Being Students 101

I know we've all stopped to think about our futures at one point or another. Y'know, course selections, choosing majors, career options, etc etc. Usually there are two reactions... complete indifference, or complete panic. The first usually springs up because we believe we are young and have plenty of time to decide what we want to do with the rest of our lives. The second normally arises because we understand that we aren't as young as we think we are and these choices will soon be upon us! The best way to deal with this is to find middle ground between the two. Don't just forgo thinking about your future. Care about it! But don't stress out! You ARE young and there IS time. So let's talk about it.

BORN vs MADE



Were you born to be something? Or are you made into something?

Some people have been fortunate enough to know what they've wanted to be since they were wee little tots. You have that inexplicable draw towards a certain job, your traits just radiate the ones necessary for it, and you just KNOW it's what you're destined to do. If this is you then congratulations. You are luckier than most of the world's population! You were BORN to do something and that is awesome!

Some of us are not so lucky. Sometimes things just don't come naturally to people at all. I'd like to believe we were all born to do something with our lives, but that isn't necessarily the case. Sometimes we have to actually build upon our qualities and our skills in order to find a job suitable for us. Sometimes it takes a little more effort.

YOUR QUALITIES



Have you ever tried to describe yourself to someone? Sometimes on applications a question will pop up and say, "Tell me something interesting about yourself" or something along those lines. What do you usually write down? Do you just Google stuff and pick the ones you think the boss would like to hear? Or do you genuinely try to describe yourself? Maybe you just don't know.

Before picking a career path, you should be able to identify what kind of a person you are. No, I am not saying you need to know yourself inside and out. What I mean is that you should know the basics:

Interests: What are you drawn to? 

Values: What motivates you to behave a certain way and make certain decisions?

Skills: What are you good at? What are you not so good at?

Personality: Are you an introvert? Extrovert? What are your interpersonal needs?

These 4 categories can help eliminate and narrow down paths that are geared towards you. You wouldn't want to do something where you're stuck with people if you prefer being alone, just like you wouldn't want to be doing some hardcore math if you're terrified of numbers. There's no sense in making yourself miserable by having a job you despise when you can find one that you'd actually enjoy!

Still struggling with describing yourself? That's alright! It's perfectly normal. But if you want to take this detective work one step further, here are some sites I came across that are actually pretty insightful AND helpful! 

http://www.careertest.net/
http://www.careerpath.com/


CHOOSING THAT PATH



Once you've got an idea of what career you're interested in, start gearing your studies in the direction of it. Major in something relevant to your desired job, choose courses that will benefit you in the long run, and keep on that path! The best way to find out what to take class wise/what to major in is to look at job requirements and recommendations! Talking to an advisor is always a good start too.

If you still don't know what you want to do, or if you keep switching between choices, that's okay! You have time! It does no good rushing something this important. If it takes you more time than others, so be it! This is NOT a competition! Okay, maybe you will compete for jobs someday... but only go cut-throat ninja when it's time. Until then, keep your ninja stars to yourself.

But don't just put this off. It is something you should always be conscious of even if you are confused and have no clue what you want to do. Try experimenting with your different interests. Maybe research jobs that are linked with your hobbies. Try shadowing someone (following somebody around at work, with their permission of course) that has a job you would like to know more about. Give your future the attention it deserves. 

This is YOUR life. Some people feel that they are born to be something, but no matter what you will always have to work hard for what you want even if it does come naturally. Life isn't necessarily about finding your good qualities, but more so about building and creating them! You are a piece of art in the making; take steps in the right direction to become a wonderful masterpiece. Your dream job could be just a few brush strokes away!


Sorry for the corny ending there! BUT I HAD TO. :) Hope y'all are having a fantastic week! And good luck to everyone who is presenting tomorrow! 

- Taylor xx