Huma
How can I excel in my career path, i feel stuck and have no hope anymore but i want to??
I think i made alot wrong choices. I belong from a small country with higher hopes but things collapsed as i not expected this outcome. I had great studies till high school then i think i made wrong choices and now i feel like im unsuccessful. I belong from culture where it was taught that universities are not good for women which stuck in me and due to that I took online bba program thought it was ok for me and now i have less experience and about to graduate, I used to be also part time makeup artist and thought to pursue that career with studies. I dont know bba doesnt fit right degree to me now or dont know how to use it in future as many people say mba is worthless. Now, I work as part-time like making AI videos but i fear AI carrers will not my future and i cant be here all years. Since i have less experience, Im in fear whether should I pursue masters or not will they accept candidates with less exerinec or Will i get opportunity to earn abroad after that, i feel like im late to everything. But my sister she broke the pattern and now she has done masters in biomed abroad with scholarships and everyone is proud of her. Now I feel like i didnt make them proud and now i feel lost in career and stuck. I feel the regret of not pursuing or making my graduate choice in major and also have less connections or moved out. I always had deep passion to help out people or be something successful for country, but I fee like i lost it all. I wish to now either pursue law or any politic field but in our culture Law field isnt considered good for women. I dont know what options I have left . I want to move out and be like advocate something in legal profession but I have no knowledge on how one with situation like this can pursue. For example like work with global organizations and build communities for humanity is my strong ambition and be famous and bring aware on social media as an advocation. Idk what kind of masters or thing can help me pivot my ambition i have no clue as many say u have to pick masters with prior to ur major. I am 20 right now and ill be graduated by 21-22. I feel really old now and like i pursued nothing. I feel to apply for some fields in masters in international relations, or something like law but i regret for not pursuing law degree, also idk if its long term as if i move abroad , i need like solid career path like being lawyer something help women or Be in UN and build global organizations that help people. I have no clue if its all possible or not how or also get on scholarships or affordable programs since i cant afford much? I wanted to be makeup artist but after many people pursued and succeeded their education I now feel to continue and become something valuable to society and bring women initiatives, like volunteers too but i don't know how and what my future is in next 5 years. I would love some mentor on my side idk but i cant find right ones.... I feel really old now like i wasted years and havent done jobs. My parents had high hopes for me but I think i didnt fulfill them. They want to send me for masters same as my sister so i can also travel around world, work with companies and make them proud but this situation is hidden in me and I dont know how can I make it possible. I also self study and making my GPA stable for that, currently on 3.6 which is harder and makes it me less to think about my career , i feel like just completing assigments, if i get chance somewhere or what profession to navigate but i have less experience which fears me, will i get job after masters but what fields should i pick?? I am looking to apply in europe but idk what options to pick Also I'm near to get married in some years and I really want to be something who is financial stable atleast , I feel overwhelmed as soon as time passes and i have mental breakdown. Now i regret i should have got into medicine anor ther fieldI really need some advices or connections to pave my path down. I will be graduated by 2027 mid but idk where will it lead me , just empty. add like im looking for master but some are very expensive and add like i really do strong ambition to empower women move out abroad and bring such organizations. idk if i should now join my military or pursue law in my country i feel stuck o what programs can give me that access also i want to get abroad because women are highly safe and rights there or i want to have pr in some areas and build such organizations to help global women. but idk if its never possible or what programs give me this access. I discussed it down but all i hear is complete your graduation first and then see chill now but these are my inner concern. i want to make money in career but my advocate natural side bcz im infj which is discovered. recently always make me to pursue higher deeply and go for that career or make it possible but is how its possible. i make no money right and family expects i can do if i go abroad or after my masters, they r supportive and i have everything but i want to know myself something. Most girls who went out of my country really got freedom and finance support, and I believe i can too. Since my culture has less workplaces and opportunities for women. When i discuss such things to my nearby, they think im too overly ambition. but now I feel why every woman is left with this regret. I saw many and wanted to be better to help out them and break this norm. My major is business in marketing but i want career shift now and make impact, I don't feel to pursue marketing masters, I want something that fulfills my this situation and fill my advocate desire while working with global organizations so that i can publish these women concerns and invent initiatives. Whenever I see successful women in west, I feel inspired and wonder how they excel as compared to asian women. When we feel we regret, I heard tehm saying its ok if u didnt achieve anything, its fine get married and enjoy life. I know thats right but i feel i cant live without this regret. idk if i wanted to be diplomat or smth like advocate women in politics. MAny people said me i have strength and desire to change society but idk how to make such change now..I feel to switch to law or do conversion course after graduation possible? idk abroad or in my counrty and then it might take me years is what i fear, also law schools r expensive. But i want to be something and help out people throughout my life leggaly, but idk how.
