6 answers
brook
Student
Vancouver, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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how do you know a job is right fot you?
how do you know a job is right for you
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6 answers
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
64
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Brook -
It's great that you're thinking about this early. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that "epiphany" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.
On the other hand, spend time thinking about what is important to you. What about a job or career do you value most? Money, impact (making a difference), low demanding, being famous, etc. Once you know what's most important to you, that will help you further narrow down the best career for you.
From my own experience, I studied electrical engineering but found that I did not like it. I then changed to a general major, not sure where to go. By the end semester, I decided to speak to an advisor, who simply asked what I (as a person) liked, regardless of whether or not there was an available program. From that, she introduced me to Engineering technology, which I began as it piqued my interest. However, through the program, I learned about process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma)....and at this point, I did experience that "AHA" moment you seek! It is a great feeling indeed, and to date, I shifted from engineering to focus on process improvement full-time, and I love it!
Hope this helps, best of luck!
It's great that you're thinking about this early. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that "epiphany" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.
On the other hand, spend time thinking about what is important to you. What about a job or career do you value most? Money, impact (making a difference), low demanding, being famous, etc. Once you know what's most important to you, that will help you further narrow down the best career for you.
From my own experience, I studied electrical engineering but found that I did not like it. I then changed to a general major, not sure where to go. By the end semester, I decided to speak to an advisor, who simply asked what I (as a person) liked, regardless of whether or not there was an available program. From that, she introduced me to Engineering technology, which I began as it piqued my interest. However, through the program, I learned about process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma)....and at this point, I did experience that "AHA" moment you seek! It is a great feeling indeed, and to date, I shifted from engineering to focus on process improvement full-time, and I love it!
Hope this helps, best of luck!
Manisha Nanda
Business Systems Analyst
4
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Manisha’s Answer
Feeling excited about heading to work and savoring the journey is truly crucial. Here are some indicators that you've found the perfect job for you:
1. You relish the chance to work together with your team to tackle challenges and brainstorm innovative solutions.
2. You receive a satisfying salary.
3. You eagerly anticipate what the next day will bring.
4. You have a deep fondness for your team.
5. Your efforts and contributions are recognized and valued.
6. The job enhances your abilities and offers abundant learning opportunities.
To aid in your quest for a fulfilling job, consider these recommendations:
1. Participate in ERG (Employee Resource Groups) within your organization.
2. Become a member of a Toastmasters club.
3. Engage in conversations with colleagues and seek out online resources (like LinkedIn).
1. You relish the chance to work together with your team to tackle challenges and brainstorm innovative solutions.
2. You receive a satisfying salary.
3. You eagerly anticipate what the next day will bring.
4. You have a deep fondness for your team.
5. Your efforts and contributions are recognized and valued.
6. The job enhances your abilities and offers abundant learning opportunities.
To aid in your quest for a fulfilling job, consider these recommendations:
1. Participate in ERG (Employee Resource Groups) within your organization.
2. Become a member of a Toastmasters club.
3. Engage in conversations with colleagues and seek out online resources (like LinkedIn).
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to find out what you have interest. That is the right career for you.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical artist, singer, 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,
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. hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical artist, singer, 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,
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!
Shahara Walker
Product Management
5
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Shahara’s Answer
It's hard to tell if a job suits you when you first start. However, once you've learned enough about your role and feel confident that you're making a difference, that's when you'll know it's the right fit. If you dread going to work or lack the enthusiasm you initially had, it's time to question your happiness and commitment to the job. If you find that you're no longer content or invested in your work, then perhaps it's time to seek a new career that brings you joy and allows you to make a meaningful impact.
Marisa Elsaesser
Product Manager
2
Answers
Glen Gardner, New Jersey
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
Q: How do you know a job is right for you?
A: Deciding if a job is the right fit for you should be based on a blend of what the job provides for you and how you feel about what you do.
Consider what the job provides for you:
-Are you making enough money to pay for your current and future expenses?
-Does your job offer good benefits, ex: health insurance to cover the cost if you need to visit a doctor.
-Are you learning new skills that will be helpful for you in the future?
-Are you able to network with people who interest you?
Consider how you feel about what you do:
-Are you proud of the work that you're doing?
-Do you enjoy who you work with? Do you leave feeling better for having spent time with them?
-Does interacting with your coworkers or customers make you feel as if you're learning more about yourself, your community, and society in general?
If you can say Yes to most of these then rest assure that you're in a good spot! If you can't, then consider what other jobs are available that would satisfy these needs.
A: Deciding if a job is the right fit for you should be based on a blend of what the job provides for you and how you feel about what you do.
Consider what the job provides for you:
-Are you making enough money to pay for your current and future expenses?
-Does your job offer good benefits, ex: health insurance to cover the cost if you need to visit a doctor.
-Are you learning new skills that will be helpful for you in the future?
-Are you able to network with people who interest you?
Consider how you feel about what you do:
-Are you proud of the work that you're doing?
-Do you enjoy who you work with? Do you leave feeling better for having spent time with them?
-Does interacting with your coworkers or customers make you feel as if you're learning more about yourself, your community, and society in general?
If you can say Yes to most of these then rest assure that you're in a good spot! If you can't, then consider what other jobs are available that would satisfy these needs.
