13 answers
Katherine
Student
Mountain View, California
1
Question
Asked
812 views
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I have lots of interests, and have been trying to narrow down what I want to do, but it's a daunting task to figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life at such a young age. Right now, all I want to know is what you all love most about your jobs! And the soul searching can start a little later. #general #community
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13 answers
Tiffany Hsieh
network engineer
1
Answer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Hi Katherine!
Echoing some of the previous response - please don't stress over on how you have to make THE decision right now that will define your career for the rest of your life. Life is very fluid :).
I work in the IT realm with focus on networking infrastructure. What I love most about my job is the constant challenge that it brings. With IT always on an innovative pace, there is always something new to learn and stimulates my interest. I also love the fact that I work with people that I can collaborate and learn from, it is something that I look forward to every day when the work day starts!
Echoing some of the previous response - please don't stress over on how you have to make THE decision right now that will define your career for the rest of your life. Life is very fluid :).
I work in the IT realm with focus on networking infrastructure. What I love most about my job is the constant challenge that it brings. With IT always on an innovative pace, there is always something new to learn and stimulates my interest. I also love the fact that I work with people that I can collaborate and learn from, it is something that I look forward to every day when the work day starts!
Oh yes! I love having people around me that challenge me and help me learn! The constant challenge aspect sounds like it could get frustrating, but also be very interesting and rewarding when you solve the problem. Thanks for your response :)
Katherine
tonni bennett
director of sales
7
Answers
Brookhaven, Georgia
Updated
tonni’s Answer
First, let me be honest you DON'T need to know what you want to do for the rest of your life now! I say that in caps just because I think there is wayyyy too much pressure on young people to know something that is impossible to know. Instead, follow what you like and enjoy and take the pressure off. Most of us don't pick the exact right job first. It takes time to figure out what you like. And also, entry level jobs are typically the least exciting (you've got to earn your way to the best ones) so most of the time the first few years of a career are just learning and figuring out where you want to go. You got this!
With all that said, what I love about my job - I am empowered by my boss to run my piece of our business how I'd like to. I have a lot of freedom. The reason I've earned that freedom is I've spent 11 years building the skills that are needed to manage a team and meet goals (I'm a sales leader). I also enjoy the people I work with.
With all that said, what I love about my job - I am empowered by my boss to run my piece of our business how I'd like to. I have a lot of freedom. The reason I've earned that freedom is I've spent 11 years building the skills that are needed to manage a team and meet goals (I'm a sales leader). I also enjoy the people I work with.
Yea!!!!! I can't believe how much pressure is put on young people today! Thanks for saying it loud and clear - it's not an eternal commitment!
Kim Igleheart
Thanks! This really helps, I especially loved the emphasis in the beginning; it does get stressful, but I try to remind myself that it won't be a dead end if I choose something now and change my mind later down the road.
Katherine
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Katherine,
Each job leads to the next. It's a stepping stone - where you use your previous skills and experiences to get the next position. Seriously, don't stress over this! People commonly change jobs every 2-5 years, and, in many fields, those who don't do so are perceived as stagnant.
What I loved about my jobs:
Police officer: Absolutely no stress over what I was going to wear to work that day! Training the newer officers. Dispatching -because I learned a lot from that position, as far as everything else that was going on at the airport. Working weird hours - because it meant missing the traffic. Having odd days off, because the campgrounds aren't crowded on Tuesday/Wednesday. My fellow officers - I knew I could depend upon them, and they could depend upon me.
Contract work for attorneys: I set my own hours, and my rate of pay. I was working with and for people who were very intelligent, and they respected and recognized my intellectual abilities. Although we rarely won, it was meaningful work (representing victims of police misconduct). It was mentally challenging work.
Hope this helps - feel free to ask more questions!
Each job leads to the next. It's a stepping stone - where you use your previous skills and experiences to get the next position. Seriously, don't stress over this! People commonly change jobs every 2-5 years, and, in many fields, those who don't do so are perceived as stagnant.
What I loved about my jobs:
Police officer: Absolutely no stress over what I was going to wear to work that day! Training the newer officers. Dispatching -because I learned a lot from that position, as far as everything else that was going on at the airport. Working weird hours - because it meant missing the traffic. Having odd days off, because the campgrounds aren't crowded on Tuesday/Wednesday. My fellow officers - I knew I could depend upon them, and they could depend upon me.
