Career Change with No Experience: Best Jobs and How to Start Fresh at Any Age

It feels like a big jump to change your career especially if you want to start something entirely new and have no experience in the new field. You may start to doubt yourself, thinking it’s too late to start a new career at 30. The good news is that there's always time! Studies show that 29% of workers between the ages of 25 and 44 have successfully changed their careers and started a completely new life! In fact, most people change careers at least once in a lifetime, so you’re definitely not alone or running out of time! 

Everything you need to know about changing careers at any age will be covered in this article. We'll walk you through the necessary steps and how to maintain your motivation as you go. Let's begin!

Is It Possible to Change Careers with No Experience?

If you’ve ever felt that a career change with no experience seems impossible, you’re not alone. Many people think you need a new degree or years of work experience to change careers. But that’s not always the case. It’s not going to be easy, but there are many real-life examples of people who have completely rebranded themselves after 30 or even 50. Speaking of Harry Potter, let’s talk about Alan Rickman. He’s a beloved actor to many but few people know he didn’t start his acting career until he was 42 years old. Before that he was a graphic designer and studied at the prestigious Royal College of Art (RCA). His decision to change careers at 40 without a degree not only changed his life but also made him one of the most celebrated actors of his generation!

Then there’s Stan Lee, the heart and soul of Marvel Comics. When he published his first famous comic book, “Fantastic Four,” he was 40 years old. Before that, he had struggled with a bunch of crappy jobs in the comic book industry. But he followed his dreams, and they paid off. Not only did he create something new and achieve personal success, but he also changed the face of the comic book industry forever.

And let’s not forget Vera Wang, who started designing her famous wedding dresses at 40. Before that she failed to make the Olympic figure skating team and was rejected by Vogue. That could have made anyone feel like a total failure but Vera instead decided to go into bridal gown design, started her own business and became a household name. And a big one at that. She’s one of the most famous designers in the world.

Here are a few examples, but they show that changing careers after 30 is not only possible but can be extraordinary. Whether it’s Alan Rickman finding his true calling as an actor, Stan Lee changing the comic book industry or Vera Wang redefining the fashion world, all of these people found success after 40 so it’s never too late to pursue your passion and enthusiasm. 

So if you’re thinking of changing careers with no experience, follow your passion. The path may not always be easy but with a willingness to learn and a lot of hard work you can build a new career no matter what your age.

How to Start a New Career from Scratch (Even Without Experience)

Although beginning a new career without any prior experience can be intimidating, it is completely doable with a well-thought-out plan and a methodical approach. How can someone without experience switch careers? To get you started, let's examine some doable actions.

Reflect on Transferable Skills You Already Have

You don’t have to start from scratch when changing careers. You may have picked up hard and soft skills from your previous job, hobbies or even freelance work.  According to the Great School Partnership, they include: communication, problem-solving, informed thinking, self-direction and collaboration. These skills can be applied to different industries. You may have studied a field because of a personal project or just because you’re interested in it. For example if you have experience in customer service your problem-solving and communication skills can be used in sales and project management. Social media could be a good field for you if you're familiar with it and stay up to date with the latest trends. List all the skills you have that may help you in a new position.

Explore Careers That Don’t Require Experience or Degrees

When starting a new career, you need to first of all think of the fields that are open to beginners. Even today there are many industries and opportunities that value skills over a degree or qualification. Some of these roles may be entry-level but can get you started in your career.

Let’s look at some roles you can apply for with no proven track record:

Tech Support

Tech support is considered a difficult field, but tech specialists usually emphasize communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a basic understanding of the company's technology (they are usually taught on the job). You don't need a specific degree.

Sales

Sales positions often prioritize results and communication skills over formal education. Whether you're entering real estate, technology sales, or retail, many companies will provide the necessary training if you have the right attitude and can contribute to the company's success. Remember the famous "Can you sell me that pen?" approach? It's not about the pen itself; it's about understanding the client and their needs.

Digital Marketing

With 5.24 billion social media users worldwide, it’s no surprise that digital marketing is one of the fast-growing fields. And it's also very diverse. Creativity and strategy are what’s valued here. If you have those skills, you can start working in social media management, content creation, or search engine optimization.

Administrative roles

Many business owners and senior executives need entry-level administrative support to help them with their current tasks in roles such as office, personal, or virtual assistants. Assistants help businesses and individuals with correspondence, scheduling meetings, research, and other admin tasks. Essentially, an assistant is a jack of all trades and can do many things at once. Some roles may require additional skills such as social media management or marketing knowledge, but entry-level roles usually don’t.

Customer Service

Customer service roles demand great communication skills first and foremost. Whether it's a call center or live chat support, customer service representatives need to be friendly and patient problem-solvers. Soft skills are more valuable than any university degree for these positions, and there are many entry-level jobs in the field across different industries.

Take Free or Low-Cost Online Courses

It is absolutely possible to change careers without going back to school, especially in this day and age. You can enhance your existing skills or learn new ones with online courses. They  can be taken for free or for a fair price. Let's examine a few of them.

