Pivot Your Career Path

Whether you’re feeling stuck, curious about new directions, or ready to make a bold change, pivoting your career can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. But you don’t have to figure it out alone — and you don’t have to do it all at once.

This guide will help you assess your goals, clarify what kind of pivot you’re making, and create a smart plan to get there — with tools, examples, and guidance tailored to your career stage.

A pivot isn’t starting from scratch — it’s building on what you’ve done to move in a new, more aligned direction.

Common pivot types:

• Industry Pivot: Moving into a new sector (e.g., from consumer goods to tech)

• Function Pivot: Shifting roles (e.g., from operations to marketing)

• Geographic Pivot: Relocating across regions, markets, or countries

• Multi-Dimensional Pivot: Changing two or more of the above (e.g., function + industry)

🎯 The more dimensions you change at once, the more intentional your strategy must be.

Before you map out your next move, get clear on what’s driving the change.

Reflection Prompts:

• What feels off or misaligned in my current work?

• What energizes me more than my current role allows?

• What does success look like in this next phase?

Try This Activity:

Write a few bullet points that describe what you’re moving away from and what you’re moving toward. Keep it honest and focused on your motivations — not job titles.

Each type of pivot requires a different approach. Use this dropdown to guide your focus:

💡 Tip: Even a "big" pivot is easier when you de-risk it with bridge experiences (e.g., stretch assignments, side projects, contract work).

Sometimes a credential can accelerate your pivot — but it depends on your goals.

Consider formal education if:

• You’re changing functions (e.g., into data science, finance, or product management)

• You lack credibility or experience in your target industry

• You want to expand your network in a new region or sector

• You’re seeking executive-level roles and need formal business training

Alternatives to explore first:

• Industry-specific certifications (e.g., PMP, CFA, Google UX Cert)

• Short courses or online programs to build targeted skills

• Mentorships, informational interviews, and stretch projects

💡 Tip: Always define the outcome you want before committing to a program — a degree is a tool, not a plan.

➡️ Explore Kelley Graduate Degrees, Certificates, and Executive Education Business Programs

Use this quick-start checklist to shape your path forward:

☐ Define the kind of pivot you want to make

☐ Identify your biggest skill or experience gaps

☐ Clarify your personal narrative for interviews and networking

☐ Reconnect with your network and build new industry relationships

☐ Consider projects, courses, or bridge roles to test your fit

☐ Set a timeline and track small wins as you go

Try This Activity: 

Map 3–5 people in your network who are doing work related to your pivot goal. Reach out to one of them this week for an informational conversation.

➡️ Read A Simple Way to Map Out Your Career Ambitions by Marc Effron (HBR Article)

You may take detours, experience setbacks, or shift your goals as you learn. That’s not failure — that’s progress. Keep your vision in view and stay open to opportunities that stretch and grow you along the way. 

📥 Download the Career Pivot Worksheet

Explore What’s Next 

Depending on where you are, you might also want to visit:

• Focus Your Career Vision →

• Start Strong in a New Role →

• Future-Proof Your Career →