I am lost. How to find alignment with what you want?
I have goals and dreams before graduation, and I should have a job offer. Here I am two weeks before graduation, in a rut. I have my ultimate dream internship. However, my experience was cut short since I moved to a remote setup. My goal for 4 years was to land an internship outside my province. I did it. And so what now? I feel hopeless. I am having trouble asking myself what I really want to do + time constraint...
I want to do an MBA, but it seems impossible at the moment. I want to do a lot of things but still stuck of what feels true to me at the moment.
32 answers
Martha D.’s Answer
- If you are having trouble identifying next steps, it may mean you need time to rest and regroup. It is a lot to pack up your life and say good-bye to friends. If possible, take a few weeks at home. I bet you will be able to think more clearly afterwards.
- As an alumna, you should be able to use the career advisory services at your college. They should also be able to connect you to alumni in potential fields.
- In a related way, ask people who know you well -- such as family members, former teachers, or former employers -- what they see you doing. You don't have to take any of the advice but any patterns may be helpful.
- Did you have time to establish relationships at your internship? If so, seek advice from the people you worked with. If not, see if you could connect through LinkedIn and build relationships.
- Break down your big question into smaller ones. For example, don't feel you have to decide on an MBA now. Instead, focus on getting experience in business. You will either like it or not, and both will help you decide whether an MBA is right for you. Notice what types of businesses interest you and ask yourself why. Notice what type of work you enjoy and ask yourself why.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Chinyere’s Answer
I think part of what feels unsettling is that you spent years chasing a very specific goal, and now that you achieved it, there’s suddenly no clear “next checkpoint” telling you who you are or where to go. That can feel strangely empty, especially after operating in survival mode for so long.
What you’re describing does not sound like failure to me. It sounds more like transition fatigue and uncertainty after a major milestone. Sometimes we assume reaching the goal will automatically create clarity, but often it just creates space, and space can feel uncomfortable when you’re used to constantly striving.
Right now, I would avoid putting pressure on you to discover one perfect answer immediately. You do not need to solve your entire life in the two weeks before graduation. Instead, try separating long-term dreams from immediate next steps. An MBA may still happen later, but it does not have to be decided right now for your future to move forward.
It will also help to ask yourself different questions. Instead of “What should I do with my life?”, try questions like:
- What kind of work makes me feel engaged instead of drained?
- What environments bring out the best version of me?
- What problems do I naturally enjoy solving?
- What lifestyle do I actually want outside of work?
Alignment is usually built through experience, reflection, and adjustment, not through one sudden realization.
You also mentioned that your internship changed unexpectedly because of the remote setup. That matters more than you may realize. Sometimes we grieve the version of an experience we thought we would have, especially after working so hard for it. That disappointment can make everything else feel blurry for a while.
My advice right now is to focus less on finding your “forever path” and more on rebuilding momentum. Finish graduation strong, apply for opportunities that genuinely interest you, keep learning, and allow yourself room to evolve. People often discover alignment while moving forward, not while waiting to feel completely certain first. You are not behind, Shaina. You are at one of those uncomfortable in-between stages where the old goal is complete, but the next identity has not fully formed yet. That stage feels confusing, but it is also where a lot of real growth starts.
Best wishes!
Kim’s Answer
You are not making a life commitment - you are finding a first professional position. It's a stepping stone to the next, which is a stepping stone to the next, and so on. Just always do your best, and be honest. Going out into the world is scary. If that is why you want the MBA - as a means of procrastination, it's the wrong reason. Figure out your professional path first, then go after an advanced degree. Your employer may even help to pay for it!
Education is not a substitute for experience. So, give yourself a much-deserved break, then go jump in with both feet! You don't know what you like until you try it.
You've got this!
Best of luck!
Kim
Deanna’s Answer
Jin’s Answer
Mario’s Answer
Thanks for bringing up your concern—it's totally normal to feel this way when you're about to close a big milestone in your life.
I suggest you set some short, medium, and long-term goals. This will help you figure out what to prioritize. With that in mind, you'll get a clear view of what you need to achieve for those goals. Just remember to keep important factors in mind, like finances, time, and what you want vs what you need.
Once you have a clear picture, start from there and always make progress on your tasks. Even if it's just planning or tackling some easy stuff, keep things moving forward. And if you stumble, that's totally fine! Take a moment to assess where you're at, see what needs redefining, and go for it. Just keep those legs moving!
And enjoy the ride of your life...
