My #1 Tip for Undecided Students

My executive director recently left a gift on everyone’s desk. Who doesn’t love spontaneous gifts, right?  It was a copy of the New York Time’s bestseller “Steal Like an Artist.”  It’s a little book, quick read and very visual.  As a busy woman, it was my kind of book! There were so many little gems of advice that I found myself nodding along in agreement with each page I turned. The author, Austin Kleon, proves you don’t have to write a lot to say a lot. 

The book gives 10 tips about how to be creative. I love them all, but one resonated with me because of my role as a career counselor. Tip #5 is “side projects and hobbies are important.” I tell this to students in appointments all the time. When students come in saying things like “I feel lost,” “I feel so undecided about my future,” or “I need to chose a major but I don’t know how,” I start to ask them about the things they do for fun.  I ask them about their hobbies, their passions.  Inevitably after I ask that question, they will follow up with something like  “I like _____ but don’t know how to make a career of that.”

This is where Kleon gave me the “aha moment.”  He advises that we don’t need to worry about connecting the dots in our life as they happen.  In fact, we should do a few things that we love no matter if they seem connected or not, relevant or not, even purposeful or not.  He says, “Don’t throw any of yourself away.  Don’t worry about a grand scheme or unified vision for your work […] what unifies your work is the fact that you made it.  One day, you’ll look back and it will all make sense.”

So, I am going to “steal like an artist,” and give you some of my best advice with some help from Kleon.  If you want to choose a major or your career, keep those hobbies.  Find time for your side projects.  It might not make sense going forward but it will all make sense looking back.  

Deanna Rodin, Associate Director

Always Keep Your Options Open!

Yesterday, as a “Throwback Thursday” (#TBT for our hashtaggin’ readers!) post, New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady, posted this photo of his college resume on his Facebook page with the caption “Found my old resume! Really thought I was going to need this after the 5th round.” (Brady was drafted in the 6^th round of the 2000 NFL draft, with the 199^th overall pick).

Now that we’ve seen Tom Brady start his 15th season in the NFL, it’s tough to think of him having any

other career. But what if the initial thought he had was right, and he hadn’t made a professional team or been drafted at all? Though his goal was obviously to be a professional football player, Tom had a back-up plan in case his dream didn’t pan out as he hoped. By pursuing a major which allowed him to take courses in both business and psychology, he made sure that he had a well-rounded educational background, and spent two summers as an intern for Merrill Lynch gaining valuable business experience! Additional sales and management positions during each of his summer breaks allowed him to develop even more related and transferable skills. By looking at Tom’s resume, I’m pretty confident that he would have been able to make a great career for himself in business if no NFL team called his name!

Nobody likes to think about the “what-ifs” of their dream career not coming to fruition. But by being prepared and giving yourself as many opportunities as you can to gain experience and skills, you will be more marketable and employable in the event that you do need to look into other careers – and even better off if your dreams do come true!

Not sure how to start thinking about your “back-up plan?” Let us know! We’d be happy to help you figure it out!

Amy Smith, Assistant Director

The Back Up Plan

A student met with me this week asking, “I have an idea of what I want to do when I graduate but I need some back up plans, what else can I do with my degree?”  This was not only a common question from students but also a great conversation to have. 

As it turns out, this sophomore student was so focused on finding her potential back up plans that she wasn’t working on her goal at all.  When we began talking, I found out that she had so many ideas of what she could be pursuing towards her aspiration, such as requesting research opportunities with professors and conducting informational interviews with people she knew in the field.  She could be spending this time connecting with these opportunities and people to help to her in pursuing her passion but she wasn’t utilizing their help.  There were many untapped resources within her reach!  Once we shifted her focus from “what do I do if I fail?” to “what can I do now to succeed?” her whole outlook changed.  She left the office excited, full of hope, and with action steps in mind. 

In life, especially with careers, once we shift our thoughts and energy from what we don’t want, to what we do want, we find that things start to fall into place.  I encourage you to spend time concentrating on the things you want in life and on the support you have to help you achieve your goals.  Start to shift your focus and see just how powerful and uplifting it can be! 

     ~Deanna Rodin, Associate Director