11 answers
Ivana
Student
Sayreville, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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what made you decide your career? was there some life changing eye opening moment?
What was the life changing moment that made you decide right then and there this is what you wanted to do in the future?
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11 answers
Emily Sanders
Teacher
3
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Emily’s Answer
My job journey wasn't straightforward, but now that I look back, I can see how each turn helped me get to where I am. At first, I really wanted to be a lawyer, especially one who helps people in trouble. But when I didn't do well on the test to get into law school, it felt like hitting a wall. That's when my mom suggested I try teaching instead.
Teaching wasn't my first choice, but I decided to give it a shot. I ended up teaching World Geography, a subject I've always loved because I enjoy learning about different cultures and talking to people from around the world. I have to admit, my first year of teaching wasn't the greatest, and I'm sorry to my first students for any mistakes I made. But as time went on and I faced challenges, I began to realize how important education is for shaping young minds and helping them understand the world.
Meeting all kinds of students with their own stories and views gradually made me really passionate about teaching, even though I didn't expect it at first. It wasn't one big moment that made me decide to be a teacher, but more like lots of little moments that showed me how much of a difference I could make in students' lives. So even though things didn't go as planned with law school, I found my true calling in teaching, where I can inspire and help the next generation.
Teaching wasn't my first choice, but I decided to give it a shot. I ended up teaching World Geography, a subject I've always loved because I enjoy learning about different cultures and talking to people from around the world. I have to admit, my first year of teaching wasn't the greatest, and I'm sorry to my first students for any mistakes I made. But as time went on and I faced challenges, I began to realize how important education is for shaping young minds and helping them understand the world.
Meeting all kinds of students with their own stories and views gradually made me really passionate about teaching, even though I didn't expect it at first. It wasn't one big moment that made me decide to be a teacher, but more like lots of little moments that showed me how much of a difference I could make in students' lives. So even though things didn't go as planned with law school, I found my true calling in teaching, where I can inspire and help the next generation.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Ivana
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
As a teacher, mentor, and an academic advisor, it came for me, when I first witnessed the students, who I had mentored, walk across the graduation stage, and accept their diploma's.
Some students were individuals, who others had dismissed, as having no academic skills or future. Seeing them graduate, and then go on to have successful careers, was a life altering moment for me.
I was witnessing the results of all the industriousness, patience, and initiative. That is when I knew I was in the right career.
Some students were individuals, who others had dismissed, as having no academic skills or future. Seeing them graduate, and then go on to have successful careers, was a life altering moment for me.
I was witnessing the results of all the industriousness, patience, and initiative. That is when I knew I was in the right career.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Ivana
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a very good question. Firstly, you have to focus in the career you have interest now.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Bear in the mind that your interest may change throughout your life time. You may change your career. It is very common.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Bear in the mind that your interest may change throughout your life time. You may change your career. It is very common.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Ivana
Julian Del Castillo
Management Consultant
13
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Julian’s Answer
I focused on a field or theme that interested me, not knowing exactly what it was I wanted to do. But I knew I was interested in international affairs and economics. I also held student positions and internships in government organization. I thought I wanted to work for the state department. After interning there I learned that the public sector was not for me. I needed a challenge and enjoyed a more fast-paced environment. I learned about consulting through my network that naturally began to grow in university. I really love what I do now, and I guess it came to me through trial and error and my network.
Best,
Julian
Best,
Julian
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
This is a great question!
I had no idea what I wanted to do and that is why I found it helpful to get experience.
I worked on campus during my undergrad and that ultimately is what led to my career choice but to be sure I did two internships during college, two internships after college, worked part-time, and was involved on campus.
I always tell students it is just as important to figure out what you DON'T like as it is what you DO like.
My best advice to figuring out what you want to do is to EXPLORE!
I had no idea what I wanted to do and that is why I found it helpful to get experience.
I worked on campus during my undergrad and that ultimately is what led to my career choice but to be sure I did two internships during college, two internships after college, worked part-time, and was involved on campus.
