14 answers
Tvisha
Student
Pune, Maharashtra, India
6
Questions
Asked
840 views
How get clarity for your career ?
I am leaning towards two choices for career, either culinary arts or event management. I am still not completely confident to make a choice, how do i know what is the best choice for me in the long run for a career?
Login to comment
14 answers
Zachary Durst
Business Analyst
6
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
Deciding on a career path can be overwhelming. It's highly emphasized as a crossroads in your future where you're deciding what the next 20+ years will look like.
Let's start by taking some of that pressure off. Many people transition through different careers during their working lives. It's completely normal for your career journey to be an ongoing learning experience. What's satisfying and interesting today might not be the challenge that you're looking for in five years. And that's okay.
Now, how do you decide among options that appeal to you? I'd recommend looking at your decision through multiple lenses and then using what you discover to help inform your next move --- and any future moves.
Look back at past experiences that were impactful to you. What were you good at? What did you enjoy? What did you dislike? Now, where are there the opportunities to use what you like and are good at in the career that you're exploring? How many of your dislikes can you avoid? Consider reaching out to people in the field you're interesting in and sharing your list for their input.
Have a goal in mind. Starting down a career path for the sake of making money will get the job done, but it is rarely fulfilling. When you envision a future in culinary arts, what are you actually picturing---running your own place? managing a team of skilled chefs?
And remember, it's okay to try something, learn something, and move on to something new!
Let's start by taking some of that pressure off. Many people transition through different careers during their working lives. It's completely normal for your career journey to be an ongoing learning experience. What's satisfying and interesting today might not be the challenge that you're looking for in five years. And that's okay.
Now, how do you decide among options that appeal to you? I'd recommend looking at your decision through multiple lenses and then using what you discover to help inform your next move --- and any future moves.
Look back at past experiences that were impactful to you. What were you good at? What did you enjoy? What did you dislike? Now, where are there the opportunities to use what you like and are good at in the career that you're exploring? How many of your dislikes can you avoid? Consider reaching out to people in the field you're interesting in and sharing your list for their input.
Have a goal in mind. Starting down a career path for the sake of making money will get the job done, but it is rarely fulfilling. When you envision a future in culinary arts, what are you actually picturing---running your own place? managing a team of skilled chefs?
And remember, it's okay to try something, learn something, and move on to something new!
Thank you Zachary for your kind and helpful words, really gave me new perspective. Will surely implement it :)
Have a good day !
Tvisha
Elaina Chammout
Underwriter
9
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Elaina’s Answer
Hello Tvisha, I would recommend reaching out to some people you may know working in those careers to see if you can shadow them for a week or two to see what their day to day looks like and if you can picture yourself doing the same for the next few years. This will give you insight you may not be able to obtain in a classroom setting. Good luck!
Thank you Elania for your advice, i think it's gonna be help me a lot :)
Have a good day !
Tvisha
Frances Long
Network Engineer
13
Answers
Bedminster Township, New Jersey
Updated
Frances’s Answer
Hi Tvisha,
You could try to shadow an event planner or a chef. This way you would see first-hand what skills it takes and aspects of each job. There may be some responsibilities that you do not like or could not see yourself doing. You may find things that you love! In addition, ask these people questions about what they love about their career and duties that they hate and examples of how they came to that opinion.
Find a mentor - event planner or chef
Arrange times to shadow this professional
Make a list as you shadow of the responsibilities of each job
Make a like/ do not like column next to each responsibility according to your feelings.
Interview your mentor after the fact and find out what they love/hate and why
You could try to shadow an event planner or a chef. This way you would see first-hand what skills it takes and aspects of each job. There may be some responsibilities that you do not like or could not see yourself doing. You may find things that you love! In addition, ask these people questions about what they love about their career and duties that they hate and examples of how they came to that opinion.
Frances recommends the following next steps:
Rommel Declines Sr.
Principal Business Manager - State of CA
3
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Rommel’s Answer
Don’t feel too pressured to have one singular path. If you have interest in both, find ways to explore or work in those fields so you can get a real look at the work. You can volunteer or have part time work and let them know of your career path. Most people will try to help.
The more experience you get will open up other doors and you can decide if you continue both or choose one.
The more experience you get will open up other doors and you can decide if you continue both or choose one.
EZINNA EDGE IROEGBU
Educator/Researcher
22
Answers
Enugu, Nigeria
Updated
EZINNA EDGE’s Answer
The two career choices you are considering choosing one from are wonderful.
