Training for a career change after having children

It is said that having children has a profound effect on people. You view the world differently, your priorities shift and in some cases, having a child can bring about some huge life changes.

One of those changes is sometimes our work. For years we build up our knowledge and experience to succeed in a certain field only for our interests to dwindle after realising we may just have a completely different calling.

It may seem like a mountain to climb, but it is absolutely possible to train for a career change after having children – and we’re here to show you what steps you can take to make this a reality.

The first thing to do is read, read and read. Read as much as you can about the industry you want to make a switch to. Find out what’s happening in the sector, what kind of roles are in demand and what are some of the popular routes into the sector. There may be an increased demand or there may be an emphasis on certain skill sets that will give you a good idea of what you need to do to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Career guides are a great way to get a basic understanding of what your ideal job entails, what working hours will be like and the type of professional and personal attributes you will need to bring.

Once you have an idea of this then why not start searching for courses? If you’re able to attend an in-class course, there may be classes running at varied times throughout the week. However, if you find that this isn’t an option, there are an abundance of online courses to choose from.

The growth of online learning has evolved to where students can now take degree programmes online too. The beauty, of course, about online learning is the fact that you can work at your own pace and still have the ability to communicate with course leaders and your peers. Deakin University in Australia has recently partnered up with FutureLearn, the social learning platform to launch online-only postgraduate degrees.  https://www.futurelearn.com/

Professor Jane den Hollander, vice-chancellor for Deakin University, said: “In a troubled world where borders seem to be closing, we need more learners engaging with peers around the world.”

Signing up to courses that equip you with the qualifications you need to venture into a new field of work allows you to bridge gaps on your CV and tells prospective employers a lot about your dedication and initiative.

If you find that you have the qualifications and experience needed to take that step into a new career, then shorter courses on specific types of training can stand you in good stead.

Are you interested in project management? Then perhaps being Prince2 certified is essential for your next move.

If you’re worried about how you can potentially fit another responsibility in to a life that already seems full, then don’t worry; we spoke to the productivity ninjas over at Think Productive who provided some excellent tips and advice for people who feel like they’re struggling with their productivity.

Training for a new role is one thing, but getting your name out there is another challenge. Social networks like LinkedIn is a great way to use your connections to get introduced to people that are looking for candidates like yourself. Make sure you have an updated profile and don’t be afraid to engage with others. This is the point of social networks – to contribute, participate and establish new connections.

More often than not employers will want to see that you have what it takes practically to do the job you’ve got your eyes on. Gaining some work experience won’t hurt your chances of landing a job and it will show your seriousness in making this a successful change.

*Safeera Sarjoo is Adult Learning Editor of Hotcourses, which features a wide range of courses from finance to floristry which can help youexplore a hobby or turn a long-standing passion into a career.