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What was your career choice and how did it go?
#career #career-choice
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Bruce’s Answer
My original career choice was to become a newspaper reporter. I entered high school in 1974, right after Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of the Washington Post broke the Watergate story that brought down President Richard Nixon. I was fascinated with journalism already, having started the newspaper for my 8th Grade class at a small Catholic school in San Jose, CA, and the notoriety and impact of the Watergate journalists took that interest to the next level. I got my BA in Journalism, and even worked at a small newspaper while I was still in college.
However, my career choice of becoming a newspaper reporter didn't really work out, but pursuing it did help me build some great skills that I have used daily in my career. When I finished my degree, newspaper work was already a very low-paying profession and typically involved cutting one's teeth sitting in City Council meetings and interviewing Planning Commissioners--a far cry from the investigative journalism popularized by Woodward and Bernstein. In addition, I realized over time that I was much too painfully shy to be an intrepid reporter, and though this was probably something I could break through in time, the newspaper industry was already starting its long pre-Internet decline, so I look back and actually consider it a good thing that I did not secure the one newspaper job I applied for, having been rejected mainly on the basis of a poor performance on the typing test. Nonetheless, I took my skills, and the experience gained while working my way through college, and joined a small trade publishing company as a proofreader. Within a few months, I was a project editor, and have since enjoyed a long, lucrative career as an editor, technical communicator, consultant, business and process analyst, and UX specialist. What I discovered is that the laser focus on clarity in every communication and the strict attention to detail I learned as a journalism student and editorial professional have served me in every job I've had.
The larger lessons I would take from this are: 1. Take whatever you're doing seriously and take pride in it, because the skills you're developing will undoubtedly serve you elsewhere; 2. At the same time, remain open to changes that might create opportunities, and be ready to seize those opportunities quickly. (I knew when I was 16 that I wanted to work with words and images, but I had no idea Silicon Valley would emerge in the very place where I was already living. Despite never envisioning myself in a tech job, I am now looking back on a successful tech career of 30+ years; 3. While you remain focused on what you're doing *now* to pay the bills, also keep your eyes and ears open and pursue the things that make you happy. You might not arrive at your dream career until you're 50 or more years old, but there's no reason you can't be happy doing whatever you happen to be doing. 4. Read, read, and read some more. Interests, opportunities, understanding, and meaning are deep inside thoughtful texts written by thoughtful people. You'll rarely find them on a reality TV show, so become a reader, as voracious as your schedule allows.
Check out "Who Moved My Cheese" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Moved_My_Cheese)
Check out StrengthsFinder (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StrengthsFinder), a methodology for uncovering the unique strengths you will bring to your career and life.
Consider a personality test to further understand what makes you tick. Before doing so, you might want to read up on them (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/09/10/what-personality-tests-really-deliver).
However, my career choice of becoming a newspaper reporter didn't really work out, but pursuing it did help me build some great skills that I have used daily in my career. When I finished my degree, newspaper work was already a very low-paying profession and typically involved cutting one's teeth sitting in City Council meetings and interviewing Planning Commissioners--a far cry from the investigative journalism popularized by Woodward and Bernstein. In addition, I realized over time that I was much too painfully shy to be an intrepid reporter, and though this was probably something I could break through in time, the newspaper industry was already starting its long pre-Internet decline, so I look back and actually consider it a good thing that I did not secure the one newspaper job I applied for, having been rejected mainly on the basis of a poor performance on the typing test. Nonetheless, I took my skills, and the experience gained while working my way through college, and joined a small trade publishing company as a proofreader. Within a few months, I was a project editor, and have since enjoyed a long, lucrative career as an editor, technical communicator, consultant, business and process analyst, and UX specialist. What I discovered is that the laser focus on clarity in every communication and the strict attention to detail I learned as a journalism student and editorial professional have served me in every job I've had.