Carolina DiCampo
General Engineer
7
Answers
Burlington, Vermont
Updated
Carolina’s Answer
Hello Brook,
I feel drawn to answer your question as someone who did not know what I wanted.
At the end of high school, I knew certain things I liked. I liked Art, Dog Training, and Dance. I liked machines and cared passionately about the earth. I liked making stuff in many forms. Academically, I liked Math.
My father is a mechanical engineer. I’d also spent some time working as an architectural draftsman. Because I liked math and art, people around me directed me towards architecture. It seemed like a logical path, after all, they told me it was a combination of math and art, and I’d spent some time as a draftsman.
But I felt torn, and confused, and often not understood.
I remember applying for architecture school, meanwhile doing my senior project on renewable tech, and finding myself spending a lot of time in the math department. I remember telling my father on a car ride that I wanted a degree in “cool stuff engineering,” because I wanted to work on renewables, and robots, and maybe rockets, cool stuff, but that I didn’t feel there was an option for that. Another time I argued with my family and threatened to bail on architecture school for a degree in math. I applied to several schools for architecture, and one for mechanical engineering, and another for electrical engineering.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted what I signed up for.
On the day I had to commit to the school I choose, I cried because I no longer thought it was what I wanted, but wasn’t sure how to get on a path that would make me happier.
I went to school for architecture. I was good at it. One of the top students in the class. And I was miserable. I argued with my family over a school break.
When I went back I took more engineering courses, and found I liked them. I dropped my architecture major. I was told I would regret that, I don’t. I still wasn’t sure between mechanical and electrical engineering. I debated a while, stressed, and confused, etc. I wound up choosing neither. I wound up a General Engineer, focused on Renewables.
Turned out, there was an option for “cool stuff engineering,” they just don’t call it that on the forms.
Looking back, during all the time I spent “not knowing what I wanted,” I did know what I wanted, I just didn’t know how to get there.
I wanted to help the earth, I liked renewables, I wanted to make stuff and be creative, and use math. I wanted a degree in cool stuff engineering.
It has turned out that Engineering is good career for me.
What I suggest, is that you consider what you are passionate about, good at, like doing, etc. And then look at ways to do that. I also suggest that while you may not know what the ‘right’ job is, you will likely know what the wrong job is as you try things. If you decide to try something believing it to be the ‘right’ path, and it isn’t, pivot, try something else.
One of the happiest people I’ve known, was miserable for a time, until in a discussion with his mother he expressed that he wanted to be a farmer but that he didn’t think he could. She helped him find a path to that. He is now a very happy dairy farmer.
Don’t let your perceptions of what you can’t do, keep you from finding a way to do what you want.
Best of luck,
-C
Think about what you care about
Think about ways to do what you want
If a path don't seem right, swap
Don’t let your perceptions of what you can’t do, keep you from finding a way to do what you want.
I feel drawn to answer your question as someone who did not know what I wanted.
At the end of high school, I knew certain things I liked. I liked Art, Dog Training, and Dance. I liked machines and cared passionately about the earth. I liked making stuff in many forms. Academically, I liked Math.
My father is a mechanical engineer. I’d also spent some time working as an architectural draftsman. Because I liked math and art, people around me directed me towards architecture. It seemed like a logical path, after all, they told me it was a combination of math and art, and I’d spent some time as a draftsman.
But I felt torn, and confused, and often not understood.
I remember applying for architecture school, meanwhile doing my senior project on renewable tech, and finding myself spending a lot of time in the math department. I remember telling my father on a car ride that I wanted a degree in “cool stuff engineering,” because I wanted to work on renewables, and robots, and maybe rockets, cool stuff, but that I didn’t feel there was an option for that. Another time I argued with my family and threatened to bail on architecture school for a degree in math. I applied to several schools for architecture, and one for mechanical engineering, and another for electrical engineering.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted what I signed up for.
On the day I had to commit to the school I choose, I cried because I no longer thought it was what I wanted, but wasn’t sure how to get on a path that would make me happier.
I went to school for architecture. I was good at it. One of the top students in the class. And I was miserable. I argued with my family over a school break.
When I went back I took more engineering courses, and found I liked them. I dropped my architecture major. I was told I would regret that, I don’t. I still wasn’t sure between mechanical and electrical engineering. I debated a while, stressed, and confused, etc. I wound up choosing neither. I wound up a General Engineer, focused on Renewables.
Turned out, there was an option for “cool stuff engineering,” they just don’t call it that on the forms.
Looking back, during all the time I spent “not knowing what I wanted,” I did know what I wanted, I just didn’t know how to get there.
I wanted to help the earth, I liked renewables, I wanted to make stuff and be creative, and use math. I wanted a degree in cool stuff engineering.
It has turned out that Engineering is good career for me.
What I suggest, is that you consider what you are passionate about, good at, like doing, etc. And then look at ways to do that. I also suggest that while you may not know what the ‘right’ job is, you will likely know what the wrong job is as you try things. If you decide to try something believing it to be the ‘right’ path, and it isn’t, pivot, try something else.
One of the happiest people I’ve known, was miserable for a time, until in a discussion with his mother he expressed that he wanted to be a farmer but that he didn’t think he could. She helped him find a path to that. He is now a very happy dairy farmer.
Don’t let your perceptions of what you can’t do, keep you from finding a way to do what you want.
Best of luck,
-C
Carolina recommends the following next steps: