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As a rising junior in college, how can I decide which career is right for me??
As I'm getting closer to my college graduation, I worry about my indecisiveness towards my career path. I am secure in my major, communications, but how do I decide what I live to do in that field?
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13 answers
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Peter’s Answer
Think about your "dream" job, and focus on how to pursue it, including a lot of research, connecting with people on LinkedIn, networking, and interning.
That should be a good start to determine if that's the career for you.
Hope this helps and best of luck.
Regards
PL
That should be a good start to determine if that's the career for you.
Hope this helps and best of luck.
Regards
PL
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Alison’s Answer
This is a natural feeling to have as a junior in college. Are there internships that you can take for school credit during your senior year in college? Getting some real life experience in a particular industry will help you get a sense for if you can see yourself doing something long term. I was able to get an internship at an advertising agency my senior year in college and I really enjoyed it, so decided to pursue a job at an advertising agency once I graduated. However, especially in communications, I don't think you need to consider any career choice you make final. I decided to switch to public relations a couple of years into my career and found that to be a better fit for me, but I still use the skills I learned in my first job all the time. You will learn many transferable skills in any communications job and you shouldn't be afraid to change your mind (even post graduation) about where you want your career to land!
Pursue an internship.
Set up networking conversations with professionals in jobs you're interested in.
Alison recommends the following next steps:
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Claire’s Answer
Believe it or not, that feeling is not unique to new graduates! During the course of any career you will find yourself thinking of shifting fields or line of work. I myself did a career twist in my 30s. The best way to know for sure what you will eventually love is to go out try new things. Use the first years of your job learning as much as you can, reflecting and journaling along the way on what makes you feel excited.
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Sean’s Answer
Answering this question can be tough, and it's normal to revisit it every few years. Remember, there's no need to worry. Careers are long, and you'll always have chances to learn and grow in what you love.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Think about the courses you've enjoyed during college. Did any spark your interest or passion? If so, search for jobs using keywords from those courses.
- Talk to your professors, especially those whose classes you liked. Ask them about their career paths and connections. They might help you find great opportunities.
- Join professional groups, especially alumni groups from your university. Reach out to members for advice and possible career options.
- Research your interests like you would for a school project. Consider different angles, like which industry or type of work appeals to you.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Think about the courses you've enjoyed during college. Did any spark your interest or passion? If so, search for jobs using keywords from those courses.
- Talk to your professors, especially those whose classes you liked. Ask them about their career paths and connections. They might help you find great opportunities.
- Join professional groups, especially alumni groups from your university. Reach out to members for advice and possible career options.
- Research your interests like you would for a school project. Consider different angles, like which industry or type of work appeals to you.
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Katelynn’s Answer
Hi Meredith,
As a fellow communications major, I suggest joining organizations in your college's communications department. This can help you explore various career paths like social media management, marketing, journalism, or corporate roles in communications, training, or change management. I discovered my passion for Change Management a few years into my career, where I help organizations and their employees adapt to changes. Consider looking into certifications from Prosci, PMI, or ACMP to learn more about different career options and find what you love.
As a fellow communications major, I suggest joining organizations in your college's communications department. This can help you explore various career paths like social media management, marketing, journalism, or corporate roles in communications, training, or change management. I discovered my passion for Change Management a few years into my career, where I help organizations and their employees adapt to changes. Consider looking into certifications from Prosci, PMI, or ACMP to learn more about different career options and find what you love.
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Michele’s Answer
Without a doubt intern, shadow, network, and don’t limit yourself to the obvious - explore and be curious, but don’t sit behind a screen and try to figure it out. Get out there and interact with others to really get a feel for what moves you.
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KATHIE’s Answer
Consider trying internships or shadowing opportunities. Some companies allow you to shadow a department or person, even if it's just for an hour or two. Be clear about what you want to learn, and stay open to gaining knowledge from any experience. Even if it's not your first choice, it can help you build skills.
