We've all been faced with those incommodious questions: What do you want to be when you grow up? What do you want to major in? What is your plan for your career after college? Why do you want to go into that? At the time we are interrogated with these questions from loved one, friends, and others in our community, we may not possess the answers that they will understand. Some may respond with "but why your so good at fill in the blank as the person speaking to you would say." These conversations can confuse you, make you doubt and wonder, what if you made a different decision. But, it is imperative that you stick with your heart and follow your passion, what makes you happy even if others around you may not understand the whys at all.
Being a recent college graduate, I do not have a ton of career experience. But throughout my internship's I have had opportunities to learn some very important life lessons that I am glad I have learned sooner rather than later.
You have to be aware of how other people perceive your actions.
This may seem like something to already know, but in a work environment and in an office in a different area of the country you may no be used to, it is very important to be aware of how your actions may be interpreted by others. One may finish work quickly because they are very productive and work quickly, but a supervisor may see a fast worker as careless, rushing and not doing their best. This is very important to be aware of because everyone sees things different, and if you understand how other people perceive your actions, you can adapt to your work environment to succeed better.
Sometimes you end up choosing a different path in your career field you never thought was you.
If you asked me when I was a freshman in college where I was going to work and what I wanted to do with my degree, I would have responded with something very different from where I am today. Although I am still in my field of study, I had the chance to learn through my internship experience that what I thought would be what I would love to do, was not what I loved to do at all. Through my second internship, I have been exposed to things I never thought I would love doing as well as addition careers I can strive for.
You have to be willing to admit that you know nothing and ask for help.
Some of us may have graduated with a 1.9 GPA or a 3.6 GPA. But when you enter the workforce, whether or not you had the 1.9 or 3.6, it does not matter. You know nothing. The real world does not operate as smoothly as your textbook made it seem (if you read them) and sometimes even if you graduated cum laude and part of numerous honor societies you will feel like you know nothing. Although an education is very important, you will learn even more one you begin working and some things you learn may even surprise you!
You have to be willing to try new things.
Like I mentioned before, I am currently in a different place than I originally picture myself. Gaining real world experience, I have learned what I value in a work environment, what type of work-life balance I would like to strive to have, what areas make me happiest. I am a true believer in if your love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. If you find that you're unhappy, do not be afraid to venture out a try new things in new places! You may just learn you love some other area more than what you thought before!
If you get the chance to explore other areas within your field while working, do so!
I have been so fortunate to be able to explore an area I have been thinking about for years through my current internship experience. Not only have I developed a whole new set of valuable skills, I have had the privilege of being able to explore what another possible career choice could be for me if I return to school for graduate schooling. Always keep you mind open and take any learning opportunity that comes your way!
Be willing to move elsewhere if you are not getting anywhere.
For months after graduating college, I threw out a million job applications all over possible states I could see myself being happy in. One being my home state and others being places I had lived for a short time or ones I have visited and enjoyed. I went on interviews in person and over the phone, and I took the first opportunity that came my way, even though I had to move 8 hours from home to take that opportunity. I have learned so much, and although I miss my hometown, my family, and my best friends, I love my job and I have learned so much more about myself and my field.
Know that you are the one that has all the power to make yourself happy.
If you love something, stick to it. If you resent something, take the negatives and learn from them, and search for something new. You have the power to love your life and love your career! Chase after a life you will be happy with!
Always know you are loved, you are strong, and the people who truly love and care for you will always be there for you supporting you , even if your 8-11 hours apart.
I have alway been a hometown girl. My family means the world to me. My best friends do too! But after getting an opportunity to intern at an amazing place in a state 8 hours from them, I knew they would miss me, but I knew I needed to take the opportunity. Since accepting this opportunity on September 9, 2016, they have been nothing but loving, supportive and I know that I am making them proud by following my heart, my passion and my dreams.
And for the last note: Love and believe in yourself!
This is probably the most important part of this whole article. It is extremely important to love and believe in yourself. You have all the power to make yourself happy, to succeed and to reach for the stars. Keep your head on straight, even when you feel like your going to break, know you can do anything with the right mindset.
