Making a career change can feel like a huge and daunting decision. There's so much information out there. How do you even know where to start and which route is best for you? 

Read on to learn more about 3 top master's degrees that career changers choose. Perhaps one of them is the perfect fit for you!

Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA is one of the best master's degrees for a career change. It's a top pick for professionals who already have a degree and a good few years of experience under their belt. They've typically got a good feel for what their profession is all about and are ready to move into more of a leadership role. 

Studying for an MBA is hard work, but most people I know who've done it find the challenge fun and say they enjoy interacting with classmates and learning to think in new ways. 

Advantages for Career Changers

An MBA provides versatile skills in management, finance, and strategy, making graduates valuable across diverse industries. If you love leadership and being part of the big decisions, then an MBA can help open doors for you. 

Career paths include management roles, consulting for strategic business advice, and entrepreneurship for launching and running ventures independently. It's about acquiring the expertise to excel in today's competitive business environment.

Career Opportunities

An MBA will help you leave your mark in today's competitive business environment. Some careers that graduates choose include:

  • Management Consultant
  • Financial Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Entrepreneur/Start-up Founder

Master’s in Data Science

Studying for a Master's in data science is a fun and rewarding process that will open up many doors in your career. Data science is all about extracting meaning from large data sets. It's challenging, complex, and perfect for people who love numbers, technology, and a challenge. 

In a data science program, you'll dive into three key areas: statistics, machine learning, and data analysis. Not only will you draw meaning from large data sets, but you'll also learn to communicate your findings and get people the insights they need to make the best decisions These pillars together give you the tools to unravel complex data challenges and drive impactful decisions in any field.

Advantages for Career Changers

You probably wouldn't be surprised to discover that data science skills are in high demand these days! Studying for a master's in data science can give you many career options and help you build an interesting and rewarding career. 

You might think of data science being a tech industry-specific skill, but the reality is that data science skills are needed across a wide range of industries - from finance to healthcare and telecommunications to transportation - you'll find data scientists everywhere.

Career Opportunities

A master's in data science can equip you with sought-after skills. Some careers that graduates choose include:

  • Data Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Business Intelligence Analyst

Master’s in Public Health (MPH)

A masters in public health is a broad, interdisciplinary program aimed at equipping graduates to face today's public healthcare challenges. Programs typically include studies in areas such as epidemiology, health policy, research, and community health. Graduates use these skills in several settings to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life. 

Advantages for Career Changers

Public health care is crucial for community well-being, especially now after the COVID-19 pandemic. There's a growing demand for public health professionals who are skilled in research, policy analysis, and program management. They play a key role in identifying health trends, implementing effective policies, and managing programs that promote public health. 

Career Opportunities

A masters in public health can open many career doors. Graduates' backgrounds and interests play a big role in which area of public health they choose to pursue. Typical job titles in public health include:

  • Public Health Advisor
  • Epidemiologist
  • Health Services Manager
  • Health Policy Analyst

How to Choose the Right Master’s Degree for Your Career Change

Choosing a master's degree can be a complicated decision. There are many factors to consider before you jump into this big time and money commitment.

Assessing Your Interests and Goals

What do you love? What makes you tick? Gets you up in the mornings? For some people, a master's degree is an opportunity to move in a direction that they find more fun or meaningful. For others, it might be a great way to move up the corporate ladder or earn a better salary. It's worth taking the time to figure out what your goals are before you pick a master's degree for a career change.

Evaluating Program Offerings

Masters programs can vary widely in quality and content. Once you have a good idea of the direction you'd like to move in, you can choose a master's degree that offers the right subjects and focus. The internet is full of online degrees that you can choose from. Some of them are excellent, some not so great, and some are just full-blown scams. Do your research and find reliable sources to guide you in this big decision.

Considering Time and Financial Investment

A master's program is a big-time and financial commitment. For some people, it can be a real career-maker, while for others it's just not worth it. Whether you're considering a full-time or part-time qualification, it's always worth checking the ROI (return on investment). Essentially you're asking yourself how much time and money a master's degree will cost you and then calculating how quickly you can make that back through career advancement. 

Seeking Advice and Networking

Mentors and colleagues in your work environment can give you important company and industry-specific advice as you navigate these decisions. They may be able to suggest career paths or calculate your ROI. If you need to find out more about Universities and courses then current students, alumni, and career advisors should be able to give you a good idea of your options and what to expect.

No Need to Rush This

Choosing an advanced degree isn't a decision that should be rushed. Take your time, find your resources, and give yourself a moment to digest it all. Still, need more help and clarity? Try this quiz from Appily Advance, it's designed to help you navigate this big decision and simplify the information overload.