Contract work for attorneys: I set my own hours, and my rate of pay. I was working with and for people who were very intelligent, and they respected and recognized my intellectual abilities. Although we rarely won, it was meaningful work (representing victims of police misconduct). It was mentally challenging work.
Hope this helps - feel free to ask more questions!
Thanks so much! This does help :) Especially the bit about the stepping stone, it kinda relieves some of the stress of deciding definitively.
Katherine
Glad to help! The concept is called "transferable job skills." It's what let me go from being a police officer to helping people find jobs: ability to write detailed concise reports, talk to people about sensitive personal matters, maintain confidentiality, decision-making, and self-confidence. I played those up, while ignoring things like high speed driving and firearms proficiency!
Kim Igleheart
April Palisoc
Admin Assistant
3
Answers
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
April’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
My favorite part of working as an Admin Assistant is that I get a chance to work with different people and you also learn from them not just professionally but personally.
I love the feeling of helping my colleagues and bosses accomplishing a certain project or task.
It is fulfilling to know that you are part of the success of a certain project.
Whatever job or work you have, it is very important that you are happy with what you are doing because if you are happy, the outcome of your work will be positive and you won't feel like you are really working, because you are enjoying it.
I am grateful for the company where I am now because the people are so nice and the company's priority is the welfare of every employee.
My favorite part of working as an Admin Assistant is that I get a chance to work with different people and you also learn from them not just professionally but personally.
I love the feeling of helping my colleagues and bosses accomplishing a certain project or task.
It is fulfilling to know that you are part of the success of a certain project.
Whatever job or work you have, it is very important that you are happy with what you are doing because if you are happy, the outcome of your work will be positive and you won't feel like you are really working, because you are enjoying it.
I am grateful for the company where I am now because the people are so nice and the company's priority is the welfare of every employee.
Thanks!! I definitely get the part about being happy with the work b/c I sadly know a handful of adults who are unhappy with their jobs, and are less motivated as a result.
Katherine
Bijan Shokrollahi
Software Consulting Engineer
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Bijan’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
I am a software consulting engineer at Cisco. I have the opportunity to work with customers as well as some truly talented folks in engineering. I have the opportunity to travel to customer sites around the country to help customers adopt automation. I am able to do presentations around the world which is very fun. I love to travel and see new places so it is a perfect fit. I am able to work from home or in the office and having that flexibility really is amazing.
Some important skills for my position are computer science, presentation, communication, networking and self-motivation as many times you are working from home you have the temptations of life in your face. Hope this helps. It takes time to figure out what you want to do. I changed my major in college 4 times over 7 years but it doesn't matter. It is all about the journey, make the best of it!
I aspire to be a technical people manager where I can leverage my technical skills and also my people management.
--Bijan
I am a software consulting engineer at Cisco. I have the opportunity to work with customers as well as some truly talented folks in engineering. I have the opportunity to travel to customer sites around the country to help customers adopt automation. I am able to do presentations around the world which is very fun. I love to travel and see new places so it is a perfect fit. I am able to work from home or in the office and having that flexibility really is amazing.
Some important skills for my position are computer science, presentation, communication, networking and self-motivation as many times you are working from home you have the temptations of life in your face. Hope this helps. It takes time to figure out what you want to do. I changed my major in college 4 times over 7 years but it doesn't matter. It is all about the journey, make the best of it!
I aspire to be a technical people manager where I can leverage my technical skills and also my people management.
--Bijan
Wow, your job sounds like a dream, being able to work from so many locations and travel. I love seeing new places, too! Also the bit about changing your major 4 times really calmed some of my nerves, because I thought that was more or less set in stone once you declared. Guess that was some misunderstanding on my part hahaha. Thank you for your response!
Katherine
Amanda, Becky, Magnus, & Owen .
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amanda, Becky, Magnus, & Owen’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
You’re right, narrowing down what you want your career to be can be a daunting task — but it can also be exciting to explore the different life paths you have the possibility to go down. The other responses show how every job has unique perks (and on the flip side, unique downsides). It’s all about finding the ones that fit best with your interests, personality, and working style.
As a group of marketers in different roles, we have a few perspectives to offer that will help you get a glimpse into marketing and decide if it might be a field worth looking into further:
Communication Strategist (PR) — It’s impossible to get bored in this role because every single day is different and dynamic. One day, I might be writing a press release for a big announcement, while another day, I’ll be media-training an executive to help them rock an upcoming interview with a reporter, before getting ready for the next day, when I’ll be meeting with an influencer to discuss creative collaboration ideas — the list goes on.
