Advice for MBA Career Switchers

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 – over 50% of MBA graduates accept jobs in different industries and functions than their pre-MBA employment. 
However, career switchers face the challenge of convincing Adcom that they understand exactly what the new industry requires, the obstacles they will face, and have the transferable skills necessary to make this switch.  The MBA goals essay is the primary forum to make this case.  Here are some tips on how career switchers can create highly effective goals 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.  If you can make Adcom feel your passion for this career, they will also 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 proactive steps you have taken to better understand this field such as making contacts or reading industry publications and show how you have developed insights from these actions

Explain your motivation:  You must say exactly what motivates you to enter this new field.  To do so, explain 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 seem logical and like a very natural transition from your present to future career.

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.  Directly address the challenges you will face and how you will overcome them.  Doing this effectively will further display your knowledge of this field and will highlight your self-awareness and maturity.

Highlight uniqueness and transferrable skills:  Give an explanation of how your current skills and knowledge are directly transferrable to the new field.  This will further underscore your understanding of the new field and allow Adcom to visualize you working in that position.  Also highlight your unique attributes that typical employees in that industry normally lack, and give examples of how those skills might facilitate your success.

Have a plan of action:  Specifically describe your career vision and lay out a plan for achieving your goals.  The key is to let Adcom visualize your future impact!

Why MBA?:  Finally, discuss your learning needs, and then clearly articulate how the specific aspects of that school’s MBA program are ideally suited to allow your transition into the new career.