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What inspired or influence you to choose your career?
How much do you enjoy your career?
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10 answers
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Ryan’s Answer
Hey Miguel,
I'm not sure how much I consciously chose my career, I rather fell into it and have been doing it ever since. I started taking my career seriously when I joined the military and got training and education. Although I didn't consider choosing technology as my career, it just happened to be something I was good at and it came naturally.
That training and education helped propel me forward in the civilian world and I became a consultant fairly quickly while I worked and went to school. I kept learning - mostly hands-on and in the field - touching everything I could to learn the entire landscape of IT and Business. Being a consultant allowed me to work in almost every industry and vertical so I got a lot of experience seeing how different size organizations implemented technology, how they structured their businesses, employees, and staff, and what decisions were made to drive revenue.
It was clear early on that I enjoyed the business side of technology and ensuring how to enable businesses through technology, and I did this by deploying solutions and managing teams.
It wasn't a clear direction out of high school, through the military, or in college, it came through showing up every day and being curious about where I was spending my time and energy and on what. I asked the question daily what about this do I enjoy? What enlivens my curiosity? And 20 years later, I still ask the question.
No two routes are the same but stop and check in with your curiosity once in a while.
I'm not sure how much I consciously chose my career, I rather fell into it and have been doing it ever since. I started taking my career seriously when I joined the military and got training and education. Although I didn't consider choosing technology as my career, it just happened to be something I was good at and it came naturally.
That training and education helped propel me forward in the civilian world and I became a consultant fairly quickly while I worked and went to school. I kept learning - mostly hands-on and in the field - touching everything I could to learn the entire landscape of IT and Business. Being a consultant allowed me to work in almost every industry and vertical so I got a lot of experience seeing how different size organizations implemented technology, how they structured their businesses, employees, and staff, and what decisions were made to drive revenue.
It was clear early on that I enjoyed the business side of technology and ensuring how to enable businesses through technology, and I did this by deploying solutions and managing teams.
It wasn't a clear direction out of high school, through the military, or in college, it came through showing up every day and being curious about where I was spending my time and energy and on what. I asked the question daily what about this do I enjoy? What enlivens my curiosity? And 20 years later, I still ask the question.
No two routes are the same but stop and check in with your curiosity once in a while.
Updated
Richard J (Rich)’s Answer
As the previous responder said - your career starts with what it is you think you want to do for the rest of your life - and then it goes in directions you never expect. I call it "seize the opportunity."
You should start with what you believe your passion is. I believe everyone, and it comes at any age growing up, realizes a passion that they would like to pursue and considers doing for the rest of your life (some people actually do that). With that passion you find ways to achieve that goal. Depending on your situation - it may not be a direct route to get their, but it is a pursuit you don't give up on. It is all about what you believe your internal thoughts are about your future.
When you get there it either is what you expected or not. If not, as you mature or as opportunities present themselves - you may shift career paths. That could because your situation changes, your passion changes, our you just feel like it. That shift may not be planned - but it may present itself
I made the good choice of starting enlisted in the US Air Force. I did not realize all the opportunities that presented to me to do different jobs and gain various skills. For me, it was the perfect environment to keep finding new adventures and to continuously "seize the opportunity." That can happen in multiple organizations both civilian, military, or government. My passion became public service (which I never expected) and using the USAF as the venue - I got to achieve my passion while doing many many different jobs in many locations. When I started in the USAF I had no idea where it would lead me - but it turned out a good path for me.
So, what inspired me or influenced my career - I went with my internal gut that I wanted to join the USAF and the seized any opportunity that kept me passionate about waking up every morning and doing a meaningful days work
You should start with what you believe your passion is. I believe everyone, and it comes at any age growing up, realizes a passion that they would like to pursue and considers doing for the rest of your life (some people actually do that). With that passion you find ways to achieve that goal. Depending on your situation - it may not be a direct route to get their, but it is a pursuit you don't give up on. It is all about what you believe your internal thoughts are about your future.
When you get there it either is what you expected or not. If not, as you mature or as opportunities present themselves - you may shift career paths. That could because your situation changes, your passion changes, our you just feel like it. That shift may not be planned - but it may present itself
I made the good choice of starting enlisted in the US Air Force. I did not realize all the opportunities that presented to me to do different jobs and gain various skills. For me, it was the perfect environment to keep finding new adventures and to continuously "seize the opportunity." That can happen in multiple organizations both civilian, military, or government. My passion became public service (which I never expected) and using the USAF as the venue - I got to achieve my passion while doing many many different jobs in many locations. When I started in the USAF I had no idea where it would lead me - but it turned out a good path for me.
So, what inspired me or influenced my career - I went with my internal gut that I wanted to join the USAF and the seized any opportunity that kept me passionate about waking up every morning and doing a meaningful days work
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
I agree with Rich. Sometimes your career ends up being something you never expected. It's great to seize the opportunity of open doors when you see them.
I started out my career ten years ago as a Graphic Designer in marketing offices after getting a Bachelor's Degree in it. On the job, I was able to learn more about drafting communications and magazine articles, understanding your audiences, and tailoring your products and services to them. I then became a Communications Consultant where I advised corporate executives on drafting communications and the best methods for reaching their audiences to inspire organizational change. I then had an opportunity to get a full-time position in a Fortune 500 company as a Business Advisor, thanks to the relationships I'd made and the reputation I built as a Communications Consultant for that same company. As a Business Advisor, I had more hands-on experience in understanding, planning, managing, and sustaining organizational change for the company and used company resources to learn more about Organizational & People Change Management. Finally, I had the opportunity to join a new team as a Senior Change Partner, helping to improve the employee experience in our company by advising leaders on understanding the behavioral changes employees need to make for their projects to be successful, planning and developing the best tactics for employees to get there, managing employee sentiment and expectations, and sustaining the change once the project is completed.
