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When did you decide the career path you wanted?
When did you decide the career path you wanted?
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Taryn’s Answer
I didnt decide my "forever job" until I was 25 years old.
When you are young you have all these ideas of what you would love to be, but sometimes you dont understand exactly what that job consists of. This is OK!! You dont always find yourself right away.
I started in college for teaching, then I realized I dont like to watch large groups of kids.
I switched to culinary and realized it wont ever pay a lot, unless I work as a head chef (super hard to land) or work on a cruise ship (I want a family so this isnt going to work)
I took a break from college and had kids and lived life, then after hearing my cousins 17 year old friend made 70,000 in cyber security I said "I CAN DO THAT!" I found out more and started in that direction.
Even in college for cyber I originally wanted to do pen testing, then focused on clubs, leading clubs and conferences. I ended up not finishing college and getting a role at IBM (after 3 tries) as a Data and Application Security Consultant. Even then I realized I wanted to move over to the Management side. I have now, at 32, found my passion!
So dont rush, keep an open mind and never say no.
When you are young you have all these ideas of what you would love to be, but sometimes you dont understand exactly what that job consists of. This is OK!! You dont always find yourself right away.
I started in college for teaching, then I realized I dont like to watch large groups of kids.
I switched to culinary and realized it wont ever pay a lot, unless I work as a head chef (super hard to land) or work on a cruise ship (I want a family so this isnt going to work)
I took a break from college and had kids and lived life, then after hearing my cousins 17 year old friend made 70,000 in cyber security I said "I CAN DO THAT!" I found out more and started in that direction.
Even in college for cyber I originally wanted to do pen testing, then focused on clubs, leading clubs and conferences. I ended up not finishing college and getting a role at IBM (after 3 tries) as a Data and Application Security Consultant. Even then I realized I wanted to move over to the Management side. I have now, at 32, found my passion!
So dont rush, keep an open mind and never say no.
Updated
Lake G.’s Answer
In my final year of high school, I had an amazing friend whose older brother was an accountant. We had a chat and decided to switch from studying natural sciences to social science business subjects like accounting, management, and economics, after hearing about his brother's professional achievements.
As soon as I began college, I chose to pursue an accounting degree for my career. I progressed to the next stage, earned my ACCA (UK) accounting certification, and then pursued an MBA and additional certifications to excel in my job. If you possess some basic knowledge that matches your interests, I believe it's a good idea to start thinking about your career while you're still in high school.
As soon as I began college, I chose to pursue an accounting degree for my career. I progressed to the next stage, earned my ACCA (UK) accounting certification, and then pursued an MBA and additional certifications to excel in my job. If you possess some basic knowledge that matches your interests, I believe it's a good idea to start thinking about your career while you're still in high school.
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Dante’s Answer
Excellent question, Laa.
I discovered my career early in life, as much as it discovered me. During my sophomore summer break, I was thinking about choosing a major. I saw a subway ad and thought — a graphic designer in advertising could be exciting. At that time, I worked part-time at an ad agency, doing general office tasks. The very next day, my boss asked if I knew anyone interested in a junior studio position that became available. I immediately said, "I want that job!"
That was many years ago, and I'm still a designer. I've experienced various roles, including marketing manager and a short stint as financial services software trainer, but I always returned to design. To adapt to industry changes, I learned on the job or attended evening classes. Staying curious and eager to learn new skills was crucial. More than the specific choices, having an open mindset was key. I had to be okay with feeling uncomfortable when things were beyond my control or understanding. That's when I experienced the most career growth.
As for the career path, it was wiggly and wildly random. Don't worry too much about it – everyone's journey is unique.
I discovered my career early in life, as much as it discovered me. During my sophomore summer break, I was thinking about choosing a major. I saw a subway ad and thought — a graphic designer in advertising could be exciting. At that time, I worked part-time at an ad agency, doing general office tasks. The very next day, my boss asked if I knew anyone interested in a junior studio position that became available. I immediately said, "I want that job!"
That was many years ago, and I'm still a designer. I've experienced various roles, including marketing manager and a short stint as financial services software trainer, but I always returned to design. To adapt to industry changes, I learned on the job or attended evening classes. Staying curious and eager to learn new skills was crucial. More than the specific choices, having an open mindset was key. I had to be okay with feeling uncomfortable when things were beyond my control or understanding. That's when I experienced the most career growth.
As for the career path, it was wiggly and wildly random. Don't worry too much about it – everyone's journey is unique.
Updated
Jenica’s Answer
Life is seldom a straight path, and careers are no different! I didn't exactly "choose" my career; it sort of chose me. It's perfectly fine to be unsure or uncertain about your path as you navigate through life - consider pursuing jobs or even volunteering roles that align with your interests. For instance, do you enjoy interacting with people? Or do you prefer working independently? How do you feel about working shifts versus the standard 9-5? Experiment with various opportunities and discover what suits you best. I believe our educational system is flawed in a way because it pressures young people to determine their career path when they're still figuring out who they are.
