18 Jul 2025 Switching Careers? Don’t Make These 4 Moves

So, you’re thinking of switching careers, maybe from banking to tech, or from teaching into sales. Perhaps you’re eyeing Africa’s buzzing digital economy and asking, “How do I get in?” That’s bold. That’s exciting. And yes, it’s totally doable.

We’ve all heard the success stories: the banker who became a brilliant software engineer, the teacher who found their calling in digital marketing. What often goes untold are the stumbles, the detours, and the pitfalls that can turn a hopeful career pivot into a disheartening dead end. It’s not enough to simply want a change; you need a strategy, a map to navigate the new landscape.

In this post, we’ll pull back the curtain on four critical mistakes that often trip up even the most ambitious professionals. Think of this as your essential guide to navigating the career transition terrain, ensuring your leap isn’t a fall. Let’s unearth these common errors and equip you with the insights to conquer them.

Mistake 1: Skipping Upskilling

Imagine you’re a seasoned professional, excellent in your current field, say, finance. You’ve heard the buzz about the booming tech sector, the promise of innovation, the dynamic work environment. You decide, “That’s for me!” You update your resume, highlighting your analytical prowess, your problem-solving skills. You apply for a Data Analyst role at a leading tech firm. The interview starts strong, but then you’re asked about Agile methodologies, SQL databases, or perhaps the nuances of cloud computing infrastructure. Your mind goes blank. Your ambition, while commendable, simply isn’t enough without the specific, in-demand skills required.

Why this is a pitfall: Many assume their existing “soft skills” or general intelligence will suffice. While adaptable skills are crucial, new industries, especially rapidly evolving ones like tech or digital marketing, have distinct technical requirements. Employers aren’t just looking for potential; they’re looking for proof you can hit the ground running. Ignoring this gap is akin to trying to drive a car designed for city streets on a challenging off-road rally.

Your Actionable Fix:

• Become a Skill Detective: Don’t guess what skills you need. Go to job boards like LinkedIn Jobs or Indeed and meticulously analyze job descriptions for your target roles. What software do they list? What methodologies? What certifications are consistently mentioned? These are your targets.
• Strategic Learning Paths: You don’t need another university degree. Focus on targeted, practical learning. Platforms like AltSchool Africa offer specialized courses, certifications, and even “specializations” designed by leading universities and companies. For example, if you’re eyeing data analytics, search for Data Analysis on AltSchool Africa. If it’s Product Marketing, look into AltSchool Africa as well.
• Build a Portfolio, Not Just a Resume: Learning a skill is one thing; demonstrating it is another. Take on personal projects, volunteer for a non-profit, or participate in online challenges. If you’re learning coding, contribute to open-source projects on GitHub. If it’s content marketing, start a small blog or offer to write for a friend’s business. Proof of work is your most compelling argument.

Mistake 2: Neglecting Networking

Consider two individuals, both aspiring product managers. One spends countless hours perfecting their resume, applying to dozens of roles online, meticulously crafting cover letters for each. The other spends a fraction of that time on applications but dedicates an hour daily to connecting with people on LinkedIn, attending virtual industry meetups, and asking insightful questions. Who do you think lands the interview first? More often than not, it’s the networker.

Why this is a pitfall: The “hidden job market” is not a myth; it’s a powerful reality. Many roles are filled before they’re ever advertised publicly, through referrals, internal recommendations, or direct outreach. Relying solely on online applications is like fishing with a single line when you could be using a net. 

Over 80% of professionals believe networking is crucial for career advancement, and a significant percentage of jobs are found through connections. In Africa’s burgeoning but often relationship-driven professional landscape, these connections carry even more weight.

Your Actionable Fix:

• Strategic Digital Engagement: Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just an online resume; it’s your networking hub. Optimize it for your target career. Start following companies and thought leaders in your desired field. Engage with their posts, offering thoughtful comments, not just “likes.”
• The Power of the Informational Interview: This is not a job interview; it’s a learning opportunity. Identify professionals in your target role or company. Send a polite, personalized connection request on LinkedIn, followed by a brief message: 

“Hi [Name], I’m deeply interested in transitioning into [Your Target Field] and have been following your work at [Company/Project]. I’d be incredibly grateful for 15 minutes of your time to learn about your career path and any advice you might have for someone starting out. Would you be open to a brief virtual chat sometime next week?” 

Keep it respectful, brief, and focused on learning. People are often flattered to share their experience.

