Non-profit professionals pursuing advanced degrees bring unique perspectives to the classroom, and eventually, the social impact sector. After graduation, they combine their mission-driven mindset with refined organizational leadership skills to navigate the interconnected spaces between public service and sustainable social change.
I loved everything about the mission (of the Atlanta Track Club). I loved working with our members and seeing the direct impact that we made in people’s lives and in the community. Because we were small, I wore many hats, and every day’s work was different. I was given great opportunities to stretch my skills and grow as the organization grew. However, because of our size, I hit a point where I didn’t feel that I had the continued career growth potential. I worked long hours, many weekends, and did not see the wage potential that I wanted to achieve other personal financial goals.
I pursued an MBA because of the strong return on investment compared to other master’s programs (related to my skillset) and because I believe that businesses have a huge opportunity to make significant change at a large scale. Getting my MBA at Georgia Tech was an easy decision. As a Georgia resident, the value of education received for the cost is unbeatable. I knew that Sheller could prepare me well for the acceleration of technological changes and the need for data-driven decisions within businesses. Finally, the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business and sustainability-related curriculum sealed the deal.
I took a while to decide in which direction I wanted to pivot. I was torn between pursuing teaching, urban planning, and working in corporate sustainability (not knowing at the time what that really meant). I ultimately chose the latter.
After five years at the nonprofit. I loved the work that we did, but I felt strongly that gaining experience at a larger company would provide me with more career growth and financial stability for my future. I also believed that I could achieve those things while still doing meaningful work (and I have!).
My objective and my “why” remain the same, and I am grateful to work for a corporation in a role that allows me to lead with purpose. In terms of career shifts, I am now working on exactly the types of programs and opportunities that I dreamed of while in business school. My career has accelerated, and I have opened up many more doors for the future - whether I stay in operations at my current company, switch roles, or shift companies. I have the confidence and the experience to set goals that seven years ago I either wouldn’t have known existed or would have shied away from.
I would recommend that others in nonprofits take time for self-reflection, evaluate what they want out of their lives, and use that to inform their next pivot. Perhaps you are afraid that a career in “business” will force you to abandon mission-driven work? I have personally found this to not be true. If are clear on your “why” and your objectives, you can still achieve purpose-based work through the for-profit sector. The skills in strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and data analysis also apply if you want to stay in nonprofit work. Regardless of your targeted career path, I encourage you to give the Scheller MBA serious consideration.