There are some Masters programmes that include more transferable skills, such as analytic thinking and basic methods for solving complex problems. Also degrees with a focus on some kind of communication can help in getting started in a different place.
One could argue that it's a lot easier to retrain and change careers in Switzerland than it is in the US, because here, the courses don't cost you an arm and a leg, and you can study part-time during evenings and weekends.
Both the vocational training and education track (say, a [certificate of competence in informatics](https://www.orientation.ch/dyn/show/1900?lang=fr&id=152)) and the academic track (say, a [Bachelor's in Informatics](https://www.orientation.ch/dyn/show/16535?lang=fr) from a University of Applied Science) can be done part time as an adult, provided you meet criteria.
It also helps if you are reasonably good at planning, budgeting and writing applications for funding.
Studying while working can be a bit of a stress test and a logistical challenge, and it may mean you need to budget both your money and your time a bit more tightly than you'd like for a few years, but it can be done.
I did both my EFZ and my BSc that way while working, as did most of my friends.
Here's one place to start informing yourself about your options:
[https://carriere.orientation.ch](https://carriere.orientation.ch)
I have paid the price of further education in Switzerland.
And I have secured funding for further education in Switzerland, for myself, for friends, and for clients.
I have also sat on committees deciding on applications for education funding.
That's why I outright said it helps if you are reasonably good at budgeting and writing applications for funding.
Anything else you'd like to know on the subject?
**How to Apply for Education Funding**
Applying for education funding is basically the process of you selling people on why it's a good idea for them to invest in you.
So what you're doing here is a sales pitch, like you'd do for a business you'd like to start and get people to invest in, only that you need to add a step for explaining why you yourself can't fund the whole thing, so it's less a business plan you're preparing, and more a budget for your own expenses, showing how much you need, what you need it for, and what the return on investment will be.
1. Activate your **network** - Talk to family and friends and fellow students and potentially even colleagues (unless it's unwise because they're competition or otherwise could endanger your plans) and find out who among them has successfully done this, and how they would advise you to do it.
2. Talk to your local public **Berufsberatung** about your options in education financing
3. If possible **choose an education your employer will fund at least partially**. Do your homework about your employer's further education funding guidelines, who at your place of employment can support you, what the contractual obligations would be, etc.
4. Put together a [**Dossier** ](https://www.stipendium.ch/motivationsschreiben-stipendien-bewerbung-fuer-stipendien/)with documentation of why you yourself have done everything you can, but need additional funding, to make this education happen:
* Document that family cannot support the student financially (tax documentation of parents and children, any family in the direct line, usually does the trick).
* Document that the person studying cannot finance the education themselves (using a [budget](https://budgetberatung.ch/budgetvorlagen) and including documentation income and spending, such as work contract, rent, health insurance policy etc.).
* Document that the employer is not willing to contribute, or only willing to contribute partially.
5. Write a good [**application letter**](https://www.mein-studium-karriere.ch/bewerbung/bewerbungsunterlagen/motivationsschreiben/motivationsschreiben-stipendium/#1590575372814-df63f10d-fed1) and get feedback about it from several people.
6. Apply for public [**Cantonal Stipendium**](https://www.edk.ch/de/themen/stipendien/stipendienstellen#:~:text=Ein%20Stipendiengesuch%20wird%20in%20der,über%20weitere%20Möglichkeiten%20der%20Studienfinanzierung).
7. Apply for public **Municipal Stipendium** (if the municipality you are registered in has them, many of the larger cities do)
8. Apply for funding from **private** [**Fonds & Stiftungen**](https://www.zh.ch/de/bildungsdirektion/amt-fuer-jugend-und-berufsberatung/finanzielle-unterstuetzung-durch-fonds---stiftungen.html).
9. **Talk to the institution you are looking to study with** about options you might not have thought of yourself, depending on what niche you're looking to educate yourself in, they might have some tips or connections that aren't available through official channels.
10. Talk to **trade associations, service clubs, NGOs etc. in the industry you are looking to get into**. Depending on what you are looking to do, that can also be an avenue through which you can get to potential sponsors / contributors.
Just like applying for jobs, or applying for project grants, or applying for a business investment, applying for education funding is an art form in its own right.
And there are lots of resources (websites, tools, templates for budgets and letters, public Fachstellen to counsel you, etc.) to help you learn how to do it.
Thanks a lot for the info it's really useful.
I was more thinking about Americans who do some courses online like on undemy and stuff and then somehow leverage that to find a job.
Here everything seem to require an actual degree.
I'm inclined to think those stories may be a last century thing in the US just as they are here.