The larger lessons I would take from this are: 1. Take whatever you're doing seriously and take pride in it, because the skills you're developing will undoubtedly serve you elsewhere; 2. At the same time, remain open to changes that might create opportunities, and be ready to seize those opportunities quickly. (I knew when I was 16 that I wanted to work with words and images, but I had no idea Silicon Valley would emerge in the very place where I was already living. Despite never envisioning myself in a tech job, I am now looking back on a successful tech career of 30+ years; 3. While you remain focused on what you're doing *now* to pay the bills, also keep your eyes and ears open and pursue the things that make you happy. You might not arrive at your dream career until you're 50 or more years old, but there's no reason you can't be happy doing whatever you happen to be doing. 4. Read, read, and read some more. Interests, opportunities, understanding, and meaning are deep inside thoughtful texts written by thoughtful people. You'll rarely find them on a reality TV show, so become a reader, as voracious as your schedule allows.
Bruce recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
I've had many career aspirations in my life, from Park Ranger, to Meteorologist, to Federal Agent, to Military Officer, to Counselor, to Firefighter, to Teacher. I've gotten to actually do 4 of those. To explain each would be long and boring, but I can summarize by saying that most of them didn't work out.
If you want to be successful and happy with your career choice, do not view any career, rank, title, position, or other objective as a finish line. Your life and your career is a journey. If you want Job A, but don't get it, or don't get it right away, be happy with Job B. Why? Because eventually you will get Job A, or more likely you'll find a Job C to get excited about, and if you're open minded and optimistic you will find ways to apply what you learned from Job B to your new job. For example, when I was training to be a counselor I learned a tremendous amount about mental illnesses. Well, I never became a counselor, but I did become a firefighter, and now I am much better at caring for mentally ill patients, and making sure that me and my coworkers don't develop mental illnesses from the burdens of our job.
Know that your career interests, jobs, employers, positions, job titles, companies, and salary will probably change many times. In some cases, you won't have any control over these changes. What matters is your attitude, and how you respond to the changes. Be positive.
If you want to be successful and happy with your career choice, do not view any career, rank, title, position, or other objective as a finish line. Your life and your career is a journey. If you want Job A, but don't get it, or don't get it right away, be happy with Job B. Why? Because eventually you will get Job A, or more likely you'll find a Job C to get excited about, and if you're open minded and optimistic you will find ways to apply what you learned from Job B to your new job. For example, when I was training to be a counselor I learned a tremendous amount about mental illnesses. Well, I never became a counselor, but I did become a firefighter, and now I am much better at caring for mentally ill patients, and making sure that me and my coworkers don't develop mental illnesses from the burdens of our job.
Know that your career interests, jobs, employers, positions, job titles, companies, and salary will probably change many times. In some cases, you won't have any control over these changes. What matters is your attitude, and how you respond to the changes. Be positive.
Great advice and answer Ryan and thank you for your impact as a first responder. I truly agree with you that "Your life and your career is a journey." Often, we may not see to where the journey is taking us, but it can bring us someplace more rewarding and satisfying than we ever thought it could be. Attitude is so important to keeping your mind open to the endless possibilities!
Melisa Cameron
Updated
Janelle’s Answer
I wanted to become a jingle writer the face behind brands that make up the creation for marketing to gain customers. I didn't proceed any further after high school but went towards companies where I would create my own brand which is myself and succeed in any job I have been in.
Updated
Melisa’s Answer
Hi Marvin,
Hello to a fellow Chicagoan and thank you for your thoughtful question.
I majored in Music my first two years of college, but then completed my BA in Organizational Management. I have a career in Corporate Social Responsibility and helping connect our employees to programs and opportunities that help others and make a difference our world. And I still get to use what I learned in my music education on the side, as a hobby and to serve as a volunteer musician.
I have found from my own experience, when your career is also something you are passionate about, it can be very rewarding. It may take trying different types of jobs before you find your ideal career or “dream job” but part of the experience is learning and growing from every opportunity you have.
Here’s a link to an older article, but I still think it is helpful. It’s about asking yourself these questions to find your own Career Sweet Spot.
