pepelwerk blog

Changing Jobs? Paid Internships Are the Secret to Landing in a New Industry

Written by Alex | 4/7/25 2:43 PM

Making a career change can feel overwhelming, especially if you're stepping into a completely new industry. Finding jobs for career switchers isn’t always straightforward, but a talent development marketplace can provide valuable opportunities to upskill and gain hands-on experience. One of the best ways to transition careers successfully is through paid internships, which allow you to earn while you learn. If you're wondering how to transition careers without starting from scratch, leveraging paid internships can help you build new skills and make valuable industry connections.

Learn on the Job While Earning a Paycheck

One of the biggest challenges of switching industries is gaining relevant experience without taking the financial hit. Paid internships offer a unique way to upskill for career growth while getting compensated. Unlike unpaid internships, which may not be feasible for career changers, paid opportunities allow you to support yourself while building skills that hiring managers look for in your new field.

The Career Transition You Didn’t Know You Were In


Use Mentorship to Find High-Quality Internships

Mentorship is a powerful tool when transitioning to a new career. Connecting with professionals in your target industry can lead to referrals for high-quality paid internships. Many companies look for experienced workers who are eager to learn, and a mentor can introduce you to the right people, provide insights and help you prepare for interviews.

Take Advantage of a Talent Development Marketplace

A talent development marketplace connects career switchers with resources, job opportunities and skill-building programs. These platforms help professionals find paid internships tailored to their industry goals, making it easier to step into a new field with confidence. Instead of searching blindly for opportunities, you gain access to curated career pathways designed to support your transition. Develop your skills, find opportunities all while striving to meet your career, income and learning goals through a talent development marketplace like pepelwerk.

Steps to Land a Paid Internship in Your New Industry

How to land a paid internship while changing careers:

  1. Identify transferable skills that align with your desired field
  2. Use online career guidance tools to find relevant paid internships
  3. Network with professionals and seek mentorship for insider knowledge
  4. Apply for internships that offer hands-on training and career growth
  5. Stay open to part-time and full-time opportunities to maximize learning

Spring into New Career Opportunities with pepelwerk

Changing careers doesn’t mean starting over—it means finding the right opportunities to build on your existing skills. pepelwerk helps career switchers connect with paid internships, mentorship and skill-building programs to make the transition smoother. If you're ready to take the next step, explore how pepelwerk can help you access high-quality job opportunities in your new industry.