Upskilling for a successful career change
Thinking about a career change? Discover how upskilling at UNSW can help you step into a new path with confidence.
Upskilling and reskilling is the new norm
The idea of staying in one career for life is no longer standard practice. Today’s workforce is more dynamic and flexible, with most people expected to change not just jobs, but entire careers, multiple times. In fact, a recent survey found that over half (56%) of Australian workers are considering a career change.
Why do people change careers?
It’s often about more than just salary. Many are seeking purpose, greater flexibility, or the chance to follow a long-held passion. So, what holds them back? The fear of starting from the bottom or needing to acquire an entirely new skill set. But changing careers isn’t about going back to square one. It’s about learning how to reframe your existing strengths for a new context.
That’s where upskilling and reskilling come in.
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field or pivot into a new one, broadening your skill set can be the key to unlocking your next opportunity. As the World Economic Forum notes, the future of work will demand lifelong learning, with individuals preparing for multiple career transitions over their lifetime.
From choosing the right program to leveraging employer support, this guide shows how UNSW can help you upskill, reskill and take your career in a whole new direction.
Worried it’s too late to make a career change?
Changing careers isn’t just a practical decision – it’s an emotional one. Research shows that the biggest barrier to making a career transition is identity. It’s easy to feel like the years you spent studying or building a career in engineering, media or law will go to waste if you pivot into something new.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your existing experience is an asset. In a world that values hybrid skills, upskilling and reskilling help you translate what you already know into new contexts.
Need some examples?
A marketer with an engineering background can better communicate complex technical products, making them more accessible to mainstream audiences.
A social worker who retrains in public policy brings frontline experience to the development of compassionate government programs.
A teacher who transitions into corporate training applies their classroom skills to help businesses upskill their staff more effectively.
Another common fear? That you’ve left it too late. But whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, it’s never too late to follow your passion or shift direction. With the right support and learning pathways, a career transition is well within reach.
Why now is the time to upskill or reskill
Upskilling isn’t just good for your career – it’s good for business.
The right skills can help you grow in your current role or pivot into a new one. And if you can show your employer why upskilling is important, you may be able to build a strong case for training support or internal mobility.
Many organisations are open to funding professional development when it helps retain talent and meet future needs.
Upskilling benefits employees and employers
- Benefits for employees
- Benefits for employers
- Career resilience
The World Economic Forum predicts that 39% of current skills will be disrupted or become outdated between 2025 and 2030. Upskilling helps you stay relevant and adaptable as industries evolve. Skill gaps are also seen as a major challenge by 63% of employers.
- Increased earnings
People with postgraduate qualifications earn higher average salaries than those with only undergraduate degrees. Developing in-demand skills can boost your value – and your take-home pay.
- Internal mobility
Upskilling opens doors within your current workplace – whether that’s a promotion, a lateral move into a new field, or avoiding stagnation in your current role.
- Engagement
Ongoing learning boosts more than just your skill set. It leads to greater confidence, job satisfaction and a stronger sense of purpose – helping you stay motivated and fulfilled at work.
- Higher profitability
Companies with strong training and upskilling programs see major returns. Research shows that businesses with comprehensive learning strategies generate 218% higher income per employee than those without.
- Cost efficiency
Hiring new staff is expensive. It’s significantly more cost-effective to upskill from within, with studies showing average savings of 70–92% when organisations invest in internal training over external recruitment.
- Retention and loyalty
Upskilling supports long-term engagement. A recent LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report found that 94% of employees would stay longer at companies that invest in their development.
- Agility and context
Internal employees already know the company culture, systems and customers. Upskilling them allows businesses to adapt and pivot faster, reducing onboarding time and speeding up impact.
Upskilling vs reskilling
Not sure what the difference is between upskilling and reskilling? You’re not alone. Upskilling is about deepening your expertise in your current field, while reskilling helps you shift into a new one. Here’s how to tell which path fits your next move:
Upskilling | Reskilling |
Developing advanced skills to boost performance in your current career path. It adds depth and specialisation without changing fields – ideal for staying competitive and future-proofing your success. Typical pathways: short courses, micro-credentials, and Graduate Certificates. | Gaining new capabilities to shift into a different role or industry. This lateral move helps you transition out of shrinking sectors and into growth areas or move into an area you’re passionate about. Typical pathways: Master’s programs and MBAX degrees. |
Understand the value of acquired skills
While passion often drives career choices, the reality of the job market is that upskilling pays off. Analysis of graduate outcomes reveals a distinct postgraduate premium – professionals with postgraduate qualifications earn meaningfully higher median salaries than those with only undergraduate degrees.
Upskilling also acts as career insurance. As industries evolve and some skills become outdated, gaining future‑focused capabilities helps you stay relevant and resilient. It’s not just about earning more – it’s about being adaptable and ready for change.
Many of tomorrow’s most sought-after careers offer not just strong salaries, but also a sense of purpose. If you're considering upskilling to future-proof your career, it’s worth exploring qualifications aligned with high-growth sectors. These include science and technology, education, and engineering – industries that are evolving rapidly and in need of skilled, adaptable professionals.
Three ways to upskill with UNSW
Not all upskilling is created equal. Depending on where you are in your career, and where you want to go, your learning needs will look different.
Use this framework to identify your upskill type and find a UNSW program that matches your goals.
The ladder
Goal: Move from specialist execution to strategic leadership.
Challenge: You’ve mastered the technical side of your role, but you may lack the broad business acumen, executive presence, or strategic mindset needed for leadership.
The lattice
Goal: Move into a high-growth adjacent field (eg. Marketing to Marketing Analytics).
Challenge: You bring valuable domain knowledge but need to build technical depth or specific tools, such as data, digital or coding skills, to move sideways.
The reset
Goal: Move to a completely new industry aligned with personal values (e.g. Corporate to Non-Profit).
Challenge: You may lack sector-specific knowledge, networks and credibility in the new space, making it harder to break in and be taken seriously.
Upskilling courses to consider
No matter where you’re starting from, the right qualification can unlock your next move. Whether you’re stepping up, moving sideways or changing direction completely, these UNSW postgraduate programs are designed to help you build in-demand skills so you can take the next step with confidence.
| Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Social Impact | Build your capacity to lead social change across sectors. |
| Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development | Build confidence in managing people, teams and workplace change. |
| Graduate Certificate in Information Technology | Gain core IT skills and prepare for a tech-focused career pivot. |
| AGSM MBA | Enhance your commercial acumen and grow your professional network. |
| Juris Doctor | Develop high-level legal thinking and qualify for legal practice. |
| Graduate Certificate in Data Science or Master of Data Science and Decisions | Build advanced data analysis and decision-making capabilities. |
| Master of Education (Primary or Secondary) | Move into teaching with the skills to inspire the next generation. |
Why upskill at UNSW?
Career change is rarely straightforward. It involves navigating uncertainty, rethinking your goals and identifying the right next step – often while balancing your current job and life with your studies. That’s why we offer flexible, career-focused pathways that support real-world outcomes.
Whether you’re building on existing experience or venturing into something entirely new, you can choose from short courses to postgraduate degrees. You will gain future-ready skills backed by industry. These skills are taught by experts and supported by a university ranked #1 in Australia for career outcomes.
Want tailored advice? Book a one-on-one consultation with a UNSW advisor who specialises in postgraduate transitions.
Want to find out more?
If you have any questions about studying at UNSW or how you can make your studies work for you, contact us below. We’re here to help.