The best thing you can do in order to know the best choice for you is to get into the two careers. And getting into the two careers is very easy, work as an intern or assistant to someone that is into either of the careers. That way you can know if you find it satisfying and rewarding.
Another approach you can adopt is by finding people engaged on the same career path you are considering and ask them important questions to know if such a career is the right one for you. Prepare your questions around the areas of satisfaction, challenges, benefits, regrets, etc.
Equally avail yourself of volunteering options within the two career choices. That way you will get to know more about the two careers.
Finally, look for short free courses online in relation to the two careers. Run such courses and from there you can know what the future holds for you in the career you end up choosing.
Mind you, "this is all you" nobody can make this decision for you.
All the very best!
The best thing you can do in order to know the best choice for you is to get into the two careers. And getting into the two careers is very easy, work as an intern or assistant to someone that is into either of the careers. That way you can know if you find it satisfying and rewarding.
Another approach you can adopt is by finding people engaged on the same career path you are considering and ask them important questions to know if such a career is the right one for you. Prepare your questions around the areas of satisfaction, challenges, benefits, regrets, etc.
Equally avail yourself of volunteering options within the two career choices. That way you will get to know more about the two careers.
Finally, look for short free courses online in relation to the two careers. Run such courses and from there you can know what the future holds for you in the career you end up choosing.
Mind you, "this is all you" nobody can make this decision for you.
All the very best!
Thank you Ezinna for your thoughful advice, your take on my question is really interesting and i will surely consider implementing them. Have a good day :)
Tvisha
Varada Gurjar
Programmer
1
Answer
Newark
Updated
Varada’s Answer
Hi Tvisha .
A couple of options come to mind to make a choice.
- Reach out to people in both careers to see how their everyday is and career path has been. It may not be easy as you may not personally know people in either careers. But maybe a teacher or someone who has an experience in the field otherwise as well.
- Check requirements for internships in either career and start towards the same. You will need a degree and some experience so start with what jobs are asking for and then proceed by degree choice.
- Unpaid internships are also a good start if they are an option
- I recommend highly to chat with a college counsellor to see if your personality traits suit the careers . For example an outgoing nature and connecting with people is probably needed for event management along with organization ability. Career counsellors are suited to guide on these aspects.
- Online material can only help a little but find anything that gives you more input .
A couple of options come to mind to make a choice.
- Reach out to people in both careers to see how their everyday is and career path has been. It may not be easy as you may not personally know people in either careers. But maybe a teacher or someone who has an experience in the field otherwise as well.
- Check requirements for internships in either career and start towards the same. You will need a degree and some experience so start with what jobs are asking for and then proceed by degree choice.
- Unpaid internships are also a good start if they are an option
- I recommend highly to chat with a college counsellor to see if your personality traits suit the careers . For example an outgoing nature and connecting with people is probably needed for event management along with organization ability. Career counsellors are suited to guide on these aspects.
- Online material can only help a little but find anything that gives you more input .
Hello Varada, Thank you so much for taking out time to reply to my question.
i have already consulted 2 career counsellors for the same and these are the options i am inclining towards but cannot gt through a firm decision, however your advice is really helpful and i will be implementing it soon.
Hope we can connect more, have a good day :)
Tvisha
Brandy Vosburgh
operations
37
Answers
Summerville, South Carolina
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
I would suggest to evaluate what you have a passion for more. What reward are you seeking to get out of your career and how much are you willing to put into it. The requirements of each path can be drastically different. I would also suggest to look at the potential future for each career and how can you progress in it and what is the ultimate endgame you are looking for. I would explore what companies you may be interested in and what is the turn over rate for employees annually. Look through linked in and see if there are any employer reviews for the companies. For event management, do you plan to have a specialty that can make you a more attractive hire over someone else?
Thank you Brandy, that was really helpful and it was such an insightful information.
I plan to obtain BBA if i end up choosing event managem ent and contnue hosting events for my family or friends while studying which can reflect in my resume :)
Have a good day !
Tvisha
Alexa Dzubak
Dental assistant
75
Answers
Carmel, New York
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
My best advice would be for you to volunteer, work, internship (Whatever it takes) to gain experience in both fields. From there you should b able to gauge what you like better. You can also talk to people that work in the field, and see what they have to say about it.
