Have you ever wondered how people actually change careers? Is there any real evidence on what long-term career transitions really involve?
There is actually fantastic research on this — and it’s both encouraging and realistic.
Herminia Ibarra, an organisational psychologist and professor at London Business School — with previous roles at INSEAD and Harvard — is one of the world’s leading experts on career transitions and identity. Her extensive research has influenced coaching, leadership development, and business education globally.
Ibarra’s key message:
Successful career transitions do follow a recognisable pattern – but it’s quite different to the conventional job search journey.
Working Identity by Herminia Ibarra offers a fresh and realistic view of how career change actually unfolds. The book is grounded in in-depth research with professionals navigating major transitions, alongside academic studies on identity, work, and leadership.
Here are the key ideas from Working Identity that make career transitions more understandable — and practical:
Start with small experiments. Don’t wait to have a perfect plan; try new activities, side projects, or volunteer roles that feel interesting.
Expand your network. Meet new people and communities related to your emerging interests.
Expect the messy middle. Career change isn’t a straight line. You’ll likely feel stuck between your old role and a new identity for a while.
Reflect regularly. Take time to think about what you’re learning from your experiments and interactions — this helps shape your next steps.
Action before clarity. You don’t need to fully know your new career before you begin. Moving forward through small steps and experience can help you discover what fits.
This approach makes career change less intimidating and more about curiosity and discovery — and it can give you the confidence to begin, even if the path ahead isn’t completely clear.
References
Ibarra, H. (2004). Working identity: Unconventional strategies for reinventing your career. Harvard Business Review Press.
Ibarra, H. (n.d.). About Herminia Ibarra. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://herminiaibarra.com/about/