If you're open to learning, take every opportunity in every job you have to learn more about what your peers are doing so that you and your whole team can be successful. Leaders will take note and more doors will open for you that way.
I started out my career ten years ago as a Graphic Designer in marketing offices after getting a Bachelor's Degree in it. On the job, I was able to learn more about drafting communications and magazine articles, understanding your audiences, and tailoring your products and services to them. I then became a Communications Consultant where I advised corporate executives on drafting communications and the best methods for reaching their audiences to inspire organizational change. I then had an opportunity to get a full-time position in a Fortune 500 company as a Business Advisor, thanks to the relationships I'd made and the reputation I built as a Communications Consultant for that same company. As a Business Advisor, I had more hands-on experience in understanding, planning, managing, and sustaining organizational change for the company and used company resources to learn more about Organizational & People Change Management. Finally, I had the opportunity to join a new team as a Senior Change Partner, helping to improve the employee experience in our company by advising leaders on understanding the behavioral changes employees need to make for their projects to be successful, planning and developing the best tactics for employees to get there, managing employee sentiment and expectations, and sustaining the change once the project is completed.
If you're open to learning, take every opportunity in every job you have to learn more about what your peers are doing so that you and your whole team can be successful. Leaders will take note and more doors will open for you that way.
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi,
I took a broad approach when I was younger because I was not sure what I wanted to do after college. I earned my bachelors in business and communications. I ultimately looked for pay and benefits as a starting point. Fortunately, I landed with Verizon which cared for both. Once in Verizon, I have continued to move and explore opportunities to grow and go after what inspires me. I have changed jobs many times and love the challenge of something new. My advice would be to continue to explore to find what makes you happy and keeps you inspired. Let others know what you want to do so they are aware and can support you. And, if you really are starting at ground zero, find mentors who can help you explore professional opportunities.
Mike
I took a broad approach when I was younger because I was not sure what I wanted to do after college. I earned my bachelors in business and communications. I ultimately looked for pay and benefits as a starting point. Fortunately, I landed with Verizon which cared for both. Once in Verizon, I have continued to move and explore opportunities to grow and go after what inspires me. I have changed jobs many times and love the challenge of something new. My advice would be to continue to explore to find what makes you happy and keeps you inspired. Let others know what you want to do so they are aware and can support you. And, if you really are starting at ground zero, find mentors who can help you explore professional opportunities.
Mike
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hi, Miguel! This question made me smile because instead of having set goals or a desire from childhood for a particular job like teaching, as another professional posted, my career began by complete accident. My "inspiration" was needing a job as I was set to graduate college with no employment prospects at all. Through my school's Placement Office (not sure what colleges call those now), I landed an interview for a Compliance Officer position at a Wall Street firm only about a month from graduation. They called the me the next day with an offer and as I had nothing else, I figured I would give it a shot. The worst that could happen is it didn't work out and and I would find something else. I chose to stay in that job and make Compliance a career because I found the field to be engaging, challenging, fascinating at times, and a good match for my temperament and abilities. If there's a point here, I guess it's that sometimes it's okay not to be wed to a plan. Be open to opportunities and understand you may diverge from your path in choosing a career. Life doesn't always cooperate with your idea of what it should be. I had no desire to work on Wall Street but that's where my one job opportunity out of school was so off to Wall Street I went. A college buddy of mine majored in Communications with the idea of being a radio DJ (that was a much bigger deal back then) or going into TV production. His career after graduation? Reinsurance and then sales. Sometimes choosing a career is not so straightforward a thing but know that it can be okay. A career, chosen or not, is what you make of it.
Updated
Luke’s Answer
I'm a civil engineer by trade. But now I'm in the mergers and acquisitions space. Originally I chose civil engineering because it was practical - I was good at math and I knew it would be easy to find a stable job after college. After my interest in civil engineering dwindled, I looked toward the general business direction.
Your question in the description is an important one. I switched careers because I no longer enjoyed civil engineering. So I always recommend high school students to think about where they think their interests will be 20 years from now - then go study that in college.
Your question in the description is an important one. I switched careers because I no longer enjoyed civil engineering. So I always recommend high school students to think about where they think their interests will be 20 years from now - then go study that in college.
Updated
Erick’s Answer
Things I'm passionate about. Something I love to do and get paid to do it.
Updated
Tony’s Answer
I like change and the wireless industry is constantly changing on the technical side of the house. Currently we are working on 5G but what is next? Wireless is the way of the future.
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Tracei’s Answer
i am a Supervisor at Verizon and I am going on my 16th year. I truly love helping people and seeing them grow. I love to incorporate engagement in my daily duties to ensure that I am always touching the human side of my employees and not always business.
Laurie Pritchard, Ed. S., M.A.T.
Executive Trainer, Rocket Mortgage
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Answers
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Laurie’s Answer
Great question! For me, the day I started kindergarten as a child I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Teaching and learning, became a passion of mine and I pursued it as a career. I absolutely loved it. After 30 years, I decided to retire for many reasons and decided to pursue a career as a trainer in the business world. Still able to teach people, just in a different way. I love it!!!! You never know where your life and career will take you, but if you figure out what your passion is, that's a great place to start.