Leverage your previous career experiences and OSU network for a career change
By Annemarie Allain, ’00
Has the idea of changing careers ever crossed your mind? Is the direction you chose for yourself at 22 no longer working 10 or 20 years later?
You’re not alone. Changing careers happens more often than you’d think. As it turns out, the topic is so popular that Harvard Business Review has a dedicated “career transitions” page on its website.
Many modern careers aren’t the result of a linear path. In reality, they’re built from a series of detours and course adjustments. According to Erika Andersen, a contributing writer at Forbes, “Transitions are rarely linear. They require adaptability, perseverance and a willingness to learn.”
Is it time for you to make a change?
A study analyzing 35 million profiles on the job site Indeed showed that 64% of workers who switched jobs between 2022 and 2024 also changed careers.
Why are so many people deciding to swap one field or occupation for another? The reasons differ from person to person, but may include:
Pursuing a better work-life balance.
Following a long-held passion.
Responding to market shifts.
Discovering new strengths and interests.
Whatever the reason, choosing to do something new is both exciting and challenging. Success lies in how you demonstrate commitment to growth, share your story and build relationships in your new field.
Step into new opportunities
When entering a new career, one of the biggest hurdles is explaining why you chose this transition. Everyone, from your friends and family to prospective employers, wants to understand the “why,” and interviewers specifically want to understand how your experience brings unique value in a new field.
Here are three ways to help you navigate your career change.
Level up your skills.
One of the clearest ways to demonstrate a commitment to your new field is through ongoing professional development. Industry-specific training, such as certifications, microcredentials and online courses, can introduce you to central concepts and language in the new industry while also helping you tie your professional background to critical skills in this new landscape. OSU Ecampus, considered one of the best online programs by U.S. News & World Report, offers hands-on learning in nearly 190 fields to prepare you for your next steps.
Tell your story, your way.
As you enter a new field, never feel the need to apologize for not being a traditional candidate. Your unconventional path can be a strength if you highlight transferable skills, such as leadership, communication and project management, and connect them directly to the role using specific examples. In doing this, you demonstrate not only competence but also how you can offer a fresh perspective. Want to practice telling your story? Set up an informational interview through the OSU Alumni Association’s Career Support Services.
Put yourself out there.
Finding a mentor in your new industry can be a game-changer during a career shift. Mentors offer advice, perspective, accountability and access to untapped networks. Finding a mentor may involve attending industry associations or professional events. It may even be reaching out to people of interest on LinkedIn with a personalized note. Approach these relationships with thoughtful questions and a growth mindset. You can tap into the OSU alumni network by checking out the upcoming events calendar or becoming a member of OSU Connections.
Invest in your success
Changing career directions is the start of a new journey, and you don’t have to travel alone. With Beaver Nation and OSU Alumni Association resources at your side, the next chapter might be your best yet.