6 answers
3
Questions
Updated
718 views
What was the turning point in your life that made you realize that this was the career you wanted to pursue?
Just a small reflection of your experience!
Login to comment
6 answers
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
I work in social services. My turning point came when I saw how important it is for someone to feel truly heard and supported during tough times. I learned that compassion, patience, and simply being there can make a big difference, especially when someone feels alone or lost. This inspired me to work in a field where I could help others feel less isolated and make a positive impact on their healing journey.
I also realized that I deeply value empathy and connection. I've always wanted to understand people's experiences and help them feel accepted without judgment. This career appealed to me because it combines compassion with meaningful support, and each interaction can remind someone that they deserve care and understanding.
I also realized that I deeply value empathy and connection. I've always wanted to understand people's experiences and help them feel accepted without judgment. This career appealed to me because it combines compassion with meaningful support, and each interaction can remind someone that they deserve care and understanding.
Updated
Bereket (Bek)’s Answer
The turning point came when I was working in civil and environmental engineering, originally drawn by my love for physics and its prestige (in home country). While in that field, I began writing programs to solve engineering problems, and that sparked a passion I hadn’t experienced before. When I lost my first (after moving to USA) engineering role, it gave me the freedom to pivot. I fully transitioned into software development, where I not only found my career passion, but also realized it gave me new tools to solve complex problems—including those I once saw in engineering. That’s when I knew software development was the career I was meant to pursue.
Updated
Peter’s Answer
I've been fascinated with computers since I first saw them in school, so I always knew I wanted to do something with them since that time. My advice to you is to pursue and do what you love, and to explore to figure out what that is. Following your passion will take you to where you want to be, because you will be doing what you love.
Updated
Viraj’s Answer
A major turning point for me came during and after graduation, when I was doing internships and going through interviews. As a candidate, I often felt curious and nervous about how decisions were made by employers. This curiosity led me to learn more about Human Resources and how companies assess and develop talent. Over time, I discovered a real passion for working with people, improving processes, and creating a positive experience for candidates. This interest grew into a desire to work in Human Resources, where I could help shape these experiences and guide others in their careers.
Updated
Roger’s Answer
When I started college, I didn’t have everything figured out. I was taking general studies and experimenting with different subjects—computer-aided drafting, psychology, and electronics—just trying to see what clicked.
The turning point came in a pretty unexpected way. The computers in our lab would break fairly often, and no one really knew how to fix them. One day, I decided to take a shot at figuring it out myself. I was able to get them working again—and not only did that feel great, I realized I genuinely enjoyed the challenge. Before long, I became the “go-to” person in class whenever something wasn’t working.
That experience led me to an opportunity with a computer manufacturer. There, I started at the ground level, learning how to build computers from scratch. As I worked, I began to understand how each subsystem functioned and how everything connected. I loved it—and I worked hard at it—so I quickly moved into more advanced work, even down to repairing systems at the component level.
From there, my curiosity just kept growing. I started learning about operating systems, then networking, and eventually coding. What stood out to me was that each new area was just as fascinating as the last. I found myself wanting to learn more all the time, often going beyond what was required.
The biggest sign I was on the right path was that it never felt like work—it felt fun. I enjoyed digging into problems, learning how things worked, and talking about these topics in depth. Over time, I realized I was developing a level of understanding that set me apart, and I was consistently pushing myself to grow.
That’s when it clicked for me: this wasn’t just something I was good at—it was something I truly enjoyed and could see myself doing long-term. That’s when I knew technology was the right career for me.
The turning point came in a pretty unexpected way. The computers in our lab would break fairly often, and no one really knew how to fix them. One day, I decided to take a shot at figuring it out myself. I was able to get them working again—and not only did that feel great, I realized I genuinely enjoyed the challenge. Before long, I became the “go-to” person in class whenever something wasn’t working.
That experience led me to an opportunity with a computer manufacturer. There, I started at the ground level, learning how to build computers from scratch. As I worked, I began to understand how each subsystem functioned and how everything connected. I loved it—and I worked hard at it—so I quickly moved into more advanced work, even down to repairing systems at the component level.
From there, my curiosity just kept growing. I started learning about operating systems, then networking, and eventually coding. What stood out to me was that each new area was just as fascinating as the last. I found myself wanting to learn more all the time, often going beyond what was required.
The biggest sign I was on the right path was that it never felt like work—it felt fun. I enjoyed digging into problems, learning how things worked, and talking about these topics in depth. Over time, I realized I was developing a level of understanding that set me apart, and I was consistently pushing myself to grow.
That’s when it clicked for me: this wasn’t just something I was good at—it was something I truly enjoyed and could see myself doing long-term. That’s when I knew technology was the right career for me.
Updated
Carly’s Answer
I love this question because it reminds me of my own college days. I was sure I wanted a career with horses and riding. I was on the equestrian team, got a business management degree focusing on entrepreneurship, and minored in advertising. After graduation, I followed this path, but my passion faded, and life felt like work.
I decided to explore new opportunities with an open mind. I started waiting tables, which helped me enjoy customer service and creating a fun atmosphere. Then, I became an office manager at a mental health practice, where I learned about time management, multitasking, and empathy.
With this open mindset, I found my dream job in Treasury. It was unexpected, and I knew nothing about it, but I decided to say yes to learning and growing. My passion for my career grew with support from my leaders and peers.
Being open to new opportunities, not just in work but in life, can lead you to a passion worth pursuing. The turning point for me was gaining confidence in my abilities, which led to promotions and salary increases. I'm still learning and growing, especially with new AI projects in Finance. Stay curious and keep saying yes, but also take care of yourself to avoid burnout!
I decided to explore new opportunities with an open mind. I started waiting tables, which helped me enjoy customer service and creating a fun atmosphere. Then, I became an office manager at a mental health practice, where I learned about time management, multitasking, and empathy.
With this open mindset, I found my dream job in Treasury. It was unexpected, and I knew nothing about it, but I decided to say yes to learning and growing. My passion for my career grew with support from my leaders and peers.
Being open to new opportunities, not just in work but in life, can lead you to a passion worth pursuing. The turning point for me was gaining confidence in my abilities, which led to promotions and salary increases. I'm still learning and growing, especially with new AI projects in Finance. Stay curious and keep saying yes, but also take care of yourself to avoid burnout!