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How can I make sure my career is satisfying?
About to head off to college, I am aware of the long road that lies ahead of me. If I spend so much time in school, how can I make sure my time was worth it? #careerplanning #jobs
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3 answers
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Rheana’s Answer
Cade, congratulations on applying to and being accepted to college! That in and of itself is the first step to your career, and I applaud you for it. What major have you decided to pursue? This will determine if your time "was worth it." While many of us as college freshman are unsure of what we want to do in life, try your best to examine your passions and desires for your career and research jobs and career paths within that industry. Also, research whether advanced degrees or certifications are necessary for the field. If your chosen career field seems prosperous (based on job availability, employment trends, future growth, etc.) and you're willing to complete any additional required education or training, then you are setting yourself up for success! In your first year of school, try to complete at least one internship within your chosen industry. This will allow you to get hands on experience in the field and will help you determine if you like it. If you think you'd be better off changing your goal, it's better to switch majors earlier in your college career than later!
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Nicole’s Answer
Hi Cade K. I see that you posted this question a little while ago so I hope my answer to you (or others who may read this response) is still helpful.
Love this question for so many reasons! To add to the awesome answers already provided, I will share that one's level of satisfaction in their careers can change. In my opinion, these changes are driven, oftentimes, by life changes. Where one is and what they want to do in the early part of their career can change as they advance in that career (and their lives). The key, in my view, is to prioritize what is important to you. For some it is professional growth, for others it may be financial growth, societal impacts, family and/or other aspects of work/life balance.
It is a good exercise to reassess whether or not one's career is satisfying to them. And when/where possible, make adjustments. Generally speaking, happy employees do well both for themselves and for the companies they work in. Best of luck to you!
Love this question for so many reasons! To add to the awesome answers already provided, I will share that one's level of satisfaction in their careers can change. In my opinion, these changes are driven, oftentimes, by life changes. Where one is and what they want to do in the early part of their career can change as they advance in that career (and their lives). The key, in my view, is to prioritize what is important to you. For some it is professional growth, for others it may be financial growth, societal impacts, family and/or other aspects of work/life balance.
It is a good exercise to reassess whether or not one's career is satisfying to them. And when/where possible, make adjustments. Generally speaking, happy employees do well both for themselves and for the companies they work in. Best of luck to you!
Updated
Douglas’s Answer
A lot of college students feel pressure - I've got to do this, I've got to do that, etc. My advice is to remember to enjoy yourself. The college experience is once in a lifetime. Take advantage of having access to the great professors you learn from, the vast number of subjects you can study, the joy of learning! If you're in school to study a particular subject, like Law or Accounting, put your very best into it, and be satisfied with doing your very best work. A part of you should really like what you're studying, though. If you're following a path through college that you think guarantees you prosperity and happiness, there is much more to it. It will be all the qualities you showed to get you through college that will serve you well after college.....at which point, most people look back and say it was well worth it.