I’ve always admired people who’ve pivoted in their careers—those who’ve jumped industries, changed disciplines, or completely reinvented themselves. My own path was linear for decades: consumer packaged goods, brand marketing, and general management.
But in the past two years, I’ve had the chance to explore a handful of roles I’d long imagined for myself: running a business, working with nonprofits, and teaching. This past semester, I officially added “professor” to the list.
It started with a text from a friend: “Would you be interested in teaching Consumer Behavior next semester?” My response: “Are you kidding? Absolutely.” I’d applied to adjunct roles before but hadn’t heard back. This opportunity felt like a door flinging open.
What followed was a firehose of learning. I had just a few weeks to build a syllabus, understand the university systems, and prepare to teach a class of 30 students. I leaned on peers, pulled from real-life experience, and got creative. I tried everything—guest speakers, in-class debates, hands-on exercises—to keep students engaged.
I quickly discovered that the same skills I’d built in business—leading teams, simplifying complex ideas, staying flexible—translated well into the classroom. I also learned how much work grading takes (wow), and that even professors get nervous on the first day.
But here’s the best part: I learned, too.
I learned from the students—their perspectives, habits, and how they interact with brands. I stayed sharper on industry news and marketing trends to bring relevant examples into class. And I uncovered new tools and data platforms offered through the university, which I’ve since used in my consulting work.
Teaching didn’t just fulfill a personal dream—it made me better at my day job. It challenged my thinking, inspired new ideas, and reminded me that learning never stops.
I’m thrilled to be returning in the fall. If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from this experience, it’s that stepping into something new—even if it’s unfamiliar—is worth it. Sometimes, what looks like a pivot is actually a path back to who you’ve always wanted to be.
