13 answers
Chloe
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
7
Questions
Asked
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Career Path - Feeling a bit lost ?
I have been working for two years now as a Product Owner and I still don't know what I want to do with my career. I studied psychology in school and feel like I don't have great business acumen skills. At the same time, I feel as though I lack technical skills in my role. Im thinking of studying masters/MBA eventually but I'm still debating what to study for.
For anyone who have been in my shoes/feels a bit lost - what are some things that has helped to find your direction in your career? was it a career pivot? what did you do?
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13 answers
Wyatt .
Retired Corporate Executive
54
Answers
United States
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hello Chloe,
Having spent my career in high tech, I can definitely relate to what you’re saying.
Feeling uncertain about your early career path is more common than you might think, especially in roles that sit at the intersection of business, tech, and user experience. It’s normal to question whether you’re in the right place, especially when your academic background is different than your current job position and you’re now operating in a business and tech-heavy environment. The reality is, this kind of discomfort often signals growth, not failure. Many people in tech, product, and business roles come from non-traditional paths and build their careers over time by layering on skills and finding the overlap between what they’re good at and what energizes them. You may feel like you’re lacking business acumen or technical depth, but it’s worth recognizing that your psychology background likely gives you an edge in understanding user behavior, communication, and team dynamics, critical traits that many technical professionals actually struggle with.
One of the most helpful things during this stage is giving yourself permission to explore, experiment, and learn without putting pressure on yourself to have it all figured out. This could mean taking on side projects, enrolling in short online courses (in areas like product analytics, UX research, or even coding), or asking to collaborate with cross-functional teams in your current company to broaden your exposure. Informational interviews are also extremely underrated, talking to people in roles that intrigue you can often give you clearer insight than any course or job posting. You might realize that it’s not a massive career pivot you need, but a slight shift in your responsibilities, team, or company environment. You might also discover that you’re more business-minded than you give yourself credit for, as this is usually the case, it’s just a skill set that hasn’t been formally developed yet. The important part is to treat this phase like research rather than indecision. You’re gathering information about what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and where you want to go.
As for pursuing a master’s or MBA, it can absolutely be the right move and I would encourage it only if it aligns with a clearer goal. An MBA is a great way to build business acumen, leadership skills, and strategic thinking, but it’s also a significant investment of time and money. Specialized master’s programs in areas like human-computer interaction, organizational behavior, or data analytics might align more directly with your psychology background while adding technical credibility. But before committing to a degree, it’s worth testing the waters with shorter learning experiences or mentorships to better understand what direction excites you. You don’t have to have it all figured out before making your next move, the key is to keep learning, reflect honestly on what fulfills you, and allow your career to evolve over time. Direction often emerges not from a grand decision, but from a series of small, intentional steps.
Best wishes to you and your exciting journey.
Wyatt
Having spent my career in high tech, I can definitely relate to what you’re saying.
Feeling uncertain about your early career path is more common than you might think, especially in roles that sit at the intersection of business, tech, and user experience. It’s normal to question whether you’re in the right place, especially when your academic background is different than your current job position and you’re now operating in a business and tech-heavy environment. The reality is, this kind of discomfort often signals growth, not failure. Many people in tech, product, and business roles come from non-traditional paths and build their careers over time by layering on skills and finding the overlap between what they’re good at and what energizes them. You may feel like you’re lacking business acumen or technical depth, but it’s worth recognizing that your psychology background likely gives you an edge in understanding user behavior, communication, and team dynamics, critical traits that many technical professionals actually struggle with.
One of the most helpful things during this stage is giving yourself permission to explore, experiment, and learn without putting pressure on yourself to have it all figured out. This could mean taking on side projects, enrolling in short online courses (in areas like product analytics, UX research, or even coding), or asking to collaborate with cross-functional teams in your current company to broaden your exposure. Informational interviews are also extremely underrated, talking to people in roles that intrigue you can often give you clearer insight than any course or job posting. You might realize that it’s not a massive career pivot you need, but a slight shift in your responsibilities, team, or company environment. You might also discover that you’re more business-minded than you give yourself credit for, as this is usually the case, it’s just a skill set that hasn’t been formally developed yet. The important part is to treat this phase like research rather than indecision. You’re gathering information about what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and where you want to go.