• Join Online Communities & Attend Events: Look for industry-specific forums, Slack channels, Discord servers, or Facebook groups related to your new field. For instance, search for “African Tech Community,” “Product Management Africa,” or “Digital Marketing Nigeria” on LinkedIn or Facebook. Attend virtual webinars, conferences, or local meetups. Even just listening and asking one thoughtful question can put you on someone’s radar. Websites like Eventbrite or industry association sites often list relevant events.

Mistake 3: Skipping Research

Picture Adetola, a driven marketing manager who, after years of agency work, felt the pull of the startup world. She heard stories of rapid growth, innovative cultures, and high impact. Without much deeper investigation, she jumped into a marketing role at a promising-sounding tech startup. Within six months, she was burnt out. 

The “innovation” was chaotic, the “fast-paced environment” meant 70-hour weeks, and the “high impact” meant constant pivots with little stability. Her dream job became a nightmare because she failed to look beyond the shiny surface.

Why this is a pitfall: Many career transitions are driven by a desire to escape something negative (current job, toxic boss) rather than a clear pull towards something truly aligned. Without thorough research, you risk swapping one set of problems for another, or worse, entering a field that simply doesn’t fit your personality, work style, or values

Your Actionable Fix:

• Deep Dive into the Day-to-Day Reality: Don’t just read job descriptions. What does a typical day look like for someone in your target role? What are the routine tasks? What are the biggest frustrations? Use platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed Company Reviews to read employee reviews about specific roles and companies. Look for patterns in what current and former employees say about culture, work-life balance, and challenges.
• Consume Industry-Specific Content: Immerse yourself. Read leading industry blogs (e.g., for tech, search for “Techpoint” or “Techcabal”; for sales, search for “Sales Hacker blog”). Follow key influencers on Twitter (X) or LinkedIn. Listen to podcasts dedicated to your new field. This continuous consumption will give you a nuanced understanding of the trends, challenges, and unwritten rules of the industry.
• The “Shadowing” or “Micro-Experience” Approach: If possible, try to gain some direct exposure. Can you volunteer for a project in your new field? Ask a connection if you can “shadow” them for a few hours (even virtually) to observe their work. Look for short-term contracts or internships. Even a few days of real-world exposure can be more insightful than months of reading.

Mistake 4: Rushing the Leap

We get it, you’re eager to escape your current job. But grabbing the first offer or skipping due diligence is like buying a car without a test drive. Sure, it moves… but at what cost?

Why this is a pitfall: Quitting your current job without a financial safety net, a clear plan, or some “trial runs” in your new field is a high-stakes gamble. It creates immense financial pressure, which can cloud judgment, force you to take less-than-ideal opportunities, and ultimately lead to regret or even returning to your old industry out of necessity. Global research on financial stability during career changes (often highlighted by financial planning associations like the Financial Planning Association – FPA consistently advises building a significant emergency fund before making major career shifts to mitigate stress and ensure strategic decision-making.

Your Actionable Fix:

• Build Your Financial Runway: This is crucial. Aim to save at least 3-6 months (ideally 6-12 months, especially if your new field involves freelance or contract work) of living expenses before you even consider resigning. This buffer gives you peace of mind and the freedom to find the right opportunity, not just any opportunity.
• Test the Waters with Side Gigs: Before making the full leap, can you start freelancing in your new field during evenings or weekends? Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or local online job boards are great for finding small projects. This allows you to gain practical experience, build a portfolio, and validate your interest—all while still having a stable income.
• Don’t Settle for the First Offer: When you start getting offers, resist the urge to jump at the first one, especially if you’ve done your research. Use resources like PayScale or Glassdoor Salary Checker to understand salary benchmarks for your target role and location. Be prepared to negotiate confidently for what you’re worth.

Africa’s digital economy is not just growing; it’s exploding. The African Development Bank’s African Economic Outlook 2024/2025  consistently points to robust growth prospects, particularly driven by technological innovation and a burgeoning youth population. While a specific “3 million new jobs by 2025” figure for the digital economy isn’t from their latest reports, the general sentiment is that the potential for new employment in tech, e-commerce, fintech, and digital services is immense.

Whether you’re pivoting into tech in Lagos, design in Accra, or sales in Nairobi, your next move matters. By consciously avoiding these four common mistakes, you’re not just hoping for a successful career change; you’re strategically engineering one.

So, what’s your first intentional step?

📌 Commit to targeted upskilling.

📌 Send that first networking message.

📌 Do a deep dive on your next field’s reality.

📌 Be intentional—not impulsive—with your leap.

I’d love to hear about your career pivot journey! Drop your insights or questions in the comments below,– let’s learn from each other. You’ve got this.