8 answers
Zahra
Student
Rochester, New York
1
Question
Updated
425 views
How do you find your dream career?
I am going to be a senior and I want to know how to find a career that I won't regret 5-10 years down the line.
Edit: Thank you to everyone that has given their advice. I really appreciate it. Your answers have helped me not to stress over it as much. :)
Login to comment
8 answers
David Haskell
Chief of Staff; Business Operations
3
Answers
Raritan, New Jersey
Updated
David’s Answer
Zahra,
That's a very good and thoughtful question and there are two outstanding answers here already. Similar to Sophie, I'd like to encourage you to take some pressure off of yourself and not worry about what you'll be doing in 5-10 years. And certainly don't worry about regrets. All life experience and work experience is good experience. You are going to be a different person in 5-10 years than you are today. Change is inevitable.
I started out in graduate school working to become a professor and did that for six years until I realized that it wasn't the right path. So I moved to NYC and worked as a line cook for 4 years while I networked and tried to figure out what I wanted to be longterm. Then came 5 years working in non-profit, which ultimately led me to Verizon where I've been for 6+ years and have an excellent career path.
Here's the important thing - the skills and perspective that I cultivated in my years as a line cook are the most important that accumulated, and I use them everyday in my current private sector job.
So the take home point is - don't be afraid to try a lot of different things until you figure out what's just right. As long as you are open to change, you'll never have to worry about regret.
That's a very good and thoughtful question and there are two outstanding answers here already. Similar to Sophie, I'd like to encourage you to take some pressure off of yourself and not worry about what you'll be doing in 5-10 years. And certainly don't worry about regrets. All life experience and work experience is good experience. You are going to be a different person in 5-10 years than you are today. Change is inevitable.
I started out in graduate school working to become a professor and did that for six years until I realized that it wasn't the right path. So I moved to NYC and worked as a line cook for 4 years while I networked and tried to figure out what I wanted to be longterm. Then came 5 years working in non-profit, which ultimately led me to Verizon where I've been for 6+ years and have an excellent career path.
Here's the important thing - the skills and perspective that I cultivated in my years as a line cook are the most important that accumulated, and I use them everyday in my current private sector job.
So the take home point is - don't be afraid to try a lot of different things until you figure out what's just right. As long as you are open to change, you'll never have to worry about regret.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Zahra
Sherrah Velez
Operations & Technology Intern
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Sherrah’s Answer
One side does not fit all. I have many friends who have college degrees and are professionally working in an environment that relates to everything but their degree. Experience and exposure to different career settings will tell you everything you need to know. Apply to internships both related and unrelated to your education path. Be open minded and don't ever be afraid to try new things.
Your advice was so helpful!
Zahra
Monica Waldau
Financial Services, Tech, Retail
22
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Your career interests will continue to unfold throughout your life. I recommend thinking through your personal interests and values. A famous framework for this is the Japanese concept of "ikigai" which is an introspective exercise to help find your life's purpose. There's also a book! Outside of self-reflection, I would recommend you simply get out there in the world and try! Try anything and everything! Reach out via Linkedin or email and introduce yourself. Request an informational interview or a quick in-person meeting to learn more about their career path and/or company. Typically, undergrad interns will also do "job shadows" or apprenticeships for little to no pay. You can learn a lot simply by observing a person and/or office. All of these experiences will help narrow down your focus area for a job. I'll close with saying no job is perfect, ESPECIALLY when you're just starting out. You have to grind a little bit, get experience on your resume, and slowly put together a career you are truly proud of. Very few find one career that fits them "best" for life. Don't ever be afraid to pick up, move to a new city, start a new job, and reinvent yourself.
Thank you so much, Monica!
Zahra
Angella chepchirchir
SEO, MARKETING, ANALYST , psychologist
76
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Angella’s Answer
Greetings Zahra! I am glad you have taken a step to start your dream career! Congrats! 🎉
To start a dream career, it requires combination of reflection, determination, passion, interests, and exploration.
Here are some tips I will offer you to boost your dream career!:
Self-reflection: start by considering your strengths and weakness, passion, and your future. Find what you enjoy most doing and polish it as your career as there is more fun when you do what you like most.
Research on different options; Find to know about the career, requirements, employment opportunities associated with the career, and salaries associated with. From the research try also to to find other related fields in the career.
Gain the training for the career
Find mentors
Network
Participate in practical skills through internships and volunteers
Experiment it and be ready to start the job associated!
It is quite interesting to be in a career you have passion in.
I wish you success as you think about what will change your life careerwise and I hope to see you excel.
Thank you for choosing Career village as your career advisor and welcome with more questions.
Please leave us a comment.
Regards.
Angella Chepchirchir
Career village advisor.
To start a dream career, it requires combination of reflection, determination, passion, interests, and exploration.
Here are some tips I will offer you to boost your dream career!:
Self-reflection: start by considering your strengths and weakness, passion, and your future. Find what you enjoy most doing and polish it as your career as there is more fun when you do what you like most.
Research on different options; Find to know about the career, requirements, employment opportunities associated with the career, and salaries associated with. From the research try also to to find other related fields in the career.
Gain the training for the career
Find mentors
Network
Participate in practical skills through internships and volunteers
Experiment it and be ready to start the job associated!
It is quite interesting to be in a career you have passion in.
I wish you success as you think about what will change your life careerwise and I hope to see you excel.
Thank you for choosing Career village as your career advisor and welcome with more questions.
Please leave us a comment.
Regards.
Angella Chepchirchir
Career village advisor.
Thank you for the advice, Angella.
Zahra
Priya Gaur
Business Process Leader
1
Answer
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hello Zahra!
Firstly, I'm glad you asked this question. There are a lot of ways to determine what can be your dream job. It is after all you who concludes what YOUR dream job is.
A few points to reflect on would be to understand what your interests are. From there on, research career opportunities in your field of interest - from employers, job requirements, and salaries and then you could start your journey through training, learning, and polishing skills required for those opportunities. You can set this as a headstart, and moving forward you could definitely build your network and learn more about different career paths from your current opportunity. this could help you to move into a specialization role from your current role and help you advance further or this can help you change your career path completely into another field. There is always room to learn irrespective of your years of experience.
Do not be scared to try different paths till you really feel satisfied and content. Remember, some risks are definitely worth taking.
Firstly, I'm glad you asked this question. There are a lot of ways to determine what can be your dream job. It is after all you who concludes what YOUR dream job is.
A few points to reflect on would be to understand what your interests are. From there on, research career opportunities in your field of interest - from employers, job requirements, and salaries and then you could start your journey through training, learning, and polishing skills required for those opportunities. You can set this as a headstart, and moving forward you could definitely build your network and learn more about different career paths from your current opportunity. this could help you to move into a specialization role from your current role and help you advance further or this can help you change your career path completely into another field. There is always room to learn irrespective of your years of experience.
Do not be scared to try different paths till you really feel satisfied and content. Remember, some risks are definitely worth taking.
Thank you so much, Priya!
Zahra
Sophie Clissold-Lesser
project manager in Sales Enablement
36
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Sophie’s Answer
Sensible comments from Angella.
And another point - it is possible to change lane... many skills are portable from one area to another. You may find whilst doing a role that you meet people in a role or market area that appeals to you and fits your skills and experience.
I think it's important not to feel locked in... You're never to old to try new things and learn new skills. I love Angella's comment about experimenting!
Good luck.
And another point - it is possible to change lane... many skills are portable from one area to another. You may find whilst doing a role that you meet people in a role or market area that appeals to you and fits your skills and experience.
I think it's important not to feel locked in... You're never to old to try new things and learn new skills. I love Angella's comment about experimenting!
Good luck.
Thank you, Sophie for the advice.
Zahra
Alisha Austin
Product Design
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Alisha’s Answer
Hello Zahra!
Thanks for your question! It's natural what you consider a dream job can change as you grow. My personal journey has shown me that maintaining a sense of wonder and openness can pave the way for a variety of exciting career paths. A couple of key factors that can guide you towards a fulfilling career are considering your core values and identifying how you'd like to positively contribute to the world.
Thanks for your question! It's natural what you consider a dream job can change as you grow. My personal journey has shown me that maintaining a sense of wonder and openness can pave the way for a variety of exciting career paths. A couple of key factors that can guide you towards a fulfilling career are considering your core values and identifying how you'd like to positively contribute to the world.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Zahra
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3754
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Zahra,
Unveiling Your Ideal Career: A Practical Handbook for University Students
Unearthing a career that you'll still cherish a decade from now can seem overwhelming, particularly as you near your final year of university. Here are some practical steps and pointers to help you maneuver through this process and uncover a career that resonates with your passions, principles, and long-term ambitions:
Introspection and Evaluation: Before you commence your career hunt, invest time in introspecting about your passions, principles, strengths, and abilities. Ponder on the activities or subjects that ignite your passion, the type of work setting that inspires you, and the accomplishments that fill you with pride. Tools like career evaluations, personality quizzes, and skills assessments can offer useful insights into potential careers that align with your character and inclinations.
Investigate Various Sectors and Positions: Delve into different sectors and job roles to get a clearer picture of the opportunities that await you. Participate in career expos, informational interviews, and networking events to engage with professionals from diverse fields. Internships, part-time work, or volunteering can provide practical exposure to various careers and assist you in refining your choices.
Leverage Guidance from Career Advisors and Mentors: Utilize the resources offered by your university's career center or counseling services. Arrange meetings with career advisors to discuss your objectives, explore potential careers, and receive tailored guidance on crafting resumes, preparing for interviews, and strategizing your job hunt. Additionally, reach out to mentors—either within your academic institution or professional networks—who can provide invaluable advice based on their own experiences.
Networking and Relationship Building: Networking is a key component of discovering a rewarding career. Engage with alumni, industry experts, professors, and classmates through platforms like LinkedIn or alumni networks. Informational interviews can offer valuable insights into various careers while broadening your professional network. Cultivating robust relationships within your preferred industry can unveil hidden opportunities and mentorship.
Acquire Hands-On Experience: Consider pursuing internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs in your field of interest. Hands-on experience not only boosts your skills but also helps you gauge whether a particular career is the right match for you. Additionally, participation in extracurricular activities, research projects, or leadership roles can highlight your competencies outside the academic sphere.
Ongoing Learning and Skill Enhancement: In today's fast-paced job market, continuous learning is crucial to remain competitive. Stay updated about industry trends, technological progress, and skill prerequisites in your chosen field. Consider enrolling in online courses, workshops, or certifications to amplify your skill set and adapt to the shifting demands of the workforce.
Assess Job Satisfaction Elements: When exploring potential careers, consider factors beyond salary or prestige. Evaluate aspects like work-life harmony, company ethos, growth prospects, job security, location preferences, and alignment with personal values. Prioritize finding a career that not only provides financial stability but also intellectually and emotionally enriches you.
Bear in mind that discovering your ideal career is a journey that may encompass exploration, experimentation, setbacks, and growth. Remain open to new possibilities and be ready to adapt as you gain more clarity about your professional goals.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
University of Rochester’s Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education: The guidance provided by Jodyi Wren from the Greene Center offers valuable insights into maneuvering the job market as a university student or recent graduate.
Fast Company Article - “A note to my younger self when my dream job went up in smoke”: The personal narrative shared in this article offers a perspective on handling unexpected career hurdles and finding satisfaction in alternative paths.
The Rocket Years Book by Elizabeth Segran: Insights from Segran’s book illuminate common challenges encountered by individuals in their twenties as they navigate their early careers and strive towards finding fulfilling work opportunities.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Unveiling Your Ideal Career: A Practical Handbook for University Students
Unearthing a career that you'll still cherish a decade from now can seem overwhelming, particularly as you near your final year of university. Here are some practical steps and pointers to help you maneuver through this process and uncover a career that resonates with your passions, principles, and long-term ambitions:
Introspection and Evaluation: Before you commence your career hunt, invest time in introspecting about your passions, principles, strengths, and abilities. Ponder on the activities or subjects that ignite your passion, the type of work setting that inspires you, and the accomplishments that fill you with pride. Tools like career evaluations, personality quizzes, and skills assessments can offer useful insights into potential careers that align with your character and inclinations.
Investigate Various Sectors and Positions: Delve into different sectors and job roles to get a clearer picture of the opportunities that await you. Participate in career expos, informational interviews, and networking events to engage with professionals from diverse fields. Internships, part-time work, or volunteering can provide practical exposure to various careers and assist you in refining your choices.
Leverage Guidance from Career Advisors and Mentors: Utilize the resources offered by your university's career center or counseling services. Arrange meetings with career advisors to discuss your objectives, explore potential careers, and receive tailored guidance on crafting resumes, preparing for interviews, and strategizing your job hunt. Additionally, reach out to mentors—either within your academic institution or professional networks—who can provide invaluable advice based on their own experiences.
Networking and Relationship Building: Networking is a key component of discovering a rewarding career. Engage with alumni, industry experts, professors, and classmates through platforms like LinkedIn or alumni networks. Informational interviews can offer valuable insights into various careers while broadening your professional network. Cultivating robust relationships within your preferred industry can unveil hidden opportunities and mentorship.
Acquire Hands-On Experience: Consider pursuing internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs in your field of interest. Hands-on experience not only boosts your skills but also helps you gauge whether a particular career is the right match for you. Additionally, participation in extracurricular activities, research projects, or leadership roles can highlight your competencies outside the academic sphere.
Ongoing Learning and Skill Enhancement: In today's fast-paced job market, continuous learning is crucial to remain competitive. Stay updated about industry trends, technological progress, and skill prerequisites in your chosen field. Consider enrolling in online courses, workshops, or certifications to amplify your skill set and adapt to the shifting demands of the workforce.
Assess Job Satisfaction Elements: When exploring potential careers, consider factors beyond salary or prestige. Evaluate aspects like work-life harmony, company ethos, growth prospects, job security, location preferences, and alignment with personal values. Prioritize finding a career that not only provides financial stability but also intellectually and emotionally enriches you.
Bear in mind that discovering your ideal career is a journey that may encompass exploration, experimentation, setbacks, and growth. Remain open to new possibilities and be ready to adapt as you gain more clarity about your professional goals.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
University of Rochester’s Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education: The guidance provided by Jodyi Wren from the Greene Center offers valuable insights into maneuvering the job market as a university student or recent graduate.
Fast Company Article - “A note to my younger self when my dream job went up in smoke”: The personal narrative shared in this article offers a perspective on handling unexpected career hurdles and finding satisfaction in alternative paths.
The Rocket Years Book by Elizabeth Segran: Insights from Segran’s book illuminate common challenges encountered by individuals in their twenties as they navigate their early careers and strive towards finding fulfilling work opportunities.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.