Career changes are an exciting but challenging time in a person’s life. It can be rejuvenating and rewarding to make the jump into something new, but also a frightening prospect. In Ireland, there are plenty of opportunities to start something at some of the world’s biggest and most successful companies.
Starting a new career requires careful planning and understanding. You’ll need to understand the risks and rewards of doing so and be able to commit fully to developing a new skill set.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the different aspects of making a career change in Ireland. This will include how to know when it’s time to make the jump, the practical steps involved in making the transitions, and what challenges you may come up against in your journey.
If you’re considering a career change, you can prepare by accessing the advice centre on Recruit Ireland. There you’ll find hands-on advice for finding a new job, upskilling, and true stories from people who have successfully pivoted to a new career.
Why consider a career change in Ireland?
There are many reasons why people seek a career change, and these reasons often differ from person to person. It may be due to some level of dissatisfaction with your current job, the pursuit of personal fulfilment, the need for a better work-life balance, or the desire to enter an emerging industry.
Changing careers is a deeply personal choice. And it can be a deeply rewarding decision, too.
Ireland attracts many exciting companies and we are seeing a rise in people rethinking their career paths. New working conditions like remote or hybrid roles offer people more flexibility and a better work/life balance.
Ireland also has strong tech and manufacturing sectors with a rise in industries such as green energy and healthcare. These jobs are often well paid with a structured approach towards professional development which can be very appealing to workers.
Many individuals are also drawn to the idea of acquiring new skills and taking on new challenges, especially as the country’s job market continues to attract top businesses.
Making a career change can be emotionally challenging, as it often means leaving behind a familiar environment, colleagues, and a stable routine. However, with the right mindset and preparation, it can also open the door to exciting possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose in your professional life.
The risks and rewards of changing careers
Changing careers can come with risks.
The process may lead to an initial period of financial uncertainty, particularly if you need to take time off to retrain or accept a lower-paying role in the short term. There’s also the challenge of being the new fish in a different pond where the learning curve may be steep and the chances of failure feel real. You may also face competition from those who already have more experience in your chosen field.
However, these risks should not stop you from challenging yourself and jumping into an exciting new career as the upsides are tremendous. Successful career changers often experience increased job satisfaction, greater personal fulfilment, and a better salary.
Many people in Ireland have transitioned from traditional sectors like retail or administration into tech roles, taking advantage of coding boot camps and other retraining opportunities.
With Ireland’s growing focus on technology, green energy, and sustainability, these fields offer promising opportunities for career changers who are willing to embrace new skills and challenges.
Best jobs for career changers in Ireland
Ireland’s reputation as a good place to do business has led to many booming industries for those looking to change careers. Whether you’re seeking a fresh start or hoping to move into a new and growing field, these sectors are full of opportunities:
- Technology: Ireland’s tech sector is thriving, with high demand for roles in software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and IT support. These roles often offer flexibility and remote work opportunities, making them attractive to career changers.
- Green energy: As the world focuses on sustainability, Ireland is investing heavily in renewable energy projects. Jobs in green energy, such as renewable energy technicians, environmental consultants, and sustainability project managers, are growing quickly.
- Healthcare: With an ageing population and advancements in medical technologies, Ireland’s healthcare industry is in constant need of professionals. Whether you are interested in nursing, healthcare administration, or roles in telemedicine, the healthcare sector offers stability and growth.
- Pharmaceuticals & medical devices: Ireland is home to a flourishing pharmaceutical and medical devices industry, offering a range of jobs from quality control and production to regulatory affairs.
According to industry projections, jobs in technology and healthcare are expected to continue growing, making them ideal fields for those considering a career change.
How to prepare for a career change in Ireland
Preparing for a career change involves more than just updating your CV. It requires thoughtful planning and taking proactive steps to ensure you’re ready to make the transition.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:
- Self-assessment: Take time to reflect on your strengths, passions, and motivations. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? Identifying these will help you focus on career paths that align with your interests and skill set.