Director of Integrated Marketing — My favorite part about this role is the ability to work with so many different teams, both within and outside of marketing. Whether it’s the product marketing team, sales organization, or another area of the business, collaborating with people who are working on different projects is one of the quickest avenues to learning new things and growing as a professional.
Marketing Strategist — I enjoy the variety of tasks I get to tackle in this role. Because there can be anything from administrative tasks like working on a spreadsheet to more creative ones like coming up with campaigns, there’s a chance to switch gears mentally and use different sides of the brain to solve problems. Having to constantly adapt to tasks makes the job both interesting and challenging — in a good way!
Chief Creative Officer — What I love most about my role is the ability to mentor and nurture the careers of young creatives, whether they are Graphic Designers, Videographers, Animators, Photographers, or Illustrators. I get great satisfaction from helping young professionals discover their specialties and refine their talents. It isn’t always about climbing the career ladder — it is about doing what fulfills you. And that’s the advice I would give to you: figure out what you love to do — what it is that brings you fulfillment and joy. Figure out what you are passionate about, and follow those paths. If you can contribute value in unique ways — regardless of your chosen path (which is never a straight line) — you can build a career from that.
Best,
Amanda, Becky, Magnus, and Owen*
*Note: This answer combines input from a group of marketers with more than 40 years of professional experience — all currently working at a global tech company. We hope you find our answer helpful and wish you the best of luck!
You’re right, narrowing down what you want your career to be can be a daunting task — but it can also be exciting to explore the different life paths you have the possibility to go down. The other responses show how every job has unique perks (and on the flip side, unique downsides). It’s all about finding the ones that fit best with your interests, personality, and working style.
As a group of marketers in different roles, we have a few perspectives to offer that will help you get a glimpse into marketing and decide if it might be a field worth looking into further:
Communication Strategist (PR) — It’s impossible to get bored in this role because every single day is different and dynamic. One day, I might be writing a press release for a big announcement, while another day, I’ll be media-training an executive to help them rock an upcoming interview with a reporter, before getting ready for the next day, when I’ll be meeting with an influencer to discuss creative collaboration ideas — the list goes on.
Director of Integrated Marketing — My favorite part about this role is the ability to work with so many different teams, both within and outside of marketing. Whether it’s the product marketing team, sales organization, or another area of the business, collaborating with people who are working on different projects is one of the quickest avenues to learning new things and growing as a professional.
Marketing Strategist — I enjoy the variety of tasks I get to tackle in this role. Because there can be anything from administrative tasks like working on a spreadsheet to more creative ones like coming up with campaigns, there’s a chance to switch gears mentally and use different sides of the brain to solve problems. Having to constantly adapt to tasks makes the job both interesting and challenging — in a good way!
Chief Creative Officer — What I love most about my role is the ability to mentor and nurture the careers of young creatives, whether they are Graphic Designers, Videographers, Animators, Photographers, or Illustrators. I get great satisfaction from helping young professionals discover their specialties and refine their talents. It isn’t always about climbing the career ladder — it is about doing what fulfills you. And that’s the advice I would give to you: figure out what you love to do — what it is that brings you fulfillment and joy. Figure out what you are passionate about, and follow those paths. If you can contribute value in unique ways — regardless of your chosen path (which is never a straight line) — you can build a career from that.
Best,
Amanda, Becky, Magnus, and Owen*
*Note: This answer combines input from a group of marketers with more than 40 years of professional experience — all currently working at a global tech company. We hope you find our answer helpful and wish you the best of luck!
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
My favorite things about my job are the opportunities it presents, the skills that I learn from the position, being able to convert my business degree into actual job experience, and the ability to provide well for my family.
Sunny H
Accountant
48
Answers
United States
Updated
Sunny’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
Here is what I love/loved about my jobs.
- Customer service representative at a grocery store: I enjoyed the human interactions with customers. It was worthwhile to calm customers' mind and resolve their concerns. People at my work were very kind so I could work in a friendly environment. The work itself was not too stressful and I could always go home on time without overtime.
- International business associate: I loved my international travels the most. It was an eye-opening experience to explore different countries and build international relations over a long term. When I was working with clients, I also got to learn cultural differences and etiquettes and how to lead trading deals under pressure.
