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Why did you end up choosing the career you are in now?
I want to become a pediatric nurse. I want to see what inspired people to go into their career. #nursing
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12 answers
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Tequila’s Answer
I became a nurse because I liked the options afforded me in this profession. I like change probably too much for my pass employers. I've done a lot of different things in nursing. Started out as a bedside nurse with experienced in almost all types of bedside nursing specialties. Started my Master's degree twice, 1st as a nurse practitioner (NP), then finished as a clinical nurse specialist/educator. Didn't like the liability aspect of being a NP. Taught at university, community college, and vocational nursing schools. Worked as a research administrator. I've worked in a clinical setting administering chemotherapy and providing nursing support to patients dealing with the side effects of radiation therapy. (not presented in any particular order) Now I'm working as a case manager for insurance company. To me, diversity in opportunities is why nursing has appealed to me over my 25 year career. I enjoy learning and don't like being stagnant. There were frustrations along the way, but what position doesn't have frustrations. I've always kept my mind open to learning from novice, seasoned, and non-nursing colleagues.
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Lukas’s Answer
Not related directly to Nursing - but I always had an interest in playing sports growing up. I did not have the ability to play professionally, but I did still want to pursue a career in Sports. This allowed me to focus my major and schooling, as well as internships to help me grow in this field.
We spend so much of our time at our jobs, it is important to try to do something that you have an interest/passion in - I know this is easier said than done, but it sounds like you already have an interest in nursing which is a great start! It is important to go over the aspects of your jobs/opportunities to outline what you like most, dislike, etc. to ensure that you are on the right career path of something that interests you!
We spend so much of our time at our jobs, it is important to try to do something that you have an interest/passion in - I know this is easier said than done, but it sounds like you already have an interest in nursing which is a great start! It is important to go over the aspects of your jobs/opportunities to outline what you like most, dislike, etc. to ensure that you are on the right career path of something that interests you!
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Syed’s Answer
Hi Abby,
My current career trajectory is a mix of circumstance, experience and luck. I knew I had to earn money as fast possible coming out of undergrad to support my family. Having done research on the highest paying professions coming out of undergrad, I isolated management consulting as the best fit for me because it would provide the widest base of skills to pursue other careers in the future.
After 2.5 years in consulting across many kinds of projects, I was recruited by a former management consultant into my current role. She was looking for someone with my particular mix of digital transformation and general strategy experience. I just responded to a random LinkedIn message in my inbox that led to some screening calls and interviews. The role was the right combination of:
1. Greater responsibility (Relative to my age and experience)
2. Greater compensation
3. Greater work/life balance
4. Higher potential for impact at a smaller company
If you trust the process, create a brand for yourself by showcasing your work with respect and humility, maintain your integrity, get good grades and performance reviews, and take some calculated risks, anything is possible!
My current career trajectory is a mix of circumstance, experience and luck. I knew I had to earn money as fast possible coming out of undergrad to support my family. Having done research on the highest paying professions coming out of undergrad, I isolated management consulting as the best fit for me because it would provide the widest base of skills to pursue other careers in the future.
After 2.5 years in consulting across many kinds of projects, I was recruited by a former management consultant into my current role. She was looking for someone with my particular mix of digital transformation and general strategy experience. I just responded to a random LinkedIn message in my inbox that led to some screening calls and interviews. The role was the right combination of:
1. Greater responsibility (Relative to my age and experience)
2. Greater compensation
3. Greater work/life balance
4. Higher potential for impact at a smaller company
If you trust the process, create a brand for yourself by showcasing your work with respect and humility, maintain your integrity, get good grades and performance reviews, and take some calculated risks, anything is possible!
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Kim’s Answer
Well, I am retired! But, the career I had the longest was law enforcement. Why did I choose it? No idea! I went to college for a Sociology degree, not really knowing what I wanted to do when I went in, or when I graduated! I was working at the airport as a parking lot cashier while going to school. I got to know the police officers. When a position came open, they encouraged me to apply.
What did I like about law enforcement? Uniforms. Any uniform. I am not into clothes, fashion, etc. No daily routine. The calls vary, you never know what you are going to get. Autonomy. I could go anywhere, be anywhere, within reason. And, after having proven myself not only as an officer but as a darn good report-writer, my supervisors gave me a lot of latitude. Shiftwork! Honestly, it was nice to not have to deal with rush hour traffic. And, although we all cursed not having weekends off, it was nice to go shopping or camping midweek when everyone else was working. It also allowed for going to dr appts without needing to take time off. It was also a good feeling to be able to help people, and, for the most part, for people to look up to you. There was very little "police"work (arrests, etc) at the airport. There was also a sense of teamwork, when the need arose, without having to actually spend a lot of time with my coworkers.