Always have a backup plan. If your dream job isn't available right away, gaining more skills will make you a stronger candidate when the right opportunity comes. This will make you a more valuable employee.
Don't worry if your interests change. Communication is key in any job, whether in the public or private sector. Always ask questions—it's a great way to learn and connect. Good luck!
Always have a backup plan. If your dream job isn't available right away, gaining more skills will make you a stronger candidate when the right opportunity comes. This will make you a more valuable employee.
Don't worry if your interests change. Communication is key in any job, whether in the public or private sector. Always ask questions—it's a great way to learn and connect. Good luck!
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Mac’s Answer
Choosing a career or job can feel tough, but it's also an exciting opportunity to discover what suits you best. Think about what you enjoy and what you don't, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. It's important to find a path where you can use your strengths and also have fun.
Try reaching out to people in different jobs and companies to learn about their experiences. Ask them about their daily tasks and what they like or dislike about their roles. A simple message on LinkedIn asking for a 15-20 minute chat can open doors. Most people are happy to help students and share advice. This can really help you see if a job or company is right for you.
Good luck on your journey!
Try reaching out to people in different jobs and companies to learn about their experiences. Ask them about their daily tasks and what they like or dislike about their roles. A simple message on LinkedIn asking for a 15-20 minute chat can open doors. Most people are happy to help students and share advice. This can really help you see if a job or company is right for you.
Good luck on your journey!
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Alyssa’s Answer
Starting my career with a post-graduate internship or development program was really valuable. It let me spend the first 6-12 months learning and exploring different areas in my field, HR. Even though HR was my major, I didn't realize how many different paths were available.
I tried out a few roles to see what I didn't enjoy, which helped me find work I was passionate about. This was all within the same big company, which was helpful, and I'd recommend it to anyone new to the workforce.
When you're interviewing before graduation, pick a company whose work and values excite you. It's easier to enjoy your daily tasks when you like the company's mission and culture. Look for a role where you can grow, learn, and try new things. I hope you'll be as surprised as I was by how fast you'll discover what you love to do once you start working. Good luck!
I tried out a few roles to see what I didn't enjoy, which helped me find work I was passionate about. This was all within the same big company, which was helpful, and I'd recommend it to anyone new to the workforce.
When you're interviewing before graduation, pick a company whose work and values excite you. It's easier to enjoy your daily tasks when you like the company's mission and culture. Look for a role where you can grow, learn, and try new things. I hope you'll be as surprised as I was by how fast you'll discover what you love to do once you start working. Good luck!
I echo Alyssa's suggestion above. I leaped into every opportunity what I felt well about and switched if when confident on the knowledge gathered or got something better on the horizon.
Mind you, that you need to invest time and dedication and not leeve earlier than 1y. This builds your credibility with future employers.
Best,
Iuliana
Iuliana Godeanu, MBA, MSc
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Iuliana’s Answer
Hi Meredith,
I would recommend you pick something that you now enjoy the most or a field where your had best scores in college, without IA's help.
Best would be you applied for a secondment, if you stii have time, take it. Sitting in a shadow role helps you dig beyond the big of a job title or the worrying impact on human roles by IA Agents.
Last but not least, do not sit more than 1y in a role and switch if possible. The more roles you try, the more confidence you will get.
Good luck!
I would recommend you pick something that you now enjoy the most or a field where your had best scores in college, without IA's help.
Best would be you applied for a secondment, if you stii have time, take it. Sitting in a shadow role helps you dig beyond the big of a job title or the worrying impact on human roles by IA Agents.
Last but not least, do not sit more than 1y in a role and switch if possible. The more roles you try, the more confidence you will get.
Good luck!
