Step-by-Step Plan to Change Careers Using a Federal Grant

Switching your career can change everything — what you do every day, how much money you have, and even where you live.

In a recent Indeed survey, 49% of employees reported having made a major career change. The average age of those employees was 39, and 88% of them said that they’re happier having made the switch.

Anyone can change careers, especially with the financial help of a federal workforce grant. If you’re considering going this route, here's what you need to know.

1. Consider Your Interests

According to Indeed, the most popular reason why people change careers is to find something that makes them happier. Take the time to find an industry you’ll like working in and a role that suits your interests and working style.

There are many career self-tests available that can show you what fields might be good fits. You can also visit a career specialist at an American Job Center near you.

2. Research Trending Career Fields

Earning more money is another popular reason for changing careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a list of the fastest-growing occupations nationwide, as do many well-respected publications like Business Insider.

Many of the jobs on these lists are in IT and healthcare. These are fields that have openings across the country and will always need skilled candidates. People will always get sick, and they’ll always need their computers to work.

3. Find and Apply for Funding

There are several federal grant programs available for career changers. The brief questionnaire on the benfits.gov website can give you an idea of whether you might be eligible.

You can also talk with one of MedCerts’s regional workforce managers and admissions advisers. They understand the many funding options available and can suggest options.

Each funding program has a different application process. Follow your advisor’s recommendations on how to apply, or contact your local American Job Center for help. They’re experts at making the process easy.

4. Choose a Training Program

MedCerts has many programs available for workforce funding recipients. These programs require no prior experience or education, other than a high school diploma or GED, and can get you ready for the workplace in weeks or months.

Programs are available in healthcare, information technology (IT) and professional development. Each program is geared toward preparing you for a nationally recognized career certification, such as:

• ‌ Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (average starting salary $31,000)

• ‌ EKG (heart rhythm) Technician (average starting salary $33,000)

• ‌ IT Fundamentals (average starting salary $31,000)

‌A MedCerts enrollment specialist can help you match your career interests to the right program and certification options.

5. Work with a Career Coach

Workforce training is only the beginning. Once you’re enrolled in a MedCerts program, our career coaches will work with you one on one to plan your next steps. We’ll show you where to look for jobs and give you tools you can use to build your resume, prepare for interviews and more.

The more thoughtfully you plan for your new career, the more successful it will be. Take some time to research options and match your interests with fields that are hiring. Check out funding options and look at different training programs.

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. MedCerts advisors are experts in career changing, and they’re ready and waiting to help.