MBA & Master Glossary
Lateral Entry / Career Switch
Definition
Lateral entry (or career switch) is the move into an industry or role for which neither prior education nor previous work experience provides classic qualifications. Without prior industry experience the switch is difficult, because companies typically favor candidates with a track record. An MBA is one of the most established routes for lateral entry: it signals management competence, willingness to learn and resilience. Combined with targeted electives, an industry-relevant capstone project and – in 2-year programs – a summer internship, lateral entry into consulting, tech, finance, healthcare management or corporate development becomes realistic.
Example: "The MBA eased his lateral move from medicine into hospital management."
Why this matters for your MBA
"Lateral Entry / Career Switch" is one of the terms you will come across when comparing MBA and Executive MBA programmes in Germany, Austria and Switzerland — in admission requirements, accreditation details or programme descriptions. On mba.de you can check how individual business schools handle it and compare programmes independently.
Source: mba.de – independent comparison portal since 2003.