As for pursuing a master’s or MBA, it can absolutely be the right move and I would encourage it only if it aligns with a clearer goal. An MBA is a great way to build business acumen, leadership skills, and strategic thinking, but it’s also a significant investment of time and money. Specialized master’s programs in areas like human-computer interaction, organizational behavior, or data analytics might align more directly with your psychology background while adding technical credibility. But before committing to a degree, it’s worth testing the waters with shorter learning experiences or mentorships to better understand what direction excites you. You don’t have to have it all figured out before making your next move, the key is to keep learning, reflect honestly on what fulfills you, and allow your career to evolve over time. Direction often emerges not from a grand decision, but from a series of small, intentional steps.
Best wishes to you and your exciting journey.
Wyatt
Pedro Javier Paneca Cordova
Service Experience Consultant
3
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Pedro Javier’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel a bit lost in your career, even after years of experience. I’ve been there too. I studied Computer Science and started out as a Software Engineer. Later, I moved into Software Testing, and now I’m working in Service Experience – Go To Market. Each step felt like a pivot, and each one taught me something valuable.
Sometimes, trying out different areas is the best way to figure out what truly fits you. Every role, whether it’s technical, business-focused, or creative, can help you build skills that are transferable. You might gain technical know-how in one and sharpen your communication or strategic thinking in another.
You don’t need to have it all figured out before pursuing a master’s or MBA. Let your experiences guide you. The more you explore, the more you’ll understand what energizes you and where you can make the most impact.
So, take your time. Learn from each role. And remember, it’s okay to change direction. Every step adds to your story.
Sometimes, trying out different areas is the best way to figure out what truly fits you. Every role, whether it’s technical, business-focused, or creative, can help you build skills that are transferable. You might gain technical know-how in one and sharpen your communication or strategic thinking in another.
You don’t need to have it all figured out before pursuing a master’s or MBA. Let your experiences guide you. The more you explore, the more you’ll understand what energizes you and where you can make the most impact.
So, take your time. Learn from each role. And remember, it’s okay to change direction. Every step adds to your story.
Keith Van Leeuwen
2
Answers
Haddon Heights, New Jersey
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Chloe, I had many of the same questions. I was working in tech with a degree in business and psychology, wanting to do more but unsure of my next step. Then, I got the chance to pursue a work-funded MBA and jumped at it. Attending NYU at night opened up new career paths I hadn't known about. Early in your career is a great time to explore and take some risks. Careers can be unpredictable, and it's tough to plan a direct path, especially in fast-moving fields like tech. When I started, we were focused on cloud adoption, and now we're in the era of generative AI. This shows how important it is to stay flexible and keep learning.
Don't let yourself get stuck. Make decisions based on the opportunities you have and dive in with full enthusiasm. I chose management consulting after business school because of a professor whose stories and problem-solving inspired me. I wanted to follow that path. Best of luck, and be bold!
Don't let yourself get stuck. Make decisions based on the opportunities you have and dive in with full enthusiasm. I chose management consulting after business school because of a professor whose stories and problem-solving inspired me. I wanted to follow that path. Best of luck, and be bold!
Kate Porter
Strategy & Planning
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Kate’s Answer
I totally get where you're coming from. There have been times in my career when I've wondered if I made the right choice.
Here's a funny story: I studied Finance in college, thinking I wanted to work in investment banking or portfolio management. But during my first internship, I quickly realized I really didn't like it. I panicked and went to my professor, worried about wasting four years on a degree I didn't enjoy. He calmly suggested I explore corporate finance, which was a whole new field where I could use my skills. This advice opened up a new, exciting path for me, and I ended up working in corporate finance for 14 years in eight different roles.
Later, I decided to try something new and switched to operations and strategy, using my finance background as a foundation. This move was more like a career lattice than a ladder, allowing me to grow in different directions.
Here are some tips from my experience:
1. Share your worries and questions with people you trust. They might help you see new opportunities.
2. Think of your career as a lattice, not just a ladder. Trying different roles can help you gain a wide range of skills that become valuable over time.
A career that balances breadth (going wide to expand skill portfolio) and depth (going deep to build expertise) is often more rewarding and flexible. Most of your choices are reversible. Even if a job isn't perfect, it's usually just a temporary experience, and you can always move on to something else.
Don't stress about making the perfect choice. Even tough experiences, like my internship, can teach you what you don't want to do in the future.
Good luck!
Here's a funny story: I studied Finance in college, thinking I wanted to work in investment banking or portfolio management. But during my first internship, I quickly realized I really didn't like it. I panicked and went to my professor, worried about wasting four years on a degree I didn't enjoy. He calmly suggested I explore corporate finance, which was a whole new field where I could use my skills. This advice opened up a new, exciting path for me, and I ended up working in corporate finance for 14 years in eight different roles.