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Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Meredith
As you are a Junior in college, now is a good time to be thinking about this. It's hard to know what to focus on when you have a lot of knowledge but not a lot of practice applying that knowledge. Check with your college's career office to see if there are summer internships available. Usually companies interview potential summer interns in October and November of the previous year, but there's a good chance there are still some internships available. And, bonus, a lot of summer internships come with a pretty nice salary. So you can earn some money, too.
If there' aren't internships available, think about ways that you can apply what you're learning in class to some real life situations. Maybe you're part of a sorority that could use a little communication advice when it comes to promoting events. Do you belong to a club that would enable you to flex your communications muscles? Maybe a religious group you associate with could use some help with a newsletter. Any of these kinds of activities can go on your resume as "experience".
Part of figuring out what you want to do is trying a lot of different things in different settings. When you do that, you start to learn what you like to do and what you definitely never want to do again. Through this process of trying new things, you start to figure out what you like to do and start looking for jobs that have more of that kind of stuff associated with them.
The other thing you might want to think about is what kind of company do you want to work for. If you like to travel, maybe you want to work in the communications or PR department of an airline so that you get free or discounted flight benefits. Or, maybe you want to work for a hotel chain so you get discounted hotel stays. Or maybe you're fascinated with technology and you want to work in a company that is all about technology. Communications is one of those fantastic majors that applies to almost any industry. And, in the business world, there are internal communications (internal website, employee comms, etc.) and external communications (customers, PR, etc.). So think about the kind of company where you want to apply your expertise and see if those companies have internships available.
Hope this helps. You're going to do great!
As you are a Junior in college, now is a good time to be thinking about this. It's hard to know what to focus on when you have a lot of knowledge but not a lot of practice applying that knowledge. Check with your college's career office to see if there are summer internships available. Usually companies interview potential summer interns in October and November of the previous year, but there's a good chance there are still some internships available. And, bonus, a lot of summer internships come with a pretty nice salary. So you can earn some money, too.
If there' aren't internships available, think about ways that you can apply what you're learning in class to some real life situations. Maybe you're part of a sorority that could use a little communication advice when it comes to promoting events. Do you belong to a club that would enable you to flex your communications muscles? Maybe a religious group you associate with could use some help with a newsletter. Any of these kinds of activities can go on your resume as "experience".
Part of figuring out what you want to do is trying a lot of different things in different settings. When you do that, you start to learn what you like to do and what you definitely never want to do again. Through this process of trying new things, you start to figure out what you like to do and start looking for jobs that have more of that kind of stuff associated with them.
The other thing you might want to think about is what kind of company do you want to work for. If you like to travel, maybe you want to work in the communications or PR department of an airline so that you get free or discounted flight benefits. Or, maybe you want to work for a hotel chain so you get discounted hotel stays. Or maybe you're fascinated with technology and you want to work in a company that is all about technology. Communications is one of those fantastic majors that applies to almost any industry. And, in the business world, there are internal communications (internal website, employee comms, etc.) and external communications (customers, PR, etc.). So think about the kind of company where you want to apply your expertise and see if those companies have internships available.
Hope this helps. You're going to do great!
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Simmy’s Answer
As you get closer to graduation, it's normal to feel unsure about your career path, especially in a flexible field like communications. Instead of stressing about finding the perfect job right away, try to discover what kind of work excites you. Whether it's writing, strategy, public speaking, media, branding, or research, you can explore these through internships, projects, or roles on campus. Pay attention to what you enjoy, what you're good at, and where you feel comfortable working. This can help you understand your path over time. With a strong major as your base, the next step is to try new things, think about your experiences, and let your interests naturally lead you to a career that feels right and fulfilling.
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Juan Antonio’s Answer
Start by focusing on something you truly enjoy. Look for job opportunities in the market that match your studies. Always be open to change, as you may often find opportunities that don't fully align with your original plan.
First think focus on something you really like
And consider opportunities in the marke to find a job based on your studies
Be always open to the change. Manytimes you will find oppportunties not fitting completely with your initial plan
Juan Antonio recommends the following next steps: