4 Best First Jobs If You Are Looking To Change Careers
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Jasmine Browley
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Looking for a change in your current work status? There is nothing quite like switching careers, especially if you have been at a job or in a particular industry for years. Of course, you will likely have to be willing to start from the bottom and work your way to the top with some entry-level roles.
If you are seeking a different line of work, here are some of the best first jobs for careerists from all walks of life.
Junior Developer
The junior developer role is an excellent way to get into tech without a computer science degree, according to Ryan Walker, founder at Beyond Academy.
“I’ve had interns (of all ages) who had zero coding experience, completed boot camps or self-taught using sites like Codecademy and Udemy and secured jobs in a matter of months. Junior web developers often start with front-end or back-end web development languages,” Walker said.
“With time and on-the-job training, they move into software engineering, DevOps, cybersecurity or even AI development,” he continued. “Others turn to tech-adjacent roles like product management or technical writing. Some developers are redirected towards academia as instructors or mentors for future coders.”
Bookkeeping
If you’re a numbers person, Walker highlighted that becoming a bookkeeper is a great gateway to a career in finance.
“Many bookkeepers start with basic accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero or FreshBooks, financial statements, and tax preparation. From there, you can become a financial analyst, accountant or tax consultant,” explained Walker.
He added, “Some get their CPA or CFA and work in corporate finance. Others leverage their experience to start their own bookkeeping or consulting firm. It’s a field that offers stability, a clear path of progression and the ability to work across industries from real estate to tech.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is one of the most accessible career change fields for creative and strategic people, according to Walker. He described how this is a job that doesn’t require a specific degree.
“The industry tends to put results and practical experience above academic requirements,” Walker said. “I’ve seen people get started in digital marketing by doing social media, content marketing or paid advertising and then quickly move into roles doing growth marketing, performance marketing or brand strategy.”
He added, “The beauty of marketing is how transferable it is. You could be working in tech, e-commerce, finance or non-profits; just about every industry needs someone who knows how to connect with an audience and close a sale. It will be the stepping stone for specialization towards being a Marketing Director or perhaps a CEO.”
Data Analyst
Walker pointed out that one of the best entry-level roles in the modern workforce is a data analyst in the tech sector, as well as many other industries.
“Most get into the field, starting with Excel, SQL or simple programming languages like Python or R, often through online courses or certifying programs,” he said. “The next step would be getting into more advanced roles such as data scientist, business intelligence analyst or even a machine learning engineer.”
He concluded, “Those who build robust analytical and programming skills can move into areas such as AI or automation and even into leadership positions like a chief data officer.”
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