Career Flex: Embracing Pivots

Nidhi Gupta

Pivot. It’s a dynamic term startups use when fundamentally changing their core idea or plan.

Think about it: which app started as a dating site where users could upload videos but has since become a staple rivaling the fundamental needs of air, water, and food? That’s right; it’s YouTube! They pivoted to focus on being a video-sharing platform; now, it’s part of our daily lives. Another infamous pivot is Netflix. They began by shipping DVDs by mail and redirected when they realized that their existing model would only last for a while.

Being enrolled in graduate school can often make us feel like we are limited and unable to change our career paths. We may feel locked into a particular trajectory due to the program’s rigidity or pressure to specialize in a specific field. However, it’s essential to remember that we’re here not only to enhance our existing skills but also to explore alternative options. Paying attention to our inner calling is necessary to pivot and explore new career paths.

Whether you’re a STEM major interested in Communications or a Ph.D. student who wants to experience entrepreneurship, trust your instincts and go for it. If our dreams aren’t evolving with time, we’re not growing either.

I’m still figuring out which path is best for me, but understanding the concept behind ‘startup pivoting’ has reduced my anxiety and given me the conviction that I’m on the right path. This mindset can empower us to take risks, embrace change, and pursue our passions, leading to greater fulfillment and success in our professional life.

Pivot if you feel like it!

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Nidhi Gupta is a master's student in Biomedical Engineering. Beyond science, Nidhi enjoys nature photography, attending workshops and conferences that broaden her horizons, philosophy, and meeting new people from diverse backgrounds.