- Research the new industry: Learn as much as you can about the field you’re interested in. Research the roles, skills required, and job prospects in Ireland. Use online resources, industry reports, and job boards to get a sense of what the job market looks like.
- Upskill or gain new qualifications: Depending on your new career path, you may need additional training or certifications. Many online courses, part-time programs, and industry-specific certifications are available to help you upskill.
- Network in the new field: Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with professionals working in your desired field. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights into the industry.
- Update your CV & LinkedIn profile: Tailor your CV format to highlight transferable skills and any relevant experience you’ve gained, even if it’s from a different field. Also, update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your career change goals.
Common challenges when changing career (and how to overcome them)
Changing careers is likely to involve some challenges, but nothing that can’t be overcome with hard-work and determination.
Let’s take a look at 4 of the most common challenges people face:
- Financial concerns: Transitioning to a new field may involve a temporary reduction in income. To manage this, consider setting aside savings, freelancing on the side, or taking on part-time work in your new field to ease the financial burden.
- Lack of experience: Employers may be hesitant to hire someone without direct experience. To overcome this, emphasise your transferable skills and consider internships or volunteer work to gain relevant experience.
- Lack of education: Some job roles may require relevant education experience. It may be that hiring managers are looking for people with degrees in certain disciplines (usually STEM). Overcoming this may mean returning to education, either to undergo a degree or an upskilling course.
- Fear of the unknown: It’s natural to feel uncertain when making such a big life change. One way to combat this is by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating each step of progress. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers can also help build confidence.
Success stories: Real career changes in Ireland
Let’s take a look at the paths people took to change their careers:
Kevin Healy swapped a career in the drinks industry to become an automation engineer:
“I was working in the drinks industry, but I was also giving grinds to a couple of apprentices I knew in maths. I had previously unsuccessfully studied maths in UCC and completed an accountancy qualification but had found myself at a bit of a crossroads. From talking to the apprentices that I was helping out, I became very interested in considering an apprenticeship in Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering (E&I). From there, I decided to actively go about trying to break into the industry.
“I began doing a course in Applied Physics and Instrumentation by night in CIT (now MTU), while I was working in the drinks industry. I thought that doing a night course would confirm this interest and give me a good launch pad, plus show potential employers how serious I was about making the move and commencing an apprenticeship.
“My lecturer in the course told me about the apprenticeship opportunity with BASF. I was lucky enough to be successful in the selection process and started as an E&I apprentice in the latter half of 2014 within the maintenance department, at the higher than typical age for an apprentice of 28. Since then, I have completed my apprenticeship, gained qualifications from night study and I have now transitioned into my current role as the site E&I and Automation Engineer.”
Lesley Power became a technical support manager at NetApp:
“I then saw a women’s reboot course, which helps women who may have life events that took them down a different path find an on-ramp back into the technology world. I learned how to embrace all my strengths — across the variety of roles I’d held — and see that I had much more to offer than I’d previously considered. McAfee hired me as a software development engineer, which is where I worked for four years before recently joining NetApp.”
How to leverage the Irish job market for a successful career change
Ireland’s job market offers plenty of resources and tools for job seekers looking to switch careers. Here are some strategies for navigating the Irish job market:
- Networking: Build relationships within your new industry by attending networking events, both in-person and online. Industry conferences and professional organisations are also great places to meet potential employers.
- Use recruitment websites: Websites like Recruit Ireland are valuable resources for finding job openings in your chosen field.
- Connect with mentors: Find mentors in your desired industry who can offer advice, support, and potentially even job leads.
Make the move toward your dream career today
Changing careers in Ireland can be a life-changing decision, offering the chance for personal and professional fulfilment. The rewards are well worth the effort as you may find better paying and more flexible positions in a new field. By preparing carefully, upskilling where necessary, and taking advantage of Ireland’s wide-ranging job market, you can successfully make the transition.
If you’re ready to take the next step, discover new job opportunities today with Recruit Ireland and begin your journey toward a rewarding career change.