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
