Whether you’re a student or a professional, switching degrees or careers can be daunting. Despite the fear of switching paths, Chantelle Painter did just that. After 23 years in retail, Painter switched to the non-profit sector and is now the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) account manager for The Family Centre of Northern Alberta. Painter became the Centre’s EAP account manager close to two years ago, yet she says what continues to surprise her “is the amount of things you can accomplish when you’re willing to be egoless and don’t need your name on everything.” 

The Family Centre’s reach is expansive, working in everything from family reunification and foster care support to therapy programs across Edmonton. Painter spoke a lot about the sheer scale and evolution of the organization’s mission — growing from a post-war support system for men into the expansive resource it is today. Just as the Centre shifted and grew, Painter leveraged her technical abilities and interpersonal skills to make a complete career change. 

When asked Painter if there was one thing she wished a mentor would have warned her about before she officially entered the workforce. Her answer was immediate: “I got so hooked up on sticking to one path.” 

While Painter is happy with the career she has built, she feels it would have given her more confidence knowing that it’s okay to switch paths. The takeaway for students is clear: you don’t need to feel stuck or scared to change direction. Your path doesn’t have to be linear, and it’s likely not going to be. Painter got a degree in engineering and is now working in the non-profit and social services sector. It might feel daunting to change directions, but ultimately, you need to find something you’re going to be happy doing.

Knowing that it’s okay to change direction is one thing, actually doing it is another. For many students, the fear of starting over is one of the biggest hurdles that stops them from transitioning to a new career, but Painter’s story is a shining example of transferable skills. 

Before joining the non-profit sector, Painter spent 23 years at the Brick and held 16 different jobs within the company. While retail and furniture seem worlds apart from both engineering and social services, she emphasized that university prepares you for more than a specific job title. “University teaches you how to critically think,” she says. The skills you develop outside of theory, such as the ability to analyze, solve problems, and adapt, don’t expire just because you change industries. 

For students looking to change industries, or even programs, Painter suggests a proactive and egoless approach to networking: 

• Utilize LinkedIn: Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who are currently working in a field or role that interests you. The worst thing that can happen is being left on read. 
• Seek Mentorship: Most professionals are happy to share their journey if you’re brave enough to ask. 
• Stay open-minded: Your degree is a foundation, not a cage for your career. 

As Painter’s pivot proves, you aren’t throwing away time by staying at one place, but you also aren’t behind if you make a change. You are simply growing critical thinking tools needed for the next chapter. 

“Don’t get worried that you’re not going to use your skills because you will. Be open to the suggestion that your skills might fall into more than one industry,” says Painter. “Critically thinking will pull you through most jobs and you’re using them in your everyday life, not just your career.”

Finally, she addressed the elephant in the room for anyone entering the social services sector — burnout. The social services sector can demand high emotional labour, which creates a high risk for compassion fatigue. “You have to give yourself permission to step away,” she explained. You have to know if you’re feeling overwhelmed by something and have the ability to be introspective. She explained that within her workplace, she knows people who schedule daily walks as a way to step away and breathe. Setting boundaries can help avoid burnout and compassion fatigue. Additionally, Painter emphasizes prioritizing things you actually care about and enjoy in your spare time. This helps avoid bringing work home and ensures that boundaries remain in tact. 

A career in social services or non-profit isn’t just about the skills listed on your resume. It’s about the mindset you bring to the office every day. Whether you are an engineer turned account manager, a student who has switched majors three times, or someone just starting out, the path to a fulfilling career starts with staying open, curious, and egoless. 

Looking to change programs? Talk to CUE’s advisors: admits@concordia.ab.ca