Pathways of Change: Ozlem's Journey to Silicon Valley

Welcome to our series focusing on unique career paths and the dynamics of career pivoting. Each piece tells the story of an individual who has made significant changes in their professional life. Our goal is to uncover practical insights and strategies for those contemplating similar shifts. Today, we explore Ozlem's career journey, which has spanned multiple roles and continents, shedding light on the complexities of career transitions.

Ozlem's Career Journey

Ozlem's career began in Istanbul, reflecting a strong foundation in her home country. Her decision to pursue a Master's in Development studies with a focus on public policy in the UK was the first major leap, marking the beginning of her international professional journey.

After completing her studies, Ozlem ventured into public policy work in Africa. Later, she returned to the UK, transitioning to a policy consulting role. This shift from public service to consulting was another critical step in her career, indicating her adaptability and willingness to explore diverse professional paths.

Ozlem was now keen to step into the private sector and she decided to enter the venture capital sector in Turkey. This move represented a strategic shift to the private sector and involved significant efforts to rebrand herself and her skills. Her career path was further defined by her proactive decision to pursue an MBA to help with this rebranding.

MBA at Stanford University brought her to the United States, where she secured a role in a US-based Edtech startup and now lives in San Francisco. Throughout her journey, Ozlem's success is a testament to the power of risk-taking, networking, and continuous learning.

Key Takeaways from Ozlem's Journey

1. Embracing Change: "Life's professional path is rarely straightforward. Embracing change has opened doors I never knew existed," Ozlem notes.

2. Networking as a Key Tool for Career Pivoting: "I actually started talking to people. I decided to reach out to them in a very genuine way."

3. Strategic Use of Education for Career Reinvention: "I reached a decision then to pursue an MBA as a means of rebranding myself, essentially to demonstrate my suitability and competencies for roles in the private sector."

4. Exploring Options: "It was crucial to understand the universe of possibilities, especially for someone like me looking to make a significant shift."

Career Path Analysis

Ozlem made a significant career change when she pivoted away from pursuing a career path in public policy to work in the private sector. Using MoveUp's career-paths engine, we can explore potential paths in both sectors:

Public Sector Career Paths

First, let’s consider a scenario in which Ozlem stays on the public policy career path instead of moving to venture capital. Plot below shows career paths within the public sector that could be open to her given her background. Our recommendation system selected these career paths based on the high probability of landing the necessary jobs, skills-match, as well as the potential for upward income mobility.

Private Sector Career Paths

Now, we look at the MoveUp’s career path recommendations to move into the private sector. We see a variety of options including doing an additional degree in business and getting into the startup space — which is the path Ozlem chose at the time!

For anyone inspired by this story and considering their own career pivot, MoveUp presents an ideal starting point. This AI-based career planning tool simplifies the process. As Ozlem pointed out, “Having a tool that maps out your career trajectory based on personal ambitions and past experiences would have been incredibly helpful.” MoveUp does just that. By answering a few questions about your background and goals, you can explore various career paths that align with your profile. More than just a planning tool, MoveUp connects you with a network of peers and mentors, creating a supportive community for your transition. Ozlem also mentions “A platform that connects me with people who have similar goals would have made my journey less daunting,” MoveUp offers this connection, ensuring that your career pivot is not a solitary journey but one supported by a community of like-minded professionals.