Pivot your career with postgraduate study

Whether you’re looking to break into a new industry, pursue a passion, or future-proof your career, read our top tips on pivoting with postgraduate study.

Postgraduate study can be the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. Here are seven essential tips to help you successfully pivot your career through further education.

1. Be clear on your goals

Before diving into any programme, take a moment to understand your motivation. Are you aiming for better job prospects, greater personal fulfillment, or a role with more impact? Knowing your ‘why’ will guide your decision-making and keep you focused when challenges arise. Clarity helps you choose the right course, build your personal brand, and articulate your goals to others—especially potential employers.

2. Choose the right type of programme

Not all postgraduate study is created equal. If you’re entering a completely new field, a conversion Master’s degree might be your best bet. These are designed specifically for people without a background in the subject and provide foundational skills alongside advanced learning. If you’re deepening knowledge in a field you’re already familiar with, a traditional Master’s or Postgraduate Diploma might suit you better.

Look into course content, duration, flexibility (especially if you’re working while studying), and whether the programme offers internships or industry placements.

3. Leverage your existing skills

Just because you’re switching fields doesn’t mean you’re starting from zero. Many soft skills—like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and project management—transfer across industries. Even technical or domain-specific skills can often be reframed to show relevance in a new context.

As you study, look for ways to bridge your old experience with your new learning. This will make you more attractive to employers and boost your confidence during the transition.

4. Talk to people in the field

Informational interviews and networking are invaluable. Reach out to alumni, industry professionals, or lecturers from your target programme. Ask about their career paths, what they wish they’d known, and how study helped them achieve their goals.

Not only will this give you a clearer picture of the field, but you’ll also start building relationships that could lead to job opportunities down the track.

5. Start building a portfolio or experience early

Where possible, apply your learning through practical projects, internships, freelance work, or volunteering. Many postgraduate programmes include capstone projects (final projects that give you the chance to apply your newly-learned skills to real-world situations), group work, or case studies—treat these as professional opportunities, not just academic exercises.

You’ll finish your degree with concrete examples of what you can do, which is especially important when you don’t yet have formal job experience in your new field.

6. Stay open, but be strategic

It’s tempting to think your new career will follow a straight path from graduation to dream job. The truth is, transitions are rarely linear. You might start with a stepping-stone role that uses both your old and new skills. Or you might find unexpected niches in your new industry that better align with your strengths.

Be flexible, but also intentional. Set short- and medium-term goals, and regularly reassess your progress. Postgraduate study opens doors—but you still have to choose which one to walk through.

7. Manage the financial and emotional investment

Postgraduate study requires time, money, and often a fair bit of emotional resilience. You may need to reduce work hours, relocate, or adjust to being a student again. Budget carefully and explore scholarships or part-time study options if needed. Take advantage of the resources offered at the University, from budgeting advice to financial support.

And don’t underestimate the emotional side. Imposter syndrome is common when switching careers, especially if you’re surrounded by people with more experience in the field. Stay connected with peers, seek support when needed, and remind yourself that learning is a process.

Pivoting your career through postgraduate study is a bold and rewarding move. It allows you to reinvent yourself with structure, support, and credibility. No matter the industry you’re aiming for, the right programme can accelerate your transition and open new doors.