We explore our top career change suggestions for 2024.
According to a recent report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), a staggering 4 million Brits have changed careers since the pandemic, highlighting a growing desire for more flexible, fulfilling and purposeful work.
If you’re among those contemplating a change, now’s the perfect time to explore the wealth of opportunities available in the ever-evolving UK job market.
This guide will highlight some of our top career change suggestions for 2024 and offer practical advice on harnessing your existing skills to make a successful transition.
Top Careers for 2024 in the UK
Based on current trends and data, these sectors are ripe with possibilities for career changers in the UK:
Technology
Cybersecurity
A recent report by the UK government revealed that nearly half of all UK businesses (48%) identified some kind of cyber attack in the last 12 months. As such, organisations across the UK are seeking skilled professionals to protect their digital assets. Previous experience in IT, risk management, or even law enforcement can be valuable here.
Data Science/Analysis
From finance to healthcare, UK businesses are harnessing the power of data. In fact, over one-fifth of UK businesses that handled digital data in 2024 actively analysed it to uncover valuable insights and knowledge. If you have strong analytical skills and enjoy problem-solving, consider a move into this thriving field.
Learn more about data analyst jobs for career changers 👉
Software Development/Engineering
The UK’s tech sector is booming, reaching a combined market value of $1 trillion in 2022. With this boom comes a massive demand for software developers and engineers. If you have a knack for logic and enjoy building things, this could be the perfect fit.
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Global AI market value is estimated to reach $305.9 billion by the end of 2024, a significant jump from $196.63 billion in early 2024. These cutting-edge fields offer exciting opportunities for career changers with a background in mathematics, statistics, or programming.
Healthcare
Nursing
The NHS is always seeking compassionate and skilled nurses. Although job vacancies in the NHS are at their lowest since before the pandemic (100,658), demand for healthcare professionals is still high. If you have a caring nature and are looking for a rewarding career, consider becoming a Registered Nurse or specialising in a specific area like mental health.
Healthcare Administration
The efficient running of healthcare organisations relies on skilled administrators. As a career changer, your experience in project management, operations, or even customer service could be highly transferable to this role.
Medical Coding and Billing
Medical coding and billing translates healthcare services into codes to bill insurance companies for payment. Needless to say, strong attention to detail and organisational skills are crucial for success in this field, making it a great option for those with experience in administration or data entry.
Green Industries
Renewable Energy
With the UK’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, renewable energy is a growing sector. A background in engineering, construction, or project management could open doors in wind, solar, or hydropower.
Check out our page on jobs for career changers in renewable energy 👉
Other
Digital Marketing
If you’re creative and tech-savvy, digital marketing offers a dynamic career path. Skills in content creation, social media, or even graphic design can be valuable assets.
Visit our page on jobs for career changers in digital marketing 👉
Project Management
Project management skills are highly transferable and sought-after across industries. Your experience managing projects in any sector could be your ticket to a new career.
Find your perfect project management job in London 👉
Harnessing Your Transferable Skills
A common misconception by people thinking about making a career change is that they’ll have to start from scratch. But this simply isn’t the case. Your existing skills can often be transferred to a new field.
For instance:
- Technology: Strong communication skills honed in sales or customer service can be invaluable for explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Healthcare: Leadership and teamwork skills developed in the military or sports can be highly relevant in the fast-paced, collaborative environment of a hospital.
- Renewable Energy: Problem-solving and analytical skills gained in research or engineering can be applied to the challenges of developing sustainable energy solutions.
Take the time to identify your transferable skills and how they can be applied to your desired new career. You might be surprised at how well they align!
After that, it’s all about emphasising your transferable skills to prospective employers.
How to Choose the Right Career Change for You
Our career change suggestions are simply suggestions. We understand that choosing the right career path is no easy feat. It’s a personal journey that must be given ample thought and consideration. Keep the following points in mind when deciding on the right career change for you:
- Assess your skills and interests: What are you naturally good at? What activities energise you?
- Research different career options: Explore job descriptions, salary expectations, and required qualifications for roles that pique your interest.
- Network with people in your target field: Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and seek informational interviews to gain valuable insights. Networking is key when changing careers.
- Get training or education if necessary: Bridge any skill gaps through online courses, professional certifications, or further education. Retraining and refreshing your skills will be crucial in landing your dream career-change job.
For a deeper dive into choosing a new career, check out our comprehensive guide: Which Career is Right for You? 👉
Resources for Career Changers in the UK
Refreshing a Career offers a wealth of resources to support your career change.
Check out our Career Change Hub for specific advice relevant to all types of career changers, from parents and older workers to ex-military and homeless candidates.
Our Career Change Blog is packed with the latest industry insights and advice to give you top tips and inspiration on your career change journey. These career change suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg!
Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions—we’d be more than happy to hear from you.
Are you an employer? Check out our services for employers. Our team of experts will work with you to create a company profile on Refreshing a Career where you can post your job vacancies. For more information, contact our team.
