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What is my calling, what is that one skill or niche industry that I want to become an expert in ?
I am interested in business and applying for either a business management or entrepreneurship major, but even those majors are very broad and so I do not know how to apply those skills and knowledge to a career.
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4 answers
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
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Katherine’s Answer
I think you'd enjoy Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose for help with this!
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Sean’s Answer
Hi, Shlok. It's an excellent question and one that of course will ultimately require a very individualized response. The short answer is there is no one way to figure out where your niche may be. It's a lot of trial and error and can be a challenging journey--after all, how will you know what gives you a sense of purpose, motivates you to work hard, learn, etc. without being exposed to a lot of different experiences?
While I can't speak for others, my own career has been an interesting and non-linear journey that has taken me places I never envisioned when I was younger/in school. For example, I majored in music in college, but knew by me junior year it was not what I wanted to do professionally, so I began to plan for the LSAT with an eye on going to law school after graduation. By the end of my senior year, though I was completely burned out on school and decided that I needed some time away to decide whether I would still want to go that route. I worked at a lot of jobs after college, but nothing that felt like it could become a career.
Ultimately, I decided to join the military right after 9/11, where I spent 8 years as a Special Forces medic and Green Beret. That experience was invaluable to me as it taught me how to solve problems, remain calm in extreme situations, work with a wide array of people/backgrounds/skillsets as a team, and gave me great perspective on life that I carry with me to this day. Eventually, I got married and decided that the military lifestyle was not going to be the best fit for my family and I took a leap into management consulting.
I worked at Big 4 firm, solving a number of interesting problems for interesting clients for years. I liked it. I was good at it. But I still had that feeling that there was more out there. Eventually, I got an opportunity to take my career in a completely new direction, working in Risk Management. The role itself was pretty amorphous--go solve problems that need to be solved for the company. More and more of my focus turned to technology and cyber security. To me the problem-set was fascinating, the challenges were constantly evolving, the people I was working with were incredibly smart and talented. After almost 15 years of effort, hard work and experimentation, I finally felt like I had found a niche that felt as rewarding as the effort I was putting in.
If I had to sum up what I've learned from that journey, it would be that there is no one right answer to finding out what you want to do. You have to be willing to try new things, stay curious, get a wide array of experiences and exposure, and stay hungry. Ultimately, if you put in the effort, are open to new experiences, get comfortable feeling like you're in over your head at times (but commit to learning), and frankly have a bit of good fortune, you will find your niche.
While I can't speak for others, my own career has been an interesting and non-linear journey that has taken me places I never envisioned when I was younger/in school. For example, I majored in music in college, but knew by me junior year it was not what I wanted to do professionally, so I began to plan for the LSAT with an eye on going to law school after graduation. By the end of my senior year, though I was completely burned out on school and decided that I needed some time away to decide whether I would still want to go that route. I worked at a lot of jobs after college, but nothing that felt like it could become a career.
Ultimately, I decided to join the military right after 9/11, where I spent 8 years as a Special Forces medic and Green Beret. That experience was invaluable to me as it taught me how to solve problems, remain calm in extreme situations, work with a wide array of people/backgrounds/skillsets as a team, and gave me great perspective on life that I carry with me to this day. Eventually, I got married and decided that the military lifestyle was not going to be the best fit for my family and I took a leap into management consulting.
I worked at Big 4 firm, solving a number of interesting problems for interesting clients for years. I liked it. I was good at it. But I still had that feeling that there was more out there. Eventually, I got an opportunity to take my career in a completely new direction, working in Risk Management. The role itself was pretty amorphous--go solve problems that need to be solved for the company. More and more of my focus turned to technology and cyber security. To me the problem-set was fascinating, the challenges were constantly evolving, the people I was working with were incredibly smart and talented. After almost 15 years of effort, hard work and experimentation, I finally felt like I had found a niche that felt as rewarding as the effort I was putting in.
If I had to sum up what I've learned from that journey, it would be that there is no one right answer to finding out what you want to do. You have to be willing to try new things, stay curious, get a wide array of experiences and exposure, and stay hungry. Ultimately, if you put in the effort, are open to new experiences, get comfortable feeling like you're in over your head at times (but commit to learning), and frankly have a bit of good fortune, you will find your niche.
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Scott’s Answer
Hey Shlok,
Figuring out your calling can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when faced with the vastness of options in business and entrepreneurship. But don't worry, clarity often comes with exploration and experience.
Considering your interest in business and your intention to pursue majors like business management or entrepreneurship, it's clear you're drawn to the dynamic world of commerce and creation.
Here's the thing: while these majors may seem broad at first, they're actually gateways to a multitude of opportunities. Think of them as toolboxes filled with skills and knowledge that can be applied across various industries and career paths.
To narrow down your focus, start by exploring different aspects of business that resonate with you the most. Is it the thrill of innovation and creating something from scratch? Or perhaps you're more intrigued by the strategic planning and management side of things.
Once you have a better sense of what excites you, dive deeper into that area. Seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities related to your interests. This hands-on experience will not only help you refine your skills but also give you valuable insights into different career paths within business and entrepreneurship.
And here's a tip that might sound crazy, but it works: Once you think you know, immerse yourself in the industry. Watch YouTube channels or read blogs from people who are already in the field. Be a sponge and soak up as much as possible. You'd be surprised how much you can learn from others' experiences.
Remember, finding your niche is often a journey of trial and error. Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and trust that with time and persistence, you'll discover where your passion and expertise truly lie.
Figuring out your calling can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when faced with the vastness of options in business and entrepreneurship. But don't worry, clarity often comes with exploration and experience.
Considering your interest in business and your intention to pursue majors like business management or entrepreneurship, it's clear you're drawn to the dynamic world of commerce and creation.
Here's the thing: while these majors may seem broad at first, they're actually gateways to a multitude of opportunities. Think of them as toolboxes filled with skills and knowledge that can be applied across various industries and career paths.
To narrow down your focus, start by exploring different aspects of business that resonate with you the most. Is it the thrill of innovation and creating something from scratch? Or perhaps you're more intrigued by the strategic planning and management side of things.
Once you have a better sense of what excites you, dive deeper into that area. Seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities related to your interests. This hands-on experience will not only help you refine your skills but also give you valuable insights into different career paths within business and entrepreneurship.
And here's a tip that might sound crazy, but it works: Once you think you know, immerse yourself in the industry. Watch YouTube channels or read blogs from people who are already in the field. Be a sponge and soak up as much as possible. You'd be surprised how much you can learn from others' experiences.
Remember, finding your niche is often a journey of trial and error. Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and trust that with time and persistence, you'll discover where your passion and expertise truly lie.
Yuritza G Nino de Daall
Quality Assurance / Process Improvement / Project Manager
53
Answers
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Yuritza G’s Answer
Hello!!! Finding your calling or niche in the business world can feel discouraging, but it's also an exciting journey of self-discovery. Think of it as trying on different hats until you find the one that fits just right. You're drawn to business management or entrepreneurship, which already sets you on a promising path. These majors are indeed broad, but that's a strength, not a limitation. It means you have a wide array of possibilities to explore.
Start by reflecting on what aspects of business management or entrepreneurship ignite your passion. Is it the thrill of creating something new, the satisfaction of solving problems, or the joy of leading and inspiring others? Once you identify what truly excites you, dive deeper into that area. Take courses, read books, attend workshops, and seek out internships or mentorships to gain practical experience. Your calling will reveal itself as you immerse yourself in the field and pay attention to what resonates with you most.
Remember, finding your niche is a process, not an overnight revelation. Be patient with yourself and allow room for exploration and growth. Your journey in business management or entrepreneurship is about discovering not only what you're good at but also what brings you fulfillment and meaning. Trust that with dedication, curiosity, and an open mind, you'll uncover the expertise and niche that align perfectly with your talents and aspirations.
Best of lucks!!!
Start by reflecting on what aspects of business management or entrepreneurship ignite your passion. Is it the thrill of creating something new, the satisfaction of solving problems, or the joy of leading and inspiring others? Once you identify what truly excites you, dive deeper into that area. Take courses, read books, attend workshops, and seek out internships or mentorships to gain practical experience. Your calling will reveal itself as you immerse yourself in the field and pay attention to what resonates with you most.
Remember, finding your niche is a process, not an overnight revelation. Be patient with yourself and allow room for exploration and growth. Your journey in business management or entrepreneurship is about discovering not only what you're good at but also what brings you fulfillment and meaning. Trust that with dedication, curiosity, and an open mind, you'll uncover the expertise and niche that align perfectly with your talents and aspirations.
Best of lucks!!!