Michelle’s Answer
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Tim’s Answer
Henry’s Answer
Something to keep in mind while you are deciding how to proceed. What kind of lifestyle do you want? Location, home/apartment/tiny-house etc., luxuries, travel, etc. The list can be as short or as extensive as you need.
Once you have some decisions, how much will it cost for that lifestyle?
Now ask, does what I am looking to do meet the financial requirements of the lifestyle I want?
At this point you are either good to proceed, need to adjust your desired lifestyle, need to adjust your career to meet the financial requirements, etc.
Hope this helps.
Henry
Parvesh’s Answer
Also, try not to overthink things. Life is a journey, and it's important to make it happy and enjoyable. Remember, your career is just one part of your life, not the whole thing.
Stephen’s Answer
Stay open to opportunities, keep learning, and be willing to explore paths that may not have been part of your original plan. Some of the best opportunities come from experience you never expected. Keep moving forward and best of luck as you take your next steps!
Mahendra’s Answer
What you’re feeling makes sense. You spent four years chasing a goal, you achieved it, and then the experience changed shape in a way you didn’t expect. That kind of abrupt shift can leave anyone feeling flat, confused, and unsure of what comes next. It doesn’t mean you failed. It means the version of success you were working toward didn’t fully match the closure or clarity you hoped it would bring.
You also do not need to have your entire future figured out two weeks before graduation. Right now, the pressure to make one “true” decision is probably making everything feel heavier. Instead of asking, “What do I want forever?” try asking, “What is the next honest step for me?” That might be securing a job offer, giving yourself a year of work experience, or keeping the MBA as a future goal instead of forcing it now.
Wanting many things at once is not confusion; it usually means you’re ambitious and at a transition point. The job right now is not to solve your whole life. It is to create enough stability and space to hear yourself clearly again. Start with what is immediate, practical, and within your control, and let the bigger goals take shape from there.
Soumendra’s Answer
Ashvin’s Answer
Aquie’s Answer
Congrats on finishing undergrad. My question is "If you knew you couldn't fail and no one would judge you, what would you try first?" Answer that and go from there. Your ambition to get your MBA is great but think about what you are looking to gain with the MBA and where it could take you in today's world and job market? Then evaluate from there what path you should go or take.
Jonathan’s Answer
Dr. Jack’s Answer
Get yourself financially secure first.
Ashish’s Answer
First, I want you to know that what you’re feeling is more common than you might think. Many students imagine that by graduation they’ll have everything figured out, only to realize that the transition into the working world is much more uncertain than expected.
From what you’ve shared, it doesn’t sound like you’re lost—it sounds like you’re overwhelmed by having too many possibilities while feeling pressure to make the “right” choice. Those are two very different things.
My advice is to stop trying to plan the next 10 years and focus on the next meaningful step. If your dream is to earn an MBA someday, remember that an MBA isn’t your starting point—it’s something that often becomes more valuable after you’ve gained a few years of work experience. Right now, your priority should be building that experience, even if it’s not your dream role.
Don’t worry if your internship was cut short or if your first job isn’t perfect. Very few people start their careers exactly where they imagined. Every role teaches you something about your strengths, interests, and what you want to do next.
I’d also encourage you to spend a little time reflecting on what energizes you. Ask yourself:
What kind of work makes me lose track of time?
What problems do I enjoy solving?
What skills do I want to become known for?
The answers don’t have to come overnight. They become clearer as you gain experience.
Finally, be kind to yourself. Two weeks before graduation is a huge transition, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Keep applying for opportunities, keep learning, and trust that your career will grow one step at a time. The fact that you’re thinking deeply about your future already shows that you care, and that mindset will serve you well.
I wish you all the best—you have plenty of time to build the career you want.
Aniya’s Answer
What you’re feeling is very common right before graduation. When you’ve been working toward one goal for so long, finishing it can leave you asking, “what now?” That doesn’t mean you’re stuck—it just means you’re in a transition point.
A few thoughts that might help:
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Most people don’t, even if it looks like they do. Instead of trying to decide your “whole future,” focus on your next step. That could be a full-time role, another internship, or gaining experience in an area you’re curious about.
Your MBA goal doesn’t have to disappear—it might just be a “later” goal instead of a “right now” one. A lot of people work for a couple of years before going back.
On the “what do I really want” question—try grounding it in reality:
What kind of work did you actually enjoy during your internship (even remotely)?
What kind of problems do you like solving?
Do you prefer structured roles (like analyst-type work) or more flexible, creative environments?
You don’t need a perfect answer—just a direction.
