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We’ve all been asked this question hundreds of times
throughout our lives. Whether your answer has changed from doctor to lawyer, or
from astronaut to accountant, or even if it has stayed the same, the most
important part of choosing a career path is finding something that makes you
happy and fits your needs. In my case, from the time I was first asked “what do
you want to be when you grow up?” my answer was always teacher. I spent almost
20 years giving everyone that same answer, until one day, it changed. College
is a time for self-reflection, to make mistakes, and to change your mind and
change it again, and while I was in my second year at college, the answer
changed to “I don’t know.”
I am here to tell you that it is perfectly okay to not know
what you want to do. You can change your mind dozens of times throughout your
life, and just because your degree says one thing, doesn’t mean you can’t do
something else. I have a degree in Physics that is currently sitting on my
shelf collecting dust, as I purse another degree in Higher Education. My career
path has changed at least 3 times already, and who knows if it will change
again.
As you think about your career journey, here are some things
to consider:
1.
Identify
your skills: Every career requires a different skill set, and being able to
identify your skills may help you to find a career that you enjoy and will
thrive in.
2.
Determine
your goals: What do you want to get out of a career?
3.
Know your
work style: Your work style may affect your ability to thrive in certain
careers. Are you a team player, or do you prefer to work individually?
4.
Try and
try again: It’s okay to try a career and determine that you hate it.
Internships, co-ops, fellowships and other experiential learning are ways to
test out a career before making major decisions.
5.
Network,
network, network: you never know who you might meet at a family event, a
friend’s dinner, or at mom’s company holiday party. Online networking via
LinkedIn is also great for informational interviews.
6. Visit the Career Center: We’re here to
help! Stop by or make an appointment with the Career Center! We have resources
to help you identify your strengths, determine your goals, look for jobs and
internships and more!
Take this time during college to reflect on your career
choices. Consider trying something that sparks your interest, maybe interning
at a company, volunteering with a non-profit, or shadowing a professional. No
harm can come from trying something new. Nothing is ever set in stone and there
is always time to change the road you’re on.
Cheryl Posner
Graduate Assistant- Career Development
The Career Center
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