Before diving in, a little about our GA guest blogger, Salma (in her words)
After 15 years in teaching, including leading the business department at England’s largest college, I boldly transitioned into edtech—a move that came with challenges but opened doors to incredible growth and impact. Now, as an Instructor Manager at General Assembly, I source, train, and coach world-class instructors, driving transformative learning experiences in tech education.
With 17+ years of expertise in operations, strategy, and education—and firsthand experience of navigating a career shift—I’m passionate about helping women break into tech and addressing the industry’s gender imbalance as a qualified career coach.
I believe it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Let’s connect on LinkedIn to talk about careers, tech, or anything in between—don’t hesitate to reach out and say hi.
Start 2025 off strong
The start of a new year is a time of reflection, renewal, and for many of us, a nudge to reevaluate our careers. Whether you’re looking for more purpose, better work-life balance, or a fresh challenge, the idea of a career change can be both exciting and daunting—especially mid-career. As someone who transitioned from teaching to the tech industry, I know exactly what it’s like to feel both hopeful and overwhelmed by the process.
One of the biggest challenges of making a career pivot is the sense of loss—your professional identity, built over years, suddenly feels out of place. I remember questioning whether the skills I’d honed as a teacher could truly translate to a new field. On top of that, there’s the persistent whisper of imposter syndrome, making you feel underqualified or inexperienced despite years of expertise.
But here’s the thing—transitioning into a new career is less about abandoning your past and more about finding the golden thread—those transferable skills and experiences that connect where you’ve been to where you’re going. It was only after I realised that whilst my formal title was that of teacher, I was effectively a project manager, that I started to make headway with the style in which I was making applications and interviewing. This mindset shift was pivotal for me, and it can be for you too.
Ready to take the leap? Tips to make it a success
If you’re ready to take the leap to make career change a reality for you, here are some practical strategies to help you navigate your transition:
- Dip your toes in the water: Before diving headfirst into a new field, explore different roles and industries. Attend free skill classes and workshops, take short courses, or shadow professionals to get a sense of whether a job excites you. It’s easy to think that you’ll be perfect for a job or that you’d love to work in a particular field until you actually experience it firsthand. These experiences will help you to start shortlisting areas you’d like to explore further.
- Network, network, network: Networking is your secret weapon. LinkedIn is an incredible tool—start by connecting with people in your target roles, joining career change groups, and engaging with relevant content. In my own journey, coffee chats with people in edtech helped me understand the landscape and visualise my place in it. My challenge to you, is to spend just 15 minutes a day on LinkedIn and do some research—it could be while you sip your morning coffee or eat your lunch at your desk. Find people in positions you’d love to be in, check out their qualifications, experiences and career progression. Look at the language they use, the people they follow, and what they post. Is there anything you can emulate? I also recommend connecting with people in the target fields you’d like to be in and start a conversation—almost everyone’s got 10 minutes for a chat, right?
- Be strategic in your job search: It’s tempting to send out applications to every vaguely relevant position, but this scattergun approach rarely works. Instead, focus on roles that align with your strengths and interests. Craft tailored resumes and cover letters that highlight your transferable skills—emphasizing the golden thread connecting your past to your future. With each application you have a unique opportunity to tell your story. What makes you unique? How can you leverage your skills and experience in this new industry or role? In a sea full of “same-old same-old” applications, be the one that stands out.
- Embrace a growth mindset: Changing careers requires you to step outside your comfort zone. Instead of seeing your current gaps as weaknesses, view them as opportunities to grow. Upskilling, whether through self-study, certifications, or formal training programs, will not only boost your confidence, but also demonstrate your commitment to your new path.
- Leverage community support: Career transitions can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Joining supportive communities—online or in-person—can provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie. Again, LinkedIn is your best friend here—there are so many general career transitions and also industry-specific groups to join. Online forums around specific job roles or career transitions are also great starting points. I also recommend IRL events too—check Eventbrite for relevant events in your locality and take advantage of them. Seeing people face-to-face provides such a great opportunity for you to showcase your skills and experience. You never know who knows who in your industry—sometimes a serendipitous meeting at a networking event can lead to amazing opportunities.
Make your career dreams a reality
When I decided to leave teaching, I wasn’t entirely sure what was next, but I knew I wanted a role that blended my passion for education with innovation. By leaning into networking, upskilling, and focusing on my transferable skills, I found my footing in the edtech world. Now, as a career coach, I’m committed to helping others find their golden thread and navigate their own transitions with confidence.
Whilst career change is not easy, it’s one of the most rewarding investments you can make in yourself. With the right strategies, support, and mindset—plus world-class tech training from General Assembly—you can turn the dream of a fulfilling career into reality.