Coursera
This platform partners with over 300 top universities and offers courses, certificates, and even degree programs. The good thing is, there are many courses you can listen to absolutely for free, and they all have excellent reviews. You can learn coding, machine learning, finance, graphic design, and more. There are a number of courses for beginners from Google, IBM, Meta, and Microsoft in various fields from IT support to project management and data science. However, to get a certificate, you will need to pay. Prices start at $49 per month for specialized courses, and if you are ready to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree at one of the top universities in the world, prices can rise up to $9,000.

Google Career Certificate
Google partners with Coursera to create programs that help students develop in-demand skills like UX design, digital marketing, and project management. These online courses are for beginners and take 6 months to complete. The cost starts at $14 per month, making them accessible for everyone.

‍edX
This is another amazing online platform founded by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University in 2012. edX offers free, open courses that focus more on the humanities and natural sciences. Nonetheless, a variety of technical and marketing courses are available to help you acquire real-world experience and land a position in these industries. Open courses do not grant certificates, and professional education programs that grant certificates and diplomas cost start at $90 per year.

Even if you're not ready to pay for certificates and commit to a full education, taking some of these free courses could give you the basics, boost your confidence, and show a potential employer that you're committed. Why not start learning today and see where it could take you?

Build a Beginner-Friendly Resume

Getting a job starts with a good resume especially if you’re new to an industry. And creating a beginner friendly resume can feel like a challenge. But don’t worry, even if you don’t have any relevant work experience we’ll cover some crucial tips that will make your resume stand out.

Highlight transferable skills

Even if you're new to a certain industry, it doesn't mean you're new to work. You have previous experience; use it — highlight the skills you have from previous positions that are relevant to a new role. For example, your project management and problem-solving skills can be applied to any field, and so can your time management skills and the ability to work under strict deadlines. Such skills are often as useful as those specific to a particular industry. Find out which of your previous job skills you can use in a different role.

Tip: When writing about your work experience make sure to focus on how you applied your skills and the results. Give statistics that show how your skills resulted in measurable outcomes rather than just summarizing what you did. Say, for example, "I resolved customer complaints and improved satisfaction by 30%" rather than "I worked with customers." Don’t be afraid to include volunteer or personal projects that showcase the same skills.

Emphasize Your Willingness to Learn

You can make up for lack of experience by showing you will learn and are committed to a new role. Listing online courses and certificates will help you do that and stand out from other applicants. Even workshops, volunteer work, or industry-related events you attended will make a good impression. Note that only those projects that are relevant to the job must be listed. For instance, if you’re applying for a social media manager position with no professional experience, you can include a link to a personal blog you created as part of your learning process.

Tip: Add a section that covers your professional development. List all of your relevant certifications and completed and pending courses. Mentioning your passion for learning in a cover letter is another way to show your excitement and unique style.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Every job is different, and customization is important for each application. A generic resume won’t stand out.So read the job description thoroughly and customize your resume accordingly. Highlight the skills the employer is looking for. You’ll also need to include keywords from the job posting. This will help your resume pass the applicant tracking system (ATS). 70% of resumes that don’t match the ATS criteria are completely removed from the database and never seen by HR.

Tip: Use an ATS-friendly format and make sure your resume includes keywords from a particular job description. You can create a master resume with all your skills and then customize it for each application.

Include a Strong Summary or Objective

This is particularly important. A well-written summary helps the HR to understand your motivations and the reasoning behind a career change. You can add the skills you have that will help you contribute significantly to the company in this new role.

Tip: Even if you don't have any direct experience in the field, show your passion, keep this section brief, and explain how your past experience makes you a good fit. It should link your skills and motivations with the desired job.

Creating a resume for a career change with no experience might take some time and effort, but it can be done as long as you remember to showcase your potential and motivation, not just your past. Hiring managers are looking for promising candidates, and with the right approach, you can highlight exactly that in your new resume.

Mindset Shifts to Embrace During a Career Change

It is always challenging to switch fields of work, and as adults, additional responsibilities can add to our fears and doubts. Whether you’re navigating a career change at 40 or just considering leaving a long-term role, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. The question of how to start a new career without experience certainly raises certain concerns. Here are the main fears that can torment a person when considering a career change:

I will not be able to find a job right away. Before you start, browse the vacancies in your desired field on popular job search sites. Look for positions that do not require experience. Even a few small projects will set you apart from other new applicants.

I need to start from scratch. Finding a job with no experience can be scary, especially when you're older. If youth was an excuse in the past, then as an adult, it may seem like all the candidates are more qualified and better than you. But don't panic! Evaluate your strengths and adapt them to the new job you're looking for, and you'll be successful in your job search.

My salary will be small. To make this transition easier, you should save some money. It is recommended to have a "stash" equal to three times your average monthly salary in case your search for a new job takes longer than expected. This will make you feel more secure and prevent financial stress during the transition period.

And what will people say? In reality, in this case, only the opinion of your partner or spouse matters. They will be there to help you through the difficult process of changing careers. Find out if they are willing to support you and be patient while you make this change. The opinions of others are not really important, because they will likely change once you achieve success. 

