How to make a career out of change management

Change is a constant in today’s business world, and organisations increasingly recognise the need for skilled change managers to guide them through transformation. But how do you turn change management into a rewarding career? Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot into this field, we spoke to change management expert Lata Hamilton and asked her what the key steps to building a successful career in change management are:

1. Understand your fundamentals

Change management is about guiding individuals, teams, and organisations through transitions effectively. Frameworks like Kotter’s 8-Step Process, Prosci’s ADKAR Model, and the McKinsey 7-S Framework are commonly used to structure change initiatives and a solid understanding of these models will give you a strong foundation in the field. Plus, they provide “guard rails” on what to do in big-change initiatives that could be useful in the long run!

2. Develop your skills

Change management is both an art and a science. To succeed, you’ll need a mix of technical and soft skills, including:

• Communication: Clearly articulating the need for change and engaging stakeholders at all levels.

• Leadership: Inspiring and influencing others to embrace transformation.

• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing the emotions of those impacted by change.

• Strategic Thinking: Analysing complex problems and developing effective change strategies.

• Adaptability: Being flexible in the face of resistance or unforeseen challenges.

3. Get experience in change

If you’re transitioning into change management from another career, look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in your current role. Some ways to build expertise include:

• Leading or participating in organisational change initiatives (you could be a change champion!).

• Volunteering for projects that involve process improvements or cultural shifts.

• Taking on roles in project management, HR, communications, or business transformation, which often intersect with change management.

4. Get certified in these skills

While experience is invaluable, formal certifications can enhance your credibility and marketability. Plus, they provide structured methodologies you can apply in practice. Some notable ones include: 

• Prosci Change Management Certification

• Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)

• Lean Six Sigma (for process-driven change initiatives)

• Agile Change Management Certifications

5. Build your professional network 

Networking is essential in any career, and change management is no exception. Join industry associations like the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) or attend local IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) events to connect with professionals in the field. Engage in LinkedIn groups, participate in discussions, and seek mentorship from experienced change leaders.

6. Stay up to date in the trends

Change management is evolving, especially with the rise of digital transformation and AI-driven tools. Stay ahead of the curve by:

• Following thought leaders and publications focused on change management.

• Attending conferences and webinars.

• Continuously learning about emerging trends like AI, remote work transformation, and organisational psychology.

7. Then, use these trends to position yourself as a thought leader

Once you’ve built experience, share your insights to establish yourself as an expert. You can do this by:

• Writing articles or blogs on change management topics.

• Speaking at industry events or podcasts.

• Creating content on LinkedIn to share lessons from your change initiatives.

A career in change management is both dynamic and rewarding. As organisations continue to navigate an ever-evolving business landscape, skilled change professionals are in high demand.