Did you know that we spend more than ten years of our life at work, so shouldn’t your job be gratifying? However, diving headfirst into a new occupation without a strategy can end in frustration. You need a plan. If you live in the beautiful Houston area, here’s the blueprint for a successful career transition.
Why Do People Transition in their Careers?
People change careers for personal and practical reasons, such as:
Lay-Offs
Millions of people got laid off during the pandemic. In Houston, energy, retail and tech sector employees and workers were hit hard. Economic downturns, unpredictable job markets and advancing technology will continue to force workers to change industries.
Career Advancement
Being at the top of a short career ladder is frustrating for goal-oriented people. When there’s nothing left to accomplish at work, a new field may offer more growth potential.
Personal Circumstances
Life changes. Balancing family, health and personal interests with a demanding job can be stressful. People often change careers when their jobs keep them too busy to enjoy life or fulfill their responsibilities at home. Surveys consistently show that work-life balance is as important to employees as wages and benefits.
Fulfillment
Careers put food on the table, so any job is productive. However, when work is no longer fulfilling, motivation wanes and stress builds. More workers than ever are abandoning occupations that aren’t personally rewarding. Career transitions are scary, but no one wants to look back on life and regret what they didn’t do.
How Do You Make a Successful Career Transition in Houston?
Despite layoffs in some industries, job opportunities in the Houston area are growing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment increased by 4.9% since the start of 2023, far better than the national average of 3.3%. There’s no better place to make your career transition.
Just follow these steps:
Know Yourself
A career should reflect your strengths and interests. You’re more likely to succeed at work when you have the right aptitudes and motivations.
Jobs that align with your talents and values will be more gratifying in the long term. What are you passionate about? Also consider your work style. Are you a lone wolf or do you prefer a collaborative atmosphere?
Houston offers a broad range of career opportunities for all people. Self-reflection will help you identify which is the best fit for you.
Do Your Homework
Research careers before choosing a pathway. It will help you make a more informed decisions. Different jobs require different skills, qualifications, experience, and time commitments.
Assess the job responsibilities, employment outlook, and growth potential in fields of interest. Every career has pros and cons, so you should know what you’re getting into. Houston-area vocational schools are excellent resources.
Enroll in a Vocational School Program
An education is the next step in a successful career transition. Employers want trained applicants. Vocational schools specialize in meeting workforce demands. They offer programs in the fields most relevant in Houston. You’ll gain new skills and qualify for certifications that open doors to opportunity.
Network, Network, Network
Reach out to professionals in your field and request informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities. This will help you better understand the industry and make connections that can be helpful during your job search. Vocational schools offer job fairs and meet-and-greet sessions with local employers. Don’t miss a chance to introduce yourself.
Many vocational schools also have partnerships with professional organizations in their field of study. Join up for training opportunities and mentorship programs to build relationships with Houston’s top businesses.
Polish Your Résumé
Most people have work experience that enhances new credentials. You have a lot to offer, so don’t be afraid to brag a little. Make sure that your résumé and cover letter highlight your transferable skills and how they’ll benefit an employer. Vocational school career advisers can help.
Be Positive and Persistent
Making a career transition isn’t without roadblocks, but staying positive and persistent allows you to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Stay focused on the job hunt, and don’t take no for an answer. Without experience, expressing your willingness to start at the bottom with a promise to work hard and prove yourself will get employers’ attention.
What Vocational Jobs Are in Demand in Houston?
Houston has a population of 2.3 million people. A community-oriented metroplex, it’s a big city with vocational job opportunities across many sectors, including:
Accounting
Accounting professionals are in demand throughout Houston. Official estimates project 6% growth by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A certificate, diploma or degree in accounting qualifies you for jobs such as payroll specialist, financial adviser, loan officer and compliance analyst.
Job responsibilities consist of:
- Bookkeeping
- Tax preparation
- Tracking payroll
- Generating financial reports
- Reconciling accounts payable and receivable
- Financial planning
Careers in the accounting field offer reliable schedules and a positive work-life balance. Financial emergencies are rare, so you’ll have plenty of time off for enjoying Houston’s culture and nightlife. You’ll work primarily with other financial professionals and clients in air-conditioned offices. Experienced accountants also have business opportunities.
Business Management
Business managers oversee all aspects of an organization’s operations. Job responsibilities vary by role but may include:
- Goal setting
- Organization
- Budgeting
- Vendor relations
- Recruiting
- Marketing
- Operational security
- Customer care
You’ll troubleshoot the complexities of modern business in many sectors from retail to banking, working with suppliers and staff to meet the company’s goals.
Business managers enjoy regular schedules, but as work ebbs and flows with the economy, occasional overtime or on-call duties may be required. If you’re a well-organized people-person with an aptitude for sales and service, businesses in Houston are recruiting.
HVAC
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians design, install, and maintain residential and commercial refrigeration and climate control systems. A hands-on position, duties include:
- Installing heating, cooling, and refrigeration units
- System inspection and repairs
- Refrigerant capture
- Environmental, safety and compliance consulting
- Maintenance including cleaning duct work and replacing filters
HVAC technicians are always in demand in Houston. Summers are scorching, so you’ll always be needed. Daytime travel is required, but you’ll be home most nights. And with experience, you could start your own business. Vocational schools prepare students for essential certifications and provide real-world experience through externships.
HR Management
Human resource managers handle the hiring process for organizations of all types. Responsibilities encompass:
- Recruiting
- Creating job descriptions
- Screening applicants
- Conducting interviews
- Calling references
- Doing background checks
- Verifying education credentials and certifications
- Administering employee benefits
- Training and staff development
- Regulatory compliance
- Labor relations
- Evaluating employees
- Recordkeeping
Industry perks include a reliable schedule and a collaborative, climate-controlled work environment. Every business in the Houston area needs human resource professionals, so the job outlook is stellar.
Information Technology
Few fields are growing as fast as IT. It’s a diverse and innovative field with a wide range of entry-level opportunities and room for advancement. Job titles range from computer programmer to software developer. Duties may include:
- Installing and repairing computer hardware
- Troubleshooting software applications
- Designing and building new computers and networks
- Desktop publishing and programming
- Internet security
- Data backup
- Server maintenance and upgrades
- Customer care
IT technicians can grow into supervisory positions or go on to become advanced computer programmers, database managers, network designers, or software engineers.
Medical Office Administration
If you have a passion for wellness, Houston is home to some of the world’s finest medical facilities. As a medical office administrator, you’ll work with clinical and clerical professionals to deliver top-quality care. The job entails:
- Scheduling
- Managing workflow
- Data entry
- Medical records management
- Regulatory compliance
- Billing and coding
- Bookkeeping
- Financial reporting
- Client care
With experience, entry-level positions can lead to leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, private practices, or insurance companies.
Final Thoughts
Leaving behind the familiarity of an established career for the thrill of a fresh start isn’t easy. But whether you live in the area or are considering a move, Interactive College of Technology is ready to help.
Want to Learn More?
Interactive College of Technology offers technical and vocational programs and training that can help you get started in a new career or advance your current one. You’ll get hands-on vocational training, industry recognized certifications, and real-world experience prior to graduation! We also offer continuing education courses to refresh and build on your technical skills.
Let’s learn together! Contact us now to learn more.
