Your Career Will Probably Turn Out Totally Differently Than You Think
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Your Career Will Probably Turn Out Totally Differently Than You Think

You won't know what you want to do for sure until you try it.

259
Your Career Will Probably Turn Out Totally Differently Than You Think
Unsplash

It's the age old question: what do you want to be when you grow up?

Your answer may be any number of things. As a child, I wanted to be an author; when I started high school, I wanted to be a heart surgeon; and by the time I graduated high school, I wanted to be a journalist.

Until recently, whenever anyone asked me what I intended to do with my journalism degree, I always said that I wanted to report for a newspaper. Journalism was one of the few industries that blended all of my interests, from writing to photography, and it was one of the only practical career options open to me.

I didn't believe anyone who told me that they ended up doing something completely different from what they thought they would. I had always thought that once you go to college and finished your general education classes, you had to chase after the one career path you had managed to define for yourself.

That all changed when I got my first internship this semester. I had applied for a ton of positions in a variety of communications fields, but the one I ended up getting was the outlier on my list: a marketing and communications internship.

Guess what? I love it. I've done well enough in my internship that I'm going to be staying with my company at least through the summer, and I now intend to pursue a career in marketing and communications.

With 116 hours of my 150 hour double degree credit program complete, it doesn't make sense for me to switch either of my majors now. The good news is that the skills I've gained in my journalism and writing and rhetoric courses are applicable to my new desired career path.

Just like so many of the people who told me their life brought them to a completely unexpected career, I'm going to pursue a career that I never thought I would enjoy.

Here's the thing— there's no way for you to know what kinds of jobs you are going to enjoy until you try them. Even if you've found a job you like, you may later try something different and discover you like that even more. You just don't know until you get out there; I never thought I might like marketing, but it turned out to be a field that uses all of my skills in a really fun way.

Try a lot of different jobs, internships, and activities while you are in college. You may think you are totally set on doing one thing for the rest of your life, but you might find out that one thing isn't completely right for you. Don't be afraid to apply for that internship that is only loosely related to your major. It might turn out to be something you really like.

Go for it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

103850
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments