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What part of your job do you love the most?
I am an incoming freshman (Undeclared) with interests in Civil Engineering, Environmental Policy, Biostatistics, Data Science, Sociology, Public Health, Entrepreneurship, Product Design, Network Administration, and Financial Analyst & Planning. I am exploring different career possibilities so I would like to get a peek into everyone's daily life. Any highlights in these careers? Is job prospect and salary important (of course happiness is my #1 priority though)
#public-health #business #public-health #Civil #Engineering #Environmental #Policy #Biostatistics #Data #Science #Sociology #Public #Health #Entrepreneurship #Product #Design #Network #Administration #Financial #Analyst #Planning #STEM #major #undeclared
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55 answers
Updated
Sofia’s Answer
Hello Caitlin,
I am a business analyst at Airbnb. My favourite part of my job is being the liaison between our data science teams, engineering teams and the business unit. Everyone is very talented in different ways and so I get to interact with a bit of everything everyday. It is very interesting.
Your question includes very differing specialities. This this will narrow down as you go through university. I would suggest when thinking about your career to; yes, do something that makes you happy/enjoy but look for a profession that is in demand and is not likely to be phased out in the near future. Data professions are great.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Samuel
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Caitlin,
As someone who studied sociology in undergrad, public administration in grad school, served in the Marines, and spent the last 20 years in technology management, I've had quite a diverse career journey. Each of these experiences has helped shape who I am today and contributed to my professional growth.
Reflecting on my career, the part I love the most about my job in technology management is the opportunity to bring together diverse teams and leverage their skills to solve complex problems. As a leader, I find immense satisfaction in seeing my team members grow, both professionally and personally. I also enjoy the fast-paced nature of the tech industry, which keeps me on my toes and ensures that there is never a dull moment.
Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to gain insights into various fields, from civil engineering to financial planning. I've realized that what's most important is to find a career that aligns with your passions and values. Job prospects and salary are essential considerations, but ultimately, happiness and fulfillment should be your top priority.
Keep exploring, keep asking questions, and be curious. Let the curiosity never stop!
As someone who studied sociology in undergrad, public administration in grad school, served in the Marines, and spent the last 20 years in technology management, I've had quite a diverse career journey. Each of these experiences has helped shape who I am today and contributed to my professional growth.
Reflecting on my career, the part I love the most about my job in technology management is the opportunity to bring together diverse teams and leverage their skills to solve complex problems. As a leader, I find immense satisfaction in seeing my team members grow, both professionally and personally. I also enjoy the fast-paced nature of the tech industry, which keeps me on my toes and ensures that there is never a dull moment.
Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to gain insights into various fields, from civil engineering to financial planning. I've realized that what's most important is to find a career that aligns with your passions and values. Job prospects and salary are essential considerations, but ultimately, happiness and fulfillment should be your top priority.
Keep exploring, keep asking questions, and be curious. Let the curiosity never stop!
Updated
Ivan’s Answer
Hi Caitlin,
I love that I can try to make customer laugh when they are having a bad day or if I am resolving their network wide outage. This comes with experience; being able to judge if it is appropriate or not. Customers do love it, as they can feel relaxed knowing I've got things are under control.
Ivan,
Cisco TAC Engineer
I love that I can try to make customer laugh when they are having a bad day or if I am resolving their network wide outage. This comes with experience; being able to judge if it is appropriate or not. Customers do love it, as they can feel relaxed knowing I've got things are under control.
Ivan,
Cisco TAC Engineer
This was super helpful, thank you!
Samuel
Updated
Pamela D’s Answer
What I like most of my job is being able to reinvent myself based on the task or projects given to me. It's a good way to keep on going to personal development throughout my career. In addition to this I am able to be a viable resource and mentor to others in the company. Once you have identified what you gives you joy you will find a great balance with enjoying "good" days and making it through "tough" days.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Samuel
Updated
Tami’s Answer
I enjoy building lasting relationships with my clients the most.
Thanks for the help.
Samuel
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I like he fact that I work in a very collaborative environment where everyone's feedback is valued. Also, I have the opportunity to work on many projects in my organization beyond my main job, and while this can be stressful at times, but you end up learning so much more to be able to advance your career, and makes your job more interesting.
Thanks for the advice.