7 answers
Shannon Zulauf
Shannon’s Answer
You haven’t ruined your future. You’re finishing a degree with a strong GPA, you have ambition, and you care deeply about making an impact, those are strengths, not signs of being behind. Careers are rarely straight lines. Very few people end up exactly where they thought they would at the beginning. A BBA is not a wasted degree, it gives you transferable skills that can apply to law, international relations, public policy, nonprofit leadership, or global organizations.
Right now, the most important thing isn’t choosing your entire future; it’s choosing your next step. Instead of asking, “What master’s guarantees my dream?” try asking:
- What field aligns with my desire to empower women and create impact?
- What programs offer scholarships or affordable pathways?
- What small experience can I gain now that moves me closer to that direction?
You don’t need to solve the next 20 years. You need clarity around the next move.
Comparison, even to your sister, will only cloud your judgment. Your path will look different, and that’s okay. You’re not stuck. You’re at a pivot point. And pivots, when approached intentionally, can be powerful.
Take a breath. Finish strong. Research intentionally. Move one step at a time. That’s how careers are built. You've got this!
Vianne Phan
Vianne’s Answer
The main thing holding you back is trying to plan your whole life right now. Instead, focus on the next step that aligns with your interests. Finish your degree with your strong GPA, and explore master's programs in areas like International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, or Human Rights. These fields welcome business graduates and can lead to roles in global organizations. You can also start gaining experience by volunteering with women’s or community groups, even online, and using your marketing skills to help with awareness projects.
You don't have to become a lawyer or diplomat right away to make a difference. Many people change paths after graduation. Your journey might be different from your sister’s, but that doesn’t make it less important. Your desire to help others and make a change shows your drive, not failure. Focus on taking small steps forward rather than dwelling on regrets, because careers grow with momentum, not perfect early choices.
Wesly Jeanty
Wesly’s Answer
You are currently in the "gathering" phase. You are gathering the resilience of a self-taught creator, the discipline of a 3.6 GPA student, and the empathy of a woman who knows what it feels like to be told her dreams are too big.
Siva Kann
Siva’s Answer
I really appreciate how honestly you shared this. I can feel the pressure, fear, and regret in your words.
You are just 20 years old. That is not late and not even close. Most people at 20 have no clarity at all. The fact that you are thinking deeply about impact, women’s rights, global work, and purpose already shows maturity.
No matter the age, most of us are still figuring things out every day. Even people who look successful from the outside question their path. That’s part of being a human.
I agree with the direction Vianne suggested. Those absolutely can align with your desire to advocate for women and work globally. But I want to add one important layer. You said, you want to empower women and build organizations, which is powerful. So, ask yourself:
What have I done so far to live that passion — even in small ways?
Have you:
• Volunteered with women’s groups?
• Helped with awareness campaigns?
• Supported any NGOs?
• Used your skills to promote a cause?
• Started a small online initiative?
If not, that’s okay. But this is where you begin. You don’t need a master’s degree to start serving your mission. You can begin now, in small ways. And when you do, you gain clarity, build connections and your career direction becomes more natural instead of forced.
I grew up in Southeast Asia and understand the cultural pressures women face. Right now, your mind is trying to solve the next 10 years at once.
Instead, focus on the next 6 months:
• Finish your degree with your strong GPA.
• Volunteer or intern with one organization aligned with women or community work.
• Build experience that supports your values.
Anything is possible. But none of it requires panic — it requires steady steps. You are not late or behind anyone. You just on your own path.
Wish you the best!
Charnelle Saint-laurent
Charnelle’s Answer
Wow you said a lot, thank you for sharing your thoughts and worries. But we shouldn’t worry trust the process and listen to you nervous system, your intuition you have the free will to make the choices you make in life. You said you‘ve made the wrong choices that maybe true but it possibly may not be the truth. Finding the right path can be difficult. Let’s first start off with asking yourself some questions like what is your passions and interests? How can I better the world my community? You said you’re currently in school and are working as a content creator for AI I think the best path for you is international relations or public relations. I think your future is bright and prosperous there are many avenues you can take. I also love the fact you want to empower woman maybe you can do this at the position hour currently at and influence or impact in someone a grow from that position. You can do all things just believe, best of luck!
Best wishes,
CSL
Yes I'm working with AI with with my studies from USA via distance learning program but I find I'm missing out practically. In my country, women initiatives facilty are less. I aim todo masters abroad with scholarship in Europe where I can develop global women organizations targeting gaps for women education and career path etc with successful women but i don't know how's it possible or do IR accept bba students? Is this career long term for me? Will it make me financially secure or just less worth? Since i see people saying IR and NGOs r underpaid . I've seen women moved abroad and created their organization. I aim to travel world by member in organizations helping child and women globally. What kind of programs can work and give me this opportunity?
Huma
Bridget Baker
Bridget’s Answer
To echo what others have said, you have definitely not missed your chance at a career journey. Studying business and marketing will give you a wealth of transferrable skills - pretty much every industry needs people who can write and communicate well, encourage people to see the value in something, complete project based work (often alongside others in a team) and stay focused to meet deadlines. Those are all great skills that your degree can help you develop and hone. No matter what direction you head in, those skills will be beneficial. Additionally, most businesses and organizations have some form of marketing department, from social media to direct advertisements to community engagement, so there is the possibility of finding an organization that supports a cause you believe in and using your marketing skills and background to support that cause. Are you able to do any internships through your school, either paid or unpaid? These can be fantastic ways to "try before you buy" for different careers and industries, as well as giving you some excellent professional experience to add to your resume when you are ready to land your first career position. These let you see how the rhythm of a real business or organization flows, which can often be quite different than the way classwork and projects do. Even if you decide after finishing your internship that that's not the direction you want to go in, that's still valuable information. Additionally, it might allow you to interact with someone whose job you DO find interesting and would like to explore, as well as starting to make professional contacts.
One thing that I noticed seem to be really bothering you was the idea that you need to compare your journey to someone else's, whether that is your sister, your classmates, what your parents expect of you, or the image you have in your head of where you "should be" or what you should have accomplished. Do your best to squash that impulse - while some of these comments may come from people we care about and who want us to succeed, you are ultimately the only one who will live this life. No matter how direct or winding that path is, it's YOUR path, and you never know how the side quests and course corrections will come into play later in life. As an example, I volunteered for awhile with a local theater group, helping with sewing costumes and doing stage makeup. In my most recent job in a public library, I was able to use that experience to teach sewing and art classes. There was nothing in my degree program about how to do that - it's not even something that would typically be listed in a job description for my line of work - but having that experience in my background meant that I was able to bring something unique and interesting to my work that benefitted the members of the public who were interested in learning these things. You don't need to perfectly optimize your career path and make it super linear to make it the right path for you, and sometimes taking the best fit at the time can open up doors later on that you didn't even know existed.
Different schools will have different resources on this, but many colleges have a career center or a department set up to help people figure out their next step, whether that's finding a job, getting another degree, or figuring out how to pivot in a different direction. Does your school have anything like that? They might have some really great advice about career paths you haven't yet considered, or may have great connections in the community to help find an internship or mentor for you.
Finding your way isn't always straightforward - I have had a number of different types of jobs and learning experiences before I found myself on the path I'm on now, and even then, I'm open to the possibility that my direction may change again - but the resilience and sense of self it will build in you is valuable no matter where you end up. Best of luck to you.
Bridget recommends the following next steps:
Ilan Marouani, Esq., LL.M.
Ilan’s Answer
I strongly agree with Vianne on the points that you are not late, not old, did not waste your time, nor the need to be a lawyer or diplomat to help out people.
After reading everything you wrote, I get the sense that you are trying to figure out your future, but also your past, and present, all at the same time. That happens to a lot of people, especially when they start to get closer to the end of school, where there is a structure, an expectation of what will happen, and move toward the job market, where there is much more uncertainty, and ambiguity. For example, if you are interested in marketing, then you choose your major to be in marketing in college. However, once you graduate, there isn't a job called "marketing"; there are dozen if not hundreds of different jobs where your marketing major could apply.
As a 20 year old, you have your entire life ahead of you. When I went to law school, there weren't just people in their early 20s, but I saw a lot of people in their 30s,40, and even 50s that wanted to change their career they had. A phrase I usually go back to when I feel down sometimes, or I think I chose the wrong path is "your 20s are for you to try and fail." You are just 20 years old. that means you have another 10 years ahead of you to try and fail, until you succeed to figure out what you want for your life and would like it to look like in the future.
I unfortunately do not know enough about your country's educational system and how college works there, but if you the option to take different classes, like introduction to law, or something similar to it, then I would advise to try out one or more of those classes to see if you are even interested in that field before jumping into it head first.
Since you have another two years ahead of you, I would try to spend summers, while you don't have classes with NGOs, reaching out to volunteer, get more engaged in your community, and see what you like and dislike while doing so. Figuring out even where within an NGO you would like to be part. Is it on the terrain face to face with the people, maybe more on the logistic side, or potentially, as you mentioned, at the UN or as a representative of the NGO talking and meeting different diplomats from other countries.
Your future has millions of different paths, and you can still choose to walk down every single one of them. Even if you choose the wrong path, you have more than enough time to go back, and try it again on another path.
Finally, if by the time you graduate college you have not yet figured out what you want to do, or still feel a little lost, I would advise to take a semester or a year off. Spend that time figuring yourself out. Figure out what you like and dislike, look at what potential futures you envision yourself in, those that you definitely do not want to do. Look at what is achievable, adn what might just be a phantasy that is just too crazy to get to.
It is hard to make those life impacting decisions, but most of us have been there, and even those who made the wrong choices early on, figure it out at some point, so do not worry of walking down the wrong path.
Good Luck!!!