2 answers
Rachel
Student
Athens, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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What would be your advice for students in school who have a few different ideas on what they want to do with their future career Do I pursue a career in all the different things I want to do or just stay on one path? ?
I'm a third-year student, and I am approaching my senior year, and everyone around me seems to have everything figured out, while I feel I'm just discovering what I really love. I want to explore and really love my job, but I'm not sure if I should continue to explore and search for a job I love or just stick with something because it pays well.
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2 answers
Mandy Silverman
Data Analyst/Product Owner
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Mandy’s Answer
It's completely normal to not have it all mapped out by your third year of school. Many of us have stood exactly where you are — uncertain, exploring, and trying to make sense of what comes next. The path to a fulfilling career is rarely a straight line. And that’s not only okay — it’s often where the most valuable learning happens.
One of the best things you can do right now is focus on finishing your degree in a subject that you enjoy or are good at. Your major doesn’t have to define your entire career. What matters more is the curiosity you follow and the experiences you collect along the way.
After you graduate, your first job might not be your dream job — and that’s fine. Use it as a launchpad. Look for opportunities to explore while you work — whether that’s taking a class, volunteering, joining a project, or learning a new skill online. Every experience teaches you something: what you enjoy, what you don’t, and what you might want to try next.
Be patient with yourself. The process of discovering what you love can take time. You might find something that sparks your interest now and realize later that there's something else you love even more — that's part of the journey. Give yourself space to pivot, to experiment, and to grow.
Most importantly: don’t let the pressure to "figure it all out" get in the way of learning and living. Success isn’t about having a perfect plan — it’s about staying curious, open, and persistent. You are building something meaningful, even if you don’t see it all clearly just yet.
You've got time. You've got options. And you’ve got what it takes.
One of the best things you can do right now is focus on finishing your degree in a subject that you enjoy or are good at. Your major doesn’t have to define your entire career. What matters more is the curiosity you follow and the experiences you collect along the way.
After you graduate, your first job might not be your dream job — and that’s fine. Use it as a launchpad. Look for opportunities to explore while you work — whether that’s taking a class, volunteering, joining a project, or learning a new skill online. Every experience teaches you something: what you enjoy, what you don’t, and what you might want to try next.
Be patient with yourself. The process of discovering what you love can take time. You might find something that sparks your interest now and realize later that there's something else you love even more — that's part of the journey. Give yourself space to pivot, to experiment, and to grow.
Most importantly: don’t let the pressure to "figure it all out" get in the way of learning and living. Success isn’t about having a perfect plan — it’s about staying curious, open, and persistent. You are building something meaningful, even if you don’t see it all clearly just yet.
You've got time. You've got options. And you’ve got what it takes.
Montse Chicon
Insights - marketing & market research
2
Answers
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Updated
Montse’s Answer
Hi Rachel!
That's a great question. I felt the same way in high school when I had to pick a degree. It was tough for me! All my friends seemed to know exactly what to study, but I didn't. I was interested in a few different areas, but they were so different from each other, and I wasn't sure which one I wanted to pursue.
It wasn't easy, but I finally chose the ones that felt right. My first choice was Industrial Engineering, then Psychology, and third was Physics.
I ended up studying Psychology. I love learning about people, but I didn't like the way it was taught at my university, so I changed paths. I tried working in HR, but it wasn't quite right for me. Then I moved into marketing and discovered market research. That's when I realized it was what I really enjoyed, so I studied more about marketing and market research.
I've been doing this for about 20 years now, and I really love it!
I have to say that I spent some time teaching marketing & sales because I wanted to try that job. It was a great experience but I felt clearly that I love to be at a corporation and being part of international teams.
It's okay not to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life. You can try different things, and if one doesn't work out, you can explore something else. Just follow what feels right!
Hope this helps!
Montse
That's a great question. I felt the same way in high school when I had to pick a degree. It was tough for me! All my friends seemed to know exactly what to study, but I didn't. I was interested in a few different areas, but they were so different from each other, and I wasn't sure which one I wanted to pursue.
It wasn't easy, but I finally chose the ones that felt right. My first choice was Industrial Engineering, then Psychology, and third was Physics.
I ended up studying Psychology. I love learning about people, but I didn't like the way it was taught at my university, so I changed paths. I tried working in HR, but it wasn't quite right for me. Then I moved into marketing and discovered market research. That's when I realized it was what I really enjoyed, so I studied more about marketing and market research.
I've been doing this for about 20 years now, and I really love it!
I have to say that I spent some time teaching marketing & sales because I wanted to try that job. It was a great experience but I felt clearly that I love to be at a corporation and being part of international teams.
It's okay not to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life. You can try different things, and if one doesn't work out, you can explore something else. Just follow what feels right!
Hope this helps!
Montse