Samuel
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I love the question that you asked! I work for Verizon as a Account Manager of Indirect Distribution. I have been in this role for 12 years. I have the pleasure of working with many different people in many different areas. My job allows me to have the flexibility of making my own schedule. This allows me to have both work and family life. Having a work/life balance to me is so critical. I have the ability to help make a difference without the pressure of the firing side of the business. I train, lead, assist, help, give opinions etc and help other leaders maximize there business. It took me many years of working for Verizon before I found this side of the business to realize what I really was missing. Once I found this side of the business my life changed and for the better. I then realized exactly what was missing and what I really wanted to do. Making sure that you find what suites you and what makes you happy is vital in my opinion. Just because it might not be with the first job or career path you take does not mean that it is not with that company. It might just be that you have not found the side of the company that you are looking for!
Thank you for the advice.
Samuel
Updated
Precious’s Answer
I love helping people. Customer service is what I do. I work withtwo companys doing research and own two others one is Finance where I educate people who needs to get out of debt and needs to be financial free. Then I’m a Art Agent where I help Artist fine places to display their art. The other company is called Genus is Common where you do a video telling about yourself and what your Genus is so other like yourself would know you are already a Genus. I tell people about it. So you see everything I do is Customer Service.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Samuel
Updated
Pavol’s Answer
from my experience I would tell you to focus on getting the experience and developing your skills first. If possible for first couple of years focus on the jobs rather than salary. Every single job will teach you something. Then once you understand what works and what not for you start to build your career. And what do I love the most? When my peers are happy and satisfied with my work and that it helps to make their professional lives easier.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Samuel
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hi Caitlin,
It sounds like you have quite an interesting set of interests and curiosity-- follow them!
Think about exploring ways that you could develop technical skills to use at an intersection of your interests-- for example data science for environmental policy, or taking a sociological approach to public health and social determinants of health, etc. Surely there are lots of ways. Talk to people you think are doing interesting work and ask them how they got there.
I work as a human-centered designer to develop financial products and services to serve high needs populations (low to moderate income borrowers, rural borrowers, etc.). My favorite part of my job is conducting qualitative research to learn more about the needs and desires of the individuals I'm designing for and being encouraged to use a creative approach to solving complex problems.
Human-centered design was a super helpful framework for me to think about solving all sorts of problems in different sectors-- as long as a problem involves humans, and they almost always do, I think it's a helpful framework. If you want to try it out, I recommend the free Acumen course: https://www.plusacumen.org/courses/introduction-human-centered-design
Beyond just work and salary, I'd recommend thinking about the kind of life that you want to live and the kind of person that you want to be-- what are your values and how do you want to live them? What are you curious about and what do you still need to explore? What social problems do you want to contribute to solving or making progress on? Who are the important people in your life that you want to make time to be near? What goals do you have for yourself outside of work and how can you build a career that will allow you to achieve them?
Keep following your curiosity and I'm sure it will turn out well! Wishing you all the best.
It sounds like you have quite an interesting set of interests and curiosity-- follow them!
Think about exploring ways that you could develop technical skills to use at an intersection of your interests-- for example data science for environmental policy, or taking a sociological approach to public health and social determinants of health, etc. Surely there are lots of ways. Talk to people you think are doing interesting work and ask them how they got there.
I work as a human-centered designer to develop financial products and services to serve high needs populations (low to moderate income borrowers, rural borrowers, etc.). My favorite part of my job is conducting qualitative research to learn more about the needs and desires of the individuals I'm designing for and being encouraged to use a creative approach to solving complex problems.
Human-centered design was a super helpful framework for me to think about solving all sorts of problems in different sectors-- as long as a problem involves humans, and they almost always do, I think it's a helpful framework. If you want to try it out, I recommend the free Acumen course: https://www.plusacumen.org/courses/introduction-human-centered-design
Beyond just work and salary, I'd recommend thinking about the kind of life that you want to live and the kind of person that you want to be-- what are your values and how do you want to live them? What are you curious about and what do you still need to explore? What social problems do you want to contribute to solving or making progress on? Who are the important people in your life that you want to make time to be near? What goals do you have for yourself outside of work and how can you build a career that will allow you to achieve them?
Keep following your curiosity and I'm sure it will turn out well! Wishing you all the best.
I appreciate your support, Molly
Samuel
Updated
Allie’s Answer
Hi Caitlin,
LOVE that you're focused on finding happiness in whatever career you pursue. My biggest piece of advice is be flexible, especially early in your career. Don't stress yourself out by thinking you need to find the exact right career path right away, people transition into different fields frequently nowadays! So do your research and make the best possible decision with the information you have at every step along the way. Informational interviews with individuals in different fields can be super helpful and LinkedIn is a great resource for finding these individuals and reaching out for conversations!
