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Most people are expected to hold about 12 different jobs throughout their lives. In fact, in the past year, 32% of individuals aged 25 to 44 have considered switching careers. Notably, 29% have completely changed fields since starting their first job after college.

If you’re thinking of switching careers, you should know that you don’t need to earn yet another bachelor’s degree. You can start with an industry-recognized certification.


Earning industry-recognized certification will show that you’re skilled in that specific certain area. This is especially important if you’re planning to break into competitive markets like IT, healthcare, finance, and project management.

Related:

Why Certifications Matter for Career Switchers

Career switchers are required to earn certificates to transition to a new career successfully. An industry-recognized certification will help set you apart from other applicants in the field. It can even help you overshadow those with a degree in that specific field.

Unlike degree programs, certifications are focused on hands-on and practical learning experiences. Its content focuses on the most up-to-date tools and strategies in the field. They won’t cover general education courses.

Moreover, an industry-recognized certification will allow you to earn more. For instance, people who obtained the project management professional (PMP) certification were found to make 26% more money than those who did not. It also helps you control how much you can earn in the future by customizing your career trajectory.

Types of Certifications in High-Demand Industries

Here are some overviews of industries where certifications for a career change can be a game-changer.

IT

The IT industry is one of the most extensive. The value of the IT market in 2023 was $405.7 billion, and it is estimated to grow by 7.9% every year from 2024 to 2030.

This competitive market prefers candidates with industry-recognized certification over those with only a bachelor’s degree. CompTIA and Google are two of the top providers of IT certifications.

Healthcare

Healthcare jobs are projected to grow more than other jobs from 2023 to 2033. About 1.9 million jobs are expected to become available every year. Certified Medical Assistants and EMT certifications are among the most popular certifications for people starting in these fields.

Project Management

Between 2023 and 2033, the demand for project management experts is expected to increase by 7%, which is higher than the growth rate for other jobs. Over the next decade, there will be about 77,000 job openings for project managers yearly. To work in Project Management, you need to have certifications like PMP.

Financial Services

The US has a high demand for finance jobs, especially for financial analysts. The number of these jobs is predicted to increase by 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the growth of other jobs. Obtaining certificates like CFP and CFA can help you get a good start in the finance industry.

Digital Marketing

As technology improves, digital marketing is growing rapidly. Digital advertising revenue is projected to exceed 700 billion US dollars by 2025. In 2022, the industry was valued at $153 billion, a significant increase from the previous year. HubSpot and Google Analytics are reputable certifications in the industry.

Certification Programs in IT and Technology

Adding in-demand certifications in IT to your resume helps hiring managers quickly see your skills and dedication to the field. Switching careers in the IT industry and getting certified can lead to an average salary increase of about $13,000. Another positive note is that online certification programs allow people to learn at their speed rather than having to go to classes at specific times.

Some of the top certifications in these fields include:

CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ covers a lot of different IT topics. Lots of IT professionals can focus on a particular area like networks, security, or cloud computing.

Network+, Security+

Network+, Security+ is the sole certification in the industry that includes training for both wired and wireless networks.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The CCNA certification is for beginners and includes fundamental IT networking concepts. This entails connecting to a network, using the internet, and accessing internet services.

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

A recognized credential for entry-level IT jobs, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is covers the key topics in the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

Healthcare Certifications for Career Switchers

The country’s Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the healthcare industry gained 70,000 jobs, surpassing the average of 58,000 jobs per month in 2023. Because there is a growing need for healthcare workers, a lot of people are interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, making the market much more competitive. Consider the following certifications to jumpstart a career in healthcare:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNA certification is a national nursing specialty credential for nurses. The CNA Certification Program includes 22 nursing specialties.

Phlebotomy Technician

Phlebotomy technician certification certifies that you are qualified to gather samples from patients like taking blood and handling specimens.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

EMT certification equips individuals to deliver urgent medical care in emergencies. Training emphasizes essential skills like patient assessment, CPR, basic life support, and the use of emergency equipment.

Certifications in Finance and Business

Financial and business certifications present expertise in a particular part of the industry. Here are some of the best certifications for job transition into the finance business and business industry.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

The CFP certification is for aspiring financial planners. It shows that a person is competent, honest, and diligent in handling financial matters. This certification is great for transitioning to a client-facing role in personal finance.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The CFA certification is well-regarded in the investment and finance sectors. This certification is ideal for those looking to pursue careers in asset management, investment banking, or research analysis.

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

GARP offers the FRM professional title to program completers. It is a widely accepted certification for risk management in financial institutions like banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, consulting companies, and corporations.

Project Management

Some professionals who want to switch careers consider project management certification courses valuable. The most sought-after project management certifications for career switchers are:

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP certification is a top credential in project management, showcasing your ability to lead projects effectively. It covers key areas like scope, time, and cost management, making it perfect for those aiming for senior roles and looking to boost their career prospects.

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The CSM certification focuses on the Agile approach, particularly Scrum, which is popular in software development. It trains you to guide Scrum teams and improve collaboration.

How to Choose the Right Certification Program

Here are several factors to consider when choosing a certification program:

Relevance to your new career

First, you must research various job options to see which ones interest you. Identify the in-demand certifications for your chosen field by reviewing job descriptions. This will help you understand what qualifications you need and the certifications valuable.

Time commitment

Assess your current responsibilities and determine how much time you can realistically allocate to studying and completing the certification program. Look for programs with flexible scheduling or self-paced online options to accommodate your current lifestyle.

Cost of Certification Programs

Certification programs for adults could be very expensive, potentially costing thousands of dollars. Before choosing a course, consider how much money you want to spend.

How to Balance Certification Courses with a Full-Time Job

Although certifications are shorter than full degree programs, they still require significant time investment. Consider these tips to avoid burnout:

  1. Create a realistic schedule.
  2. Prioritize your tasks.
  3. Discover your best time and place to study.
  4. Seek support and feedback.
  5. Maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Online courses vs. in-person certifications

Deciding between online certification courses or in-person certification programs doesn’t have a simple one-size-fits-all answer. Think about your personal and professional goals, how you learn best, your budget, and how much time you have.

One of the most inspiring stories we’ve seen is James Combrink’s career transition. After several years teaching Data Science, James felt a growing desire for change and a deeper engagement with analytical consulting. His efforts culminated in a new role as an analytical consultant at a leading firm.

Conclusion

Getting certified shows employers that you’ve got what it takes for the job. Moreover, professional certifications for new careers also give you the opportunity to control your potential earnings and professional growth.

However, switching to a new career requires thorough planning and research. It’s essential to choose a new career that matches your current skills while also aligning with your future career goals.

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