By Jaymie Pompeo
Contributor, Career Services
Starting a career can seem like an overwhelming process. Having a variety of influences coupled with not knowing the resources that exist can bring confusion. These influences can include:
Family: Although family can have the best of intentions, their career advice can have little connection to your personality. Sometimes, we have to step back and consider the source. As an example, did my dad think a career as a CPA was my dream or was it his dream that he subconsciously wanted to live through me?
Peers: In a competitive job market, it’s natural to compare yourself with your peers. How do you feel when you hear about a former classmate getting promoted to director? What about your risk taking friend who quit her job and became a successful entrepreneur? If you aren’t at their level, does that mean you are a failure?
Media: Hollywood does a great job in promoting facades. For instance, certain occupations are glamorized in the media and stereotypes are taken to an extreme level. Examples include socially awkward accountants, self-absorbed artists, workaholic business executives, and thrill seeking cops. If it’s not “glamourized” and “trendy”, would you avoid a potential career path?
Once you are able to identify these influences, you can start to focus on what you really want to do. The right resources can better highlight where your true talents lie. Among the resources that I find most helpful are:
Assessments: This is an excellent first step towards career exploration. While there are various assessments to choose from, they typically have the same goal: identifying your strengths. Additionally, they can provide more detailed information on your personality, how you interact with others, and how you perceive information. Some of my favorite theory based assessments are Myer Briggs and the Holland Code (RIASEC).
Exposure: The value in internships, volunteer work, and part-time employment is immeasurable. The exposure and first-hand experience provide a glimpse of what the career at hand will be like. The lessons you learn here are not the ones you can learn in a classroom. In addition, you may get acquainted with other opportunities you didn’t know existed. Imagine starting an internship wanting to be an editor, but then concluding you’d much rather be a publicist. This is a discovery you may not have stumbled upon had you not done an internship or volunteered.
Networking: It would have been incredibly helpful if LinkedIn existed during my college years. Not only are you able to promote yourself but you can see networking events, industry related conferences, and connect with potential recruiters. It can also go both ways as recruiters actively seek out candidates that have the desired skill set they need to fulfill.
Still overwhelmed? Remember your university’s career services are within reach. Whether it’s working with a career coach or having your resume reviewed, you’ll be in great hands as you start this new chapter in your life.
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