Choosing a degree or starting your career can take time and effort. In the moment, it can feel like you’re determining a path for your whole life.
But life doesn’t have to be so black and white.
As you gain more experience and exposure, you may discover a passion for something new and decide to flip the switch.
At least, this is what happened for Annie Miao. Realizing she wanted to go after something different for her career, she made the bold decision to change things up after building a steady career in one industry:
“I changed careers, and I’m so glad I did. Going back to school is something I thought I’d never do – so I’m proud of the guts it took to leave the security of a stable, financially comfortable job, enter a completely new industry, and start all over again.”
We spoke with Annie about making a career change a success, what to expect along the way, and what she loves most about her current role with the national energy infrastructure organization APA Group.
Here are her five key takeaways from her experience:
1. Furthering your education can help you explore your interests.
After Annie completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine (“What was I thinking?” she laughs), she launched into a career in vaccine manufacturing, progressing across different roles for over five years.
“Even though I was growing in my career, it didn’t inspire my passion. I was drawn to electrical systems, so I decided to undertake a Certificate II in Electrotechnology part-time. I enjoyed what I was learning so much that I decided to achieve my electrical license, resign from the pharmaceutical manufacturing career I had forged, and gain an apprenticeship.”
She joined APA Group and was surprised to discover just how large the company is.
“Since I was from a different industry, anything in the gas and utilities was completely new to me; I had no idea about the scale of APA. Only after beginning my apprenticeship did I realize how expansive and impactful the company is.”
As an apprentice, Annie is part of the Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) team, which is responsible for maintaining gas assets and pipelines that form the Victorian gas distribution network.
2. Finding the right place to learn and grow makes a difference.
Understandably, entering a new industry can be nerve-wracking. Finding a supportive organization with great people can make all the difference.
When Annie met her direct and wider team, she realized she’d be working with people with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. More importantly, she’s had senior colleagues, supervisors, and managers willing to dedicate their time to teaching and helping her achieve her goals.
What does this look like day to day?
“My supervisor has over twelve years of experience and is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about electrical and instrumentation. He also changed industries and was formerly an auto-electrician after entering his electrical and instrumentation apprenticeship as a mature age learner. He goes above and beyond to explain concepts to me and provide me with as much training as possible in my apprenticeship. I also work closely with another A-grade electrician who’s shown me the ropes in gas and electrical. He’s particularly passionate about instrumentation SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). If I ever have a question, he’s quick to draw diagrams to help me understand what’s happening.”
APA Group has also arranged additional electrical work experience for her with a contract company.
“I worked with another A-grade electrician in this capacity who has a lot of experience supporting new apprentices. He’s always there to answer questions and has the patience of a saint!”
Being surrounded by people who care about and take pride in their work, mentoring, and sharing their knowledge helped Annie know she’d found the right place to learn and grow:
“The company has been instrumental in supporting my career development, without a doubt. I’m fortunate to have a company dedicated to supporting me to fulfill the requirements of my apprenticeship practical experience. Not only is APA striving to help me finish this apprenticeship, but they also have every intention to retain me beyond the completion of my apprenticeship. Working with a host contractor company has enabled me to gain the critical electrical experience I’ve needed.”
APA Group puts opportunities to grow and develop your career front and center.
3. The learning journey never stops.
For people like Annie, starting a new chapter means you never stop learning. People outside the organization are often surprised to learn just how varied Annie’s role is. It encompasses gas, instrumentation, and domestic electrical—practically three apprenticeships in one!
In her role, she interacts with people of all ages and experience levels across the same and different teams. She’s constantly picking up new things from them:
“I admit, understanding a new industry and learning new electrical concepts was overwhelming. It was easy to feel confused. But now, I love the process of learning and am comfortable with doing something for the first time.”
4. There will be challenges, but you’re always supported.
Of course, changing roles and industries can come with additional challenges. Annie has faced her fair share, particularly working in a male-dominated environment, including finding a women’s restroom in regional locations and managing the physical elements of the job.
“One of the most challenging parts can be the job’s physical component. As much as the electrical trade is touted as less physical, there are still many physical demands. I’ve adapted to these with time, but certainly, the first month was quite exhausting. I don’t think my shoulders will ever get used to drilling into ceilings!”
While Annie acknowledges that the physical aspect of the role took some adjusting too, she’s always felt supported by the incredible team around her:
“Everyone I’ve worked with has always made sure that whatever physical tasks I’m doing, I’m comfortable and able to do it. Help is always offered and up to me whether or not I think I need it. And I’m more than comfortable asking for a hand when there’s something I need help with, whether it’s a physical task or not! Additionally, when it comes to the physical aspect of the job, it’s always shared. For example, if we’re unloading a cable delivery, everyone will help and it’s not just me doing it alone. Some of the guys can take two drums at a time, I can only manage one drum, and that’s completely fine. You do what you can and do your best. Yes there’s a physical aspect to the job, but it’s easily overcome.”
And while the drilling is a task she now feel more than capable of doing, she’s quick to reassure that even though it presented a physical challenge, there’s no expectation for her to burn herself out:
“As for the drilling into the ceiling component of the job, it’s not really a task that can be shared, but there’s never been an expectation of me to work fast as the preference is to deliver on quality rather than speed. So if I need to take longer and have a break from it, that’s totally fine too. ”
5. You may (unintentionally) inspire others.
Working in a male-dominated industry, Annie understands how she’s paving the way for other young girls and women, showing they, too, can consider a career path and achieve success as electricians:
“It took me until my late 20s to realize I could be an electrician. Recently, I was performing maintenance on an asset, and a little girl came over—she was wearing high-visibility clothing and work boots and was watching me work. Her mom followed, and we started chatting. She shared how her little girl was obsessed with tools, had her own set, and loved all things construction. My high-visibility jacket matched hers, which made us smile. It was a rewarding exchange. I went home that day thinking about how I never saw women in construction growing up; maybe if I had, I would’ve made different career choices.”
She hopes that through pursuing her passion and sharing her story, she can shape the perspectives of girls and women who see her doing her job and encourage them to pursue an electrical or trade career.
“We need more women in the field and industry. I’m proud that APA Group is making conscious efforts to boost these numbers. I’m happy to be part of a progressive company that believes in and is accountable for attracting more amazing women.”
Inspired to make a change?
For those motivated to switch roles or industries, Annie encourages it may be more manageableg than you think.
Undertaking further study can be a meaningful first step and help you decide whether or not to take the plunge.:
“While it does take planning and measured decisions and can be financially challenging, it can be done. I attended trade school with people of all ages and identities: women, men, parents, and beyond. We all chose to do something different with our lives. Anything is possible when you set your mind to it.”
