Pivot Culture: Is Career Development the New HR?

The Certificate in Career Development course is seeing massive interest from those wanting to change careers. These online studies are paving the way to a secure and practical transition to a new and fulfilling career.

From One Career to Many in a Lifetime

Baby Boomers were raised on the notion that they should choose one career and stick to it for the rest of their lives. Working in the same company from your teens to retirement age was the definition of a successful career. However, in the current day and age, having one career is no longer expected. In fact, it may no longer be achievable. The shift to having multiple careers in a lifetime has evolved greatly since the 1980s. According to a UQ study, Generation Z is projected to have 5 to 7 careers in their lifetime.

Why are Career Attitudes Changing?

Workplaces are changing, more entrepreneurial careers are starting up, and attitudes towards permanent careers have vastly changed. Changing career attitudes are influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as:

• Inflation and cost of living crisis: Intense budgeting and cost-cutting is leading to job loss.

• Job insecurity: Independent contractors and temporary workers are never certain how much they will earn in their next paycheck or when they will get work again.

• Casual employment: One fourth of Australians work casual jobs. Workers give up workplace entitlements and permanent work for flexibility.

• Technology: Increased use of artificial intelligence and automated processes threaten some jobs and client relationships.

• Personal circumstances: People are looking for more job satisfaction, whether that be due to salary, change in life circumstances, work-life balance, toxic workplaces, or desire for intrinsic fulfillment.

However, the transitions don’t appear to be smooth. Workers don’t feel equipped to steadily change their path.

Is it Hard to Change Careers?

While non-linear career paths are the new norm, workers aren’t sure of the next steps. Doubts over ‘where to go from here,’ is becoming a rapidly emerging problem.

Is the next step university? Tafe? Networking? Is it simply job hunting? What career should you even pursue?

Some people may feel less supported or unsure of how to enter a new industry. It can feel stressful and confusing going through a major life change. But a lot of people are making the switch to online vocational education at a registered training organisation (RTO) and a popular area of interest is career development courses.

Certificates in Career Development and Recognition of Prior Learning

Through a Certificate IV in Career Development or Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice, students are able to learn about career planning and support others in their own career changes. Even those working in human resources are making their own pivot with the graduate certificate. They are realising that things are no longer ‘by the book,’ and the value is now in learning and skills development – and these are the hallmarks of RTO education.

Changing careers needn’t be difficult. With Recognition of Prior Learning assessments available through RTOs, students can use the experience they do have to get course credits. Completing a certificate with an RTO means that your studies are focused on getting the practical skills you need for a job. They offer industry connections, student support and employment assistance to help students feel equipped and empowered to meet their goals.