Later, I decided to try something new and switched to operations and strategy, using my finance background as a foundation. This move was more like a career lattice than a ladder, allowing me to grow in different directions.
Here are some tips from my experience:
1. Share your worries and questions with people you trust. They might help you see new opportunities.
2. Think of your career as a lattice, not just a ladder. Trying different roles can help you gain a wide range of skills that become valuable over time.
A career that balances breadth (going wide to expand skill portfolio) and depth (going deep to build expertise) is often more rewarding and flexible. Most of your choices are reversible. Even if a job isn't perfect, it's usually just a temporary experience, and you can always move on to something else.
Don't stress about making the perfect choice. Even tough experiences, like my internship, can teach you what you don't want to do in the future.
Good luck!
Raj Nair
My last role was the head of customer experience for a B2B manufacturing company.
1
Answer
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Raj’s Answer
First, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with executives, product leaders, and even founders who’ve hit the “I don’t know what’s next” wall. So don’t treat this as a flaw. It’s just data. You’re sitting in a really powerful spot. You’ve got 2 years in a tech-facing role and a foundation in human behavior from psychology—two currencies that are rising in value as AI, product design, and workplace transformation collide. The key isn’t to rush to clarity but to get curious without judgment. That said, here are 4 action steps I would take if I were in your shoes.
1) Go beyond job titles. Build a career map of "energy and envy":
Write down moments from the past 2 years that energized you (not just ones you were good at).
Then track moments where you felt envy or admiration—LinkedIn bios, coworkers, teams. These are breadcrumbs.
Patterns matter more than paths right now.
2) Run experiments, not make life decisions.
Take a cohort-based course (e.g. Reforge for product, General Assembly for tech, On Deck for strategy) before jumping into a Master’s.
3) Offer to lead something cross-functional at work—ideally involving data, customer research, or business case modeling. See how it feels.
4) Pair curiosity with reps.
If you feel weak in business acumen, don’t beat yourself up. Start reading earnings calls, product strategy docs, or pricing strategy breakdowns (e.g. Stratechery, Lenny’s Newsletter, HBR).
Ask your PMs, analysts, or engineers to walk you through a problem live. People love to teach when they feel respected.
Talk to 3 people who made pivots from psychology into tech strategy, marketing, or user research.
Find them on LinkedIn or through mutuals. Ask what they regret, what helped, what they’d redo.
You’re not looking for their path—you’re looking for your own clarity through their lens.
On your question on pursuing an MBA: MBAs can open doors, but only if you know what doors you want to knock on. I’ve hired amazing leaders with and without MBAs. Don’t use it to "figure things out". Use it to accelerate a direction you already feel pulled toward. When I felt uncertain in my own journey, it wasn’t a career pivot or degree that gave me clarity. It was momentum…trying, reflecting, and adjusting. Build small wins, and clarity will follow. All the best on your journey!
1) Go beyond job titles. Build a career map of "energy and envy":
Write down moments from the past 2 years that energized you (not just ones you were good at).
Then track moments where you felt envy or admiration—LinkedIn bios, coworkers, teams. These are breadcrumbs.
Patterns matter more than paths right now.
2) Run experiments, not make life decisions.
Take a cohort-based course (e.g. Reforge for product, General Assembly for tech, On Deck for strategy) before jumping into a Master’s.
3) Offer to lead something cross-functional at work—ideally involving data, customer research, or business case modeling. See how it feels.
4) Pair curiosity with reps.
If you feel weak in business acumen, don’t beat yourself up. Start reading earnings calls, product strategy docs, or pricing strategy breakdowns (e.g. Stratechery, Lenny’s Newsletter, HBR).
Ask your PMs, analysts, or engineers to walk you through a problem live. People love to teach when they feel respected.
Talk to 3 people who made pivots from psychology into tech strategy, marketing, or user research.
Find them on LinkedIn or through mutuals. Ask what they regret, what helped, what they’d redo.
You’re not looking for their path—you’re looking for your own clarity through their lens.
On your question on pursuing an MBA: MBAs can open doors, but only if you know what doors you want to knock on. I’ve hired amazing leaders with and without MBAs. Don’t use it to "figure things out". Use it to accelerate a direction you already feel pulled toward. When I felt uncertain in my own journey, it wasn’t a career pivot or degree that gave me clarity. It was momentum…trying, reflecting, and adjusting. Build small wins, and clarity will follow. All the best on your journey!
