3 answers
Alicia
Student
Daisetta, TX
1
Question
Updated
315 views
I am currently a senior and I believe I have everything figured out. I know exactly where I want to go and exactly what I want to study, but how do I know if I'm making the right decisions?
For reference I am attending Sam Houston State University, and I've taken dual credit classes. I intend to study Human Resource Management.
3 answers
Cliff Schreier
70
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Alicia,
It's good that you have things figured out.
As far as having doubts about your decisions, that's a good question. The net answer is: You really don't know; it's a 'leap of faith' in the end. But, you can do some research to help ease your mind.
If I were preparing for your role, I would do at least some of the following:
- Talk to people you know in HR management: Talk to family, friends, guidance counselors, or recruiters at a career fair
. Ask them what a typical day is like and envision yourself doing that
- See if you can get an internship - these are great for you as well as a company who might be interested in hiring you
- Talk to AI on the internet (Chat GPT, Grok, or similar) and query them for answers you are looking for
- Do some 'shadowing' or 'courtesy interviews' with people who do your role - HR is typically sensitive, but you should be able to get at least the basics.
Lastly, you should be prepared to be flexible and plan to learn new skills. I was an electrical engineering major planning to do digital circuit design. I found out very quickly that there were many people WAY better at it then me. I quickly shifted into microcode development and firmware. I've done almost every technical job related to microcode/firmware development and after 10 years I became a manager of firmware - that was the job I was meant to have, and I've been doing it ever since.
You can find satisfaction, fulfillment, and financial stability in many different jobs, so don't feel you have to do exactly what you studied in college. I feel the way you apply yourself to your role is key to you being a success in life.
Good luck!
It's good that you have things figured out.
As far as having doubts about your decisions, that's a good question. The net answer is: You really don't know; it's a 'leap of faith' in the end. But, you can do some research to help ease your mind.
If I were preparing for your role, I would do at least some of the following:
- Talk to people you know in HR management: Talk to family, friends, guidance counselors, or recruiters at a career fair
. Ask them what a typical day is like and envision yourself doing that
- See if you can get an internship - these are great for you as well as a company who might be interested in hiring you
- Talk to AI on the internet (Chat GPT, Grok, or similar) and query them for answers you are looking for
- Do some 'shadowing' or 'courtesy interviews' with people who do your role - HR is typically sensitive, but you should be able to get at least the basics.
Lastly, you should be prepared to be flexible and plan to learn new skills. I was an electrical engineering major planning to do digital circuit design. I found out very quickly that there were many people WAY better at it then me. I quickly shifted into microcode development and firmware. I've done almost every technical job related to microcode/firmware development and after 10 years I became a manager of firmware - that was the job I was meant to have, and I've been doing it ever since.
You can find satisfaction, fulfillment, and financial stability in many different jobs, so don't feel you have to do exactly what you studied in college. I feel the way you apply yourself to your role is key to you being a success in life.
Good luck!
Carrie Hughes
Implementation Manager
3
Answers
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
Having clear goals and a short-term plan for your future is great, and it's wonderful that you feel confident about it! Your positive outlook is commendable.
Remember, life can be full of surprises. It's hard to be 100% sure about any decision. The best we can do is gather information, compare options, and sometimes seek advice. It's okay to follow your heart, as long as you're aware of your choices and any risks involved.
Thinking about risks is important. Ask yourself, "What if I'm wrong?" and see if you can handle that outcome. You're stepping into an exciting and challenging phase of life with many options. Explore as many as you can!
Don't let a fixed plan stop you from seizing a great opportunity. I ended up in a job that college-aged me never would have imagined, and I absolutely love it. Be open to change and stay flexible. Plans might not always work out the way we think, but being adaptable helps you keep moving forward.
Here are some tips:
- Talk to people in fields you're interested in and try to shadow them.
- Practice mock interviews to get comfortable with potential questions.
- Explore other subjects through classes or TED Talks.
- Look for internships in various areas to discover different careers.
- Stay flexible and resilient; something different might be just what you need.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Remember, life can be full of surprises. It's hard to be 100% sure about any decision. The best we can do is gather information, compare options, and sometimes seek advice. It's okay to follow your heart, as long as you're aware of your choices and any risks involved.
Thinking about risks is important. Ask yourself, "What if I'm wrong?" and see if you can handle that outcome. You're stepping into an exciting and challenging phase of life with many options. Explore as many as you can!
Don't let a fixed plan stop you from seizing a great opportunity. I ended up in a job that college-aged me never would have imagined, and I absolutely love it. Be open to change and stay flexible. Plans might not always work out the way we think, but being adaptable helps you keep moving forward.
Here are some tips:
- Talk to people in fields you're interested in and try to shadow them.
- Practice mock interviews to get comfortable with potential questions.
- Explore other subjects through classes or TED Talks.
- Look for internships in various areas to discover different careers.
- Stay flexible and resilient; something different might be just what you need.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Val Porterfield, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Business Partner
3
Answers
Avon, Ohio
Updated
Val’s Answer
Congratulations, what an exciting time! When I graduated I had my career in finance and accounting planned out, 1, 5, 10 and 20 year plans with the ultimate goal of becoming a corporate controller. After 5 years in public accounting and internal audit I learned that career path was not for me - working in it did not bring the same joy as studying it in college. I pivoted to HR 15 years ago and haven't looked back.
I think having a plan and goals is fantastic and it's easy to feel like the world is at your feet as a senior in college (because it is!) For some people, their plans remain unchanged, even after years and decades in their careers. For others, like myself, your career takes you in a total other direction. Both are totally ok! The best advice I can offer is to consistently check in with yourself and be honest - am I happy doing what I'm doing? Is there a path I'm following long-term in this career? Is this fueling what I believe to my purpose in my career? If those questions are an easy 'Yes' that's great! Where there's doubt, dig into that doubt to see what's really going on. Seek mentors in and outside of your field, be honest with yourself, seek the guidance of those who know you best, don't shy away from candid feedback or criticism, lean into it instead. Always keep your mind open to opportunities and lead with a servant's heart. No matter where you land in your career, staying humble and kind will always take you far!
I think having a plan and goals is fantastic and it's easy to feel like the world is at your feet as a senior in college (because it is!) For some people, their plans remain unchanged, even after years and decades in their careers. For others, like myself, your career takes you in a total other direction. Both are totally ok! The best advice I can offer is to consistently check in with yourself and be honest - am I happy doing what I'm doing? Is there a path I'm following long-term in this career? Is this fueling what I believe to my purpose in my career? If those questions are an easy 'Yes' that's great! Where there's doubt, dig into that doubt to see what's really going on. Seek mentors in and outside of your field, be honest with yourself, seek the guidance of those who know you best, don't shy away from candid feedback or criticism, lean into it instead. Always keep your mind open to opportunities and lead with a servant's heart. No matter where you land in your career, staying humble and kind will always take you far!
Delete Comment
Flag Comment