Elizabeth
Why did you choose the career you have right now?
I was just wondering what made you choose the career you currently have now?
What inspired you to pursue that career? Why? Or did you just end up at that career?
What are some of the things you like about your career? Or don't like? And what you did to get there?
#career-path #career-choice #career-counseling
4 answers
Susan Marzolf
Susan’s Answer
I can tell you that I wasn't always clear on what I wanted to do, and I think that's common for many if not most students. Growing up, I had a wide range of interests (social sciences like sociology, psychology, and history, political science, music, to name a few), but what I excelled at most was language -- English and foreign language, and communication overall, and I kept gravitating back to that, because I felt confident in my abilities in those areas. Things like grammar, spelling, and writing came naturally to me; I was, and still am, a grammar nerd!
I decided to pursue a degree in English and German with the intent of becoming a teacher, and I did get my teaching license after college and teach and tutor various levels from pre-K to adult for a few years before ending up in the corporate world in an entry level position for an insurance company. After a couple of years, I became a corporate trainer and documentation specialist, combining my two loves of teaching and writing. Today, I am a technical writer of policies and procedures for a health insurance company. Although my current position doesn't involve teaching, I have still been fortunate to be able to volunteer with kids in some capacity on a regular basis (often through whatever company I am working for at the time), so I feel that it's really the best of both worlds for me in that I'm following both of greatest passions, teaching and writing/editing at the same time, through career and volunteering.
What I enjoy about my career is being able to work with people and build relationships with them, using my existing skills while at the same time sharpening those skills and always learning new things, and the variety in each day and in each document! Every day and every document present its own challenges. I also feel that although I don't work directly with our organization's members, I am helping them indirectly through the work I do, and for me personally, that is the most important and rewarding thing in a career -- helping people.
My best advice would be not to worry if you don't know exactly what you want to do right away -- be open to new experiences and areas, try something that interests you, and in the end, follow you passion(s). When you do what you love, while there will still be tough days in your career, it won't feel like work. Best of luck to you!
Thank you :)
Elizabeth
Micayla Strickland, CPA
Micayla’s Answer
I'm currently working in public accounting as an auditor. What I like about my job is the diversity of the work. I get to go to different companies for different engagement types. I love seeing how the various businesses operate! Depending on the time of year, work can get pretty busy but, overall, I have a fairly consistent schedule. If accounting is something you may be interested in, take a look at the link I've posted below!
https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/
thank you :)
Elizabeth
Jaikumar Bhatia
Jaikumar’s Answer
I currently work as Program and Portfolio manager on projects where we help our clients transform their business and IT systems from legacy to state of art out of box solutions.
Back in high school I knew I wanted to stay in the science field and had taken Biology, Math, Physics and Chemistry. For college I was set to study engineering but was advised by my cousin to study Computer Science. He had studied the same in London and was doing rather well professionally. I followed his advice and studied Computer Science as an Undergrad. Worked many years as a software developer and really enjoyed my work.
Later in my career I decided I wanted to grow as a Leader in my organization and lead application development teams. I sought leadership opportunities in current roles, delivering projects and was eventually hired into a role as Application Development Manager. To solidify my business acumen, having come from technical background, I went back to school part time to study MBA.
My background as a software developer and my MBA has helped me better understand my client needs on both business and IT platforms. Today's technology changes are disrupting businesses environments and companies are trying to stay ahead of the game to meet changing customer needs. I enjoy being part of these projects and helping our clients meet these challenges.
I will suggest always keeping an eye out for opportunities that will help you grow as a professional. Create your network of friends, fellow students, colleagues and learn from them. Subscribe to publications that are of interest. Seek out a coach that can help and guide you in your career.
All the best.
Thank you :)
Elizabeth
Himmat K.
Himmat’s Answer
Well, my answer is similar to what has already been said. When I finished high school, I wasn't sure what subject I liked the most, I just went down the path I had imagined and planned out in my mind: Law. I took Social Justice in high school but did not really like it, I made the mistake of thinking me being good at it meant I like or will like it too.
I chose Criminology as my major and just within the first year of my undergrad, my old interest in Psychology sparked, this time I met an experienced professional and that elective class I took was an "ah-ha" moment in helping me recognize what really brought the best out of me. Luckily I was in time to pursue that and change majors. I realized how big of a difference it was after that, I was doing something I was passionate about this time, and that constantly pushed me to become better and better.
I went from Law, to Criminology to Counselling Psychology.
In short, I chose the career I have now because it made me feel more complete as a person, because I realized I am happiest when I am able to help someone, it's always been my passion to help others. When I go to work, I am there to make a change, to follow my passion, to practice my skills and help someone.