Most importantly, try not to view this moment as falling behind. It’s more like resetting after finishing a major chapter. You’ve already shown you can set and achieve goals—that’s a strong foundation.
Safia’s Answer
It looks like you are on the right track career-wise and are asking the right questions. You are not behind in any way and remember you are just starting your career and have more than enough time to make changes and adjust your plan to what your specific goals may be as time goes on.
The next steps I recommend is to take time and ask yourself some important questions:
What work-life balance do I want? How important is salary to me? Am I open to to taking a riskier job option? Do I want a fast-paced or slower lifestyle? Once these questions are answered, I would research what jobs fit into that category.
After narrowing it down, ask yourself what am I passionate about? If you were to choose one of those careers, would I enjoy the work I am doing?
Then, create a plan on how you can land the job you think aligns with you the most. If ultimately, you decide on a career that requires/prefers an MBA, you can see how that fits into your plan - many companies require at least a year of job experience.
These steps are easier said than done, but will push you in the right direction when creating a plan for your career. You are in a great spot right now, and there is plenty of time for you to find what fits for you.
Cristian-Matei’s Answer
First off, congrats on putting things out there and realising your current situation! That is the first step towards achieving your goals. It's totally normal to feel this way and i am sure everyone felt the same at least once (if not multiple times) in their life.
Whenever I am stuck in deciding what I want, I always take a walk to clear my mind out. After that, i keep close a pen and paper and start listing my thoughts. This helps out with clearly seeing what your mind is trying to process all at once.
Once you get that paper written, you can start categorising things into: lifetime goals, needs, wants, personal preferences etc.
This will offer you an eagle's eye on what is currently going on inside your mind and allow you to prioritise accordingly.
An important thing to note, is that life is not always about achieving the next goal, but rejoicing about the one you already achieved and enjoying the path towards the next one. It shouldn't be about crossing things off a list, but about learning things along the way.
Dig deep, spend time with yourself and experiment different things to see where your brain and heart feel in sync when doing something. That is usually what will decide the next step to take.
During your lifetime, you'll find yourself in this spot a few times, and that's ok, it should be like that and it's best to think of it as an opportunity to learn something new about yourself and the world.
Hopefully this helps you in your situation and remember one thing: Keep being curious, you never know what you'll find out there and it's exciting!
Nalini’s Answer
We are living in a time where even a simple click can open doors and build connections. I would encourage you to reach out to communities that share your interests, connect with people doing work you admire, and even start a small project of your own. Sometimes clarity does not come from thinking alone, it comes from trying, building, and meeting others along the way.
I have seen this firsthand. Back in the 2000s, one of my family members came from a very small remote place in India, where resources were close to zero. At one point, the only access they had to the outside world was the evening news and a cellphone. Yet they still became successful and now advocate for others from similar communities. Their best advice was simple: build strong connections within your community, stay open to opportunities outside your comfort zone, and keep developing skills. Good networking creates strong connections, and strong connections often lead to growth. In this era, where one click can create opportunity, I encourage you to look for communities, causes, or teams that need remote help and contribute your skills. Even small steps can create momentum. You are not behind.....you are becoming. :-)
Kalyan’s Answer
My recommendation: stop trying to identify your “true path” for life right now. Two weeks before graduation, the right move is to choose a direction that is good, stable, and reversible—not perfect. Alignment usually comes from action and reflection, not from waiting for certainty.
A practical way to reset:
Separate now from later.
Now: secure income, stability, and momentum after graduation.
Later: MBA, relocation, industry pivot, bigger ambition.
Write down 3 filters for your next step. For example:
pays enough to reduce stress
builds skills/network
keeps doors open for MBA or future pivot
Make only 3 buckets for options:
Take now: realistic jobs/opportunities in front of you
Build toward: MBA, moving, dream role
Not now: anything exciting but too costly or vague today
Ask better questions. Not “What do I want forever?” but:
What kind of work gives me energy?
What kind of people do I want around me?
What kind of stress am I willing to tolerate?
Treat the next 12 months as a test, not a final identity. Your first job is data.
About the MBA: it is probably not impossible—just not the immediate move. In many cases, getting work experience first actually makes the MBA more useful and more affordable. So don’t use “I can’t do an MBA now” as evidence that you are off-track.
What to do this week:
Make a one-page list of jobs/paths you would accept for the next year.
Reach out to 5 people: former internship manager, mentor, professor, alum, friend in industry.
Update your resume and LinkedIn with your internship outcomes, even if the experience changed remotely.
