My career has taken many unexpected turns, from pastor-in-training to investment banker, hedge fund manager, and tech entrepreneur. Along the way, I learned a thing or 10 about career transitions — many of which involved changing industries.

When I started my undergraduate studies at Emory University, I wanted to be a pastor. I was the only undergraduate taking seminary classes, and I took a few business classes I thought would help me learn to lead, inspire, and manage people.

At some point, I realized I’d graduate with a mountain of debt and enter a profession that would leave me in a cycle of debt forever. The finance industry offered a great way to pay off my student debt before I entered the ministry.

Wolfed by Wall Street

I started t...