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How do I start a career path that I am passionate about?
I am a little unsure what I want to pursue exactly but I am in the field of engineering
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8 answers
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Orinawa’s Answer
If you don't know where to start on your career path, keep in mind that it's entirely possible (and likely!) to change course in the middle of your academic or professional career. In fact, it's pretty common for employees to periodically rotate into different positions to get experience in various parts of their company and gain a more holistic knowledge of their domain.
One thing that can help is joining professional clubs while at university so that you can get experience in a variety of different companies and talk to professionals from different jobs. Internships can also give you a glance into what a position feels like without making a full commitment. There are probably jobs out there that you have never heard of but might end up being passionate about. In fact, depending on your age, you can get the ball rolling early through high school clubs and Dell even offers high school internships in some instances.
If you do know for sure one thing that you are passionate about, you can use that as a starting point and grow from there. There are always going to be certain things that come more easily to you and things that inspire you. Ideally you want to find something that rests at the intersection of "things you like" and "things you are good at".
One thing that can help is joining professional clubs while at university so that you can get experience in a variety of different companies and talk to professionals from different jobs. Internships can also give you a glance into what a position feels like without making a full commitment. There are probably jobs out there that you have never heard of but might end up being passionate about. In fact, depending on your age, you can get the ball rolling early through high school clubs and Dell even offers high school internships in some instances.
If you do know for sure one thing that you are passionate about, you can use that as a starting point and grow from there. There are always going to be certain things that come more easily to you and things that inspire you. Ideally you want to find something that rests at the intersection of "things you like" and "things you are good at".
Updated
Ursula’s Answer
This is a fantastic question, and quite a profound one too! Always bear in mind that your career is never set in stone and can evolve over time. Embrace the chance to be receptive to fresh experiences and make an effort to explore a range of different avenues when the opportunity arises.
Discovering work that doesn't resonate with you is equally as valuable as finding work that does! Given your existing expertise in engineering, I'd suggest kick-starting your exploration within your own domain. Are there any firms or inventions that you hold in high regard? Do they have past employees or LinkedIn connections that you might be linked to? You could reach out to them to gain deeper insights into their work. Networking is a powerful tool that can connect you with seasoned professionals from diverse fields, who can shed light on what a career trajectory in their industry might entail. Dive into your research and as you experiment with different roles, you'll gradually expand your knowledge.
Here's wishing you all the best on your journey! :)
Discovering work that doesn't resonate with you is equally as valuable as finding work that does! Given your existing expertise in engineering, I'd suggest kick-starting your exploration within your own domain. Are there any firms or inventions that you hold in high regard? Do they have past employees or LinkedIn connections that you might be linked to? You could reach out to them to gain deeper insights into their work. Networking is a powerful tool that can connect you with seasoned professionals from diverse fields, who can shed light on what a career trajectory in their industry might entail. Dive into your research and as you experiment with different roles, you'll gradually expand your knowledge.
Here's wishing you all the best on your journey! :)
Updated
Esther’s Answer
Hi Sebastian, that’s a good question. And a big one too, because there are a lot of things that you can be passionate about!
Fun Work - You can find a profession that you just enjoy doing. For example, in engineering, you can find joy in the day-to-day problem solving that it involves.
A Greater Cause - You can find a company that works to accomplish something that is important to you, like building better city infrastructure, designing energy efficient vehicles, or defending freedom.
Human Connection - You can’t have a career in a bubble. You’re going to work with other people, like coworkers and maybe customers. Finding a career that you are passionate about might mean finding a job that lets you connect with people who bring you happiness.
So with all that in mind, just take the first step. You already know you want to pursue engineering. That’s great! Take the next step by taking a class or applying for a job. Then, once you’ve been at it for a while, reflect on whether it is leading you down a path that you are passionate about.
Fun Work - You can find a profession that you just enjoy doing. For example, in engineering, you can find joy in the day-to-day problem solving that it involves.
A Greater Cause - You can find a company that works to accomplish something that is important to you, like building better city infrastructure, designing energy efficient vehicles, or defending freedom.
Human Connection - You can’t have a career in a bubble. You’re going to work with other people, like coworkers and maybe customers. Finding a career that you are passionate about might mean finding a job that lets you connect with people who bring you happiness.
So with all that in mind, just take the first step. You already know you want to pursue engineering. That’s great! Take the next step by taking a class or applying for a job. Then, once you’ve been at it for a while, reflect on whether it is leading you down a path that you are passionate about.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you are interest in Engineering. In fact, there are many different streams in engineering, e.g. electrical & electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, industrial engineering, computer engineer, etc. Each of these engineering their own specific knowledge domain. You may need to explore what you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more on these engineering stream and identify what you have interest
2. Speak to someone who are working in these career
3. Attend the information sessions by the engineering faculty host by the college. Speak to the professors and alumni if possible
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor
5. Shortlist 1-2 engineering stream you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of the subject in the colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more on these engineering stream and identify what you have interest
2. Speak to someone who are working in these career
3. Attend the information sessions by the engineering faculty host by the college. Speak to the professors and alumni if possible
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor
5. Shortlist 1-2 engineering stream you would like to pursue
6. Explore the entry criteria of the subject in the colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Steve’s Answer
You can get a lot of different answers and all of them good ones but try not to be overwhelmed because the question is a good one to ask and explore and as you get many people's opinions and experience keep those that resonate with you.
That being said in my opinion you sound like you're in the beginning of your journey and it is a journey. You know the general field you want to be in as you study engineering decide what interests you in engineering and if you attend a 4-year program that may change multiple times. When you're out in the work force it may change again. Be willing to explore those things that interest you and wake you want to get up and go study or go to work and be open to new opportunities or challenges.
My first degree is in Accounting, and I determined early on I really did not like accounting and went into computers and currently am working in IT Management as part of my 35-year journey (not sure what I will do tomorrow :) I have watched a lot of technical people come in and say I program in this language or I support this technology and when you pigeonhole yourself that stringently you make yourself valuable for as long as the skill is valued. When you determine, I am going to learn a particular skill but always leave myself to learn what brings value to my career and to my organization more times than not I have seen those people excel and are happier and more fulfilled professionally and personally.
Hope that helps and good luck in you journey.
That being said in my opinion you sound like you're in the beginning of your journey and it is a journey. You know the general field you want to be in as you study engineering decide what interests you in engineering and if you attend a 4-year program that may change multiple times. When you're out in the work force it may change again. Be willing to explore those things that interest you and wake you want to get up and go study or go to work and be open to new opportunities or challenges.
My first degree is in Accounting, and I determined early on I really did not like accounting and went into computers and currently am working in IT Management as part of my 35-year journey (not sure what I will do tomorrow :) I have watched a lot of technical people come in and say I program in this language or I support this technology and when you pigeonhole yourself that stringently you make yourself valuable for as long as the skill is valued. When you determine, I am going to learn a particular skill but always leave myself to learn what brings value to my career and to my organization more times than not I have seen those people excel and are happier and more fulfilled professionally and personally.
Hope that helps and good luck in you journey.
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Jackie’s Answer
Hi Sebastian,
I think it's a complex answer but I would encourage you to think about what you love doing (where do you find yourself getting lost). Is that Engineering or something else? Also think about where your skill set comes in and how that plays in with your interests
I would recommend a few things:
1) If you have access to it, you can take an assessment like the Strong Interest Inventory that is available at many schools (or I can also support) that will tell you majors and careers that align with your personality and interests.
2) Do Internships- at your age, you have the benefit of time to explore. I encourage you to try different paths out. Whether that is engineering or something else.
3) Conduct informational interviews- reach out to people you know to learn about what they do. Set up 20 minute conversations or coffee to learn about their day to day jobs
4) Job Shadow- ask people whose careers seem interesting to you to follow them for a day at work.
My last piece of advice is just to be open to different things. If I could go back, I would explore as many career paths as possible. There is so much pressure from society to pick one path but if you have the time, I would explore different things that interests you. The more you learn about different career paths and get exposure, the more it will help you hoan what is/is not interesting to you
I think it's a complex answer but I would encourage you to think about what you love doing (where do you find yourself getting lost). Is that Engineering or something else? Also think about where your skill set comes in and how that plays in with your interests
I would recommend a few things:
1) If you have access to it, you can take an assessment like the Strong Interest Inventory that is available at many schools (or I can also support) that will tell you majors and careers that align with your personality and interests.
2) Do Internships- at your age, you have the benefit of time to explore. I encourage you to try different paths out. Whether that is engineering or something else.
3) Conduct informational interviews- reach out to people you know to learn about what they do. Set up 20 minute conversations or coffee to learn about their day to day jobs
4) Job Shadow- ask people whose careers seem interesting to you to follow them for a day at work.
My last piece of advice is just to be open to different things. If I could go back, I would explore as many career paths as possible. There is so much pressure from society to pick one path but if you have the time, I would explore different things that interests you. The more you learn about different career paths and get exposure, the more it will help you hoan what is/is not interesting to you
Updated
Margit’s Answer
Hello Sebastian,
I'd love to suggest that you start by exploring what truly brings you joy and identifying your areas of interest. If you're finding this a bit challenging, don't worry! You could always seek professional advice or undergo an assessment.
I've also found it incredibly beneficial to pay close attention to the interactions you have with others in your daily life. Consider the people you interact with - what are their professions and roles? This could help you envision where you might fit in and discover opportunities that align with your talents and interests.
Once you've pinpointed an area of interest, interning could be a great way to test the waters and see if your expectations match the reality.
I hope these suggestions provide some guidance for you. Best of luck on your journey!
Warm regards, Margit
I'd love to suggest that you start by exploring what truly brings you joy and identifying your areas of interest. If you're finding this a bit challenging, don't worry! You could always seek professional advice or undergo an assessment.
I've also found it incredibly beneficial to pay close attention to the interactions you have with others in your daily life. Consider the people you interact with - what are their professions and roles? This could help you envision where you might fit in and discover opportunities that align with your talents and interests.
Once you've pinpointed an area of interest, interning could be a great way to test the waters and see if your expectations match the reality.
I hope these suggestions provide some guidance for you. Best of luck on your journey!
Warm regards, Margit
Updated
Steph’s Answer
Great question! Start by speaking with others in your area of interest - ask them how they broke into the industry, and tips, tricks, suggestions, and just build your network. Internships and job shadowing can give you great insight into the next steps you should take (or pitfalls to avoid) as you begin your career.
Research and reach out several different types of engineers, and find what aligns best with your current interest and talents. Keeping an open mind when exploring these options might open up a whole area you hadn't considered that may be just the perfect fit for you.
Best of luck!
Research and reach out several different types of engineers, and find what aligns best with your current interest and talents. Keeping an open mind when exploring these options might open up a whole area you hadn't considered that may be just the perfect fit for you.
Best of luck!