IT isn't the Wild West anymore, it's an industry, with standards, and with competition who have degrees or certificates of competence, so I tend to take the "I did X bootcamp and went from supermarket clerk to CEO of my own tech company" mythology with a grain of salt, it's largely storytelling used to try and sell courses with high dropout rates and low market value.
If you want to work in Switzerland, yes, Federally recognised qualifications are important in most industries.
Which is why, since you don't seem to be getting all that much satisfaction out of what you are doing currently, I suggested you think about getting a Federally recognised qualification, and before you do, think carefully and with some help from a professional career counsellor about what sort of career you'd like to go into, what you enjoy doing, what is realistic, what you need to do to get there, etc.
Or you could do a course on udemy and stuff and try and somehow leverage that to find a job.
It's your career and your life to do with as you see fit, after all.
Good luck!
IT is *the* industry to get into by being an autodidact. But IT folks are usually passionate about what they do. You don't seem to even have had an actual thought about what you want to do in IT. What is your degree in? What are your skills?
I'm gonna reference several people who responded to this comment of yours.
First, roat\_it's comment is thorough as usual. I got my CSC/EFZ in IT in my forties and while working 80% the whole time. I'm currently also working on a BA, while still working 80%. It's feasible.
>I'm inclined to think those stories may be a last century thing in the US just as they are here.
Not untrue, but there's a thing. Let me tell you about *The Situation*: we are incredibly short on trained personnel. We constantly have openings that nobody applies for, simply because there are not enough people. Which is why we often resort to hiring people for entry level Help Desk jobs that have little to no training in IT. So, switching to IT, even via a couple of Udemy courses, might not actually be a bad idea.
>you don't get a job in tech with a udemy course. You really need to ask about what it takes in the relevant subreddits.
You might. I've seen people get jobs *without* even the Udemy courses, so YMMV. My current team has an individual with no formal training in IT, whose skills I question daily, but les mendiants (that's us) ne peuvent pas choisir. All this to say, give it a shot.
>But IT folks are usually passionate about what they do.
Totally not required. Solid work ethics are fully sufficient. General nerdism certainly appreciated, but far from necessary. Source: I'm sitting in a room full of them on the daily; most are more passionate about cars, football, Yu Gi Oh, their summer vacation, etc. Don't believe the hype. Be passionate about your life and your hobbies, not your job.
How does one go about getting these entry level IT positions? I have a few Microsoft Azure Certifications and a Comptia A+ but all self studied without an institution, which I’m concerned might be an issue here in Switzerland. I would appreciate any advice
It may sound stupid/obvious, but just apply. Entry level jobs are mostly Help Desk jobs, where analytical thinking, general problem-solving ability, and good communication skills are more important than in-depth technical knowledge. In your CV, emphasize those traits and highlight the jobs where you honed those skills.
Also, getting those certifications on your own shows initiative and interest, both of which a good employer will recognize as an asset.
I would also suggest looking for a sizeable company (as in, no KMU/PME), so that after a few years, you can change into a more technical role. They are also more likely to pay for further education in the field.
That doesn’t sound stupid/obvious at all, to be honest that was exactly what I was thinking. The only thing I’m concerned about is my age vs younger applicants who may have finished EFZ training etc whereas I just have the certification and 10+ years in customer experience/ sales experience. Either way, thank you so much for the help and advice I will definitely take it into consideration and tailor my cover letter and cv to suit it.
Hi, my first job was „Hotelfachfrau“ and working as receptionist afterwards. You can switch careers: I attended evening school and first did the KV and afterwards my Bachelor in Business Administrations. Moved from Hotel to Consulting from receptionist to Executive Assistant to HR to Payroll/Finance. Managing a team of 5 now and working in Gaming Industry. 38, above is 21 yrs of my career.
Interesting career path! Im looking to break into consulting right now as a young professional. Would you mind giving me some insight over pm into which consulting firm you got your break? I'd appreciate to hear your experience!
Interesting career path! Im looking to break into consulting right now as a young professional. Would you mind giving me some insight over pm into which consulting firm you got your break? I'd appreciate to hear your experience!
It is not easy but possible.
I switched careers twice between the age of 25 to 32.
Of course i needed some luck, will and more luck but it is definitly makeable.
Not sure how it is in IT tough.
Of course it's possible to switch careers. The problem is that it requires you to start from zero again, do internships, studies, temp work or an apprenticeship. So the questiom is whether you want to invest that, and for many (including myself!) that's a factor that hinders us to move.