- Accountant (current job): I love working as an accountant since this job field just fits my character and it provides a very wide job selection. I am detail-oriented and meticulous, so I feel very useful when my capabilities can make quality work and increase my confidence. I also like the aspect that accounting is needed in most companies, which means that I will have various choices in the future. That helps me think that I can shape my career path however I plan and it gives me a lot of flexibility.
I hope this helps!
Here is what I love/loved about my jobs.
- Customer service representative at a grocery store: I enjoyed the human interactions with customers. It was worthwhile to calm customers' mind and resolve their concerns. People at my work were very kind so I could work in a friendly environment. The work itself was not too stressful and I could always go home on time without overtime.
- International business associate: I loved my international travels the most. It was an eye-opening experience to explore different countries and build international relations over a long term. When I was working with clients, I also got to learn cultural differences and etiquettes and how to lead trading deals under pressure.
- Accountant (current job): I love working as an accountant since this job field just fits my character and it provides a very wide job selection. I am detail-oriented and meticulous, so I feel very useful when my capabilities can make quality work and increase my confidence. I also like the aspect that accounting is needed in most companies, which means that I will have various choices in the future. That helps me think that I can shape my career path however I plan and it gives me a lot of flexibility.
I hope this helps!
Lindsay O'Gorman
Marketing
2
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
Such a great question! And it got me thinking.... So I decided to bring in some fellow marketers from the global tech company we’re all currently working at to help weigh in on what we love most about working in marketing.
- Marketing is all about understanding and motivating people. Everyone is working towards the same objective, but the most exciting part is that there are so many different ways to achieve it. As a marketer, you get to put your problem-solving hat on and come up with creative ways to connect with different audiences and create meaningful experiences.
- No two days are ever the same, meaning there’s never a dull moment in marketing. More channels, changing audiences, new technology and different campaigns provide endless opportunities to challenge yourself and continue testing and learning.
- You get to bring your personality and get creative in everything you do - balancing the creative side with the data and technology to help inform it.
- The people we get to work with. Marketing attracts creative and fun people. As marketers we support each other and collaborate well. In fact, it’s a key skill to successful marketing. With the right team and people around you, you can do anything and it will be fulfilling and special.
We hope you found our answer helpful and wish you the best in all of your endeavours - Lindsay, Dana, Christos, Courtney and Josh
Such a great question! And it got me thinking.... So I decided to bring in some fellow marketers from the global tech company we’re all currently working at to help weigh in on what we love most about working in marketing.
- Marketing is all about understanding and motivating people. Everyone is working towards the same objective, but the most exciting part is that there are so many different ways to achieve it. As a marketer, you get to put your problem-solving hat on and come up with creative ways to connect with different audiences and create meaningful experiences.
- No two days are ever the same, meaning there’s never a dull moment in marketing. More channels, changing audiences, new technology and different campaigns provide endless opportunities to challenge yourself and continue testing and learning.
- You get to bring your personality and get creative in everything you do - balancing the creative side with the data and technology to help inform it.
- The people we get to work with. Marketing attracts creative and fun people. As marketers we support each other and collaborate well. In fact, it’s a key skill to successful marketing. With the right team and people around you, you can do anything and it will be fulfilling and special.
We hope you found our answer helpful and wish you the best in all of your endeavours - Lindsay, Dana, Christos, Courtney and Josh
Ken Fischer
Loss Control
12
Answers
Fenton, Michigan
Updated
Ken’s Answer
I am a Certified Safety Professional and currently work in a loss control department for an insurance company. The major thing that I like about my profession is that it is geared towards helping others. The focus of a safety professional is preventing injuries to workers and ensuring that they go home each day in the same condition, if not better, then how they arrived at work. This ultimately impacts the profitability of the company you are working with so you are vital to the success of the organization as well.
What I specifically like about working for an insurance company is that you get to see a variety of industries and operations on any given day. Most consultants work out of their homes and are able to set their own schedule which allows for flexibility as well. There are always opportunities to improve you knowledge.
What I specifically like about working for an insurance company is that you get to see a variety of industries and operations on any given day. Most consultants work out of their homes and are able to set their own schedule which allows for flexibility as well. There are always opportunities to improve you knowledge.
Wow yeah! That job sounds rewarding b/c you're ensuring the safety of others!
