and reskill. And at University of Phoenix, we know that when a learner asks how to change careers, what they’re really asking is: Where can I get the support I need to understand what opportunities are available as well as pursue them? Fortunately, career relevant skills and network can make transitioning to a new career less stressful and open a world of opportunities.
What Drives You Is What Drives University of Phoenix
The first step to a career change is understanding what is—and isn’t—in demand. This means paying close attention to the market, and not just determining what the best jobs for career changers are, but what skills are needed to fill those roles.
University of Phoenix has addressed this issue from the ground up: Our skills-aligned curriculum is designed so that bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are mapped to skills that are relevant to careers. This wasn’t a one-and-done process, either, as the curriculum is regularly updated. With this mapping, workers looking to begin their transition can take immediate steps with individual courses.
“The curriculum team is actively updating the MBA courses to incorporate AI knowledge, tools, and practical applications,” says University of Phoenix College Curriculum Manager Janice Woodruff. “This initiative aims to prepare students with skills and insights necessary to effectively apply emerging skills, like those in AI, in business settings. By integrating hands-on learning with cutting-edge technologies, students will gain valuable, portfolio-ready experience through real-world assessments.”
These new courses can be especially powerful when seeking a career change, since they can align to emerging needs in other fields. And because these courses are mapped directly to skills, workers can begin putting them into action right away—potentially offering a way to get learn more about a new industry even before they have completed their degree.
What’s more, these courses are all taught by practitioner faculty, who are able to put these skills and their real-world applications in context.
“I teach MBA courses in general management and human resources, both of which draw on my work experience,” says graduate faculty member Kent Blumberg. “Students tell me they love it when I illustrate course concepts with real situations I have encountered in my work, as it brings those concepts to life. And it helps them put themselves into my shoes, making the course more relevant to their own careers.”
Spotlight on University of Phoenix Career Service
Even with relevant skills under their belt, workers still face challenges when considering how to change careers. Indeed, looking for a job can take up as much time as a job itself: From searching to writing a CV, to personal branding and interviewing, it can seem like there are more steps than ever just to get the right resume on the right person’s desk.
Fortunately, there are a number of resources, including the University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life® commitment, that can make this process easier. Current University of Phoenix students and graduates can take advantage of programs that help them build a resume; explore careers; and practice for interviews, all to highlight the value they offer. At University of Phoenix, this includes allowing students to track their progress as they gain new skills, as well as where they can take those skills, offering insights into what fields they might have opportunities in. What’s more, University of Phoenix offers these to graduates for life—which means providing tools any stage.
Of course, these tools—while powerful—still require the right guidance to put them to work. This is why University of Phoenix Career Services connects students and graduates to career coaches who can provide personalized support.
“Career coaching at the University of Phoenix is all about empowering you to feel confident and ready for your next steps,” says University of Phoenix Director of Career Services Jessica Roper. “By working with our advisors, you’ll gain personalized insights and strategies to navigate career changes, enhance your professional profile, and discover new opportunities.
Just as practitioner faculty can put skills into context, Career Services can personalize the job hunt process so support is always on hand.
Always a Phoenix
Social capital—the relationships and networks needed to succeed—is incredibly important to any job hunt, but can be particularly difficult when considering how to change careers from one field to another.
For many, this can mean casting a wide net to meet other practitioners in a field, making the most of job fairs or other events where face time can translate to new opportunities. University of Phoenix alumni in particular can take advantage of Alumni Services events that seek to connect every learner with their peers worldwide.
“A great way for alumni to network and build leadership skills is to join their local alumni chapter,” says University of Phoenix Director of Alumni Marketing, April Worden. “We have 52 chapters across the country, who host networking events, give back through volunteer work, partner with the university to host continued learning webinars, and more. This is a great way to grow your network, participate in the local community, and have fun in the process!”
Just as careers develop and grow, so do learners and workers. With the help of University of Phoenix, your next step can be the first one towards a new career and new opportunities.