Take my case, for instance. I earned my degree in Communications (BA) and graduated during a challenging job market in my hometown (2005). I initially thought I wanted to pursue PR, and despite applying to numerous jobs, I didn't land one. Eventually, after 9 months, I stumbled into recruitment - I was hired at a recruitment agency to assist others in finding jobs. I discovered I had a knack for it, but a few years later, the economy took a downturn (2008), affecting my commission payments. I was also yearning for a fresh challenge, so I quit my job, traveled, and decided to relocate to London, UK! I thought I'd find work as an HR generalist, but I soon realized that it wasn't my cup of tea. I returned to recruitment, but over time, I transitioned into a leadership role and discovered my true passion - helping people grow and develop! So, in the end, the specific field I was in didn't matter as much as the fulfillment I derived from helping people make a difference!
Take my case, for instance. I earned my degree in Communications (BA) and graduated during a challenging job market in my hometown (2005). I initially thought I wanted to pursue PR, and despite applying to numerous jobs, I didn't land one. Eventually, after 9 months, I stumbled into recruitment - I was hired at a recruitment agency to assist others in finding jobs. I discovered I had a knack for it, but a few years later, the economy took a downturn (2008), affecting my commission payments. I was also yearning for a fresh challenge, so I quit my job, traveled, and decided to relocate to London, UK! I thought I'd find work as an HR generalist, but I soon realized that it wasn't my cup of tea. I returned to recruitment, but over time, I transitioned into a leadership role and discovered my true passion - helping people grow and develop! So, in the end, the specific field I was in didn't matter as much as the fulfillment I derived from helping people make a difference!
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Laa,
This is a great question. I didn't truly know what I wanted to do in my career until my sophomore year of college. I had originally known that I wanted to work somewhere within the business administration administration area, but beyond that area I was dumbstruck. It wasn't until I had the opportunity to work within the HR department of an advertisement company that summer following my freshman year that I knew that Human Resources was where I felt at home with a purpose. I had the chance to work within the payroll and benefit side, as well as with talent acquisition and recruiting. From there, my love for HR grew more and more. Eventually, I obtained an internship with the HR department of a science museum, and moved further into gaining my MBA in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources. Now, I am currently an HR Administrator at a fulfillment center for Sam's and Walmart, and absolutely LOVE IT!
So, to conclude, you may not know what you truly love or want to do in the future until you stumble upon it accidentally, or even on purpose. By allowing yourself to adventure out and take chances, you may just find that what you love is something completely opposite to what you thought you loved or admired!
Thank you and I hope this helped!
Molly H.
This is a great question. I didn't truly know what I wanted to do in my career until my sophomore year of college. I had originally known that I wanted to work somewhere within the business administration administration area, but beyond that area I was dumbstruck. It wasn't until I had the opportunity to work within the HR department of an advertisement company that summer following my freshman year that I knew that Human Resources was where I felt at home with a purpose. I had the chance to work within the payroll and benefit side, as well as with talent acquisition and recruiting. From there, my love for HR grew more and more. Eventually, I obtained an internship with the HR department of a science museum, and moved further into gaining my MBA in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources. Now, I am currently an HR Administrator at a fulfillment center for Sam's and Walmart, and absolutely LOVE IT!
So, to conclude, you may not know what you truly love or want to do in the future until you stumble upon it accidentally, or even on purpose. By allowing yourself to adventure out and take chances, you may just find that what you love is something completely opposite to what you thought you loved or admired!
Thank you and I hope this helped!
Molly H.
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Tara T’s Answer
Strength blossoms in those moments when you feel like giving up, but you choose to keep going anyway.
In my life, I've faced obstacles while trying to find my place in the world, due to factors beyond my control and areas I needed to grow in. These experiences inspired me to go back to college at 51 years old, embarking on a journey to expand my knowledge and become a drug and alcohol addiction counselor, with plans to graduate in 2025. Sometimes, life events can change our career trajectories. While it can be intimidating to begin anew in a completely different field, it's also exciting and something I'm genuinely passionate about. Seize the courage to pursue your dreams and interests at any stage in life, because learning has no limits. Life experiences are your greatest teacher and guide when it comes to choosing your career path.
In my life, I've faced obstacles while trying to find my place in the world, due to factors beyond my control and areas I needed to grow in. These experiences inspired me to go back to college at 51 years old, embarking on a journey to expand my knowledge and become a drug and alcohol addiction counselor, with plans to graduate in 2025. Sometimes, life events can change our career trajectories. While it can be intimidating to begin anew in a completely different field, it's also exciting and something I'm genuinely passionate about. Seize the courage to pursue your dreams and interests at any stage in life, because learning has no limits. Life experiences are your greatest teacher and guide when it comes to choosing your career path.
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Having spent three years in the military, I realized my desire to accomplish even more in life. My true aspiration is to become a Marine Corps Officer. Through a process of trial and error, I gained a clear understanding of my ultimate life goals.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
In 1985, after losing my father prematurely to a heart attack at the age of 50, I took a hard look at my life's path. I concluded that brewing beer was no longer my passion, and while health was important to me, I didn't want to be a health fanatic. Instead, I found my calling as a dietician nutritionist. I pursued a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics from the Queensland Institute of Technology, now known as the Queensland University of Technology. It wasn't a quick decision; it took me until my 30s to find my true calling. I've always been a bit of a wanderer, taking my time to settle down due to my early family history. However, I've learned that it's okay not to rush into things. It's beneficial to find your passion early on, but remember, even if you stumble, there's always a chance to rise. You could even become an entrepreneur, following in the footsteps of Elon Musk or Donald Trump.