Apply to roles that fit your 3 filters, not your entire life story.
Block 30 minutes to journal on this prompt: “If I stopped trying to impress anyone, what kind of life would I be building first?”
Bottom line: you do not need a grand answer before graduation. You need a stable next step and a way to keep learning about yourself. That is alignment in practice.
Chikere’s Answer
For four years, you had a clear target: get an internship outside your province. You achieved it. The problem is that goals give us direction, but they don't automatically give us meaning once we reach them. When a long-term goal is accomplished, it's common to feel a surprising emptiness or uncertainty afterward.
I would challenge the idea that you need to know exactly what you want right now. .
Instead of asking, "What do I want to do with my entire life?" try asking smaller questions:
* What kind of work energizes me?
* What environments help me do my best work?
* What skills do I want to develop over the next 1–2 years?
* What opportunities am I curious enough to explore, even if I'm not certain they're my forever path?
About the MBA: if it feels impossible right now, that doesn't mean it's not part of your future. Many people work for several years before pursuing an MBA, and often that experience makes the degree far more valuable.
You don't need perfect alignment before taking your next step. Sometimes alignment comes from action, not reflection. Take the next reasonable step, a job, a project, a conversation, a new skill and pay attention to what resonates. Clarity often emerges from experience, not from thinking alone.
You're not behind. You're in the uncomfortable space between achieving one dream and discovering the next one. That's a difficult place to be, but it's also where a lot of growth happens.
Dawn’s Answer
1) Choose your top 3 priorities. These could be things like earning money, gaining stability, learning new skills, experiencing growth, having freedom, helping others, or finding balance.
2) Identify what you're good at. Think back to times during your internship or school when you felt accomplished. Were you good at talking to people, organizing, writing, designing, or doing research?
3) Be honest about your current situation. Do you need money quickly? Do you need to stay in Bacolod? Are you low on energy or have family duties? Your next step should match your priorities, strengths, and current reality.
In the next two weeks, before graduation:
- Pick one career path to explore, like marketing, admin, sales, HR, finance, data, or customer support.
- Update your resume with 3–5 bullet points about your internship achievements.
- Reach out to 10 people, such as friends, alumni, teachers, or coworkers, and ask for advice on entry-level jobs and if their company is hiring.
- Apply to 5–10 jobs every day, even if you're unsure.
About the MBA: It's not out of reach. Many people in the Philippines work for a few years before pursuing an MBA. For now, focus on getting a job and gaining experience. This will put you in a better position for the future.
Eric’s Answer
I would separate this into two questions:
What do I need next? and What do I want long-term?
The answer two these questions are not always the same.
Right now, you don't need to solve your entire life. You need a next step that gives you income, learning, and momentum. That might be a job, another internship, a short-term role, networking, or applying to MBA programs later when the timing makes more sense. Getting experience before doing an MBA will help you understand where you want to focus, what you like, and are good at. If you get in at a company that helps pay for it, all the better.
For the deeper question, I would ask:
If no one else had an opinion, what kind of work would I be curious enough to keep learning about?
What direction gives me energy, even if I'm not 100% sure yet?
What would I try for the next six months if I did not have to prove anything to anyone?
What kind of problems do I actually like solving?
What next step gives me the most learning, options, and momentum?
The next step does not have to be the final answer, or the perfect life plan. You need an honest next experiment. Listen to what feels true, then turn it into a small, testable next step.
Steven’s Answer
Monica’s Answer
Jessica’s Answer
Prashanth’s Answer
In my view, the current job market is very tough for landing a first job. Gaining work experience first, and then moving into a bigger role later, can strengthen your MBA application and also give you valuable real-world experience. At this stage, I would prioritize job experience unless you feel confident that you can get into a top-tier MBA program right away.
John’s Answer
It's wonderful that you're eager to finish your degree with clear goals in mind and are thinking about your future. I recommend a great book called "Who Moved My Cheese?" It's short but very insightful and can help you reflect on your life.
When I graduated, my main goal was to find a job and live comfortably. Over time, I've realized what's truly important to me: watching my kids grow and working in a place where I can learn and be part of a great team. Money comes and goes, so I focus on a career that supports my true goals.
Your goals might be different, but I encourage you to think about what truly motivates you beyond just comfort.
Marina’s Answer
And do not underestimate the power of connection. Build your LinkedIn, reach out to people doing the work you aspire to do, and learn from their journeys. Every conversation can open a door, and every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress.
Keep going, trust the process, and give yourself room to evolve. The path may change, but that does not mean you are off course!
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