Advice for Career Changers or Those with Jobs at Risk
Many candidates pursue an MBA with the hopes of altering their career paths. In our current environment with declining economic conditions, this is likely to be an increasingly common strategy.
However, applicants looking to change careers should put in some extra work now to show that your desired career is both authentic AND attainable. This is even more true for applicants who might have been recently laid off or furloughed.
Here are some actions you can take now and while completing your MBA application essays and interviews to increase your chances of success!
- Do your research. Know the role and industry that you aspire to join and understand the skills required for success. All too often we read vague goals statements that show a candidate does not really know his future industry. Check LinkedIn to see where MBA graduates are going and talk to friends or former classmates who work in the space. Understand the industry’s career pathing. The more you know about your future industry, the more authentic your essays will sound as you begin to articulate your goals.
- Look for extracurricular work in your target industry. Volunteering in your future industry or function can be a great way to not only solidify your interest, but also to show the reader that you have truly given this future career some serious thought and consideration. This will help add cohesion to your overall story. While remote volunteer opportunities may be more limited, it is ok to think broadly as you consider related activities as long as you can draw a clear connection for the reader.
- Seek out related projects in your current role. In some cases, this is easy to do. For instance, if you are a consultant seeking to transition to the technology space, ask to be staffed on a project in the industry. In other cases, you may have to be more creative. However, even experiences such as working on cross-functional projects or leading internal initiatives can expose you to related departments, so do not be afraid to think outside of the box. If you are unemployed or furloughed, consider an unpaid internship to cover any resume gaps or projects for your friend’s startup.
- Make a personal tie to your future career. As you begin to explain your career aspirations, think about whether there is a personal connection you have with this career. Remember your applications should explain who you are as a person and what makes you unique, so your career goals can demonstrate a personal fit, even if the professional one is not immediately apparent. This is the type of one-on-one storytelling we work on with our clients.
- Point out similarities between your current role and future goals. It is important to show admissions committee members that you are set up to succeed. Even if you are not able to gain experience in your future industry, there are likely to be past experiences you can draw upon. Think about the most important criteria for success in your future role and point out how you have already developed and demonstrated these skills. We specialize in providing our candidates with tailored advice, helping them to articulate their unique stories.
- Consider short-term educational opportunities. This is particularly important if you are not currently working. It will be crucial to show that you have used time in between jobs effectively. Taking additional coursework (particularly quantitative courses or those related to your future field) can be a great remote way to improve your profile.
Need help? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email [email protected] for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!