Mateo Williams
10
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Mateo’s Answer
Many people in your situation find clarity by combining self-assessment, skill exploration, and networking. Tools like career aptitude tests can help identify strengths and interests. Taking online courses or certifications in business, tech, or data can reveal which areas you enjoy and are good at. Also, informational interviews with professionals in roles you’re curious about can provide insight into daily responsibilities and growth opportunities. Testing out side projects or freelance work can further help you decide before committing to a master’s or MBA.
Damon Jones
5
Answers
Updated
Damon’s Answer
Hi, if you want to sell your product for a profit, there are important steps to take. As a product owner, you need to build your skills to help your business succeed. Focus on learning Business Management, Strategic Management, Business Administration, Accounting, and Marketing. It's also helpful to take E-commerce classes. Understanding how the business world works is crucial before selling a product or service.
I recommend enrolling in a good business school, aiming for excellent grades, and creating a strong business plan before starting your business. Best of luck!
I recommend enrolling in a good business school, aiming for excellent grades, and creating a strong business plan before starting your business. Best of luck!
Aravind C
39
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Aravind’s Answer
Hi Chloe,
Thank you for sharing your story. It's easy to lose track of future goals these days, but remember, it's always a great time to start anew. No matter your age, you can begin whenever you choose.
As C.S. Lewis wisely said, you're never too old to set new goals or dream new dreams.
Think about what you're good at and what you enjoy. Reach out to friends and teachers who can offer guidance. Try starting with any job to stay active, learn new things, and gather fresh ideas.
Thank you for sharing your story. It's easy to lose track of future goals these days, but remember, it's always a great time to start anew. No matter your age, you can begin whenever you choose.
As C.S. Lewis wisely said, you're never too old to set new goals or dream new dreams.
Think about what you're good at and what you enjoy. Reach out to friends and teachers who can offer guidance. Try starting with any job to stay active, learn new things, and gather fresh ideas.
Amelia Mindich
Product Specialist
2
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Amelia’s Answer
I would not get a masters/MBA unless you can get it funded. A Product Owner builds so many skills and many of them are cyclical or come up every few years, so your technical skills will continue to grow in this roll and will set you up for many opportunities to pivot to. So my advice is be patient and learn everything you can while getting paid. When you have opportunities to work with other roles, take advantage of the exposure and interdisciplinary work. I think this will help guide you to what you're drawn to without rushing into an expensive degree.
Paul Marcel-Rene
Property Manager
20
Answers
Akron, Ohio
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You’re not alone—many of us have stood exactly where you are, wondering if what we’re doing is what we *should* be doing. Here’s the truth: career paths are rarely straight lines. I studied one thing, tested into another, and ended up doing many different jobs that had little to do with my original major. What helped me most was shifting my mindset from “what should I do?” to “what do I enjoy doing and how can I get paid for it?” You already have a psychology background and two years of Product Owner experience—that’s a solid foundation.
Now is a great time to explore rather than rush into a master's just for the sake of clarity. Try cross-functional projects, shadow technical teams, or take a few online business or entrepreneurship courses from places like the University of the Cumberlands. Don’t be afraid to pivot entirely—many of us have. I’ve worked in everything from restaurant management to social work to teaching and even owned a business in a field I had zero technical skills in. Your next step doesn’t have to be forever—it just needs to align with your passion and curiosity.
Now is a great time to explore rather than rush into a master's just for the sake of clarity. Try cross-functional projects, shadow technical teams, or take a few online business or entrepreneurship courses from places like the University of the Cumberlands. Don’t be afraid to pivot entirely—many of us have. I’ve worked in everything from restaurant management to social work to teaching and even owned a business in a field I had zero technical skills in. Your next step doesn’t have to be forever—it just needs to align with your passion and curiosity.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Chloe, honestly you are not alone as I think many people (young and old) go through the same thing at one point in their lives. My initial suggestion is to explore different topics and learn a little about that topic to see if there is a real interest. I myself have always been curious and love to learn new things. I take classes at my local Library on various subjects. I also look at what my company is focusing on and drill into that.
I would suggest looking into certain certification programs that don’t require a lot of time and money, but could get you started such as Introduction to AI, Agile Certification (Scrum / Product Owner), Something around Analytical Thinking / Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Product Management, etc. Lastly I would look at our current job / role and see what could be improved / enhanced by the use of AI and how could that benefit your customer / client.
I would suggest looking into certain certification programs that don’t require a lot of time and money, but could get you started such as Introduction to AI, Agile Certification (Scrum / Product Owner), Something around Analytical Thinking / Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Product Management, etc. Lastly I would look at our current job / role and see what could be improved / enhanced by the use of AI and how could that benefit your customer / client.