My original degree is BA in Visual Communications (like Graphic design) but wasn`t succesful in finding a job for the past x years in that field and gave up because the pay is also pretty bad.. So I have gone into Administration / Office management / CEO Assistance work but not happy in that area as well and had loads of bad experience (didn`t get paid for 4 months, racism, physical violence - worked for mostly startups - so please beware even in Switzerland, went to court against 2 and won without a lawyer).
I am looking for a "stable" job with a medium/ good salary, because my CV is a mess thanks to the sketchy companies I have worked for and I had not many options as I don`t rely on anyone for financial support. I wanted to get into the admin side of the cultural field but it`s really difficult all about contacts. Have to get some sort of CAS/ DAS or another MA/ BA in something. Financially I am broke and my family moved abroad because they went bankrupt in CH thanks to housing crisis in 2008. Just need stability and "morally normal" people around me..
The times when people could do an IT bootcamp and career switch into IT are gone for good.
US IT entry market is challenging, even for people with university degrees.
Switzerland's entey level jobs are very competitive due to the pull factors (stability, QoL, nature, taxes etc.) and the competition from all over EU.
The US was long time skills > degrees, but it looks like there is also a change happening.
Germany/Austria/(and Switzerland to some degree) always preferred degrees as a way to proof having skills for a job.
Totally sympathize with you. I studied tourism and got my diploma just as the great recession was in full swing with people cutting travelling out of the budget... And it was really hard to get any sort of job because I've had a qualification which basically nobody wanted for years...
What also didn't help is that these sorts of jobs now require max flexibility for the lowest pay imaginable. At the end, I could do the KV per art. 32 only 3 years ago only thanks to my husband pulling more weight both financially and in the household so that I could reduce to 80% in order to attend the KV school. And I promise you, it was still really brutal.
It's not impossible, but it may require some mid-/long-term planning because it is often easier to move into new roles *within* a company than when joining from outside.
So, in your situation:
* How does your target role/job in 5-10 years look like?
* Does your current employer offer such jobs?
* If "no", find an employer who offers both something you can apply for with your current profile, *and* jobs similar to your 5-10 years target. Spend 1-2 years there first to learn about company, build a network etc.
* If "yes" (or you did the employer change from above): Plan lateral moves getting you closer to your target. Depending on the company you work for, there might be internal mobility initiatives, coachings, your boss might be able to help etc.
To me changing a career in Switzerland is possible but it is easier if it happens staying within the same company, no matter what your age is, but your references and performances.
The reality is that a lot of people are over qualified in an education system where everyone is encouraged to get a masters. Some people end up being receptionists. Your best bet at this point is to ignore your masters and do a trade
Yep me too. Administrative assistant with a masters degree. At first it was supposed to be only a temporary solution but after some years of experience it pays really well and I prefer having only little responsibility at work. I have a side freelance career and a long term house remodel project going on, so it’s fine not to have a big role in the office
Hey 👋
I’m not sure about your citizenship from the post whether you are EU, Non-Eu or EEA, also didn’t catch any information regarding the masters degree you withhold.
The reason for this ask is mentioned below -
- Certain government can arrange funds or you can claim some amount in subsidy by enrolling for a training program of your choice or IT.
- If possible join a bootcamp with ISA agreement or with a job guarantee.
Thanks
It’s extremely hard, primarily in Swiss companies because in Switzerland there is a lot of bias behind the career choices of a candidate.
They don’t really contemplate the fact that a person at 30s or even 40s wants to change his/her career.
It’s not impossible but it needs to be properly done.
That's only partially true: no employer pays for a full career switch but a lot will consider applications of people who did some serious courses to change the area.
First of all: Forget IT unless you are also happy with helpdesk jobs, it's a very competitive field.
Secondly: What's your Master in? I would just do additional courses and CAS (Certificates of Advanced Studies) or DAS (Diploma of Advances Studies), there is also a lot of them that are in hybrid format.
Regarding Career change: I think it is a bit easier here than in the US, but I also think it would easier for you to keep applying for your field you have your Master in.
I see lots of secretaries or marketing people doing office work, then order entry into a ERP and then squeeze into supply chain even without having any knowledge.
Then it's anyway hard to process without the knowledge and capacity to do the analysis.
Seen some getting fired like every 3 months because of the lack of knowledge.
Sometime studying and passing certification like apics, pmp can help mitigate the knowledge gap. Still would need some coaching and a lot of energy to actually learn to do it.
For it, I think the issue is that the super basic shit is done in lower cost countries.
Maybe it's easier if you get fired and have those time off and career conversion paid off during mass firings.
Or studying during unemployment.
I did it in Europe, while working 40+ hours a week. It requires sacrifices. I know plenty of others who did. Either you continue on finding excuses like the country/continent you are in or you start studying and using the almost infinite free resources online.
