5 Best Careers To Start in Your 30s (Plus Tips on Getting Started)

Find out about the best careers you can start in your 30s, and get helpful tips on how to get started with changing jobs and being successful in your new career.

Are you looking to change careers? If you're in your 30s, you may be wondering what the best options are for you.

Keep reading as we explore some top career change options for people in their 30s.

We'll also take a look at some tips that will help you get started in your new career path.

Top Careers to Pursue in Your 30s

There are a variety of careers you could begin pursuing when you're in your 30s.

Let's take a look at some popular industries and some of the careers available in these fields.

1. Healthcare

The healthcare industry is always hiring, and there are a wide variety of roles to choose from. Some good positions to consider if you're looking to change careers in your 30s include:

Careers in healthcare typically require formal training which may last from a few months to several years.

If you're interested in this industry, take a closer look at the different roles available and what training is required to get started.

2. Technology

Technology is a growing and highly lucrative field. If you're a tech-savvy individual looking for higher pay and job security, consider some of the following careers:

Some technology careers require an associate's or bachelor's degree to get started, but many only require industry-specific certifications or relevant experience.

Explore the various tech jobs out there to find one that suits your interests.

3. Business

The business industry is a huge field comprising many different parts and companies. Nearly every business has multiple people filling multiple roles to make the whole a success.

Business careers include:

Human Resource Manager
Business Administrator
Public Relations Specialist

Many of these jobs require a degree in business, human resources, or a related field.

You may be able to pursue entry-level positions with only an associate or bachelor's degree; other roles may require a master's degree.

4. Education

Both private and public schools are always in need of reliable, mature adults to help shape the lives of the next generation. Some jobs in education you may want to consider include:

Depending on where you live, you may be able to work as a substitute teacher with only a high school diploma or associate degree. However, most education jobs require a bachelor's or master's degree.

5. Finance

Both businesses and individuals rely on experts to help them manage their finances. There are many different financial careers you could pursue, including:

Most financial careers require a degree in finance or accounting, but some entry-level positions (such as bank teller) can be pursued without a degree.

Changing Careers in Your 30s: Tips for Getting Started

Now that you have an idea of the types of careers you could start in your 30s, let's take a closer look at some tips you can follow to get started and make your dreams a reality.

Evaluate Your Career and Your Goals

Take a good, hard look at your current career and try to determine the things you like and dislike about it.

You can use this information to steer you in the direction of a new career that will be a good fit for you.

It's also a good idea to think about your career goals. Is there a particular career you are hoping you pursue?

Or are you more interested in finding a new career that will provide better income, job security, or a good work-life balance?

Research Your New Field

Once you have settled on some new career options that you think might be a good fit, do your research.

Find out all you can about that career before you take the plunge and make a big change.

You can do this by reaching out to friends or professional connections who work in the field you're considering.

You may also try job shadowing someone in the industry, doing volunteer work, or participating in conferences or workshops to learn more about the job.

Gain New Skills

If you are contemplating a career change, you want to make sure you have the essential skills for the industry you're considering.

Gaining these skills may be as simple as participating in a workshop, taking a public education class, or completing a self-paced online course.

In other cases, more training or education may be required, as discussed below.

Get Relevant Training

As noted, many of the careers discussed above require a bachelor's degree in a specific field.

If you don't have a degree or don't have the right degree, you may want to consider going back to school before making a career change.

This isn't always necessary, however. Many employers are willing to hire based on experience, transferable skills, or existing education.

Additionally, you only need to complete a short-term training or certificate program for many careers.

Create a Compelling Story

When changing careers in your 30s, you want to give yourself every advantage.

One way to do this is by demonstrating your passion for your new career to potential employers through a compelling story.

This may be as simple as giving your resume a makeover. Or, you could create a video or even a personal website discussing why you want to change careers.

Showing off your uniqueness and your passion will give you the best chance of landing the job of your dreams.

Make a Satisfying Career Change in Your 30s

The decision to make a career change can feel a little scary at any age.

If you're in your 30s and feeling like the time may be right, consider one of the careers above and follow the included tips to pursue the right job for you.