9 answers
Dayne
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
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How hard is it to find a career you actually like?
is a career you like hard to find?
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9 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
When you first start out it can be a challenge, because you might lack the experience required for a job that you might covet.
But there are ways to achieve your goal. Look for opportunities to improve your skills. Focus on becoming a generalist, and have cross training in many areas, that will enable you to transfer into another position as efficiently as possible.
Look for non-paid or volunteer opportunities, that will provide more experience and develop your professional credentials.
It can take persistence and patience, but if you continue to climb higher and establish your career supply camps, you will eventually reach the summit of the professional Mount Everest.
But there are ways to achieve your goal. Look for opportunities to improve your skills. Focus on becoming a generalist, and have cross training in many areas, that will enable you to transfer into another position as efficiently as possible.
Look for non-paid or volunteer opportunities, that will provide more experience and develop your professional credentials.
It can take persistence and patience, but if you continue to climb higher and establish your career supply camps, you will eventually reach the summit of the professional Mount Everest.
Al Sallette
Technical Writer
4
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Al’s Answer
Embarking on a career that you truly love hinges on maintaining an open mind, embracing flexibility, and possessing a readiness to learn and explore. By adopting this mindset on your life's journey, your experiences will guide you towards what you genuinely enjoy, what sparks your enthusiasm, and what skills you can cultivate to excel. Education plays a vital role in this process as it offers you a platform to explore diverse fields, identify your interests, and hone crucial life skills such as learning.
My college years were filled with studies in history and Chinese. My professional journey began with teaching in a job training program within the Chinese community. Here, I took the initiative to teach a basic computer course, and to my surprise, I found it incredibly rewarding! This newfound passion led me to transition into the software development team of a major bank. I further pursued studies in software development at Columbia University, paving the way to become a software engineer.
Throughout my career in the tech industry, I've held various roles - from being a trainer, an IT manager, a computer sales engineer, a technical course developer, a software engineer, to an engineering manager at a significant startup. I've also had the honor of teaching at China's premier university, founding a startup, and working as a technical writer. Each role brought its own unique joy, and I cherished every moment of it!
My college years were filled with studies in history and Chinese. My professional journey began with teaching in a job training program within the Chinese community. Here, I took the initiative to teach a basic computer course, and to my surprise, I found it incredibly rewarding! This newfound passion led me to transition into the software development team of a major bank. I further pursued studies in software development at Columbia University, paving the way to become a software engineer.
Throughout my career in the tech industry, I've held various roles - from being a trainer, an IT manager, a computer sales engineer, a technical course developer, a software engineer, to an engineering manager at a significant startup. I've also had the honor of teaching at China's premier university, founding a startup, and working as a technical writer. Each role brought its own unique joy, and I cherished every moment of it!
Tina Posey
Senior Manager, Cyber Services
6
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Tina’s Answer
Dayne Its also important to look inside yourself to determine what you think you are best at as well as look externally at possible careers. I'd start with Myers Briggs or other career assessment test to see what my strengths and weaknesses are, what careers might fit, also evaluating my grades , my life situation and college choices to determine where to start. Here is a site I found recently for a young friend in senior year of High school: https://www.intelligent.com/best-free-career-test-and-quizzes. Good luck to you!
Enrique Vidal
Security Architect/Cybersecurity Engineer
7
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Enrique’s Answer
Hello there! The question of "finding a job you love" or "being content in your career" is a common one, and it's something I've pondered over myself. After years of experience, I've come to realize that it's completely possible to find a job you enjoy. It might not be as difficult as you think, but the real question is, does this career align with your financial aspirations? Some people are fortunate enough to answer "yes" to both these questions. They love their job and it fulfills their financial needs. However, for others, the answers may vary. So, I would advise considering both these aspects when making career decisions.
Remember, it's never too late to switch careers if you realize that your current one isn't the right fit for you. There's absolutely nothing stopping you from making a change. So, go ahead and pursue a career that truly resonates with you.
Remember, it's never too late to switch careers if you realize that your current one isn't the right fit for you. There's absolutely nothing stopping you from making a change. So, go ahead and pursue a career that truly resonates with you.
Taylor Lemieux, MBA
Consultant
6
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Finding a career that excites you takes understanding of your interests. What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time? What motivates you? That is a good starting point!
Do some research into industries and potential roles that align with your interests. See what's out there!