All of these questions may be relevant, so don’t be too harsh on yourself if you have them. However, it’s best to let go of comparison first of all. It’s quite easy to fall into the trap of comparing your journey to someone else’s and feel that you’re not being successful enough. But remember: you’re walking your own path, and your first step shall not be compared to someone’s twentieth step. Everyone’s timeline is different, and you don’t know what the person you’re comparing yourself to went through to get where they are now.

Imposter syndrome is another thing that often pops up when we’re making a big change. You may start to question if you’re good enough, and the answer is — yes, you’re worth it, simply because you’re willing to grow and try something new. Every expert was a beginner at some point in their life! Embrace patience and follow your purpose, regardless of what others think or do. Your steps may be small, and it’s perfectly all right; stay focused on what drives you and let the right opportunities fall into place.

Your mindset is crucial. Think of these changes as exciting and rewarding, and they will become so!

Best Jobs for Career Changers Without Experience

Changing careers is hard, but if you decide to do it, you need to start somewhere. Many people who have changed their jobs suggest not making the switch in one day. Instead, give it careful thought and perhaps begin with freelancing or a side hustle while maintaining your current employment. Let's examine some of the top side projects and entry-level positions that don't require any prior work experience and might serve as a solid starting point for your new career.

Virtual Assistant
Your boss or manager probably has assistants who help them with everyday tasks. But being an assistant today doesn't just mean bringing someone a latte in the office. It is possible to work as a virtual assistant from home. You must be well-organized to assist a business or individual with emails, scheduling, research, and other administrative tasks. Although they are not necessary, special skills are valued; the more you know, such as how to manage social media, the more you can make. This is also a remote role that can be paired with your existing job if desired.

Copywriter

This is a field with a relatively low entry barrier. If you have basic writing or editing skills and are familiar with text formats, it’s a great freelance hustle. The field of copywriting is diverse, and the niche you choose depends on you. You can write resumes, essays, social media descriptions, product descriptions, recipes, and tutorials. From technology and travel to healthcare and finance, writers can delve into a variety of subjects. This enables you to write about a subject you are enthusiastic about or to begin by writing about your present field of expertise, which you are comfortable and knowledgeable about.

SMM

Why not make money from the hours you spend looking through your Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok feeds? Developing an online presence, interacting with the audience, and producing content are the duties of a social media manager. Naturally, it's more than just scrolling through and sharing lovely images. A true professional bases their work on metrics and results. It's a challenging job, but there are plenty of resources online and entry-level positions available in various industries.

Software Tester

Companies developing websites and applications want to hear from users. You can test new apps and websites and provide feedback on their usability and features. Testers search for mistakes in the program and ensure that everything is operating without any problems. It can be a great starting point in the IT field without a lot of technical knowledge.

You can also try yourself in graphic design, video editing, tutoring, bookkeeping, real estate and sales. To help you get started on your journey to earn extra income, here are some of the best online platforms we recommend: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, WriterAccess, Userbrain.

Final Thoughts: Starting Over Is a Strength, Not a Setback

Starting a new career at 30 with no experience is a powerful and scary decision. But the thing is, you’re not starting from scratch. Not really. If you’re in your 30s and have loads of experience already, the main obstacle to your career is probably you. If you’re struggling with this transition, you might want to get some professional help and guidance. The Miranna app can give you personalized coaching and support to help you build confidence and manage career change stress. At Miranna you can find a coach who will help you craft a resume and cover letter that showcases your skills and a coach who will help you get a job offer even if you don’t have relevant experience. A coach will be with you throughout the job search process and can even help you create a career plan. If you’re thinking of changing jobs or a new career but feel you don’t have the experience or knowledge, don’t let that stop you. Just get in touch with a Miranna coach and you might be surprised at the skills and abilities you have and the number of companies looking for someone with your unique set of skills! You can read the testimonials from those who have participated in the career coaching session here. 

Don’t let your doubts and fears hold you back! Start with small steps: try a side hustle in the desired niche or apply for an entry-level position on freelance to take a look at what this new job really is about. Be patient and kind to yourself, don’t push yourself too much and trust the process. Good luck!

FAQ

How do I switch careers with no experience?

To switch careers with no experience, start by identifying your transferable skills—such as communication, problem-solving, or time management. Then explore beginner-friendly roles in your target industry, take free or low-cost online courses, and tailor your resume to highlight your potential. You don’t need to start from scratch—build on what you already know and show employers that you’re willing to learn.

What is the easiest career to switch to?

Some of the easiest careers to switch to include roles in customer service, administrative support, sales, and social media management. These positions often value soft skills and a strong work ethic more than formal experience, making them accessible to career changers with little or no background in the field.

Is 37 too old to start a new career?

No, 37 is not too old to start a new career. In fact, many people change careers in their 30s and 40s—and thrive. Your life experience, maturity, and transferable skills can give you an advantage in a new field. With the right mindset and support, a career change at 37 can be a fresh, exciting start.

What is the easiest job to get with no experience?

Jobs that are often open to candidates with no experience include customer service representative, virtual assistant, delivery driver, retail associate, and entry-level sales or tech support roles. Many of these positions offer on-the-job training and can serve as stepping stones into long-term careers.