How an M.B.A. Can Help You Change Careers

Group of M.B.A. students sitting together, engaging in conversation and networking, each exploring new career paths with the support of their program.

If you are a working professional with aspirations to grow and find fulfillment professionally, you might be able to do that at your current job, but often a career pivot is necessary. 

American adults average 12 different jobs by the time they’re 55—and now, experts say, it’s not just multiple jobs, but multiple careers, that are becoming the norm. 

An advanced degree will exponentially increase your career options. An M.B.A., in particular, can give you the transferable skills and credibility to pursue new roles or break into new industries as they evolve. 

The Future of Jobs Report 2023 from the World Economic Forum explores lifelong learning mentality and skills like empathy, active listening, resilience, motivation, resilience, and curiosity as essential traits in an environment of nonlinear career paths.

You can develop these skills—and earn an industry-relevant M.B.A.—at the The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University. 

What is a Career Pivot? 

A pivot, by definition, is an intentional turn or change of direction. A career pivot is a planned change in career path or direction. No matter the degree of change, a career pivot requires thought, planning, and often additional skills or experience. 

What Are Signs That it Might be Time for a Career Pivot? 

Choosing to pursue a change in your career is a brave decision. Feeling drawn toward a career pivot often comes when a person feels stuck or uninspired by their current work.  

You might be primed for a career pivot if you are

  • Burnt out or overwhelmed with your current responsibilities;
  • Disengaged from work;
  • Feeling stuck with limited opportunities for growth;
  • Having thoughts of quitting; or 
  • Lacking energy or enthusiasm each day. 

What Challenges or Obstacles Might You Face When Changing Careers?

While worthwhile, embarking on a career pivot is not without challenges. 

Some of the top obstacles faced by career changers include

  • Change in income or salary level
  • Lack of hands-on experience
  • Lack of network in the new field/industry
  • Lack of specialized skills.

Luckily, all three of these challenges can be combated with the right preparation in a program like the M.B.A. at the The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University. 

The St. John’s M.B.A. program provides hands-on learning experiences and networking opportunities, and offers 19 specializations, or M.B.A concentrations. 

How Can an M.B.A. Help You Navigate a Career Change?

The right M.B.A. program can help you navigate a career change with ease. At St. John’s University, M.B.A. students benefit from

Skill development—M.B.A. programs not only provide foundational, transferable skills for virtually every workplace, but also provide specialization or concentration options to allow you to build a specific skill set for your newly desired career.

Networking opportunities—An M.B.A. from a business school with industry partners and a strong alumni network can help you connect and build relationships in your desired field, in addition to opening doors to job opportunities.

Experiential learning—You can build up your résumé while earning your education through hands-on, real-world learning experiences in your M.B.A. program.

Career service support—M.B.A. students have full access to career counselors who aid in everything from the job search process to interview preparation and résumé review. 

What Are Some Industries an M.B.A. Can Help You Enter?

With an M.B.A., you can enter many different fields, including (but not limited to) some of these quickly growing industries:

  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Consulting
  • Finance
  • Health Care 
  • Marketing
  • Technology

Alternately, you can start your own business with the entrepreneurial skills you learn during your program, like St. John’s alumnus, Michael T. Chidester ’98MBA. Owner of Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks, Mr. Chidester used his M.B.A. to earn operational and consulting roles at major companies, which gave him the experience and drive to eventually pursue his entrepreneurial passion. 

“I realized my goal was to pursue a career aligned with my values,” he said. “I excelled when career opportunities allowed me to achieve that goal. The desire to combine hard work with a passion for controlling the results of my efforts ultimately led me to explore my entrepreneurial side.” 

Contact our graduate admission team to learn how St. John’s can help you pivot your career. 

[email protected] 

 718-990-1345

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