Career Changers Must Find the Career That Fits Their Personality to be Successful

(March 2008) For many professionals, advanced education is a tantalizing answer to a career change. New, challenging projects or more responsibility may be the answer because a career change really is a big decision and has to be done for the right reasons.

People who genuinely feel little or no passion about their work and simply go through the motions are candidates for career change. People who believe in the importance of making a meaningful contribution in ways that provide personal, internal pride and satisfaction are the people who should explore career alternatives.

• However, career changers frequently make common mistakes.
• They assume they must reinvent themselves rather than seek understanding of who they are.
• They take a very broad approach to “what is out there” rather than establish a clear focus.
• They put too much emphasis on finding security, rather than learning, challenge and growth.
• They focus on less cosmetic matters such as title or staff size, rather than satisfaction and enrichment.

It is important to also think about those qualities that go beyond quantifiable skills. Leadership, dealing with pressure, listening skills, and cross-cultural sensitivities are a few examples of abilities or soft skills that can contribute to success in new careers. Understanding those skills and experiences and the values that accompany them form a baseline that provides a direction and focus for that new endeavor.

Non-essential considerations, such as job title, organizational hierarchy, staff size and others pale in comparison to the essential need to find a career path that provides personal fulfillment.

Finally, with the insights that an advanced business degree delivers, there is a reasonable expectation of growing security and confidence because as the individual grows in the new career the toolbox of expertise through learning and experience can grow.

As reported by Marie Field of QS Networks, an international media agency that focuses on MBA and Executive MBA programs, suggests the EMBA is a highly desired program for the over thirty group, as it equips the experienced manager with a sophisticated set of diverse skills and strategic thinking that can be immediately applied on the job . While full-time traditional MBA programs are theoretically focused, the EMBA offers a broader understanding of the business world with attention to confidence, leadership and communication skills required to reach the C-suite. Further, the executive programs are tailored to the professional with a tight schedule – weekend classes or modular weeks of study are the norm.

Another appealing factor of the EMBA is the networking and the opportunity to learn about business methods practiced in other industries and countries. “With the diversity of companies, functional areas, and geographical representations, students gain insight and unique perspective from their classmates. It’s like having potentially 87 free consultants looking at a problem – not to mention expert professors!” explains Arnold Longboy, Director of Recruitment and Corporate Relations at Chicago GSB

Find the career that fits your personality. Take steps to find the right career and a leap over the challenges you may currently face as the economy and career stagnates.

EMBA World is a New York City-based organization dedicated to helping employees and employers understand options regarding graduate level business education and in particular the Executive MBA. Jason A. Price, MS, MBA, is Director of EMBA World and author of The Executive MBA: An Insider’s Guide for Working Professionals in Pursuit of Graduate Business Education. Jason is a frequent speaker to media on graduate business education issues and publishes industry articles periodically on the subject. The Insider’s Guide can be found at online bookstores or at EMBA World www.EmbaWorld.com. You can reach Jason A. Price at Jason@embaworld.com.