Rick Kneisley
Retired Investment Broker and Investment Sales Manager
33
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Chloe,
I’m happy to share my thoughts with you. My answer may be a little different from most you’ll receive because I prefer to speak from personal experience.
The responses you’ve already received are excellent. But since you studied psychology, you already understand how powerful the human mind is, and in my view, that’s where your answer truly lies.
After decades in the financial services industry, both in sales and leadership roles, I’ve come to a firm conclusion:
Everyone is brilliant at something.
The universe, or whatever force you believe in, has placed in each of us a unique talent, ability, or gift. Your job is to discover yours. Once you do, the universe has a remarkable way of guiding you to the perfect path that matches your brilliance.
As a psychology student, you also know we each have both a conscious and subconscious mind. The conscious mind is the thinker; it sets intentions. The subconscious is the doer; it takes those intentions and works behind the scenes to bring them into reality.
Here’s a technique I’ve used and shared with many others that may help you clarify your direction:
1. Get clear on what you truly want, not just a job title, but how you want to feel in your work: challenged, creative, impactful, supported, etc.
2. Write it down. Get specific about your wants, needs, and desires, financial goals, work environment, lifestyle, the kind of people you want to work with, the values that matter to you.
3. Then release it. Hand it over to your subconscious mind. Don’t try to control the “how.” Don’t say, “I want this exact job at this exact company.” That limits the possibilities. The subconscious works best when it’s free to deliver your desires in its own time and way.
4. Stay open to surprises. You may get a random call, meet someone unexpected, hear something on a podcast or in a book that lights a fire in you. These “coincidences” are often answers.
Now, you may be thinking this sounds abstract or impractical. I understand. But I’ve shared this approach with 14 students on this site this year alone, and those posts have received over 16,000 reads, with many grateful responses and I’m sure that some very remarkable stories of transformation are out there.
So yes, study an MBA or pursue more technical training if it excites you, but don't do it just because you feel "less than" in those areas. Start with discovering your natural brilliance first. Then let the universe, and your mind, do what they were designed to do.
Trust yourself. This works.
Rick
I’m happy to share my thoughts with you. My answer may be a little different from most you’ll receive because I prefer to speak from personal experience.
The responses you’ve already received are excellent. But since you studied psychology, you already understand how powerful the human mind is, and in my view, that’s where your answer truly lies.
After decades in the financial services industry, both in sales and leadership roles, I’ve come to a firm conclusion:
Everyone is brilliant at something.
The universe, or whatever force you believe in, has placed in each of us a unique talent, ability, or gift. Your job is to discover yours. Once you do, the universe has a remarkable way of guiding you to the perfect path that matches your brilliance.
As a psychology student, you also know we each have both a conscious and subconscious mind. The conscious mind is the thinker; it sets intentions. The subconscious is the doer; it takes those intentions and works behind the scenes to bring them into reality.
Here’s a technique I’ve used and shared with many others that may help you clarify your direction:
1. Get clear on what you truly want, not just a job title, but how you want to feel in your work: challenged, creative, impactful, supported, etc.
2. Write it down. Get specific about your wants, needs, and desires, financial goals, work environment, lifestyle, the kind of people you want to work with, the values that matter to you.
3. Then release it. Hand it over to your subconscious mind. Don’t try to control the “how.” Don’t say, “I want this exact job at this exact company.” That limits the possibilities. The subconscious works best when it’s free to deliver your desires in its own time and way.
4. Stay open to surprises. You may get a random call, meet someone unexpected, hear something on a podcast or in a book that lights a fire in you. These “coincidences” are often answers.
Now, you may be thinking this sounds abstract or impractical. I understand. But I’ve shared this approach with 14 students on this site this year alone, and those posts have received over 16,000 reads, with many grateful responses and I’m sure that some very remarkable stories of transformation are out there.
So yes, study an MBA or pursue more technical training if it excites you, but don't do it just because you feel "less than" in those areas. Start with discovering your natural brilliance first. Then let the universe, and your mind, do what they were designed to do.
Trust yourself. This works.
Rick
Alex Brown
Manager
7
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Alex’s Answer
I’ve been in a similar spot before, and what helped me was giving myself space to explore without the pressure of having it all figured out right away. Talking to people in different roles, shadowing colleagues, and taking short online courses in areas I was curious about helped me see what clicked (and what didn’t). Sometimes clarity comes from testing small things before making big moves like a master’s or MBA.
What kinds of work energize you most right now, problem-solving, working with people, analyzing data, creating things? That might help narrow your direction.
What kinds of work energize you most right now, problem-solving, working with people, analyzing data, creating things? That might help narrow your direction.