Change Your Career & Change Your Life
Changing careers can feel daunting, and the first step to making the leap is earning a respected degree in the field you're looking to enter. We can help you there. With degree programs in teaching, business, IT, and healthcare, we have the options you need to earn a valuable degree in a subject you're passionate about.
At WGU, a personal Program Mentor will be with you every step of your journey. They'll take time to understand your goals and reasons for pursuing a degree and help you chart a course to prepare for a career shift.
Career Change Trends
The Majority Are Looking to Switch
64%
A 2020 study found that nearly two-thirds of Americans are looking for new job opportunities or would consider moving jobs if approached by another company.
Career Changes Are Common
12
A study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the average person has more than a dozen different jobs during their lifetime, meaning changing careers is the norm, not the exception.
People Switch To Make More Money
88%
Nearly nine out of ten workers who plan on switching careers do so to make more money. Others say they're changing careers to move forward professionally or be more challenged or satisfied.
Benefits of Changing Careers
Why change careers? There are so many benefits. Here are a few:
- Enter an industry you love. Maybe you're no longer passionate about your current job or industry—making a switch can reignite your passion.
- Move up. Sometimes the only way to move up in your career is to move into a different industry where there are more opportunities for growth and promotions.
- Make more money. Switching careers could help you move to a more lucrative industry and make a jump up the salary ladder more quickly than staying put and getting small annual raises.
- Utilize your skills. Perhaps you've found your current career doesn't play to your strengths. If so, switching could be a great move for your overall fulfillment.
- Find a better work-life balance. Some careers require long hours and time away from family. Making a career change could improve your work-life balance.
“I wanted to get a degree from an accredited university, but I needed the flexibility to study and continue working at the same time. My whole WGU experience was a positive one—one that I'd recommend to other teachers."
Sherice Cameron
M.A. Science Education
Tips for Changing Careers
No matter your age or life situation, changing careers can be nerve-racking. From finding your passion and tapping into your network, to earning a degree and considering the importance of salary, there are many tips you can follow to be successful as you change careers.
Five Tips for a Successful Career Change at 20
Here are 5 tips that will help you be prepared for a career change, which could ultimately give you a new life.
Five Tips for a Career Change at 30
Get on the path to changing your career with the help of college, networking, and more.
Tips for a Career Change at 40
Learn what you can do to be prepared to move to your dream job with the help of an education from WGU.
Tips for a Career Change at 50
Learn how you can change careers in your 50's and find a successful career path you'll love.
How to Change Careers During a Recession
Learn how to change careers during an economic downturn or recession to set yourself up for a bright future.
When to Consider Changing Careers
The days of spending your entire career climbing the corporate ladder at one company are pretty much over.
“The moment I received my MBA from WGU, it was life changing for me."
Troy Jenkins
Master of Business Administration
WGU Grads Are Prepared for Their Careers
WGU graduates earn degrees that prepare them to succeed in their careers. Data from a 2021 survey of 300 employers of WGU graduates by Harris Poll proves it:
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
"When my daughter started preschool, I decided to go work at the school as a paraeducator. Over the next three years, I was told that I should go back and get my degree, so I finally started looking into it. When I came across WGU, I knew it was the right fit for me. The most rewarding thing about being a licensed educator is that I feel like I am finally where I was meant to be!"
Jodi Milner
WGU Graduate
Here's Where Grads Have Gone On To Work
Our Programs Work with Your Schedule
Your circumstances are unique. Maybe you work full-time and can study only outside traditional hours. Perhaps you're a stay-at-home parent and can't jump into coursework until after the kids are in bed. It could be that you're caring for an ill or aging family member. Whatever your situation, our programs are built to accommodate your needs.
At WGU, we're in the business of providing opportunity for all. It's why we built our courses and programs with a focus on flexibility. Here your talent and perseverance will not be overlooked; your life situation will be taken into account. We're humbled by the ambition of our students and proud to offer respected degree programs that match their busy lifestyles.
“I spent every Sunday planning out the week and created a study plan that fit with the rest of my obligations. Sometimes I had to make adjustments as I went along due to unforeseen circumstances. I even got way off track at one point because of a major personal issue but my mentor supported me tremendously with remapping my courses to get back on track."
Kelly Wheeler
WGU Graduate
“WGU allowed me to continue doing the things I love, spending time with my family, and traveling for my job. Another major plus was that the competency-based system enabled me to focus my time in the areas I needed to learn to further my career.”
Shonna Wessels
M.S. Management and Leadership
Find the Right College and Shift Your Career
All of our degree programs are carefully chosen with future employment and workplace success in mind. Our special model of online learning is designed for the working adult and our commitment to keep costs down means better ROI for our graduates.