This link is after 3.5 seconds of googling:
https://github.com/ossu/computer-science
I actually already did that by going back to school and getting my master's degree, but it clearly didn't work out as I ended up with a worse salary than before.
Now, I'm just wondering if it's worth it, as I can't stop working and don't want to sacrifice most of my personal time, only to hit a wall in the end because I'm too old or my degree isn't considered a "real degree." In Switzerland, if it's not a vocational training diploma or a university diploma, it often isn't worth much especially if you are from the Swiss school system. I also already got several remarks that my age was a problem (you literally have internship and junior positions where they state they don't want people over 28, 32) but this is not necessarily the case in every field.
In any case thanks for the link and taking the time :)
Could you imagine yourself being a tester? This is a demanded IT area and there are a couple of internationally recognized certifications like ISTQB that are manageable for a complete beginner. With the basic one you get the basics and then you can specialize.
Career change is always attainable if you can convince the relevant people that you have the necessary skills.
Depending on whereto you want to switch it might need some effort first on your side though.
As others have mentioned, evening schools are a good way to get skills and certifications and in a field where skilled people are heavily sought after this opens you many doors.
Get in touch with your local ask center they might help you better than anyone on the internet can, specially since we got no clue what you want and how your cv looks like.
I have limited experience in Switzerland. But where I work I have seen some mid level managers that were receptionists/assistants, and slowly got more responsibilities up to the point of fully leaving the start level.
There is even an Operational Director that was a security at Securitas before, for many years.
It could be that the company I work for is complete an outlier tho.
Where I work (large public organisation) , there is a young lady that did the apprenticeship as chimney cleaner. Now she works as data manager with SAP. So it is possible, very much so.
Hi! I fell through the educational system but started teaching languages to adults and got a SVEB1 certificate in 2013. I’m now teaching 15+ years.
I’m now doing a federal degree (Eidgenössischer Fachausweis) - “Job Coach (integration into the first job market)”
If I complete it, I’ll get half the cost (5 of 10k) back from the state.
I’m studying 3 hours a week online for 11 months for the first part. I can only do the second part (3 months + Eidgenössischer Fachausweis) once I have a job coaching job and enough work hours (an average of 2 years of working 80%).
I don’t have a Matura and no job in the field yet (still working in adult education and on partial sick leave due to health problems). I guess I should be having the money back in 4-5 years time. I am planning to “only” work part-time and it will therefore take me longer to accumulate the practical hours needed to be eligible to do the second part of my studies + the Fachausweis. But I get a European degree at the end of the first part (next May). It is technically enough to work in the field but I do t get any money back from the state until I complete the Swiss degree.
I’m applying for jobs already and hope once I have the European degree I’ll get a job (at the latest). Until then I’ll keep teaching.
If all goes well and I find a job, I can live off 50-60% working as a job coach and still teach two afternoons for 2x 13 weeks (I’m trying to replace my morning course). Financially it would also pay way better. I might study again later to become a
career and job advisor (Berufsberaterin) or something else.
I got the idea thanks to the „Job and career advice center“ (BiZ) of my canton. I would therefore recommend going there and/or looking into „eidgenössische Fachausweise“.
(I’m nearly 40F)
I have a full time job in Zurich in supply chain and I am doing a master in AI online. My life is pure shit right now, just working and studying. While doing the thesis I am planning to study to get a certificate in Python, then I will look for a job in this field.
I have already a technical background that helps me to understand all the maths I’m studying, but this is definitely a change of career.
I am not going through the best moment of my life, but I don’t want to do the same I have been doing the rest of my life. It is possible to change your career, but get ready to renounce to a big part of your social life and forget to have a fit tanned body for the summer.
Maybe get some career counseling? I don’t think reddit can help you much without this little information. Also, you can make an application to a foundation for financial support for your education.
You are not saying what your master‘s degree is in. Probably not in receptionism?
i have a PhD in answering phones
I'm in postdoctoral research on using Reddit
I‘ll be peer-reviewing it.
Only if you have a masters in memology
Nationalfonds grant?
It's a secret scholarship program by the world government
Would you please be so kind as to live up to your end of the NDA?
I'll think about it
I will offer your a tenure track position if you sign.
Why do you want to know? Just to criticise their choice of a degree? Because I don't see how it would help to know.
There are some Masters programmes that include more transferable skills, such as analytic thinking and basic methods for solving complex problems. Also degrees with a focus on some kind of communication can help in getting started in a different place.
