What advice do you give to a student whose dream career is susceptible to job/financial instability due to constant evolving and influence by the advancement of technology?

Great Question Jasmine ... and one which I think is relevant to every field (not just technology).

I believe you need to choose the career that most interests you and focus on being the best at what you do. Of course, you should always also embrace change as the occupation you start with will inevitably evolve and your positions may become something completely different from what you first envisioned. From personal experience, I went to law school so that I could some day work in the Public Defender's office. I interned at the PD's office my 2nd year and found that I didn't like it nearly as much as the transactional law firm I worked at the summer before. Lo and behold I am now a corporate lawyer which is nothing close to what I started out wanting to be. I think change is scary but becoming irrelevant is even more scary- do everything you can to keep advancing your skills- take advantage of tuition reimbursement and raise your hand for every opportunity!

Hi Jasmine! A wise older woman friend of mine some years ago asked me this question when I was fretting about some future event. She said Paul "Why do you buy trouble before trouble gets here?" Hmm, I said! Focus on skills sets that will enhance your writing abilities. Become more aware of your gifts, talents interests and preferences. Be mindful and keep abreast of new technologies. Life Coaching and Organizational Change Consultants as possible career choices were non-existent when I was in school. My present knowing is that there will always be jobs available for creative, innovative, inspired, curious and talented individuals. Journalism suggests an interest in writing. How about becoming an editor, a fiction or non-fiction writer, a script writer, an authority in topics or subjects that you have passion about. Learn to dance on lily pads, seek rainbows and enjoy the rain! Life was meant to be joy filled. Focus more on the roses and less on the thorns. If you want too! Check out Marianne Williamson or Julie Moret on u tube and other inspirational women. Jennifer Bricker’s Amazing Story is another one at u tube. Trust yourself more and the outside world's requirements less. The best Jasmine! Paul

Hello Jasmine:

One of the great aspects of Journalism is that you learn to tell stories. Story telling helps you sell an idea, market a product, communicate a vision to employees. Effective communication skills will always serve you well regardless of where your career takes you. At the same time, we all know that technology is changing at a rapid pace. To be successful we need to undersatnd what is happening in the world, continuously learn new skills and accept change as something that is exciting. Work hard, keeps a positive outlook, help others and learn new things every day and you will do well.

Best regards,

Kelly

Good question, Jasmine!

Paul and Ken have both given you good advice. I'd like to add onto it by recommending that you focus on how the evolution of technology may change and enhance your chosen field, rather than how they might limit it. This allows you get ahead of your "competition" by preparing yourself for the next trend, rather than finding yourself less employable. This is true for many fields, but if you think particularly of your chosen field (journalism), there are a lot of forward looking oportunities. I'm certainly not an expert in the field, but it seems (from what I've heard in the news) that things are moving to "just in time" and digital, personalized delivery of news. Perhaps you might consider supplementing your journalism studies with some digital and video skills. Think about ways to build your knowledge brand that embraces new technologies, rather than fears them. Don't be afraid to reach out and learn from people at the forefront of these sorts of inovations.

Good luck!