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YouTube creator Ian Boggs knows a thing or two about changing careers: Before he was a top YouTube creator, he was a photographer. Now he\u2019s part of the 75 percent of Gen Zers who are willing to uproot themselves by switching industries or job functions. But for Gen Z, getting started is often the hardest part.<\/p>\n
To make the switch a little less scary (and a lot more animated!), Google created \u201cEpic Career Quest,\u201d a feel-good, animated YouTube series that helps Gen Z navigate those difficult first steps of a career change.<\/p>\n
Ian voices the character Goman, an attention-seeking content creator looking for a little bit of career advice. You can catch Ian as Goman in \u201cEpic Career Quest\u201d on the Google Career Certificates YouTube channel. Since Ian has experience switching careers both on and off screen, we asked the YouTube creator to share how he navigated his own career change, as well as his top three tips for making a switch.<\/p>\n
Ian always had a flair for the dramatic, and his experience with photography meant his high-quality, cinematic videos stood out. But he needed to upskill to fill in some gaps \u2014 and for Ian, that meant taking acting classes. \u201cNo matter how easy it seems, acting classes teach you to express your emotions in such a way that they\u2019re easily understood through the camera,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
For those switching to more technical careers, Google Career Certificates offer job-changers skills for in-demand fields with no experience required. Online learners can enhance their technical skills in data analytics, cybersecurity, UX design and more, easing the path to a new career.<\/p>\n
A career change can shake anyone\u2019s confidence, and that was true for Ian. But rather than letting imposter syndrome bury him in self-doubt, Ian used it as motivation for success.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had this constant anxiety that I wouldn\u2019t make it, that I might fail,\u201d he remembers. \u201cBut that fear was exactly what I needed. It lit a fire in me to work extremely hard toward making my goals a reality. I still have so many goals to achieve with content creation and acting, but I can now proudly call myself a YouTuber and actor, and I can make a living doing what I love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like his character, Goman, Ian has big goals. He feels that his career shift has allowed him to work more strategically and improved his work\/life balance. \u201cI don\u2019t rush things anymore,\u201d he says. \u201cI used to chase, chase, chase, and now I know that it\u2019s better to assess, deconstruct and work smartly toward my goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Part of working smartly includes finding tools to help. For Ian, that means experimenting with AI to write stories based on his prompts in order to help him consistently post content, which is key in his field. \u201cAlthough it still has a long way to go,\u201d he says, \u201cit\u2019s crazy to see the evolution of technology happening right before our eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thinking of making a career change? Check out new episodes of \u201cEpic Career Quest\u201d and explore opportunities from Google Career Certificates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n