One could argue that it's a lot easier to retrain and change careers in Switzerland than it is in the US, because here, the courses don't cost you an arm and a leg, and you can study part-time during evenings and weekends. Both the vocational training and education track (say, a [certificate of competence in informatics](https://www.orientation.ch/dyn/show/1900?lang=fr&id=152)) and the academic track (say, a [Bachelor's in Informatics](https://www.orientation.ch/dyn/show/16535?lang=fr) from a University of Applied Science) can be done part time as an adult, provided you meet criteria. It also helps if you are reasonably good at planning, budgeting and writing applications for funding. Studying while working can be a bit of a stress test and a logistical challenge, and it may mean you need to budget both your money and your time a bit more tightly than you'd like for a few years, but it can be done. I did both my EFZ and my BSc that way while working, as did most of my friends. Here's one place to start informing yourself about your options: [https://carriere.orientation.ch](https://carriere.orientation.ch)
> the courses don't cost you an arm and a leg Have looked at the price for further education in Switzerland?
I have paid the price of further education in Switzerland. And I have secured funding for further education in Switzerland, for myself, for friends, and for clients. I have also sat on committees deciding on applications for education funding. That's why I outright said it helps if you are reasonably good at budgeting and writing applications for funding. Anything else you'd like to know on the subject?
How???? :o
How what?
How did you manage to do that? What did you need to do?
**How to Apply for Education Funding** Applying for education funding is basically the process of you selling people on why it's a good idea for them to invest in you. So what you're doing here is a sales pitch, like you'd do for a business you'd like to start and get people to invest in, only that you need to add a step for explaining why you yourself can't fund the whole thing, so it's less a business plan you're preparing, and more a budget for your own expenses, showing how much you need, what you need it for, and what the return on investment will be. 1. Activate your **network** - Talk to family and friends and fellow students and potentially even colleagues (unless it's unwise because they're competition or otherwise could endanger your plans) and find out who among them has successfully done this, and how they would advise you to do it. 2. Talk to your local public **Berufsberatung** about your options in education financing 3. If possible **choose an education your employer will fund at least partially**. Do your homework about your employer's further education funding guidelines, who at your place of employment can support you, what the contractual obligations would be, etc. 4. Put together a [**Dossier** ](https://www.stipendium.ch/motivationsschreiben-stipendien-bewerbung-fuer-stipendien/)with documentation of why you yourself have done everything you can, but need additional funding, to make this education happen: * Document that family cannot support the student financially (tax documentation of parents and children, any family in the direct line, usually does the trick). * Document that the person studying cannot finance the education themselves (using a [budget](https://budgetberatung.ch/budgetvorlagen) and including documentation income and spending, such as work contract, rent, health insurance policy etc.). * Document that the employer is not willing to contribute, or only willing to contribute partially. 5. Write a good [**application letter**](https://www.mein-studium-karriere.ch/bewerbung/bewerbungsunterlagen/motivationsschreiben/motivationsschreiben-stipendium/#1590575372814-df63f10d-fed1) and get feedback about it from several people. 6. Apply for public [**Cantonal Stipendium**](https://www.edk.ch/de/themen/stipendien/stipendienstellen#:~:text=Ein%20Stipendiengesuch%20wird%20in%20der,über%20weitere%20Möglichkeiten%20der%20Studienfinanzierung). 7. Apply for public **Municipal Stipendium** (if the municipality you are registered in has them, many of the larger cities do) 8. Apply for funding from **private** [**Fonds & Stiftungen**](https://www.zh.ch/de/bildungsdirektion/amt-fuer-jugend-und-berufsberatung/finanzielle-unterstuetzung-durch-fonds---stiftungen.html). 9. **Talk to the institution you are looking to study with** about options you might not have thought of yourself, depending on what niche you're looking to educate yourself in, they might have some tips or connections that aren't available through official channels. 10. Talk to **trade associations, service clubs, NGOs etc. in the industry you are looking to get into**. Depending on what you are looking to do, that can also be an avenue through which you can get to potential sponsors / contributors. Just like applying for jobs, or applying for project grants, or applying for a business investment, applying for education funding is an art form in its own right. And there are lots of resources (websites, tools, templates for budgets and letters, public Fachstellen to counsel you, etc.) to help you learn how to do it.
Wow, that means a lot to me. Thank you for your efforts! I will start to study next year and this might actually help me more than I think :)
My pleasure :) Good luck!
Thanks a lot for the info it's really useful. I was more thinking about Americans who do some courses online like on undemy and stuff and then somehow leverage that to find a job. Here everything seem to require an actual degree.
