How to change careers

Changing careers is a big step that can open doors to new opportunities, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start.

If you're considering a shift to a different role or industry, you're not alone. Many people change careers for various reasons, whether it's to explore new opportunities, seek more meaningful work, they’re facing redundancy, or simply reignite a passion for learning. At RMIT, there’s a range of vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to confidently navigate your next career move.

What is reskilling?

Reskilling is the process of acquiring new skills with the
aim of transitioning into a different career or industry.

Whether through formal education, targeted training programs, or hands-on experience, reskilling provides the foundation for a successful career change. It opens doors to a wider range of job prospects, enabling individuals to remain employable, explore new opportunities, and meet the evolving demands of today's workforce.

What is the difference between reskilling and upskilling?

Reskilling focuses on learning entirely new skills to transition into a different role or industry. In contrast, upskilling involves improving and expanding your current skill set to enhance your performance in your existing role or prepare for new responsibilities within the same industry.

While reskilling equips you for a career change, upskilling builds on what you already know.

Learn more about upskilling

How to prepare for a career change

Step 1: Research Careers

When preparing to change careers, research is key. Learn about the industry and career you're aiming for by researching future job growth, median wages, employment projections, potential career progression, and daily tasks and responsibilities. The Australian Government's Jobs and Skills website is a great resource for these insights. Our career guides provide all the information you need, including what a profession involves, what working in the field is like, and clear steps to reach your dream career.

Explore careers

Step 2: Seek career advice

After researching potential careers, networking with professionals in your chosen industry can provide valuable insights. This could involve connecting with someone you already know, attending industry events, or reaching out to relevant organisations.

RMIT's Skills and Job Centre offers free expert one-on-one advice on training, re-skilling, and job options for prospective students, job seekers and members of the community, along with regular employment workshops.

Book an appointment

Step 3: Choose a new career

Once you've chosen a new career path, it's time to take the next step. If that includes applying for a relevant course, RMIT has a range of vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses

At RMIT, we understand that study may not be the only thing on your mind. Whether you’re seeking more study support, wellbeing support or additional assistance with settling in, RMIT has a range of support services available to ensure that your transition back into study is a smooth one.

Browse RMIT's courses

Step 4: Learn about your study options

Depending on your chosen career, it may be necessary to reskill by earning a new qualification. RMIT provides various options to help you access different courses depending on your circumstances, such as:

Year 12 results

If you have completed VCE (or equivalent to Australian Year 12) in the last two years, you can use your ATAR to gain admission into your preferred course.

Prior study

If you have satisfactorily completed an accredited award at certificate IV or higher, you may be eligible for entry into your preferred course.

Professional experience

If you have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for entry into your preferred course.

Explore pathway options

Return to study guide

Considering returning to study, but not sure where to begin? Download our return to study guide so you can get all the information you need to make a decision.

Download

6 questions to ask when you’re thinking of a career change

If you’re thinking about segueing from one path to another, you should ask yourself these 6 questions before pivoting in your career.

Graduate certificates

A graduate certificate is 6-12 month focused course of study that is designed to help you gain specialised knowledge and skills in a particular area.

Learn more

Graduate diplomas

A graduate diploma is a 1 year course that offers more in-depth study than a graduate certificate but is shorter than a master's degree.

Learn more

Masters

A masters degree is a 1-2 year advanced postgraduate qualification that provides advanced specialist or professional training and can lead to professional accreditation.

Learn more

Research courses

A PhD is the highest academic qualification. It takes 3-4 years and involves conducting original research that adds new knowledge to your field.

Learn more

Learn more about RMIT's postgraduate study

Apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training and employment, normally over three to four years. Learn on the job and earn money while studying.

Learn more

Certificates

A great place to start gaining practical knowledge in your field. Pick up job-specific skills in just 6-12 months with these technical qualifications.

Learn more

Diplomas and advanced diplomas

Get the specialised knowledge you need to work in skilled or paraprofessional areas. These programs normally take one to two years of full-time study.

Learn more

Learn more about RMIT's vocational/TAFE courses

Associate degrees

An associate degree is a 2 year course that provides a solid foundation in a specific field. This degree can lead directly to employment or be a stepping stone to further study.

Bachelor degrees

A bachelor degree is an undergraduate course that typically takes 3-4 years to complete. This degree is essential for many professional careers and is a prerequisite for postgraduate study.

Honours degree

An honours degree is an additional year of advanced coursework and research after a bachelor degree. It is ideal for careers in research, academia, or a prerequisite for postgraduate study.

Learn more about RMIT's undergraduate degrees

Career guides

Looking to switch up careers, but not quite sure what steps to take? RMIT's career guides have all the information you need to achieve your dream career.

A project manager presents to his team in a meeting room.

How to become a project manager

Learn how to help other people work together towards a common goal (on deadline, under budget… ideally).

How to become a psychologist

Build a career exploring human behaviour, promoting mental health, and providing therapeutic support.

A man wearing a white hard hat and a suit talks to a woman wearing a suit and a white hard hat.

How to become an engineer

Learn how to develop technological solutions to the world’s biggest and smallest problems as an engineer.

How to become a teacher

Inspire and nurture the next generation, shaping minds and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

See all career guides

How to balance work, life and study

Discover how RMIT postgrad student Floyd manages his work-life balance and the tips he has for new postgraduate students.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) means that you may receive credit for prior study or skills and knowledge that you gained during employment, professional development, short courses, on-the-job training, or life experience.

Discover if you're eligible

Apply to study at RMIT

Local student applications

Follow our step-by-step how to apply guides, including everything you need to submit an application to RMIT.

Apply as a domestic student

International student applications

If you’re an international student, follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply to RMIT.

Apply as an international student

Check key dates before submitting your application to study with RMIT.

See dates

Career support beyond the classroom

Career Connect

Get help finding and applying for jobs, career guidance, resume reviews, interview preparation and more services to help you achieve your career goals.

Book an appointment

Career mentoring

RMIT students and first-year graduates of RMIT have access to one of the largest and unique 1-to-1 career mentoring programs in the nation.

Get started

A mentor talks to two students while they walk.

Experiential learning and RMIT Plus

RMIT Plus is a structured program that helps you recognise and build on your experiences outside the classroom to develop valuable life and work skills.

More information about studying at RMIT

How to transfer to RMIT

If you are currently studying at a different university or institution, you can transfer to RMIT to complete your studies.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for both local and international students and can help with all kinds of study costs such as textbooks, fees, accommodation and living expenses.

Equity access

In some circumstances, mature age students may be eligible for special consideration for entry into a course.

Have more questions?

Our friendly staff at Study@RMIT are available five days a week to assist you.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information

How to change careers