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How do you decide that you want to stay with the same subject that you started with?
Let's say you decide that you want to be a math teacher, you dedicate all of your time in school to be one. You can be a teacher in the future now, but how do you know that you won't want to change careers?
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Nicole’s Answer
Hi Frank. What an awesome question!!!
I should warn you...I am one of those people who has changed my career...at least twice :)...and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to do so.
I am formally trained as a Systems Engineer. I studied really hard, many years ago, to get my engineering degree. When I graduated from school, there was a great need in the working market place for network engineers...so, I took a job as a network engineer. After a few years in that role AND in different companies, I learned that I was pretty good in working with data...so I took a job to be a data analyst. To be a really good data analyst, I had to learn how to code...so...I learned how to code. And in recent years, in a world where data science is playing a more prominent role in work environments, I am studying the fundamentals of data science.
I share this journey with you to demonstrate that it is A-OK to change your mind about your career. In general, individuals will do a good job, whatever that job is, if they enjoy what they are doing. I encourage you to lean in to your interests, even as they change. Oftentimes, career changes come with learning new skills. Learning new skills can be an invaluable tool to building a strong and sustainable career.
I hope you find this answer helpful and best of luck to you on your career journey!
I should warn you...I am one of those people who has changed my career...at least twice :)...and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to do so.
I am formally trained as a Systems Engineer. I studied really hard, many years ago, to get my engineering degree. When I graduated from school, there was a great need in the working market place for network engineers...so, I took a job as a network engineer. After a few years in that role AND in different companies, I learned that I was pretty good in working with data...so I took a job to be a data analyst. To be a really good data analyst, I had to learn how to code...so...I learned how to code. And in recent years, in a world where data science is playing a more prominent role in work environments, I am studying the fundamentals of data science.
I share this journey with you to demonstrate that it is A-OK to change your mind about your career. In general, individuals will do a good job, whatever that job is, if they enjoy what they are doing. I encourage you to lean in to your interests, even as they change. Oftentimes, career changes come with learning new skills. Learning new skills can be an invaluable tool to building a strong and sustainable career.
I hope you find this answer helpful and best of luck to you on your career journey!
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Naomi’s Answer
When I was in college, I had a professor say that you will likely have 3 careers in your lifetime. I just transitioned into my 3rd. My degree is in accounting and I worked in accounting for about 5 years until I was offered an opportunity to enter IT and work in Application Support (for 16 1/2 years). Recently I switched careers again and am now working in Business Resiliency & Crisis Management.
I believe that when an opportunity presents itself to say yes. I know some people who say they will work in a field until they start feeling comfortable (say 3-5 years). Don't be afraid to be open to something new.
I believe that when an opportunity presents itself to say yes. I know some people who say they will work in a field until they start feeling comfortable (say 3-5 years). Don't be afraid to be open to something new.