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Changing Careers? Discover What Truly Matters to You First

Changing careers — or even just choosing one — is a big decision. If you're thinking about returning to study or completing your first professional qualification later in life, you’re not alone. Many Australians change careers multiple times throughout their working lives. But how do you choose a new path that actually fits?

The answer starts with getting clear on what’s truly important to you — not what sounds good on paper, what others expect, or what you fell into years ago. Your values, interests, and strengths can guide you toward a career with meaning and longevity.

Here’s how to uncover them — and how professional education can help you build the future you want.

1. Start with Self-Reflection: What Do You Value Most?

Before jumping into a course or chasing a new title, ask yourself some real questions:

  • What do I care about?
  • What kind of work feels meaningful to me?
  • What kind of lifestyle do I want?

Your answers might surprise you. Maybe flexibility matters more than salary. Maybe creativity or helping others drives you more than status. When you know what you really value, your career decisions become clearer — and more authentic.

“At first, I thought I needed to earn more. But when I really thought about it, I just wanted to do work that made a difference in people’s lives. That changed everything.”

— Rita, former retail manager turned conveyancer

2. Look at What Energises You

What tasks, topics, or activities make you feel alive, focused, or curious? It doesn’t have to be job-related. Maybe you love planning events, solving puzzles, ticking off To-Do Lists, or coming up with new business ideas. Those are clues.

Ask yourself:

  • What am I good at — and enjoy doing?
  • What do people often ask me for help with?
  • What could I talk about for hours?

These strengths and interests point to work you’ll find sustainable and satisfying.

3. Explore Career Paths That Align with Your Values and Strengths

Once you have a clearer picture of your values and skills, explore career paths that align with them. For example:

  • If you value helping others → Consider legal fields, community services, healthcare, education, or counselling.
  • If you enjoy problem-solving and structure → Look into accounting and finance.
  • If you crave flexibility and excitement → Entrepreneurship and business might be for you.

Don’t just look at job titles — look at the type of work involved, the impact, and the daily routine.

4. Use Study as a Launchpad — Not a Lifelong Commitment

Professional education doesn’t have to mean years of slogging it out at university. There are many options:

Education is a powerful way to pivot — or level up — but it should be driven by purpose, not pressure.

5. Speak to People Who’ve Made the Switch

One of the best ways to learn about a new career is to talk to someone who’s already done it. Reach out to:

  • Alumni of courses you’re interested in
  • LinkedIn connections
  • Industry events or career expos (Come say hi to us at the Melbourne Careers Expo 25-27 July 2025)

Ask them what the transition was like, what they love (or don’t), and what they'd do differently. Real stories can offer both inspiration and a reality check.

6. It’s Never Too Late to Change

If you're thinking, “I should have done this years ago,” stop. The idea that you need to have it all figured out by 25 is outdated. Many of the most fulfilled professionals started something new in their 30s, 40s, or beyond. The world of work is changing, and so can you.

Education is not just about getting a job — it's about growth, empowerment, and aligning your life with who you are now.

Success Story: Daniel’s Path from Logistics to Accounting

After ten years working in warehouse logistics, Daniel, 34, began to crave a more structured and long-term career. He’d always been naturally good with numbers and enjoyed balancing budgets at home but had never considered turning that skill into a profession.

“I wanted a career that was stable, in-demand, and let me work regular hours. Accounting ticked every box — I just needed to upskill.”

Daniel enrolled in an Advanced Diploma of Accounting at NBIA and completed it in under 18 months, studying online while working. After a short internship with a small accounting firm, he was offered a permanent role.

“It felt amazing to use my brain in a different way. I used to feel stuck in my old job, but now I see a clear path ahead — and I’m even thinking about becoming a tax agent down the line.”

Final Thoughts

Changing careers isn’t just about switching jobs — it’s about discovering what matters to you and building a life that reflects it. When you start with your values, strengths, and interests, the path forward becomes clearer.

So if you're standing at a crossroads wondering “What next?”, pause and look inward. The answer is already there. Education is the bridge — you just need to decide where it’s taking you.

Ready to explore your options?

NBIA offers flexible pathways into careers like accounting, bookkeeping, conveyancing, business and beyond. Call one of our friendly course advisors to discuss your options— your next chapter could start today.

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