Are there other jobs that offer this? Sure! health care, skilled trades, veterinary science, truck driver, etc. But, I liked the job. Did I consider other jobs from time to time? Yes. But none were appealing enough to pull me away.
I wish you the best in this career exploration journey!
What did I like about law enforcement? Uniforms. Any uniform. I am not into clothes, fashion, etc. No daily routine. The calls vary, you never know what you are going to get. Autonomy. I could go anywhere, be anywhere, within reason. And, after having proven myself not only as an officer but as a darn good report-writer, my supervisors gave me a lot of latitude. Shiftwork! Honestly, it was nice to not have to deal with rush hour traffic. And, although we all cursed not having weekends off, it was nice to go shopping or camping midweek when everyone else was working. It also allowed for going to dr appts without needing to take time off. It was also a good feeling to be able to help people, and, for the most part, for people to look up to you. There was very little "police"work (arrests, etc) at the airport. There was also a sense of teamwork, when the need arose, without having to actually spend a lot of time with my coworkers.
Are there other jobs that offer this? Sure! health care, skilled trades, veterinary science, truck driver, etc. But, I liked the job. Did I consider other jobs from time to time? Yes. But none were appealing enough to pull me away.
I wish you the best in this career exploration journey!
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Lecia’s Answer
Hello Abby, When I was in my early teens, I did not know what I wanted to do as an adult. I explored options such as the military or service work and had no clue because there was so many options out there and some limitations I thought at the time. My future mother in law was a RN and really loved what she did and told me I would never be without a great career or job if I worked as a nurse. This talk inspired me to look into nursing. I was always fascinated about how our bodies work and wanted to know more about illnesses and cures and how to prevent sickness. Nursing was the answer. Also, helping people is something that was in my nature and was a great fit. So I took a leap of faith and went for it and glad that I did. It was hard work but really rewarding to get my credentials as a RN> I eventually went back and got my masters and doctorate and have published and taught graduate and undergraduate nurses for many years. Very rewarding personally and professionally. Best of luck - study hard!
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Carol’s Answer
Hey Abby!!
I received my degree in Business Mgmt, which is a broad category. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do at first. I was in Hotel Management during and immediately after college. I learned so much during this time . Unfortunately I got laid off and decided to attend a job fair for college graduates.
They were hiring in the communications technology field, so I decided to give that a try. I've been here now for over 25 yrs and have had so much opportunity. Its very fast paced which is what I love!
My point is, I didn't graduate knowing this is what I wanted to do. I just decided to try different opportunities and fortunately I landed in a great spot that worked for me. I think you have to have an open mind and be dedicated to what you do... It will all work out if you have the right attitude and the determination to succeed!
I received my degree in Business Mgmt, which is a broad category. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do at first. I was in Hotel Management during and immediately after college. I learned so much during this time . Unfortunately I got laid off and decided to attend a job fair for college graduates.
They were hiring in the communications technology field, so I decided to give that a try. I've been here now for over 25 yrs and have had so much opportunity. Its very fast paced which is what I love!
My point is, I didn't graduate knowing this is what I wanted to do. I just decided to try different opportunities and fortunately I landed in a great spot that worked for me. I think you have to have an open mind and be dedicated to what you do... It will all work out if you have the right attitude and the determination to succeed!
Shelette Stewart
Business Development, Marketing, and Strategic Planning
5
Answers
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Shelette’s Answer
I was inspired to pursue my career because I am very passionate God and about informing, inspiring, and empowering people. I want to support others in being their very best. So, every job and career role, or book / article that I write, must support these areas. Even today, I continue to pursue career opportunities that align with my God-given purpose and professional passions.
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Aicha’s Answer
I chose my major because it was something that I was passionate about and it helps me grow everyday because it takes me out of my comfort zone. My major is theater performance, and I want to become a TV/Film actress. I however do not come from a strong artsy family. My mother was a nurse and my dad a RN so they thought I was going to end up in the medical field but it was something that I was not as strongly passionate about. Now don't get me wrong, if i wasn't wanting to pursue acting I would have chosen Radiology or Forensic Pathology however for me the most important aspect of choosing a career is it going to make me happy. I mean of course you have to pay the bills, but I watched so many of my family members get good paying jobs but they dreaded getting up everyday to go to it. So, I think that people should do what they are passionate about but also have a plan or way that is going to bring in income.
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Tia’s Answer
When I was in college I worked 2 jobs, and one of them was in a technology store, which was a new area for me.
