2 answers
2
Updated 408 views

What single decision in your career path has had the biggest return on investment for your time, and not just money?

More often than not, people discuss the return on investment for salary vs. student debt. This creates a loose end for a bigger topic, so what I'm curious about is the move that saved you years of dead ends, or spending time in the wrong places. I want to know specifics, and how it would have impacted you if you made a different choice.

career-path spring26 return-on-investment
Answer This
2

2 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Zoi’s Answer

When you're starting your career, try to focus on opportunities that help you grow, rather than just aiming for a high salary. My first job offered less pay but had a great development plan and learning opportunities. It's important to choose companies that invest in their employees' growth and skills.

Here are some tips I found useful:

- Don't be tempted by jobs with high starting salaries. Instead, look for a career path that lets you grow and learn.
- Give yourself time to develop in each role. Avoid changing jobs too quickly, as every position has something valuable to teach you.
- However, don't stay in a job that doesn't excite you.
- Have a long-term career plan. If you don't create one, someone else might, and it might not align with your goals.

Your career plan will evolve over time based on your life changes, like having children or needing financial stability. By adjusting to these changes, you can find success and stay motivated.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Yohanna’s Answer

Hey! I am currently working with AI and data science; however, before this, I was very much in the cybersecurity and IT field. My professor for one of my networking classes encouraged us to take certifications under Cisco and CompTIA. I didn't think much of it back then, but I ended up getting as many certifications as possible, which actually boosted my resume and allowed me to stand out among other competitors during my early years. It was a huge starting point that had a big return on my investment and time. I learned a lot from that class and from studying for those exams, which made me a lot more confident in the job. Although I am not now in that area anymore, I have noticed they overlap in some areas, and I am able to better troubleshoot when I encounter an issue thanks to that knowledge. I do believe that if I hadn't gotten those certifications early on, I would've definitely been struggling a lot more to get my foot in the door. I will say, many of those certifications can cost you a buck, but they are definitely worth it, and many jobs now require them in the job description to make sure you're familiar with the job. These exams were not easy. I actually had to retake two of them and spent countless hours studying the bucks but the investment was definitely worth it. Anything that can show employers or others that you have knowledge is honestly worth it in my opinion. Education will never be worthless, and it's definitely a good investment to make, not only to increase earnings but also for personal learning and gain.
0