Find work
you love, faster.

OUR CAREER CHANGE LAUNCH PAD

The world’s longest-running group-based career change course

The Launch Pad is an 8-week experience to help you find direction and get into action with your career change – in a radically different way.

Discover new career paths that truly fit who you are
Create exciting new work opportunities
Get clarity about what you want to do next, without risking your finances or your day job

Our next Launch Pad is opening soon

“

The Launch Pad was life changing. I never thought I'd get to the end of the course and come out with such a firm idea of what I wanted to do. I feel properly ‘me’ for the first time in a long time.

Alison, from Law to Business Psychology

You’re ready to make a change, but you’re not sure where to start

On the outside, you have a good career. On the inside, you know there’s more to life than this.

You've had enough of waking up and feeling flat about the day ahead. You can't shake the sense that you're in the wrong place, and it's leaving you feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

You want to create a career that feels good on the inside, rather than just looking good on the outside. You want to do work that feels like “you”.

The Launch Pad is an 8-week immersive experience, delivered online, to give you clarity, confidence and direction

Built on 12 years’ experience of working directly with more than 8,500 career changers, our methodology is based on three pillars – most of which run counter to conventional careers guidance.

“

The difference in my confidence and self belief after just a few short weeks is phenomenal. I am so glad I signed up – it's the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Amy Hare

Get into action from Day 1

Knowledge without action is just rumour. And we could tell you interesting information all day, and you’d still ultimately be stuck in the same place.

Instead, you’ll be making things happen in your day to day life from the very first week: engaging in new ways with the world around you to generate exciting ideas, solve your biggest challenges and discover new insights about yourself through the weekly Missions and Exercises (more on those below). .

Surround yourself with a supportive community

Nothing hinders progress in career change like isolation. If you’re feeling lost, alone, and secretly wondering if you’re the only one, this needs to change. Fast.

That’s why we surround you with a powerful crew of your fellow career changers, coaches and experts. You’ll tap into their knowledge and expertise, ask questions, share insights and ideas, get help when you’re struggling, celebrate your successes, and relax into the knowledge that we’ve all got your back.

Learn unexpected approaches that actually work

If conventional career advice was helpful for career changers, you’d have shifted by now. Nobody ever taught you to make a major sideways move; everything you know is about how to move up the career ladder.

In the Launch Pad, you’ll learn techniques that were designed specifically for people like you: who don’t have the ‘relevant experience’; who don’t already have an established network; who don’t know exactly where they’re going, or how people get there.

You’ll finish up armed with a toolkit of approaches and strategies that actually suit your situation, and that you can pull out and use at any time.

“

The Launch Pad showed me that career change doesn't have to be scary; it can be exciting, light-hearted, an adventure.

Mat, from Advertising to Own Business

Follow a step-by-step, structured process

Every week, you'll get a carefully designed set of missions (activities to be done in the outside world) and exercises (more reflective activities) that will take you through a three-stage journey:

Missions

Missions are active tasks that get you engaging with the outside world (think conversations, experiments, trips and challenges). They’ll test your assumptions, open your mind to new possibilities, and get you making step by step, tangible progress toward clarity on your future career.

Excercises

Exercises are reflective tasks that draw out insights, flip perspectives and hone possibilities (think worksheets, creative thought experiments and planners). They’ll help you clarify your thinking, open your mind, and uncover ideas you didn’t know you had.

You’ll move through our three-stage process

01. Discovering
- Learn how to generate new ideas, even when your mind feels like a vacuum.
- Tap into the old dreams and unspoken possibilities you’ve kept hidden for years.
- Challenge the automatic ways of being and behaving that are keeping you stuck.
Finish this stage with an exciting new worldview, a new set of career possibilities + a deep understanding of what you want and what you’re good at.
02. Focusing
- Organise your ideas in an unconventional way that gives you access to new career options.
- Reveal the hidden clues that have been right in front of you the whole time.
- Articulate what you want and what you bring to the table in an authentic way.
Finish this stage with 3-5 career themes that give you purpose, energy and direction.
03. Testing and Validating
- Test your new career directions to make sure they’re viable, without needing to leave your day job (or take financial risks).
- Build confidence, experience and authority in your next ventures.
- Learn to create new work opportunities for yourself, even when there’s no job advertised.
Finish this stage with confidence that you’re on the right track, a viable set of career options, and a customised roadmap to move forward.

“

I don't think I've ever felt as strong about taking control over my career as I do now. It’s an amazing feeling!

Elaine Lowin

Get expert input on your shift from certified career coaches and experienced mentors

Your coaches and mentors will be providing you with expert input, challenge and accountability throughout the eight weeks. Our coaches have trained with some of the leading coach training organisations in the world – and our mentors bring direct experience of having been through the Launch Pad.

Richard

Richard Alderson will be your coach

Richard is the founder of Careershifters and a licensed Firework career coach. Previously, Richard worked for IBM in multiple countries around the world, before becoming an entrepreneur and coach. He's helped thousands of people with their career changes and has been featured in media publications including The Times, the BBC, CNBC, Mashable and Inc Magazine.

Larisa

Larisa Hamada will be your mentor

Larisa has a Career Education & Career Counseling certificate from California State University, Northridge and has completed the Coaching Training Institute Training program. She enjoys creating a safe learning space for individuals to grow, laugh and discover work that excites them. Larisa holds two Masters from Princeton Theological Seminary and Careershifters was paramount in helping her achieve a promotion as Assistant Vice President at a large state university.

Save time, money and effort with our tools and resources

Move faster and track your progress with our ready-to-use tools and cheat sheets

For each mission and exercise that's part of the course, you'll get an easy-to-download PDF cheat sheet to follow. These are accompanied by checklists, templates and tools for you to complete as you progress on your career change journey.

Use what's worked for others

Why re-invent the wheel? We'll share with you the emails and scripts that have successfully opened doors and generated job offers for our previous participants, so that you can adapt these for your own shift.

Discover your natural talents with the Talent Dynamics test

No profiling tool is going to give you 'the' answer, but we've found the Talent Dyanmics tool particularly useful as a way of starting to help you understand what you're good at – and how to articulate this clearly to others. You’ll get a test token as part of your course.

Join a community that will help you move faster in your shift

Share ideas, crowd-source solutions to challenges, celebrate successes, and cheer one another on when things get tough. You’re not on your own any more.

Get support and accountability from your coaches and a peer group of like-minded shifters

If you've struggled to make progress on your own up to this point, the Launch Pad is designed to put the ideal team around you. Draw on the expertise of our coaches; know that you'll be supported and held to account by your peers; and take advantage of the wealth of connections that can come from your group.

We'll be here for as long as you need us

Our support doesn't just last for the duration of the course. You’ll join our Alumni community, with a secret Facebook group and access to our quarterly 'Momentum' calls; a regular burst of inspiration, insight and guidance from members of the alumni community who have made successful shifts.

“

The Launch Pad has helped me to realise that I'm not alone; I'm not the only person seeking more fulfilling and rewarding work, and I now feel that I'm part of a real community. This is probably the one thing that has impacted my performance most throughout my journey.

Leanna Jebb

Feel secure with our 2-week money-back guarantee

We've put hundreds of hours into creating the Launch Pad and we stand 100% by the impact we believe it can make on your life. That’s why we’ve included a guarantee. If, within the first two weeks of The Launch Pad, you decide you'd rather not continue, we’ll refund your course fees.

Finish the course with the insights, tools and support you need for this career change – and for future ones

A complete career change (usually) takes longer than 8 weeks. But by the end of your Launch Pad experience, you’ll have:

Clarity on your 3-5 career ‘themes’; broad, defined career directions that fit who you are and what you’re excited by

At least one tangible career idea that you’ve tested in the real world, without risking your finances – and a proven process for testing more

A full skills audit, so you can understand what your skills are and how you can use them in different careers

Confidence on how to express what you’re good at in a way that maximises your chances of securing work in your future chosen field

A LinkedIn profile that positions you in the best possible way for your shift (even if you don't feel you have relevant experience)

A new set of connections in fields that inspire you – and the ability to make new inspiring connections at any time

A support network of bright, motivated, like-minded Launch Pad alumni from around the world

A new mindset about what's possible for you, and how to create, rather than wait, for exciting work opportunities that are right for you

Complimentary ongoing quarterly momentum calls after the course – for as long as you need them

As a result, move faster, de-risk your shift, and feel excited about your career again

Move faster than you can by yourself

De-risk your shift by following a tried and tested approach, doing it with others, and avoiding common mistakes – saving you time, money and stress

Reach April 2019 feeling confident, inspired and excited about the future, by getting unstuck and into action

“

"I came out with more fulfilling results than I could ever have imagined. I've been trying to do this for over ten years in my own way, but never got anywhere until now - I lacked guidance, structure and support. Launch Pad was revolutionary for me, and I am so much happier!

Chiaki Taylor

The results are powerful

89%

Increase in clarity

83%

Increase in confidence

Average self-reported changes in participants' level of clarity and confidence, measured at the beginning and at the end of our Feb 2018 Launch Pad

Here's what Launch Pad participants have said

“The Launch Pad was life changing. I never thought I'd get to the end of the course and come out with such a firm idea of what I wanted to do. I feel properly me for the first time in quite a long time.”

Alison - From Law to Business Psychology

“After applying what I learned on the Career Change Launch Pad, I've secured myself the job I wanted in the company I wanted. Never dreamed it would come true!”

Nicky - From redundancy to Account Manager

“I couldn’t make a change on my own. I needed someone else to help me understand what I was great at, to guide me through the process of transferring my skills to something more meaningful.”

TJ - From Banking to Non-Profits

“The Launch Pad fundamentally shifted my understanding of what I was doing in my world. I recognised that the things I wanted to do were within my reach. Through the course, I reached escape velocity.”

Alex - From Operations to Portfolio Career

“I've taken the plunge to being a freelance writer, and in doing so I feel far more energised and more 'me' than I have done in a really long time - in fact perhaps ever. I'm so happy!”

Nina - From HR to Freelance Writing

“The Launch Pad helped me to gain confidence in myself and let go of self-limiting beliefs. I've now shifted into a portfolio career that makes me happy and fulfilled.”

Anne-Cecile - From Consulting to Portfolio Career

“The whole experience of learning from Careershifters and getting this job has literally changed my life.”

Lee - From Picture Editing to Journalism

“I'm so excited! I'm finally making the career shift steps I've wanted for so long.”

Christa - From Professional Services to HR

“I'm now doing a professional qualification at a cooking school. It wasn't a rash decision; I did my homework, added up my financial figures and talked to a lot of people. The Launch Pad gave me the tools to do this. I'm loving what I'm doing.”

Judith - From Higher Education to Cookery School

“The Launch Pad showed me that career change doesn't have to be scary; it can be exciting, light-hearted, an adventure.”

Mat - From Advertising to Freelance

“Without the Launch Pad I wouldn’t have been able to create the business I have today; not only did I get the big picture on the jigsaw box, I was able to understand how to fit all the pieces together.”

Karen - From Public Services to Own Business

“I feel certain I would still be stuck doing my 'day job' if it wasn't for the boot up the **** that the Launch Pad gave me. Thank you!”

Lottie - From PR to Nutritional Therapy

Participants have come from across private, public and social sectors

Our next Launch Pad runs from June 1st to July 27th 2019

The course is designed  to fit around full-time work.

We recommend you dedicate a minimum of 3.5 hours a week to the process.

You’ll have access to the materials for as long as you want after the course.

There are two options for joining

	Launch Pad	Launch Pad Plus
Intensive support and accountability over 8 weeks with our coaches and Launch Pad community Powerful, specialist help with your career change journey from our coaches, mentors and experts, via our online community and weekly group coaching calls
A clear step-by-step process to follow, through 28 video-based trainings Short weekly Missions, Exercises, and How-To videos break everything down step-by-step
Time-saving downloadable cheat sheets / exercises Practical, printable resources, including scripts for connecting with inspiring people, tools for testing your career change ideas, and handy tools for organising your time
Lifetime access to the Launch Pad Revisit the materials and call recordings at any time after the end of the course, and enjoy access to all future updates and improvements
Support for as long as you need it after the course Get access to our ongoing quarterly support calls after the course – for as long as you need them
Talent Dynamics Profile Test (worth $97) Discover why your current career probably isn’t working for you; your natural strengths and talents, and the kinds of activities and environments you need to feel engaged, upbeat, and loving your work
'Transfer your Talents' training An interactive training session with Richard, founder of Careershifters, to learn more about how to use your natural talents most effectively, and how to share what you're great at with influential people in your new industry
'How to build a LinkedIn profile that attracts opportunities' course Learn how to highlight your skills, experience and interests without letting your boss know you want to shift, discover LinkedIn strategies for connecting with inspiring people, and maximise your networking potential
'Get It Done day' You will spend one intensive Saturday online with the Careershifters team to, as the name suggests, get things done
'Skills Audit' Get clear on your unique set of tangible and transferable skills with this assessment tool, and speak with confidence about what you have to offer potential new industries.
3x45min one-on-one coaching calls Personal, focused one-on-one time with our certified career coach, Angie, to tackle your biggest career change challenges
Peace of mind, with unlimited email support Personalised support, advice, and answers to your career change questions from the Launch Pad Team at any time
Personal review of your Linkedin profile and resume Re-brand yourself and make sure you’re presented in the best possible light with the help of our expert team

LAUNCH PAD

^$1,495

(or four instalments of $395)

2-week money-back guarantee

LAUNCH PAD PLUS

^$1,995

(or four instalments of $525)

2-week money-back guarantee

Our next Launch Pad is opening soon

Take part at no risk

If, within the first two weeks of The Launch Pad, you decide you'd rather not continue, we’ll refund your participation fee. And whatever you decide, you'll get to keep the Talent Dynamics profile test (worth $97).

Careershifters has featured in

The Times BBC The Guardian Financial Times
Inc CNBC Mashable

Questions?

What are the benefits of Launch Pad Plus?: Our Plus option is for you if you’d like additional, personalised support with your Launch Pad experience. You’ll get private one-on-one time with one of our coaches, extra tailored support via e-mail (in addition to the Facebook group) and a personalised review of your resume and LinkedIn profile.
When will your next intake be?: Sept-Oct 2019.
Do you have something less involved that I can start with?: Yes. Our workshops are short, powerful ways to learn more about what you want from your next career and the steps to take -- and the ideal pre-cursor to our Launch Pad
Any other questions?: See our Help Center or drop us a line at hello@careershifters.org.

Does the Launch Pad work for introverts?: Yes. The course is designed for extroverts and introverts alike. We've taken particular care to craft the Missions and Exercises to work for introverts – both in terms of their effectiveness, and in terms of feeling comfortable and feasible to do.
What's the difference between a mission and an exercise?: Missions are activities you will conduct in the outside world, often involving other people; exercises are reflective exercises you can do at home by yourself.
How many people will be taking part in the Launch Pad?: Each intake is different, but you can expect between 12-40 fellow shifters to be part of your cohort.
What if I'm away or unavailable for part of the course?: Generally, this will be fine. We ask that you commit a minimum of 3.5 hours a week to the process, so if you're unable to complete a week’s Missions and Exercises, you should be able to catch up. All calls will be recorded during the course for you to review at any point, and all the materials will be available to you for as long as you need them afterwards.

The Launch Pad is an 8-week experience to help you find direction and get into action with your career change – in a radically different way.

Our next Launch Pad is opening soon

You’re ready to make a change, but you’re not sure where to start

The Launch Pad is an 8-week immersive experience, delivered online, to give you clarity, confidence and direction

Get into action from Day 1

Surround yourself with a supportive community

Learn unexpected approaches that actually work

Follow a step-by-step, structured process

Missions

Excercises

You’ll move through our three-stage process

01. Discovering

02. Focusing

03. Testing and Validating

Get expert input on your shift from certified career coaches and experienced mentors

Richard

Richard Alderson will be your coach

Larisa

Larisa Hamada will be your mentor

Save time, money and effort with our tools and resources

Move faster and track your progress with our ready-to-use tools and cheat sheets

Use what's worked for others

Discover your natural talents with the Talent Dynamics test

Join a community that will help you move faster in your shift

Get support and accountability from your coaches and a peer group of like-minded shifters

We'll be here for as long as you need us

Feel secure with our 2-week money-back guarantee

Feel secure with our 2-week money-back guarantee

Finish the course with the insights, tools and support you need for this career change – and for future ones

As a result, move faster, de-risk your shift, and feel excited about your career again

Move faster than you can by yourself

De-risk your shift by following a tried and tested approach, doing it with others, and avoiding common mistakes – saving you time, money and stress

Reach April 2019 feeling confident, inspired and excited about the future, by getting unstuck and into action

The results are powerful

The results are powerful

89%

83%

Here's what Launch Pad participants have said

Participants have come from across private, public and social sectors

Our next Launch Pad runs from June 1st to July 27th 2019

There are two options for joining

LAUNCH PAD

$1,495

LAUNCH PAD PLUS

$1,995

Our next Launch Pad is opening soon

Careershifters has featured in

Questions?

More questions? See our Help Center

More questions? See our Help Center

^$1,495

^$1,995