I learned so much about tech there and more importantly, saw that it was constantly changing. So it sparked an interest. However, that wasn't my main focus. I really wanted to be in HR for hiring and training. I worked an internship with a major company's HR department and enjoyed it thoroughly! I knew that corporate training was something that I wanted to be part of my career. However, HR jobs out of college were few, so I entered into the telecom field. The first 6 weeks of training that I had, I was hooked. It had my interest in technology and I could see a future in the field that would encompass my passions.
Fast forward 16 years later, and I am still in telecom. I have worked for a few major companies form carriers to OEMs. I have done everything from call centers, to retail stores, to field management. I have been an independent contributor and a team leader. I consistently am able to flex the training skills that I enjoy and have been able to help launch several training initiatives. I enjoy being a team contributor and working together to find ways to move the business forward.
I enjoy it because it is a dynamic industry. Never boring. I am consistently learning new things and my interest is always piqued. It ended up being the perfect career path for me!
I learned so much about tech there and more importantly, saw that it was constantly changing. So it sparked an interest. However, that wasn't my main focus. I really wanted to be in HR for hiring and training. I worked an internship with a major company's HR department and enjoyed it thoroughly! I knew that corporate training was something that I wanted to be part of my career. However, HR jobs out of college were few, so I entered into the telecom field. The first 6 weeks of training that I had, I was hooked. It had my interest in technology and I could see a future in the field that would encompass my passions.
Fast forward 16 years later, and I am still in telecom. I have worked for a few major companies form carriers to OEMs. I have done everything from call centers, to retail stores, to field management. I have been an independent contributor and a team leader. I consistently am able to flex the training skills that I enjoy and have been able to help launch several training initiatives. I enjoy being a team contributor and working together to find ways to move the business forward.
I enjoy it because it is a dynamic industry. Never boring. I am consistently learning new things and my interest is always piqued. It ended up being the perfect career path for me!
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Dan’s Answer
I began by looking into fields that appealed to me and those fields were restaurants (fine dining), finance and technology.
I started working at two restaurants while taking classes at a local community college that focused on personal finance and business. I realized that the late and long hours that were needed for the restaurant industry and the low success rate (less than 30% make it to the first year) I would not want to pursue this as a career. In my finance classes I enjoyed the strategy behind long term wealth building but I was not interested in being a broker and the math classes were a little too challenging. I loved the business classes I was taking and decided to open my own cell phone store.
This direction allowed me to stretch my business and finance classes while staying in the technology field.
25 years later I have now owned and sold a chain of cell phone stores, and worked for some of the best companies in technology like Samsung, Apple, Verizon and Microsoft.
I love the path I chose since it has kept me challenged, pays well and is constantly evolving.
I started working at two restaurants while taking classes at a local community college that focused on personal finance and business. I realized that the late and long hours that were needed for the restaurant industry and the low success rate (less than 30% make it to the first year) I would not want to pursue this as a career. In my finance classes I enjoyed the strategy behind long term wealth building but I was not interested in being a broker and the math classes were a little too challenging. I loved the business classes I was taking and decided to open my own cell phone store.
This direction allowed me to stretch my business and finance classes while staying in the technology field.
25 years later I have now owned and sold a chain of cell phone stores, and worked for some of the best companies in technology like Samsung, Apple, Verizon and Microsoft.
I love the path I chose since it has kept me challenged, pays well and is constantly evolving.
Danielle Trosclair Williams, RN, BSN
Review authorization requests for hospitalizations with insurance company
4
Answers
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Danielle’s Answer
I opted for nursing because there are so many options of specific jobs/employment opportunities within the field itself. For instance as a Registered Nurse I have been able to work on a hospital floor, teach at the community college locally, work in pharmaceutical clinical trials (which also allowed some travel to very cool places), been a pediatric case manager for medically fragile patients where I worked from home, worked in utilization management with a health insurance company reviewing hospital authorization reviews also working from home. Also I felt a real calling to the profession as someone who enjoys being with people and helping/making a difference.
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Bill’s Answer
Abby,
My initial profession, in Architecture, was a passion of my grandmothers. In the 1920's women were not allowed in Architecture school, therefore she was unable to pursue her passion. However she always designed her homes and conveyed her creative passion to me. Unfortunately after graduation, I decided that the business of Architecture was not for me and I pivoted my career to real estate development with the ability to continue to utilize my architectural background.
I wish you all the best in your future pursuits.
Bill
My initial profession, in Architecture, was a passion of my grandmothers. In the 1920's women were not allowed in Architecture school, therefore she was unable to pursue her passion. However she always designed her homes and conveyed her creative passion to me. Unfortunately after graduation, I decided that the business of Architecture was not for me and I pivoted my career to real estate development with the ability to continue to utilize my architectural background.
I wish you all the best in your future pursuits.
Bill