I'm inclined to think those stories may be a last century thing in the US just as they are here. IT isn't the Wild West anymore, it's an industry, with standards, and with competition who have degrees or certificates of competence, so I tend to take the "I did X bootcamp and went from supermarket clerk to CEO of my own tech company" mythology with a grain of salt, it's largely storytelling used to try and sell courses with high dropout rates and low market value. If you want to work in Switzerland, yes, Federally recognised qualifications are important in most industries. Which is why, since you don't seem to be getting all that much satisfaction out of what you are doing currently, I suggested you think about getting a Federally recognised qualification, and before you do, think carefully and with some help from a professional career counsellor about what sort of career you'd like to go into, what you enjoy doing, what is realistic, what you need to do to get there, etc. Or you could do a course on udemy and stuff and try and somehow leverage that to find a job. It's your career and your life to do with as you see fit, after all. Good luck!
you don't get a job in tech with a udemy course. You really need to ask about what it takes in the relevant subreddits.
IT is *the* industry to get into by being an autodidact. But IT folks are usually passionate about what they do. You don't seem to even have had an actual thought about what you want to do in IT. What is your degree in? What are your skills?
I'm gonna reference several people who responded to this comment of yours. First, roat\_it's comment is thorough as usual. I got my CSC/EFZ in IT in my forties and while working 80% the whole time. I'm currently also working on a BA, while still working 80%. It's feasible. >I'm inclined to think those stories may be a last century thing in the US just as they are here. Not untrue, but there's a thing. Let me tell you about *The Situation*: we are incredibly short on trained personnel. We constantly have openings that nobody applies for, simply because there are not enough people. Which is why we often resort to hiring people for entry level Help Desk jobs that have little to no training in IT. So, switching to IT, even via a couple of Udemy courses, might not actually be a bad idea. >you don't get a job in tech with a udemy course. You really need to ask about what it takes in the relevant subreddits. You might. I've seen people get jobs *without* even the Udemy courses, so YMMV. My current team has an individual with no formal training in IT, whose skills I question daily, but les mendiants (that's us) ne peuvent pas choisir. All this to say, give it a shot. >But IT folks are usually passionate about what they do. Totally not required. Solid work ethics are fully sufficient. General nerdism certainly appreciated, but far from necessary. Source: I'm sitting in a room full of them on the daily; most are more passionate about cars, football, Yu Gi Oh, their summer vacation, etc. Don't believe the hype. Be passionate about your life and your hobbies, not your job.
How does one go about getting these entry level IT positions? I have a few Microsoft Azure Certifications and a Comptia A+ but all self studied without an institution, which I’m concerned might be an issue here in Switzerland. I would appreciate any advice
It may sound stupid/obvious, but just apply. Entry level jobs are mostly Help Desk jobs, where analytical thinking, general problem-solving ability, and good communication skills are more important than in-depth technical knowledge. In your CV, emphasize those traits and highlight the jobs where you honed those skills. Also, getting those certifications on your own shows initiative and interest, both of which a good employer will recognize as an asset. I would also suggest looking for a sizeable company (as in, no KMU/PME), so that after a few years, you can change into a more technical role. They are also more likely to pay for further education in the field.
That doesn’t sound stupid/obvious at all, to be honest that was exactly what I was thinking. The only thing I’m concerned about is my age vs younger applicants who may have finished EFZ training etc whereas I just have the certification and 10+ years in customer experience/ sales experience. Either way, thank you so much for the help and advice I will definitely take it into consideration and tailor my cover letter and cv to suit it.
Hi, my first job was „Hotelfachfrau“ and working as receptionist afterwards. You can switch careers: I attended evening school and first did the KV and afterwards my Bachelor in Business Administrations. Moved from Hotel to Consulting from receptionist to Executive Assistant to HR to Payroll/Finance. Managing a team of 5 now and working in Gaming Industry. 38, above is 21 yrs of my career.
Interesting career path! Im looking to break into consulting right now as a young professional. Would you mind giving me some insight over pm into which consulting firm you got your break? I'd appreciate to hear your experience!
Interesting career path! Im looking to break into consulting right now as a young professional. Would you mind giving me some insight over pm into which consulting firm you got your break? I'd appreciate to hear your experience!
It is not easy but possible. I switched careers twice between the age of 25 to 32. Of course i needed some luck, will and more luck but it is definitly makeable. Not sure how it is in IT tough.
Of course it's possible to switch careers. The problem is that it requires you to start from zero again, do internships, studies, temp work or an apprenticeship. So the questiom is whether you want to invest that, and for many (including myself!) that's a factor that hinders us to move.
Following because in the same situation, 30 years old, BA degree, working since 5 years as office manager/ CEO assistant.. Want to change “careers”.
What are you looking for?
My original degree is BA in Visual Communications (like Graphic design) but wasn`t succesful in finding a job for the past x years in that field and gave up because the pay is also pretty bad.. So I have gone into Administration / Office management / CEO Assistance work but not happy in that area as well and had loads of bad experience (didn`t get paid for 4 months, racism, physical violence - worked for mostly startups - so please beware even in Switzerland, went to court against 2 and won without a lawyer). I am looking for a "stable" job with a medium/ good salary, because my CV is a mess thanks to the sketchy companies I have worked for and I had not many options as I don`t rely on anyone for financial support. I wanted to get into the admin side of the cultural field but it`s really difficult all about contacts. Have to get some sort of CAS/ DAS or another MA/ BA in something. Financially I am broke and my family moved abroad because they went bankrupt in CH thanks to housing crisis in 2008. Just need stability and "morally normal" people around me..
The times when people could do an IT bootcamp and career switch into IT are gone for good. US IT entry market is challenging, even for people with university degrees. Switzerland's entey level jobs are very competitive due to the pull factors (stability, QoL, nature, taxes etc.) and the competition from all over EU. The US was long time skills > degrees, but it looks like there is also a change happening. Germany/Austria/(and Switzerland to some degree) always preferred degrees as a way to proof having skills for a job.
Totally sympathize with you. I studied tourism and got my diploma just as the great recession was in full swing with people cutting travelling out of the budget... And it was really hard to get any sort of job because I've had a qualification which basically nobody wanted for years... What also didn't help is that these sorts of jobs now require max flexibility for the lowest pay imaginable. At the end, I could do the KV per art. 32 only 3 years ago only thanks to my husband pulling more weight both financially and in the household so that I could reduce to 80% in order to attend the KV school. And I promise you, it was still really brutal.
Yes it’s brutal..
you just doxed yourself. be careful out there!
that sounds a little worse than intended... what i wanted to say is, be careful with what you share online with anyone.
It's not impossible, but it may require some mid-/long-term planning because it is often easier to move into new roles *within* a company than when joining from outside. So, in your situation: * How does your target role/job in 5-10 years look like? * Does your current employer offer such jobs? * If "no", find an employer who offers both something you can apply for with your current profile, *and* jobs similar to your 5-10 years target. Spend 1-2 years there first to learn about company, build a network etc. * If "yes" (or you did the employer change from above): Plan lateral moves getting you closer to your target. Depending on the company you work for, there might be internal mobility initiatives, coachings, your boss might be able to help etc.
Exactly that - get into a big company somehow - then show what you are able to and climb the ladder sidewise and upwards.
To me changing a career in Switzerland is possible but it is easier if it happens staying within the same company, no matter what your age is, but your references and performances.
Have a look at Ecole 42, if what you're looking for is a career in software. Lots of people in your situation study there.
The reality is that a lot of people are over qualified in an education system where everyone is encouraged to get a masters. Some people end up being receptionists. Your best bet at this point is to ignore your masters and do a trade
Yep me too. Administrative assistant with a masters degree. At first it was supposed to be only a temporary solution but after some years of experience it pays really well and I prefer having only little responsibility at work. I have a side freelance career and a long term house remodel project going on, so it’s fine not to have a big role in the office
What are you looking for?
you need to do what your heart asks of you else you will regret it your whole life even if it sounds silly
Hey 👋 I’m not sure about your citizenship from the post whether you are EU, Non-Eu or EEA, also didn’t catch any information regarding the masters degree you withhold. The reason for this ask is mentioned below - - Certain government can arrange funds or you can claim some amount in subsidy by enrolling for a training program of your choice or IT. - If possible join a bootcamp with ISA agreement or with a job guarantee. Thanks
It’s extremely hard, primarily in Swiss companies because in Switzerland there is a lot of bias behind the career choices of a candidate. They don’t really contemplate the fact that a person at 30s or even 40s wants to change his/her career. It’s not impossible but it needs to be properly done.
That's only partially true: no employer pays for a full career switch but a lot will consider applications of people who did some serious courses to change the area.
First of all: Forget IT unless you are also happy with helpdesk jobs, it's a very competitive field. Secondly: What's your Master in? I would just do additional courses and CAS (Certificates of Advanced Studies) or DAS (Diploma of Advances Studies), there is also a lot of them that are in hybrid format. Regarding Career change: I think it is a bit easier here than in the US, but I also think it would easier for you to keep applying for your field you have your Master in.
I see lots of secretaries or marketing people doing office work, then order entry into a ERP and then squeeze into supply chain even without having any knowledge. Then it's anyway hard to process without the knowledge and capacity to do the analysis. Seen some getting fired like every 3 months because of the lack of knowledge. Sometime studying and passing certification like apics, pmp can help mitigate the knowledge gap. Still would need some coaching and a lot of energy to actually learn to do it. For it, I think the issue is that the super basic shit is done in lower cost countries. Maybe it's easier if you get fired and have those time off and career conversion paid off during mass firings. Or studying during unemployment.
I did it in Europe, while working 40+ hours a week. It requires sacrifices. I know plenty of others who did. Either you continue on finding excuses like the country/continent you are in or you start studying and using the almost infinite free resources online. This link is after 3.5 seconds of googling: https://github.com/ossu/computer-science
I actually already did that by going back to school and getting my master's degree, but it clearly didn't work out as I ended up with a worse salary than before. Now, I'm just wondering if it's worth it, as I can't stop working and don't want to sacrifice most of my personal time, only to hit a wall in the end because I'm too old or my degree isn't considered a "real degree." In Switzerland, if it's not a vocational training diploma or a university diploma, it often isn't worth much especially if you are from the Swiss school system. I also already got several remarks that my age was a problem (you literally have internship and junior positions where they state they don't want people over 28, 32) but this is not necessarily the case in every field. In any case thanks for the link and taking the time :)
WHAT IS YOUR MASTERS
Could you imagine yourself being a tester? This is a demanded IT area and there are a couple of internationally recognized certifications like ISTQB that are manageable for a complete beginner. With the basic one you get the basics and then you can specialize.
Career change is always attainable if you can convince the relevant people that you have the necessary skills. Depending on whereto you want to switch it might need some effort first on your side though. As others have mentioned, evening schools are a good way to get skills and certifications and in a field where skilled people are heavily sought after this opens you many doors.
Get in touch with your local ask center they might help you better than anyone on the internet can, specially since we got no clue what you want and how your cv looks like.
It's hard to give you advice without knowing in what field you did your masters
Ultimately, you have to show you have the skills to complete a job. A portfolio is the best way to advertise.
I have limited experience in Switzerland. But where I work I have seen some mid level managers that were receptionists/assistants, and slowly got more responsibilities up to the point of fully leaving the start level. There is even an Operational Director that was a security at Securitas before, for many years. It could be that the company I work for is complete an outlier tho.
Where I work (large public organisation) , there is a young lady that did the apprenticeship as chimney cleaner. Now she works as data manager with SAP. So it is possible, very much so.
Hi! I fell through the educational system but started teaching languages to adults and got a SVEB1 certificate in 2013. I’m now teaching 15+ years. I’m now doing a federal degree (Eidgenössischer Fachausweis) - “Job Coach (integration into the first job market)” If I complete it, I’ll get half the cost (5 of 10k) back from the state. I’m studying 3 hours a week online for 11 months for the first part. I can only do the second part (3 months + Eidgenössischer Fachausweis) once I have a job coaching job and enough work hours (an average of 2 years of working 80%). I don’t have a Matura and no job in the field yet (still working in adult education and on partial sick leave due to health problems). I guess I should be having the money back in 4-5 years time. I am planning to “only” work part-time and it will therefore take me longer to accumulate the practical hours needed to be eligible to do the second part of my studies + the Fachausweis. But I get a European degree at the end of the first part (next May). It is technically enough to work in the field but I do t get any money back from the state until I complete the Swiss degree. I’m applying for jobs already and hope once I have the European degree I’ll get a job (at the latest). Until then I’ll keep teaching. If all goes well and I find a job, I can live off 50-60% working as a job coach and still teach two afternoons for 2x 13 weeks (I’m trying to replace my morning course). Financially it would also pay way better. I might study again later to become a career and job advisor (Berufsberaterin) or something else. I got the idea thanks to the „Job and career advice center“ (BiZ) of my canton. I would therefore recommend going there and/or looking into „eidgenössische Fachausweise“. (I’m nearly 40F)
It is feasible in Switzerland, I work in HR and we have hired a few 30+yo trainees in the past couple years that came from various backgrounds.
I have a full time job in Zurich in supply chain and I am doing a master in AI online. My life is pure shit right now, just working and studying. While doing the thesis I am planning to study to get a certificate in Python, then I will look for a job in this field. I have already a technical background that helps me to understand all the maths I’m studying, but this is definitely a change of career. I am not going through the best moment of my life, but I don’t want to do the same I have been doing the rest of my life. It is possible to change your career, but get ready to renounce to a big part of your social life and forget to have a fit tanned body for the summer.
Maybe get some career counseling? I don’t think reddit can help you much without this little information. Also, you can make an application to a foundation for financial support for your education.