Frankfurt School student’s and all national and international global players gathered together on the brand-new Campus for Frankfurt School’s yearly career fair. By that time my full-time MBA-experience at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management had just begun. It was only a few weeks ago that I had quit my job and thereby ended my career in Purchasing at one of the leading clothing retailers in Germany.
Despite of my professional achievements, I reached a point in my career where I realised that my everlasting fascination for the finance industry simply did not seem to fade away. Moreover, my professional background had strengthened my passion for analytical and strategic contexts. Therefore, I decided to follow my desire, change my career and aim for a position in a strategic department of a global financial institution. I chose the full-time MBA programme at FS in order to enhance my personal skills as well as my academic knowledge for this career change. I was aware of the fact that it was going to be a tough piece of work to establish myself in the finance industry. Nevertheless, I was determined to at least give it a try.
As I was standing in the middle of the career fair, I was wondering how I was ever going to convince the companies from my suitability for the finance industry despite my lack of financial professional experience. Being fairly certain that I was probably just about to gather a bunch of rejections, I reminded myself of my aim and encouraged myself to approach the representatives at the companies anyways. “What is there to lose?”, I thought.
What I did not know by the time I was on my way to approach the first company, was in how far the MBA had already boosted my career opportunities. It did not take long to realise that representatives were open minded and highly interested in my profile as an MBA student. Quickly, it became obvious to me that the Frankfurt MBA in my resume signaled scientific excellence, eagerness to learn and the ability to work in international teams successfully to the representatives. They had no doubt that an MBA student from Frankfurt School brings along the essential mindset and ambition to adapt to a new environment quickly.
Looking behind, there are three things I can clearly recommend to anybody who is thinking about changing their career. Firstly, muster your courage and take the next step in your career. Secondly make use of the academic excellence of Frankfurt School’s MBA programme. The support of the school’s unique network (fairs, career services, networking events, workshops, company visits etc.) and excellent academic programme provided me with the ideal toolbox to pursue my career change. There are various career events organised by the school to build your professional network. Do not hesitate to approach your desired companies to convince them from your suitability.
Finally, have a clear aim and keep it in mind. You will most likely face moments when you are full of doubt and worries during this change process. Those are the moments that require you to stay focused and have a clear vision in order to succeed.