What should career switchers focus on first when moving into a new field?

I’m curious to hear from people who have successfully switched careers. When someone is moving into a completely new field, it can feel overwhelming to decide what to prioritize first.

Some people suggest building core skills through courses or certifications, while others say networking and real-world exposure matter more. There’s also the challenge of presenting past experience in a way that makes sense for a new industry.

For those who have made a career transition, what helped you the most early on? Was it upskilling, mentorship, projects, or something else? And what mistakes should career switchers try to avoid?

Would love to hear different experiences and advice.