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How do you balance personal fulfillment with your definition of success?

As a freshman in the Grainger College of Engineering at UIUC, I’m thinking about how to navigate an increasingly competitive career landscape. How can I pursue professional success while also staying aligned with my personal goals and sense of fulfillment? Can anyone share some thoughtful advice?

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Fahad Elahi’s Answer

As an engineering freshman at UIUC, it's a great idea to start thinking about balancing professional success and personal happiness early on, especially in such a competitive field. Begin by figuring out what success means to you. It might be moving up in tech while still having time for hobbies or family. Setting boundaries is important, like keeping evenings or weekends free from work to help avoid burnout. Look for mentors in clubs or among your professors who can help you align your career with your values and build resilience. Develop habits like exercising regularly or journaling to keep track of what makes you happy, and review your goals every year. In engineering, try to find roles that match your interests, such as sustainable projects if that excites you, while also aiming for promotions. Many engineers find satisfaction by volunteering in their field or taking breaks to recharge. Remember, your idea of success can change, so talk to career services at UIUC for personalized guidance.
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Brian’s Answer

Hi Fernando,

That is a very good question, but the only person who can truly answer that is you. Something to consider; values change. The priorities and ideals you have right not may not be the same as the ones you have 5, 10, 20+ years ago. Furthermore you may end up in situations where you have to choose between keeping a roof over your head and bending your moral principals. There may even come a time where you experience an existential crisis having to betray some fundamental belief in order to provide for yourself or family. You are still at a very early age in life, becoming and being an adult is a slow process.

Sorry I know you were probably hoping for concrete answers, But the only concrete answers will be from those those preaching religion or trying to sell you something. And I may very well be wrong, so take my advice with a grain of salt
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William’s Answer

Hi Fernando,
Thank you for this interesting question. Success may be looked at in many different ways.
A professional qualification, impressive career growth, impeccable financial stability can all be considered as critical elements of success.
However, immortality lies not in the things you leave behind but in the people that your life has touched. Addressing human needs remains the most enduring form of success. Whereas personal success is important, it's wiser to focus on making our world a better place to live in (locality, town, city, region, country, continent, entire world). The contributions engineering has made to this noble cause has been immense: they include areas such as mobility, infrastructure, consumer goods, health, entertainment, sports, workplace & home environment, communication, technology etc.
Involvement in innovation, research & development can be a life changing experience for not only yourself but also for the people whose needs your effort fulfills. Best wishes for your quest for success.
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