Thank you Alexa, it's a great advice :)))
Tvisha
Cassandra R Johnson, MBA, CPC, ELI-MP
Marketing
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Cassandra R’s Answer
Tvisha,
I would start with finding a way to volunteer in both of those areas. Also, I can see where they may be linked in some way. A professional in culinary arts may lead you to working in Event Management (or vice versa). Definitely explore both areas as much as possible. You may find that there is a way to do both. One may be a primary career. The other may be a great side-hustle. There is nothing to say that you have to just choose one. Or you may choose one and decide later that the other is preferred. You may even discover another interest in your exploration.
The sky is the limit. Explore both and enjoy.
Cassandra
I would start with finding a way to volunteer in both of those areas. Also, I can see where they may be linked in some way. A professional in culinary arts may lead you to working in Event Management (or vice versa). Definitely explore both areas as much as possible. You may find that there is a way to do both. One may be a primary career. The other may be a great side-hustle. There is nothing to say that you have to just choose one. Or you may choose one and decide later that the other is preferred. You may even discover another interest in your exploration.
The sky is the limit. Explore both and enjoy.
Cassandra
Isabelle Bushman
Executive Business Partner and Project Manager
3
Answers
Foster City, California
Updated
Isabelle’s Answer
I worked in event management for a university dining program so I got to see both worlds. If you're not sure, you can try both or one where you can see both. Event management in a restaurant or catering company would give you great insight to both careers.
Lisa Lim
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
The two paths in question, culinary arts and event planning, are quite distinct from each other. Culinary arts is centered more around food service, while event planning leans towards project management. If your passion lies in the kitchen and with food, then culinary arts is the ideal path for your growth. On the other hand, if you find joy in crafting experiences, then you might want to consider event planning. Both paths offer a great deal of creativity.
There might be some advantages and disadvantages when it comes to salary and working hours. Event planning, being more sales-focused, offers a wider salary range. On the contrary, the salary range in culinary arts is not as broad, except in cases where tips are a significant part of the income, such as bartending or serving.
There might be some advantages and disadvantages when it comes to salary and working hours. Event planning, being more sales-focused, offers a wider salary range. On the contrary, the salary range in culinary arts is not as broad, except in cases where tips are a significant part of the income, such as bartending or serving.
Kimberly Schroeder
Project Management
4
Answers
Lake Mary, Florida
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
There are a lot of great answers here! Just to add to it, challenge yourself to really think about what you would like your career to look like. What kinds of things do you want? Room for advancement? Keeping the status quo? Ability for travel (or not...depending on your preference)? The question "Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?" is something to consider, but also, where do you see yourself next year? Take things one step at a time, but prepare for the future as well. Talk to people in your desired fields, and find out how they got started. You could get a mentor out of it or a foot in the door. Don't be too proud to start at the bottom and work your way up. Everyone starts somewhere, and it's usually at the bottom. Roll up those sleeves, and get ready to take on the world! Good luck!
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
265
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Tvisha!
Kindly review yourself with this career guiding book below.
Careers The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Future, New Edition by DORLING KINDERSLEY LTD.
Success.
Kindly review yourself with this career guiding book below.
Careers The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Future, New Edition by DORLING KINDERSLEY LTD.
Success.
Hi Willam,
Thank you, appreciate it
Have a good day :)
Tvisha
Rocio Llanos-Foots
Customer Experience Manager
9
Answers
Bridgewater, New Jersey
Updated
Rocio’s Answer
Hi Tvisha, that is a great question and it's totally ok and normal to not have a defined career path. Most people will change career paths multiple times in their lives.
My recommendation would be to look for some type of internship in either field. Once you are in, it will give you an idea of what the day to day like functions of that role is. It will help you know if it's something that you enjoy doing and if it's fitting for your lifestyle. If internships are not an option, you can try to find some people who may currently be doing that role (you can check out LinkedIn) and connect with them. Ask them questions about what a day in their life at work looks like and some more questions about what the field entails and how to get started. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable but just remember that most people enjoy helping others and talking about their career experience. Good luck!
My recommendation would be to look for some type of internship in either field. Once you are in, it will give you an idea of what the day to day like functions of that role is. It will help you know if it's something that you enjoy doing and if it's fitting for your lifestyle. If internships are not an option, you can try to find some people who may currently be doing that role (you can check out LinkedIn) and connect with them. Ask them questions about what a day in their life at work looks like and some more questions about what the field entails and how to get started. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable but just remember that most people enjoy helping others and talking about their career experience. Good luck!