Summary: Mid-life career changes can seem daunting. But for someone who is currently stagnating, a career change might be the best move to get things going again professionally. Online certification training can be the engine that drives a career change.
Employees feeling stuck in a rut are common. If a lack of engagement is an indicator of feeling that way, America’s employers should have some serious concerns. Approximately 70% of all working adults report a lack of engagement. In addition, roughly 51% are looking for new jobs.
If this sounds like you, perhaps you are ready for a complete career change. Some types of careers could force you to go back to college to earn another degree. But other careers give preference to certification training. That is where ProTrain comes in.
Certification training facilitates career changes by providing targeted, credible skills that bridge the gaps employees have in their skill sets. Even employees who have been active in the workplace for decades can take advantage of certification training to completely switch gears. Best of all, online and self-paced learning formats make certification training accessible even amid a full-time job and family responsibilities.
Skill Acquisition Equals Credibility
Completely switching careers can be daunting if you are not able to convince prospective employers of your ability to do something new. With certifications in play, things are different. Certifications equal credibility based on the skills you have gained through training.
Certifications deliver specialized, up-to-date knowledge employers demand. In many cases, it is knowledge that cannot be gleaned from outdated college courses that are not keeping pace with the state of a particular industry. The knowledge and new skills you gain from certification training apply to right now.
By earning certifications, you are showing a willingness to gain new skills in order to advance your career. And if you are targeting a career that evolves quickly, like something in technology or project management, the ability to acquire new skills is invaluable. It is what makes you credible in the eyes of potential employers.
Training Encourages Limited Networking
Although online certification training does not require students to network, limited opportunities to connect with instructors or course mentors are available. At ProTrain, students can ask questions and receive guidance related specifically to their course content. These interactions are intended for learning support rather than broad professional networking.
While this connection can be helpful, ProTrain does not offer a full networking community or access to a wide professional network. Students who want to expand their professional connections are encouraged to use external platforms such as LinkedIn to showcase their certifications and explore new career opportunities.
Training in Your Time and on Your Schedule
Online career training brings a lot to the table. One of the most attractive aspects is being able to learn in your time and on your schedule. Think of it this way:
- In Your Time – You might choose an online course that gives you access to coursework for 12 months. You are a fast learner so are able to complete things in just 4 months. That’s great. You can also take the full 12 months if you need them.
- On Your Schedule – The online model allows you to dedicate time to coursework when it is available. You might have only a few hours each evening. That’s fine. You might choose to dedicate your weekends to training. You can fit coursework into your schedule when it is convenient.
For a person working a full-time job and keeping up with family, being able to learn online when it is most convenient is critical to success. Being able to learn online through a self-paced model makes switching careers a lot easier than it would be if you had to go back to night school or enroll in a 4-year degree program.
Establishing a Certification Path
One caveat in all of this is the need to establish a certification path. A complete career switch probably won’t be possible with just one course. Unless you are looking at something very specific – like becoming a cannabis budtender (we have a course for that) – you are likely going to need to complete several certification courses and pass their respective exams.
As such, establishing a path can help you stay on track by creating a goal that you slowly work toward. One of our career counselors can help you in this pursuit. Together, you select courses that build on one another to help you reach the ultimate goal.
How long will it take? That depends on your target career and the certifications you believe are necessary to reach your goals. ProTrain career counselors are available to help you every step of the way. The most important thing is to establish a plan and then make it happen.
The Advantage for Mid-Career Learners
As challenging as it might be to switch careers after decades of working the same job, you have an advantage over younger counterparts: your past experience can shorten your learning timeline by way of exemptions and accelerated tracks. You might also be able to leverage some of your existing hard and soft skills to move into a new career.
Switching careers is entirely possible, no matter how long you have worked at your current job. If you are feeling stagnant and disengaged, a career change might be exactly what you need to once again move forward in your work. We invite you to learn as much as you can about ProTrain and our online certification training. Take some time to review our course catalog to see what appeals to you.
If you are ready to enroll, send a message to enroll@protrain.edu. You can also contact us at info@protrain.edu if you have specific questions about any of our courses.
FAQs
How would I know which courses to take?
The courses you need to take really depend on the career you are targeting. A ProTrain career counselor can get you pointed in the right direction.
Who issues certifications once training is complete?
All students who complete a course through ProTrain receive a certificate of completion. For certain programs, official certifications are granted by accrediting organizations once the required national exam is successfully passed.
Do employers recognize common certifications?
Yes, nearly all the certifications you could earn through ProTrain are recognized by their respective industries. ProTrain is also recognized as a nationally accredited training organization.
Can I avoid entry-level employment through certification training?
Whether you need to start at the bottom in your new career depends on the industry and your choice of employer. Just know that certification training gives you a competitive advantage.
Do I have to take the fully allotted time to finish a course?
You can finish your courses within whatever time frame suits you. If you want to complete the coursework more quickly, that’s up to you.