Try talking to people working in various industries and positions. Get an understanding of what actually happens in these roles and see if they are roles you can see yourself doing in the future.
Accept that your career isn't set in stone! I am a career changer and went from working in hospitality to consulting. As you get older and have more experiences, your desires and what excites you can change. Think of your career has a journey, rather than an end goal.
Do some research into industries and potential roles that align with your interests. See what's out there!
Try talking to people working in various industries and positions. Get an understanding of what actually happens in these roles and see if they are roles you can see yourself doing in the future.
Accept that your career isn't set in stone! I am a career changer and went from working in hospitality to consulting. As you get older and have more experiences, your desires and what excites you can change. Think of your career has a journey, rather than an end goal.
Rafeeq Rehman
Software
1
Answer
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Rafeeq’s Answer
Sometimes it may seems that it is hard. However, if you make a good plan and build your network, this may not be that difficult.
Brandon Olson
Tax Manager
52
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Absolutely, it's perfectly okay to feel a bit anxious about finding a career that truly matches your passions. Yes, the job market can be a tough arena, and certain sectors may pose more hurdles than others when it comes to landing roles. But, don't forget, armed with determination, resilience, and the right skill set, you can definitely forge a career path that resonates with your interests.
A smart strategy is to dive deep into the current trends and needs of your preferred field. By keeping a finger on the pulse of the industry's demands, you can shape your educational and work experiences to better fulfill those requirements. Building connections with professionals who have already made their mark in your chosen field can offer priceless insights and might even pave the way to fresh opportunities.
Furthermore, sharpening your skills and staying flexible in the ever-changing job market can greatly boost your career prospects. Think about pursuing internships, joining relevant workshops, and earning certifications that can enhance your resume. Taking such proactive measures can significantly improve your odds of discovering a rewarding career that brings you joy.
Remember, tenacity and a sunny outlook are vital in steering through the job market. Keep an open heart, stay committed to your objectives, and make the most of the resources at your disposal. Together, we can design a strategic plan to assist you in chasing your dream career path. Don't hesitate to arrange a meeting with me, and we can delve into your unique situation in greater depth.
A smart strategy is to dive deep into the current trends and needs of your preferred field. By keeping a finger on the pulse of the industry's demands, you can shape your educational and work experiences to better fulfill those requirements. Building connections with professionals who have already made their mark in your chosen field can offer priceless insights and might even pave the way to fresh opportunities.
Furthermore, sharpening your skills and staying flexible in the ever-changing job market can greatly boost your career prospects. Think about pursuing internships, joining relevant workshops, and earning certifications that can enhance your resume. Taking such proactive measures can significantly improve your odds of discovering a rewarding career that brings you joy.
Remember, tenacity and a sunny outlook are vital in steering through the job market. Keep an open heart, stay committed to your objectives, and make the most of the resources at your disposal. Together, we can design a strategic plan to assist you in chasing your dream career path. Don't hesitate to arrange a meeting with me, and we can delve into your unique situation in greater depth.
Hi Brandon, thank you for your valuable input! I do ask you to keep any needed support to Danye on this platform. Due to safety and security issues, we do not allow connections outside of the platform. Thank you!
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Christine Mansour-Rathgeber
Cyber Security
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hey there! You've asked a fantastic question! Should your school provide it, make sure to seize any job shadowing programs in fields you believe you might enjoy. You might need to collaborate with your school's Guidance Counselor to discover volunteer roles beyond the school term, which could offer you a sneak peek into the actual job scenario.
On the other hand, consider the courses you're currently enrolled in, or those you plan to take. Do these courses excite you? For some, the subjects they study in High School or College can guide them in deciding if their chosen career path still holds their interest. It's possible that after a course or two, you might realize the need to switch your major or educational trajectory. If you've already graduated from College, there's always the option to take extra classes in different fields to explore if a career change is in order. Remember, it's never too late to venture into new territories!
On the other hand, consider the courses you're currently enrolled in, or those you plan to take. Do these courses excite you? For some, the subjects they study in High School or College can guide them in deciding if their chosen career path still holds their interest. It's possible that after a course or two, you might realize the need to switch your major or educational trajectory. If you've already graduated from College, there's always the option to take extra classes in different fields to explore if a career change is in order. Remember, it's never too late to venture into new territories!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1515
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. You have to find out what career you have interest. It should not be hard, right?
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!