I am a Talent Acquisition & Development Partner at a tech company based in Boston. I love what I do but definitely didn't expect to be in this field when I was in college! I studied psychology undergrad and after graduating wanted to find a way to apply my interest in people to the business world. I decided to explore human resources and thought recruiting was a great jumping off point as I would get exposure to many different roles.
Surprise surprise, my favorite part of my role is working with people - in particular managers. As a recruiter, that means helping them find an awesome new hire for their team (and helping candidates find a great opportunity). As a talent development partner, that means working with managers to develop their team. Where are the gaps? What are areas for growth? What resources can we provide their direct reports with that will help them advanced their skills and their careers? How do we make sure our people are HAPPY and constantly being challenged in a way that keeps them engaged and helps them grow? These are the questions that get me excited!
Hope that helps!
LOVE that you're focused on finding happiness in whatever career you pursue. My biggest piece of advice is be flexible, especially early in your career. Don't stress yourself out by thinking you need to find the exact right career path right away, people transition into different fields frequently nowadays! So do your research and make the best possible decision with the information you have at every step along the way. Informational interviews with individuals in different fields can be super helpful and LinkedIn is a great resource for finding these individuals and reaching out for conversations!
I am a Talent Acquisition & Development Partner at a tech company based in Boston. I love what I do but definitely didn't expect to be in this field when I was in college! I studied psychology undergrad and after graduating wanted to find a way to apply my interest in people to the business world. I decided to explore human resources and thought recruiting was a great jumping off point as I would get exposure to many different roles.
Surprise surprise, my favorite part of my role is working with people - in particular managers. As a recruiter, that means helping them find an awesome new hire for their team (and helping candidates find a great opportunity). As a talent development partner, that means working with managers to develop their team. Where are the gaps? What are areas for growth? What resources can we provide their direct reports with that will help them advanced their skills and their careers? How do we make sure our people are HAPPY and constantly being challenged in a way that keeps them engaged and helps them grow? These are the questions that get me excited!
Hope that helps!
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Samuel
Updated
Katya’s Answer
Hi Caitlin, the best part of my job is I have the ability to make my team a better one. I absolutely love coaching -it’s part of being a Leader in the retail environment.
When I work with different teams- every associate is different as humans, in their performance, their strengths and weaknesses- as a Leader I have an opportunity daily to support each in making them a higher performer.
The other part of my job that I love is engaging with clients and helping them in their financial journeys. Our clients come in and they depend on us to help them around their life stages. That could include getting started, debt consolidating, getting married, buying or saving for the client first home,ets. All these and many life stages require financing and to be that truth worthy bank professionals.
I can’t tell you -how much work and effort goes into delivering on our client experience. This is another part I enjoy. I get to observe, coach and deliver feedback to my team-this is a crucial part of why we keep our doors open every day and it might sound easy but it takes a lot of work to really understand and deliver to our clients. Every client is different and being genuine is critical. Being able to listen and hear to what our clients are saying and finding the proper solutions is important.
and of course- giving back to our communities- this is another part that I admire and take time and I pride in it. If I can deliver our financial literacy , educate, and make change- there is no other reward then to feel and know that I made a difference.
Best
When I work with different teams- every associate is different as humans, in their performance, their strengths and weaknesses- as a Leader I have an opportunity daily to support each in making them a higher performer.
The other part of my job that I love is engaging with clients and helping them in their financial journeys. Our clients come in and they depend on us to help them around their life stages. That could include getting started, debt consolidating, getting married, buying or saving for the client first home,ets. All these and many life stages require financing and to be that truth worthy bank professionals.
I can’t tell you -how much work and effort goes into delivering on our client experience. This is another part I enjoy. I get to observe, coach and deliver feedback to my team-this is a crucial part of why we keep our doors open every day and it might sound easy but it takes a lot of work to really understand and deliver to our clients. Every client is different and being genuine is critical. Being able to listen and hear to what our clients are saying and finding the proper solutions is important.
and of course- giving back to our communities- this is another part that I admire and take time and I pride in it. If I can deliver our financial literacy , educate, and make change- there is no other reward then to feel and know that I made a difference.
Best
Updated
Jeannie’s Answer
Hi Caitlin!
The part of my job I love the most is working with really smart people! : ) As a serial data professional, I have had the opportunity to work with several companies and in several industries and countries. Having this broad exposure has helped to keep things "interesting" while being able to stay focused on what I am passionate about...DATA. Regarding your question on job prospect and salary, the answer is (of course), it depends. Job prospect is important so that you can find a fulfilling role once you complete your studies and will have a pipeline of future opportunities throughout your career. Regarding salary, this is truly a personal decision. It's important to ensure you are set up properly for retirement and able to provide for yourself and your family now. The lifestyle you chose will determine how important salary is to your situation.
The part of my job I love the most is working with really smart people! : ) As a serial data professional, I have had the opportunity to work with several companies and in several industries and countries. Having this broad exposure has helped to keep things "interesting" while being able to stay focused on what I am passionate about...DATA. Regarding your question on job prospect and salary, the answer is (of course), it depends. Job prospect is important so that you can find a fulfilling role once you complete your studies and will have a pipeline of future opportunities throughout your career. Regarding salary, this is truly a personal decision. It's important to ensure you are set up properly for retirement and able to provide for yourself and your family now. The lifestyle you chose will determine how important salary is to your situation.
I appreciate your support, Jeannie
Samuel
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hi Caitlin,
I am in Quality Management. My specific role is the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Manager. What I love most about my job is the fact that the work allows me to touch all aspects of our Managed Care Plan. I am responsible for ensuring our health plan passes accreditation and maintains or elevates the accreditation status we achieved. I enjoy having a level of knowledge about medical management, IT analytics, provider relations, delegation oversight, network management, credentialing, member services, etc. while having my own set of deliverables. However, with all that collaboration comes the need to constantly adjust to the needs of multiple personalities in order to communicate with everyone via their preferred method to ensure I am able to get what I need when I need it. This can be very challenging, especially when there are looming deadlines.
That said, it is important to understand yourself when selecting a career. Know what your goals are. Not just title and salary goals, but end goals. Are you looking to have a job that inspires? Uplifts? Are these feelings for you only or for you and everyone else involved? What environments do you thrive in? Do you like to work with others as part of a team or alone? Indoors or outdoors? Understand that a career is something that you hope to work in for many years and while every career takes time to cultivate and there are always changes along the way, there are certain things you can work on in the beginning to make the adventure more pleasant.
Take a personality/aptitude test in high school. This will help to gauge your thinking in relation to what you MIGHT like to pursue. I stress might because this is something you still have to research and study for yourself.
Most important choose a college or university that has all or as many of your prospective majors as possible. This is because you may start one freshman year and if there is a need to change, it will be a matter of paperwork vs. complete life change.
Utilize your senior year high school and freshmen college electives to take intro courses in the subject matter for majors you think you may want to pursue. These intro courses give you the general insight into what the next few years will look like should you move forward with the major.
I am in Quality Management. My specific role is the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Manager. What I love most about my job is the fact that the work allows me to touch all aspects of our Managed Care Plan. I am responsible for ensuring our health plan passes accreditation and maintains or elevates the accreditation status we achieved. I enjoy having a level of knowledge about medical management, IT analytics, provider relations, delegation oversight, network management, credentialing, member services, etc. while having my own set of deliverables. However, with all that collaboration comes the need to constantly adjust to the needs of multiple personalities in order to communicate with everyone via their preferred method to ensure I am able to get what I need when I need it. This can be very challenging, especially when there are looming deadlines.
That said, it is important to understand yourself when selecting a career. Know what your goals are. Not just title and salary goals, but end goals. Are you looking to have a job that inspires? Uplifts? Are these feelings for you only or for you and everyone else involved? What environments do you thrive in? Do you like to work with others as part of a team or alone? Indoors or outdoors? Understand that a career is something that you hope to work in for many years and while every career takes time to cultivate and there are always changes along the way, there are certain things you can work on in the beginning to make the adventure more pleasant.
Danielle recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for the advice.
Samuel
Updated
Nikhil’s Answer
As a network engineer, I like to solve problems and I also know that I like this because I love math and solving logical problems so that leads to me solving the complex network troubleshooting issues. Being the network engineer we have to be patience in analyzing the issues and we should be more active all over the troubleshooting because if we miss any small thing, it may lead to a huge business impact as all the employee/business relies on communicating each other.
I hope this will be helpful in providing you the analogy to choose the best job based on your interest.
I hope this will be helpful in providing you the analogy to choose the best job based on your interest.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Samuel
Updated