32-year-old left her dream job in the NFL to make a career pivot—how she knew it was 'time to take a risk'

Melissa Menta left her managerial role in player operations in the NFL, a dream employer for her, to begin law school.

32-year-old left her dream job in the NFL to make a career pivot—how she knew it was 'time to take a risk'

TL;DR

  • Melissa Menta left her managerial role in the NFL's player operations to attend law school.
  • She felt her NFL job, while fulfilling, lacked intellectual challenge and proactive problem-solving.
  • Menta was inspired to pursue law by a woman at the NFL with a law degree, recognizing its value for decision-making in the male-dominated sports industry.
  • Key factors in her decision included not seeing herself in her current NFL role long-term and realizing she had few personal obligations preventing her from taking a risk.
  • Adjusting to law school was challenging, but Menta focused on the long-term growth and learning opportunity.
  • Her advice for career changers is to seek guidance from those who have made similar transitions and to trust their gut feelings.
  • Menta plans to work in corporate law after graduating, with the ultimate goal of returning to the sports industry in a leadership position.