1. What brings you joy?
2. What are you great at?
3. What will people pay you, enough, to do?
Link http://developmentcrossroads.com/2012/08/3-questions-to-find-your-career-sweet-spot/
Best wishes for success in your education and career goals.
career career-choice
Seek out a mentor or individual in a career that interests you and learn more about their job, what they like, dislike about it. Consider a job shadow day.
Here’s another approach to “Finding the work you were meant to do.” https://blog.ed.ted.com/2016/05/10/7-ideas-about-finding-the-work-you-were-meant-to-do/
Keep asking great questions. There are many people who want to help you succeed.
Hello to a fellow Chicagoan and thank you for your thoughtful question.
I majored in Music my first two years of college, but then completed my BA in Organizational Management. I have a career in Corporate Social Responsibility and helping connect our employees to programs and opportunities that help others and make a difference our world. And I still get to use what I learned in my music education on the side, as a hobby and to serve as a volunteer musician.
I have found from my own experience, when your career is also something you are passionate about, it can be very rewarding. It may take trying different types of jobs before you find your ideal career or “dream job” but part of the experience is learning and growing from every opportunity you have.
Here’s a link to an older article, but I still think it is helpful. It’s about asking yourself these questions to find your own Career Sweet Spot.
1. What brings you joy?
2. What are you great at?
3. What will people pay you, enough, to do?
Link http://developmentcrossroads.com/2012/08/3-questions-to-find-your-career-sweet-spot/
Best wishes for success in your education and career goals.
career career-choice
Melisa recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Candace’s Answer
I struggled with finding what I wanted to do after high school and into college. Eventually in college I chose Business Management as I enjoyed the topics, specifically Marketing Research. After graduation I held 4 jobs over 3 years as I continued to search for what interested me. I finally read "What Color is Your Parachute" and identified Recruiting as a profession. This was 35+ years ago and I remained in that profession for 15 years, which led me into being an Human Resource Business Partner and eventually to a Leadership Development Consultant.
With every job I learned more about myself and what I wanted and not wanted. I highly recommend the book "What Color is Your Parachute" and do all the exercises to find what you want to do.
With every job I learned more about myself and what I wanted and not wanted. I highly recommend the book "What Color is Your Parachute" and do all the exercises to find what you want to do.
Updated
Karen’s Answer
I chose to enter the business world because I liked the classes offered in my high school. I worked part-time during high school at a local company where I was mainly in charge of office supplies. After graduating from high school I got a full-time administrative job which I liked very much. Moved to a college town where I worked for a professor who was a great role model. From there spent a year working at an advertising agency in New York. Was not my favorite place to live so was glad to move back to the mid-west where I found my career.
During the next 30 years I gained valuable and a variety of experiences. Started in an administrative position and then applied for a travel planner spot. That's when I got to travel around the world as somewhat of a tour guide (not a lot of free time but still some great experiences). Was promoted to a management position and enjoyed those responsibilities. Along the way I gained a family and also enjoyed all that I was doing.
Then I moved into managing a nonprofit organization which was quite rewarding -- I was following my heart! Now I'm involved in lots of volunteer opportunities and extremely grateful for all the opportunities I've been given.
Bottom line is be open to new possibilities and gain from each adventure. Focus on enjoying your work life and always remember to give back!
During the next 30 years I gained valuable and a variety of experiences. Started in an administrative position and then applied for a travel planner spot. That's when I got to travel around the world as somewhat of a tour guide (not a lot of free time but still some great experiences). Was promoted to a management position and enjoyed those responsibilities. Along the way I gained a family and also enjoyed all that I was doing.
Then I moved into managing a nonprofit organization which was quite rewarding -- I was following my heart! Now I'm involved in lots of volunteer opportunities and extremely grateful for all the opportunities I've been given.
Bottom line is be open to new possibilities and gain from each adventure. Focus on enjoying your work life and always remember to give back!