I always tell students it is just as important to figure out what you DON'T like as it is what you DO like.
My best advice to figuring out what you want to do is to EXPLORE!
Pooja Darak
Analyst
2
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Pooja’s Answer
Dear Ivana,
Thank you for reaching out. I am currently a certified professional under the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). A pivotal moment in my journey was when I faced failure, a notion that was foreign to me during my academic years. I was a high-performing student, regularly achieving scores above 90%, but confronting failure was an eye-opener. It made me realize that failure is a natural part of life. The crucial lesson I learned from this experience is the significance of persistence, irrespective of the obstacles we encounter. The ultimate result is always worth the time and effort you put in.
Hence, always be ready to accept failure, as both triumph and defeat are essential elements of life. What truly counts is keeping your resolve and steadiness, regardless of the professional path you decide to follow.
Wishing you nothing but success!
Thank you for reaching out. I am currently a certified professional under the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). A pivotal moment in my journey was when I faced failure, a notion that was foreign to me during my academic years. I was a high-performing student, regularly achieving scores above 90%, but confronting failure was an eye-opener. It made me realize that failure is a natural part of life. The crucial lesson I learned from this experience is the significance of persistence, irrespective of the obstacles we encounter. The ultimate result is always worth the time and effort you put in.
Hence, always be ready to accept failure, as both triumph and defeat are essential elements of life. What truly counts is keeping your resolve and steadiness, regardless of the professional path you decide to follow.
Wishing you nothing but success!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Ivana
Laura Mills
Graphic Designer
41
Answers
Lenhartsville, PA
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello Ivana,
What a great question! Deciding what career I wanted to do started at a young age because I've always wondered what I am going to do with myself professionally in the future. It started when I was eight years old, and I originally wanted to be a fashion designer; I loved clothes and pairing clothes together, but after family members told me that I would need to be good at math, reading a ruler, etc. I felt this wouldn't be the career path for me. That was a career I had in mind for about four years until I turned 12.
After I was 12 years old, a relative was talking about a friend's spouse who is a graphic designer, and I asked what it that when I was told it had to do with art I immediately knew it was a career for me. I've always had a crafty/creative side to myself, so being told that I could pursue a creative side professionally for a career piqued my interest, and I wanted to try and explore what the career field of a graphic designer would be like.
For an answer to your second question whether it involved some life-changing, eye-opening moment, I would say it's both a yes for the previous long answer that someone told me about this career, and it involves being creative; I would also say a no for my next explanation. The reason I also say no is because it wasn't an activity that I picked up myself one day, and I realized that I loved doing this activity and, that I, would love to keep doing it for a career.
I hope this answers your question, and maybe inspires you to figure out what career path you would like to go after in the future; I wish you the best of luck in whatever it is you decide to choose!
-Laura Mills
What a great question! Deciding what career I wanted to do started at a young age because I've always wondered what I am going to do with myself professionally in the future. It started when I was eight years old, and I originally wanted to be a fashion designer; I loved clothes and pairing clothes together, but after family members told me that I would need to be good at math, reading a ruler, etc. I felt this wouldn't be the career path for me. That was a career I had in mind for about four years until I turned 12.
After I was 12 years old, a relative was talking about a friend's spouse who is a graphic designer, and I asked what it that when I was told it had to do with art I immediately knew it was a career for me. I've always had a crafty/creative side to myself, so being told that I could pursue a creative side professionally for a career piqued my interest, and I wanted to try and explore what the career field of a graphic designer would be like.
For an answer to your second question whether it involved some life-changing, eye-opening moment, I would say it's both a yes for the previous long answer that someone told me about this career, and it involves being creative; I would also say a no for my next explanation. The reason I also say no is because it wasn't an activity that I picked up myself one day, and I realized that I loved doing this activity and, that I, would love to keep doing it for a career.
I hope this answers your question, and maybe inspires you to figure out what career path you would like to go after in the future; I wish you the best of luck in whatever it is you decide to choose!
-Laura Mills
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ivana!
Yes Lordy, my uncle died at 38 years of age from familial hypercholesterolemia type 4. All of a sudden I put away the stargazing telescopic astronomy and took up biochemistry, what my uncle did in 1960. Then my uncle's old boss Professor Colin Masters turns up teaching at my university.
The sword of Damocles kept hanging over my head, worrying about my other Greek relatives. When would they die prematurely? There was not one day without anxiety. Then Dad died at 50 years of age. So I listened to the message. Become a dietitian.
I got interested in computing in 1972 and I persisted and became a software developer. I amalgamated that with the nutrition work producing pretty good nutrition education software.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, "About James Constantine," "What I Do At Work," paying close attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective performance studying.
You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your energy is massive and your performance in exams and assignments will also impress the academe. You will improve significantly, especially if your diet is repleted. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders. So can high distinctions! It is metabolic and medical biochemistry!
GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY, AMEN,
James Constantine Frangos.
Yes Lordy, my uncle died at 38 years of age from familial hypercholesterolemia type 4. All of a sudden I put away the stargazing telescopic astronomy and took up biochemistry, what my uncle did in 1960. Then my uncle's old boss Professor Colin Masters turns up teaching at my university.
The sword of Damocles kept hanging over my head, worrying about my other Greek relatives. When would they die prematurely? There was not one day without anxiety. Then Dad died at 50 years of age. So I listened to the message. Become a dietitian.
I got interested in computing in 1972 and I persisted and became a software developer. I amalgamated that with the nutrition work producing pretty good nutrition education software.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, "About James Constantine," "What I Do At Work," paying close attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective performance studying.
You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your energy is massive and your performance in exams and assignments will also impress the academe. You will improve significantly, especially if your diet is repleted. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders. So can high distinctions! It is metabolic and medical biochemistry!
GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY, AMEN,
James Constantine Frangos.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ivana !
Awesome question ! I hope this sheds some light on the many unique ways people have been inspired to choose careers. I was bi-vocational in that I hold two careers that I experience and life changing thoughts came at a very young age to me but were implemented later on through my college experience and a special transition from the first career to the second and than back to the first.
Ever since I was about 6 years old, I was greatly inspired by theatre, television and film actors. I thought I should do that. I will do that. My parents were not show biz people and we didn't know any either, so that stayed on the back burner until I was in college and majored in theatre/acting. I had great opportunities as a student and it confirmed my lifelong passion to portray characters and tell stories for people to think about.
When I was 13, I read a great deal of books about human behavior and was fascinated by the way it all made sense. This greatly helped with my acting and enjoyment of social science classes in college. I fancied a career in social service work and when I was 16 I became a volunteer peer counselor (for clients my age), and enjoyed it immensely. That was placed on the back burner for many years.
So I had a career in theatre and acting and than decided that it was time to transition into social services. I spent a long time doing social service work and than transitioned back into acting in 2018. Both fields of work are possibilities at any age so I am glad that I chose these two. Although I went back into acting, I didn't neglect my love for helping people and being involved in social service type pursuits, so I obtained a certification as a Life Coach which is quite different from the work I had been doing but similar in some little ways.
Depending on the career(s) you decide on, there are many evolutions it can take at different times in your life. This is often times not planned or expected, but totally decided upon by you. I liked social services also for the altruistic principals and results oriented quality the work has. I didn't want to pursue high corporate business because I had no interest in it. A lot of times our personality brings out suitable careers for us.
It's important to learn of various inspirations and paths that people have taken. It will show you the different ways people's choices were planned, unpredictable and what were the defining factors that made their dreams possible. I hope this was a bit interesting for you and I wish you all the best going forward !
Awesome question ! I hope this sheds some light on the many unique ways people have been inspired to choose careers. I was bi-vocational in that I hold two careers that I experience and life changing thoughts came at a very young age to me but were implemented later on through my college experience and a special transition from the first career to the second and than back to the first.
Ever since I was about 6 years old, I was greatly inspired by theatre, television and film actors. I thought I should do that. I will do that. My parents were not show biz people and we didn't know any either, so that stayed on the back burner until I was in college and majored in theatre/acting. I had great opportunities as a student and it confirmed my lifelong passion to portray characters and tell stories for people to think about.
When I was 13, I read a great deal of books about human behavior and was fascinated by the way it all made sense. This greatly helped with my acting and enjoyment of social science classes in college. I fancied a career in social service work and when I was 16 I became a volunteer peer counselor (for clients my age), and enjoyed it immensely. That was placed on the back burner for many years.
So I had a career in theatre and acting and than decided that it was time to transition into social services. I spent a long time doing social service work and than transitioned back into acting in 2018. Both fields of work are possibilities at any age so I am glad that I chose these two. Although I went back into acting, I didn't neglect my love for helping people and being involved in social service type pursuits, so I obtained a certification as a Life Coach which is quite different from the work I had been doing but similar in some little ways.
Depending on the career(s) you decide on, there are many evolutions it can take at different times in your life. This is often times not planned or expected, but totally decided upon by you. I liked social services also for the altruistic principals and results oriented quality the work has. I didn't want to pursue high corporate business because I had no interest in it. A lot of times our personality brings out suitable careers for us.
It's important to learn of various inspirations and paths that people have taken. It will show you the different ways people's choices were planned, unpredictable and what were the defining factors that made their dreams possible. I hope this was a bit interesting for you and I wish you all the best going forward !
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
80
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Great question Ivana! From my experience, some do experience that "aha" moment but many simply flow into their roles and eventually get comfortable and even like it. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. YouTube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, which can also shed light. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that "epiphany" that you seek, but it would greatly increase the probability.
From my own experience, I studied electrical engineering but found that I did not like it. I then changed to a general major, not sure where to go. By the end semester, I decided to speak to an advisor, who simply asked what I (as a person) liked, regardless of whether or not there was an available program. From that, she introduced me to Engineering technology, which I began as it piqued my interest. However, through the program, I learned about process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma)....and at this point, I did experience that "AHA" moment you seek! It is a great feeling indeed, and to date, I shifted from engineering to focus on process improvement full-time, and loving it!"
From my own experience, I studied electrical engineering but found that I did not like it. I then changed to a general major, not sure where to go. By the end semester, I decided to speak to an advisor, who simply asked what I (as a person) liked, regardless of whether or not there was an available program. From that, she introduced me to Engineering technology, which I began as it piqued my interest. However, through the program, I learned about process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma)....and at this point, I did experience that "AHA" moment you seek! It is a great feeling indeed, and to date, I shifted from engineering to focus on process improvement full-time, and loving it!"
Thank you, Afrad!
Ivana
Tomo Gavranovic
Lead a team of Client Executives for Verizon
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Tomo’s Answer
The education I received in high school and college certainly laid the groundwork for my current career, but the pivotal decision to join the company I've now been with for 15 years was largely influenced by a mentor. This mentor, one of the most impactful individuals in my life, brought me on board a company that was then just a budding start-up. Eventually, I transitioned from working as a third-party agent to being part of the corporate team.
I've dedicated the prime years of my life, my 20s and 30s, to this company. What has kept me here is not just the work, but the vibrant culture, the dynamic roles I've been entrusted with, and the flexibility that has allowed me to move across the country, continually pushing my career to new heights. It's been a journey of growth and discovery, and I'm grateful for every moment.
I've dedicated the prime years of my life, my 20s and 30s, to this company. What has kept me here is not just the work, but the vibrant culture, the dynamic roles I've been entrusted with, and the flexibility that has allowed me to move across the country, continually pushing my career to new heights. It's been a journey of growth and discovery, and I'm grateful for every moment.