How Graduate School Can Launch Your New Career

Many professionals reach a point in their careers where they feel unfulfilled. In fact, a recent survey reveals that 41 percent of workers globally are considering leaving their current jobs within a year, driven by the desire for more meaningful work and better career opportunities.

So how do you ensure a smooth transition to starting a new career?

For many professionals, graduate school is more than just a continuation of academic pursuit. It can also be a valuable tool toward an exciting new career opportunity. If this interests you, here are the top ways graduate school can help you start a new career.

7 ways graduate school can launch your new career

1. Developing specialized skills

Graduate programs are designed to provide detailed coursework that offers in-depth knowledge and specialized skills that are relevant to your industry of choice.

“A master’s degree is much more focused than a bachelor’s degree,” says Joe Rabbit, assistant director of student enrollment at Northeastern University. “You’re taking courses that are designed to help prepare you to enter the workforce in a very specific area.”

This approach is crucial if you’re aiming to start a new career because it can help you acquire the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your chosen industry.

For example, if you want to start a new career in biotechnology, you’ll need an education that offers advanced science-related classes and lab work that’s directly applicable to the latest industry practices and technologies. Similarly, if you’re considering moving into computer science, you’ll need a curriculum that focuses on rapidly-growing areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.

To fill the inevitable gaps from previous education, going to grad school can help you develop the specialized skills you need to make a career change.

2. Expanding your professional network

A strong professional network is essential to starting a new career. It provides access to valuable industry insights, job opportunities, and mentorship that can significantly enhance your career transition and growth.

Some common ways professionals expand their network include:

• Attending industry conferences and events.
• Joining professional associations and online communities.
• Volunteering for professional organizations.

Another viable option though is going to graduate school.

Graduate programs offer structured opportunities to build connections with peers, professors, and industry professionals, which can be incredibly valuable during a career transition.

“The alumni network is almost like the graduate equivalent of reaching out to people who have graduated to find out what has made them successful in their careers,” Rabbit says.

Graduate schools organize numerous networking events, such as career fairs and networking mixers. These events provide platforms for students to meet and connect with industry professionals, learn about different career paths, and make connections that can lead to job opportunities.

Building these relationships can be instrumental in securing future job placements and even business collaborations.

3. Gaining credibility and recognition

Earning a degree from a reputable institution significantly enhances your recognition in any job market. However, this additional credibility can be particularly valuable when starting a new career.

“Employers aren’t satisfied with work experience alone anymore,” Rabbit says. “They want to see that credential, especially for higher-level or specialized positions.”

Starting a new career can be challenging if your current field doesn’t overlap with your new one. In such cases, a graduate degree can serve as a powerful bridge, providing you with the necessary credentials and knowledge that directly align with your new career path.

A graduate degree from a prestigious institution can signal to potential employers that you have received rigorous training and possess a deep understanding of the subject matter relevant to your new industry. This can help you stand out in a competitive job market and assure employers of your commitment and capability to succeed in a new role.

4. Access to professional services

Graduate schools typically offer robust professional services designed to help students navigate any job market.

These services can include:

• Career counseling.
• Resume workshops.
• Job fairs.

When starting a new career, these services become even more critical.

For example, career centers at universities frequently host workshops covering a range of job search strategies for graduate students, including how to effectively tailor your resumé and cover letter for different industries and mastering the art of the interview. These workshops provide practical tips on how to present your skills and experiences in the most compelling way, ensuring you stand out in a competitive job market.

By attending these sessions, you gain up-to-date knowledge and learn how to apply it to your job search. They also provide opportunities to engage with industry experts and alumni who can offer valuable advice and mentorship.

This direct interaction not only helps you understand what employers are looking for, but it also builds your confidence in making a successful career transition. Through these comprehensive professional services, graduate schools play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment, preparing you to step confidently into your new career.

5. Opportunities for experiential learning

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of many graduate programs, providing hands-on experiences in a variety of fields.

Experiential learning is an educational approach where students learn by engaging in direct experiences and reflecting on them. This hands-on method emphasizes active participation, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and develop practical skills. Experiential learning is particularly important for those starting a new career, as it bridges the gap between academics and practical application to ensure you’re capable of effectively performing in your new role.

Northeastern prioritizes experiential learning through its co-op program.

Northeastern’s co-op program partners with more than 3,500 companies worldwide, which provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience that not only enhances students’ resumés but can also lead to job offers post-graduation.

This hands-on learning can provide a competitive edge for you when starting a new career, proving to employers that you have the practical skills necessary to succeed.

6. Flexible learning options

One of the greatest advantages of graduate school for working professionals is the availability of flexible learning options. Many programs now offer online and hybrid formats, allowing students to balance work and school more easily.

These flexible learning options enable you to gradually increase your course load as you become more comfortable with the demands of graduate study, take classes in an asynchronous format, and adjust your schedule as needed.

In fact, Rabbit encourages many working professionals to start graduate school taking one or two courses and, if it’s manageable, enroll in additional classes later on. This approach allows you to tailor your educational journey to fit your unique circumstances and pace.

Many graduate schools also offer part-time study options and evening classes. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who need to maintain a steady income while furthering their education. By not having to leave your job, you can also apply what you learn in real-time, enhancing both your current work performance and your future career prospects.

This adaptability makes graduate school a practical and viable path for many professionals seeking a new and fulfilling career journey.

7. Enhancing transferable skills

In a competitive job market, versatile skills are crucial for career success, and a key advantage of graduate education is its focus on developing both hard and soft skills.

Leadership and management training are common components of many graduate programs, equipping students with the ability to make their teams more efficient. Courses in communication and critical thinking are also emphasized, as these skills are essential for problem solving and decision making in any career.

Graduate students gain practical experience in applying these skills in group projects, which. mimic real-world work environments and provide opportunities to practice and refine leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also capable of executing tasks effectively in a professional setting, ensuring that graduates of any program are well-rounded candidates who are ready to take on diverse roles across different sectors.

Start a new career

Starting a new career can be challenging, but enrolling in a graduate degree is a strategic step that can help you succeed in a new field. Graduate programs offer a comprehensive education that goes beyond academic knowledge, equipping you with the tools and confidence to thrive in your new career.

For professionals hoping to make a significant career change, Northeastern University offers an exceptional solution. With its focus on experiential learning, flexible study options, and robust professional services, Northeastern is committed to helping students achieve their career goals. The university’s renowned co-op program, extensive industry partnerships, and strong alumni network provide unparalleled opportunities for practical experience and professional growth.

Take the next step toward a fulfilling new career by exploring the graduate programs at Northeastern University. With the right education and support, you can confidently embark on your new professional journey.