Katherine
Chayla Beason
Director, MA Coordination of Care Program
15
Answers
Canton, Michigan
Updated
Chayla’s Answer
Hi Katherine –
Great question. Understanding my favorite thing about my job has a lot to do with understanding who I am as a person and what my strengths are. I find that the things I enjoy most about my job have nothing really to do with the job but has everything to do with what I enjoy in general. For instance, when I am at home in my free time, I enjoy putting together puzzles, playing games such as sudoku, crossword puzzles and solitaire. I watch a lot of game shows and enjoy doing things that have to do with solving problems or puzzles. As a result, when I reflect on what I enjoy about my current job or any job that I have held, the answer is the same for each job. That is, solving complex business problems and executing the solutions. Not only do I enjoy it, I am good at it because it is my natural strength. Its why I do it in my spare time as well.
Its why they say, find something you enjoy doing and let that lead your career path and I agree 100%. That doesn’t mean I don’t work can’t be challenging but what it will do is make it worth it for you and that is what is important. Finding work that you will find rewarding.
Take care,
Chayla
Great question. Understanding my favorite thing about my job has a lot to do with understanding who I am as a person and what my strengths are. I find that the things I enjoy most about my job have nothing really to do with the job but has everything to do with what I enjoy in general. For instance, when I am at home in my free time, I enjoy putting together puzzles, playing games such as sudoku, crossword puzzles and solitaire. I watch a lot of game shows and enjoy doing things that have to do with solving problems or puzzles. As a result, when I reflect on what I enjoy about my current job or any job that I have held, the answer is the same for each job. That is, solving complex business problems and executing the solutions. Not only do I enjoy it, I am good at it because it is my natural strength. Its why I do it in my spare time as well.
Its why they say, find something you enjoy doing and let that lead your career path and I agree 100%. That doesn’t mean I don’t work can’t be challenging but what it will do is make it worth it for you and that is what is important. Finding work that you will find rewarding.
Take care,
Chayla
This was super helpful, I love how you truly harnessed one of your strengths to help make your job all the more enjoyable. That's definitely what I'm trying to do, but oftentimes, it feels like my strengths don't directly translate to jobs out there. I'll continue thinking about this, though. Thank you!
Katherine
Sarah Engemann
IT Project Manager
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
The thing that I love the most is the people I work with. The people you work with can make or break your job experience no matter what it is you are doing, especially your direct manager. I would look for a company or industry that aligns with your values to find people you may enjoy working with. Companies often hire and recruit employees that align with the company's core values.
Yeah! I've actually heard this quite often from my parents, about how their coworkers and bosses have really impacted the overall experience. I feel the same way with things I participate in (like clubs, programs, etc), so it makes sense that it carries on to the workplace. Thanks so much!
Katherine
Lisa Bond Brewer
Managing Director, External Affairs & Communications
24
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Lisa Bond’s Answer
Katherine,
That's such a great question. I LOVE my job! Why? It allows me to use my talents in a way I never imagined. I love to write and I thought I wanted to be a reporter and started my career as one. I quickly realized that wasn't for me. I learned more about the area of public relations and decided that was my field. I got a Master's Degree in it and started working in the area.
I'm currently working within the insurance industry in corporate communications, but I learned that every industry needs someone to help them communicate what they do to the public and with their employees. No day is ever the same and the position allows me, not only to write but also to connect with others, strategize and figure out a way to use tools and channels to encourage, inform, educate and persuade people about my organization and what it stands for. Me, and my team, come up with fun campaigns and other exciting ways to engage people. That's why I love my job.
That's such a great question. I LOVE my job! Why? It allows me to use my talents in a way I never imagined. I love to write and I thought I wanted to be a reporter and started my career as one. I quickly realized that wasn't for me. I learned more about the area of public relations and decided that was my field. I got a Master's Degree in it and started working in the area.
I'm currently working within the insurance industry in corporate communications, but I learned that every industry needs someone to help them communicate what they do to the public and with their employees. No day is ever the same and the position allows me, not only to write but also to connect with others, strategize and figure out a way to use tools and channels to encourage, inform, educate and persuade people about my organization and what it stands for. Me, and my team, come up with fun campaigns and other exciting ways to engage people. That's why I love my job.
Wow, that does seem really cool! I'm glad you were able to find something that still fit writing but also included other aspects!
Katherine