Changing Industries? 5 Reasons Why It Can Benefit Your Career

Everyone normally changes jobs throughout their life. However, only a few change industries. What does switching industries mean?

Changing industries means working in new places and learning new skills. For instance, changing industries as a writer could mean moving from beauty to finance. Changing industries as a lawyer could mean switching from healthcare to taxes. As such, it's harder to switch industries than jobs. It would feel like you're starting from scratch.

Your current skills and experiences may not be enough for an industry shift. You need to retrain yourself and understand what it means to switch industries. Read on to learn more about changing industries and how you can benefit from them.

Changing Industries: What You Should Know

Changing industries means exploring different businesses while keeping the same basic job title and skills. It's a great way to earn more money and boost your career.

Most cities have three industry categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary The primary industry covers 35% of the workforce. It also contains businesses that a city is well-known for. For instance, Chicago is known for providing financial services, while San Francisco is known for its housing tech companies.

Following this is the secondary industry, which covers 25% of the workforce. It also contains other businesses that a city isn't specifically known for. Lastly, the tertiary sector covers 40% of a city's workforce. Some jobs in this industry are related to healthcare, education, and government.

Switching between primary and secondary industries isn't easy. The key is knowing what's common between your current and dream job. You also need the drive to accept new challenges and meet new people.

5 Reasons Why Changing Industries Can Benefit Your Career

Changing industries is a great way to improve your skills and expand your knowledge. Here are more reasons why switching careers can benefit you.

1. Hones your skills

   Changing industries allows you to learn about new markets, trends, and workflows. For instance, switching industries as a marketer help you learn about different consumers. Switching industries as a human resource manager allows you to identify new employee needs.

   Having more skills and experiences makes you more employable. You'll have an easier time landing jobs in the future if you explore other industries and roles.

2. Opens more job opportunities

   Your job opportunities become more limited the longer you stay in one industry. Changing industries can help you land more jobs and support your career growth. It can also save you from unemployment if your current industry is unstable.

   For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic caused millions worldwide to lose jobs. Around 62 million tourism industry employees experienced this loss. The pandemic has taught people that no industry is safe from a global crisis. As such, it's worth changing industries to land jobs that match your skills and knowledge.

3. Increases your income

   Some industries tend to pay employees higher than others. These industries include finance, marketing, healthcare, and energy. Switching to these industries can help you earn more while retaining your basic job title and skills.

   Use Salary.com's salary calculator to know your job's salary in different industries. Include this step in your job search to manage your expectations.

4. Grows your network

   Changing industries also means working with new people and improving your social skills. Networking allows you to gain new ideas and views on specific issues. For instance, switching industries as a graphic designer and connecting with experts in this field lets you learn which designs attract particular audiences.

   The broader your network, the better you'll be at your job.

   Similarly, having connections can help you land better jobs in the future. Most companies prioritize employee referrals because they're easier to assess and hire. Take advantage of your networks when you're ready to change jobs or careers.

5. Launches your passion

   Some people don't know their passion unless they step out of their comfort zone. Changing industries may be the best way to achieve that.

   Switching industries allows you to work in new places and under new managers. They give you new challenges to solve and experience. Without these new challenges, you may not know what you want in your career. Working in different industries also helps you understand what you want in life.

Make the Switch

Switching industries is hard and scary. However, if you're set on it, list your options and plan your job search. Learn about the job and salary expectations in different industries. The more prepared you are, the easier you adjust to your chosen industry.

Find a job in your desired industry at Career.com. We feature jobs in different categories to simplify your job search. Visit our website to start applying!