Changing Lanes, Crossing Industry Lines from Higher Education to Business Leaders: A Narrative Inquiry to Understanding the Challenges Faced by Residence Life Professionals Who Had to Change Career Paths Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic

This narrative inquiry examined how higher education residence life and housing professionals navigated career transitions into business leadership roles following the COVID-19 pandemic. Using human capital theory as a framework, the study explored the transferable skills cultivated in residence life positions and how these skills supported adaptation across industries. Participants’ narratives illuminated motivations for transition, including job market volatility, compensation concerns, and work-life balance, while also highlighting challenges encountered in reskilling and navigating identity shifts outside of higher education. The findings reveal the enduring value of competencies such as leadership, crisis management, diversity and inclusion expertise, and operational strategy in shaping professional pathways. Ultimately, this study contributes to scholarship by reframing the role of campus-based professionals as leaders equipped with versatile toolkits that extend beyond higher education. The implications underscore the importance of translating professional jargon, enhancing professional development initiatives, and supporting career mobility for practitioners navigating uncertain labor markets.