Wanting a higher income is understandable, especially when everyday costs continue to take up more of a household budget. But moving into a better-paying career usually takes more than sending out applications and hoping for the best.
For many adults, the most practical path is to make the transition in stages. That may mean researching occupations, identifying missing skills, completing short-term training, improving a resume, and gaining experience before making a full career change.
The right path will depend on your background, education, work history, and local job market. Some careers require a college degree, while others may be accessible through vocational training, apprenticeships, industry certifications, or community college programs.
The steps below can help you prepare in a more organized way.
1. Choose a Career Goal Before You Start Training
Before enrolling in a class or certification program, decide what type of work you want to pursue.
A common mistake is signing up for training simply because a program sounds promising. It is better to start with the job itself and work backward.
Ask yourself:
- What type of work interests me?
- What skills do I already have?
- Which careers use those skills?
- What education or training do employers usually require?
- Are jobs in that field available in my area?
- What work schedule can I realistically manage?
- Does the career require a license or certification?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook can help you research job duties, typical education requirements, and employment outlook.
CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, can also help you explore careers, training options, and skills.
Try to narrow your choices to a small number of realistic options. You do not need to plan your entire working life. You only need a clear enough direction to identify your next step.
2. Identify the Skills or Credentials You Are Missing
Once you have a career goal, compare what employers expect with the skills and credentials you already have.
You may discover that you do not need to start from the beginning.
Experience from retail, food service, office work, caregiving, warehouse jobs, military service, or other fields can include transferable skills such as:
- Communication
- Customer service
- Organization
- Problem-solving
- Technology use
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Scheduling
- Inventory management
- Recordkeeping
The next question is what you still need to learn.
Depending on the career, that could mean earning a certificate, completing a technical program, improving computer skills, taking college courses, or completing an apprenticeship.
Some occupations may require a state license or industry credential. Make sure you understand those requirements before paying for training.
If you have previous college credits, military training, professional certifications, or other education, ask schools whether any of that learning may count toward a new program.
3. Find Training That Fits Your Budget and Schedule
Career training does not always require a four-year degree.
Depending on the occupation, adults may be able to prepare through:
- Community colleges
- Technical schools
- Vocational programs
- Registered Apprenticeships
- Certificate programs
- Employer-sponsored training
- Industry certification programs
- Workforce development programs
Working adults should compare more than tuition. Look at the total cost, length of the program, class schedule, transportation requirements, and whether hands-on training is required.
Ask whether the program offers evening, weekend, online, hybrid, or part-time options.
If you are considering an apprenticeship, the U.S. Department of Labor's Registered Apprenticeship system can be worth exploring. Registered Apprenticeships combine paid work experience with structured training.
Local American Job Centers may also provide information about career training, job-search assistance, and workforce programs. Some eligible workers may qualify for training assistance through programs connected to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Before enrolling, confirm that the program connects to the career you actually want.
4. Explore Ways to Make Education More Affordable
Training costs can become a major barrier, but several resources may be worth checking before paying everything yourself.
If you are attending an eligible school or program, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, can help determine whether you may qualify for federal student aid.
Depending on eligibility, federal aid may include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Work-Study
- Federal student loans
Grants generally do not have to be repaid when program requirements are met, while loans normally must be repaid.
You can also ask schools about scholarships, institutional grants, and payment plans.
Your employer may offer tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, certification support, or professional development benefits. Check with your human resources department to see what is available.
Adults should also investigate state workforce agencies, American Job Centers, nonprofit programs, and community organizations that may support career training.
Always ask about the full cost of a program, including books, supplies, tools, exams, uniforms, transportation, and licensing fees.
5. Build Experience Before Making the Full Career Change
Training is important, but employers may also want to see practical experience.
You may be able to build experience before leaving your current job.
Possible options include:
- Volunteering
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Part-time work
- Freelance or project work
- Job shadowing
- Temporary assignments
- Cross-training at your current workplace
If you already have a job, ask whether there are opportunities to take on tasks related to the field you want to enter.
For example, someone interested in office administration might volunteer to help with scheduling or records. A worker interested in information technology might assist with basic technology tasks if appropriate. Someone interested in supervision might look for opportunities to train new employees or coordinate projects.
The goal is to create evidence that you can use the skills required in your target career.
Keep a record of projects, accomplishments, training, and new responsibilities. This information can later help strengthen your resume and interview answers.
6. Update Your Resume and Start Applying Strategically
Once you have built relevant skills, begin preparing for the job search.
Your resume should focus on the qualifications that matter for the job you want next, not only the duties from your previous positions.
Review several job postings in your target field. Look for repeated skills, credentials, and responsibilities.
Then update your resume to show where your experience matches those needs.
Be accurate and specific. Instead of simply listing general duties, describe useful responsibilities or results when possible.
Career changers may also benefit from a short professional summary at the top of the resume that explains their relevant strengths and new training.
American Job Centers may offer resume assistance, interview preparation, and other job-search services.
When you begin applying, focus on jobs where you meet a reasonable portion of the requirements. You do not necessarily need every preferred qualification listed in an advertisement.
At the same time, avoid assuming that completing a training program guarantees a certain salary or job offer. Hiring and earnings depend on many factors, including location, experience, employer needs, and the overall job market.
Take Your Next Career Step With a Plan
Preparing for a better-paying career does not have to happen all at once.
Start by choosing a realistic career goal. Research what employers expect, identify the skills you need, and look for training that fits your schedule and budget. Explore FAFSA, workforce programs, employer benefits, scholarships, and other resources that may help reduce education costs.
Then look for ways to gain practical experience and update your resume so it reflects the direction you are moving.
A career transition may take several months or longer, especially if you are working, raising a family, or completing school at the same time. Breaking the process into smaller steps can make the goal easier to manage.
You do not need to make one giant change overnight. A new credential, one class, one application, or one new skill can be part of a larger path toward better opportunities.
The most useful place to begin is with a clear question: What does the career I want require, and what is the next practical step I can take to get closer to it?
