One of the great things about an MBA is its flexibility, which allows students to enter many different career paths upon graduation. Using an MBA to transition into a new career is very common – as many as 50% of MBA graduates accept jobs that are in different industries and functions than their pre-MBA career – and has even acquired its own jargony name: the career pivot.
However, to make this move, career switchers face the challenge of convincing adcom that they understand exactly what the new industry requires, the obstacles they will face, and the transferable skills they possess to make this switch. The MBA essays are the primary forum in which to make this case. Here are some tips on how career switchers can build a compelling set of reasons to justify their career pivot in their essays.
Show enthusiasm: You need to convince adcom that you are ready to spend the next two to three decades immersed in your new career – therefore you must display great enthusiasm for this work. One way to validate your enthusiasm is to share any relevant studying or personal projects you have undertaken that are related to your target field. If you can effectively communicate your passion for this career, the adcom will feel excited and be more likely to support you.
Be knowledgeable and proactive: Adcom must be convinced that you clearly understand the new industry and where you fit in. Describe the steps you have taken to better understand this field, such as networking, reading industry publications, and attending industry events, and show how you have developed insights from these actions. Pointing to a trend you want to be a part of or a problem that you want to work on in your target industry will portray you as being informed about the subject.
Explain your motivation: You must say exactly what motivates you to enter this new field. To do so, elaborate on your decision making process and the unique story of how you developed a keen interest in this field. The key is to make your motivation feel like a logical, natural transition from your present to future career. While your enthusiasm is about showing eagerness, your motivation is about seeking fulfillment. To achieve this, show that your new career will be much more than just work by communicating your values and the impact you want to make in a personal way.
Address the challenges: Do not be afraid to discuss the obstacles you expect to face entering this new field for fear that your weaknesses will be exposed – in fact, that’s why you need this MBA degree. Directly address the challenges you will face and how you will overcome them. Doing this effectively will further display your knowledge of this field while highlighting your self-awareness and maturity.
Showcase uniqueness and transferable skills: Give an explanation of how your current skills and knowledge are directly transferable to the new field. This will further underscore your understanding of the new field and allow adcom to visualize you working in that position. Highlighting your unique attributes and skills that typical employees in that industry might normally lack and giving examples of how those skills could facilitate your success can support your case for being well-suited for a career pivot.
Have a plan of action: Specifically describe your career vision and lay out a plan for achieving your goals. Letting your confidence shine through can help make your aspirations feel achievable to the reader. The key is to inspire adcom to visualize your future impact!
Show that you need an MBA: Ultimately, your essay’s purpose is to convince adcom that an MBA is the necessary next step for you to make your career pivot a reality. When you discuss your learning needs, clearly articulate how the specific aspects of that MBA program are ideally suited to support your transition into the new career. Make direct connections between the skills you need for your future role and specific courses that will meet this need.
[Conclusion]
There are many things to consider when preparing to undertake an MBA as part of a major career change. Taking a strategic approach to storytelling that covers the touchpoints listed above can help career switchers convince admissions committees of their preparedness and aptitude for taking the leap from one career to another. If you’re considering leveraging an MBA to springboard your start in a new career and want to chat about your study plans, feel free to schedule a FREE 20-minute consultation with one of our experienced consultants.