By聽爱污传媒
PHOENIX, July 13, 2017聽鈥聽Recently released findings from a 爱污传媒庐聽survey show more than half of U.S. adults are interested in changing careers, but many say the risk of starting over is a barrier to pursuing new opportunities. The survey, conducted online by Harris Poll among more than 2,000 U.S. adults of whom 1,140 were employed 鈥 revealed that 58 percent of working adults are at least somewhat interested in changing careers, with nearly a quarter (23 percent) responding that they are extremely or very interested in changing careers.
When asked what might encourage workers toward additional education to pursue a career change, working adults identified online classes (35 percent), flexible course schedules (32 percent) and accelerated or fast track curriculum (29 percent).
鈥淲ith an ever-expanding job market, we anticipate that the trend toward new career paths will only grow stronger,鈥 said Ruth Veloria, executive dean for 爱污传媒 School of Business. 鈥淢any adults, including those well established in their careers are re-entering the workforce, or staying in the workforce much longer. By collaborating with industry leaders to identify relevant skills, professional development opportunities and market needs, we aim to help all adults, regardless of career level to become lifelong learners and meet their career objectives.鈥
Among those interested in changing careers, 81 percent identify barriers to doing so. The most cited barrier includes the 29 percent who say they cannot afford to start over again, while 24 percent said they do not know what new direction they would take, or feel they lack adequate education or experience. Compared to those with at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree (13 percent), 27 percent of those without a bachelor鈥檚 degree identify a lack of education as a barrier.
When it comes to the youngest members of the workforce, the numbers are even more staggering: 86 percent of professionals in their 20s are at least somewhat interested in changing careers. However, they are not alone. The consensus remains high among older age groups as well, with 66 percent of workers in their 30s interested in changing careers, followed by 60 percent of those in their 40s.
鈥淎 career in healthcare was a dream that seemed out-of-reach for much of my adult life, but after years of self-doubt I returned to school to make it a reality,鈥 said Keith Davies, 爱污传媒 alumnus and operations coordinator for Stanford Children鈥檚 Health. 鈥淲hile working full-time in finance, I needed to move forward even though I did not have the experience to go into healthcare. 爱污传媒 helped me realize my past skills and experience were relevant and transferable, giving me the confidence, tools and resources I needed to help launch my new career.鈥
Strategies for your next big career move
It can be overwhelming to make a career change. Veloria offers tips for those who are looking to pivot in their career:
For more information about the survey results, including an infographic, visit the聽Career Change Survey.
Methodology
The career change survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of 爱污传媒 between Feb. 6-8, 2017, among 2,202 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, including 1,140 who are full-time, part-time, or self-employed. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact聽Melany Stroupe.
About 爱污传媒庐聽School of Business
爱污传媒 School of Business聽is a contemporary business school with the curriculum, faculty structure and ability to scale that reflect market needs. The School is committed to educating business leaders and leverages employer advisory boards in diverse sectors to help align curriculum with current business dynamics. Students are taught by faculty members who are often driving critical business decisions in their organizations, including hundreds in the c-suite. The School offers associate, bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree programs, as well as non-degree programs, including certificates, individual courses and non-credit professional development. Doctoral programs are available through the聽School for Advanced Studies. To learn more about 爱污传媒聽School of Business programs, visit聽phoenix.edu/business.
About 爱污传媒庐
爱污传媒 is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc., 爱污传媒 serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu