Making a Career Change? Your Skills Are More Relevant Than You Think
Switching careers can feel overwhelming, especially if your previous experience seems unrelated to your new field. But what if the skills you already have are your biggest advantage?
Jumahat, a former Graphic Communication Manager at IKEA, made a bold career pivot into healthcare as a Therapy Assistant at the age of 51. He quickly realised that many of his design industry skills were highly relevant in patient care. Here’s how he successfully transitioned and how you can, too.
1. Communication: Speaking the Right Language
In his past role, Jumahat presented ideas, collaborated with teams, and simplified complex ideas. In healthcare, he now uses those same skills to explain therapy exercises to patients in an easy-to-understand way, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout their recovery.
💡 Key Takeaway: If you’ve worked in a customer-facing or team-based role, your ability to communicate effectively will be invaluable in healthcare.
2. Problem-Solving: Finding Creative Solutions
Designers troubleshoot visual challenges—Jumahat now applies that same critical thinking and adaptability when assisting patients. Whether he is modifying therapy exercises for mobility levels or helping an occupational therapist engage patients, his problem-solving mindset makes a difference.
💡Key Takeaway: No matter your industry, the ability to think on your feet and adapt to challenges is key in healthcare.
3. Empathy: Understanding People’s Needs
In design, Jumahat focused on user experience and customer preferences. Now, in healthcare, he connects with patients, listens to their concerns, and ensures they feel valued.
💡 Key Takeway: Empathy and active listening—core skills from many service-based or people-oriented jobs—are essential in patient care.
4. Hands-On Learning: Adapting Quickly
As a designer, Jumahat had to constantly learn new software and tools. That same ability to adapt and pick up new skills helped him transition smoothly into therapy support.
At HMI Institute’s SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP), he embraced hands-on training, applying his learning in a real healthcare setting.
💡 Key Takeaway: If you’re open to learning, you’ll adapt faster to a new industry—especially with the right training programme.
5. Collaboration: Working in a Team
Design projects involve multiple stakeholders, revisions, and teamwork—just like a hospital or therapy department. Jumahat works closely with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and fellow Therapy Assistants to provide the best patient care.
💡 Key Takeaway: If you’ve ever worked in a team-based environment, your collaboration skills will help you succeed in healthcare.
You Can Make the Switch Too!
Jumahat’s journey proves that your current skills are more valuable than you think. With the right training, mindset, and support, transitioning into healthcare is possible—even if you’re coming from a completely different industry.
How HMI Institute’s SCTP can help you pivot into healthcare
✅Up to $3,000/month SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance for Singaporeans 40 years and above (T&Cs apply)
✅ $4,000 SkillsFuture Credits (Mid-Career) Top-up Claimable
✅ Up to 90% course fee subsidies for Singaporeans, PRs, and LTVP+ holders
✅ Offset your course fees with your SkillsFuture Credit
✅ Structured learning and hands-on training
✅ Job placement support to help you secure employment in the Care Economy
Ready to take the first step?
Explore our training programmes and see how HMI Institute can help you pivot into a meaningful healthcare career.
