I am having a difficult time narrowing down which industry to pursue, whether to work or to start my own business, etc. upon completion of my MBA. I did not pursue my degree with a specific industry in mind, but as an opportunity to transition out of the military. Now that I'm nearing the end I feel like my my river has reached the ocean!
I have equally enjoyed finance, marketing, supply chain management, and operations. I can also see myself owning a business in retail, service, manufacturing or distribution. It all sounds engaging and exiting.
How can I narrow it down and make a specific plan so that I can appear less scattered? I struggle with the feeling that by pursuing one industry, I am closing the door on potential opportunity in other industries.
Help!
Answers
Hi Jeremy - I agree with one of the advisors below that choosing a career in consulting as a starting point (at least on interim basis) would help identify the industry and/or sector that your are truly interested in. Also, there are lot of professionals that successfully operate in a cross industry mode...
Hi Jeremy,
I would echo Josh's recommendation - informational interviews are a great way to learn about different fields. And most people are happy to help a vet (and to talk about themselves!) so they should not be too hard to set up. The trick is to ask the right questions, to try to find out what it's really like to have a job in a particular field and if you would like it.
One other thing to consider is to take a first job in consulting. Lots of my MBA classmates did this because, like you, they weren't sure what field to pursue and could use a consulting job as a "conning tower" for a couple of years.
Best of luck to you.
Keith
Work in an industry that is your hobby. In my case, ham radio turned into building cable tv equipment. It was electronics and communications that kept my interest for 40 plus years in one industry. You get to go to trade shows on the company expense account and see the new stuff you play with in your spare time.
Hi Jeremy, much in line with Eryn, identify what you like to do, what you're passionate about, and use your MBA to pursue those career fields. As you explore the workplace many opportunities will look attractive financially but they may not involve something that interests you. Be selective. Don't jump at the first thing. Take your time and weigh your opportunities.
Paul
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for your service. I would suggest that you use the community feature above to reach out to specific Advisors whose careers have been spent in the various industries that you are trying to choose between and ask them to set up informational interviews with you. Because you are already in our mentoring program, I am going to ask my colleague to send you over some resources on Information Interviewing, but this may be a great way to get additional information on each of the industries you are considering to help you narrow down the search.
Best of Luck with everything!
Josh
Jeremy,
What an exciting time for you. You have a whole world of possibilities to explore! One often overlooked industry is that of Senior Living.
Brookdale Senior Living is always on the look out for people who can combine their business skills with good old fashioned people skills as an Executive Director at their Assisted Living communities. We offer a 12 week Orientation program and have communities all over the US. Check out careers at Brookdale.com.
Cari
7 minutes ago
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