The Road Down Career Exploration

Gillian Lopez

Management Career Consultant

Career Services Center

When we were children, people like our parents and teachers would ask us “So what do you want to be when you grow up?” Without hesitation, we would answer, “astronaut, firefighter, veterinarian, actress, scientist!” The list was endless. Our imagination ran wild as children, our dreams did not have constrictions, and these opportunities seemed easily attainable at only five years old. As time passed, things changed.  When we stumble upon that same old question, it seems a little more difficult to answer as college students.  To me, it is interesting to experience my future career possibilities and narrow them down even further as the years progress. Certain factors come into play, such as finance, logistics, change in interest, schools; a thing I personally like to call, Life. Life is constantly added into our complicated career equation, resulting in changes and adjustments.  And sometimes those additional factors can be a good thing.

I first wanted to become an elementary school teacher, then a “big time” fashion designer, and eventually settling on my true passion for business.  But there is an unknown element to my career equation.  I am still uncertain as to what I exactly want to do with my major, or what field of business I want to focus my interests on. This unknowing factor used to stress me out like crazy! Occasionally the “not knowing” scrolls across my mind and worries me, but worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but gets you nowhere. So last year I finally stopped dreading on the unknown and began seizing action. I  began utilizing valuable resources at the Career Services Center such as taking the career assessment, talking with the faculty, exploring their webpage. I got involved on campus by picking up a great job and joining Greek Life.  These have both enhanced my leadership skills tremendously. I also do personal research and read articles online, especially through LinkedIn.

Within this past year I have grown to learn and accept the fact that it is okay to be halfway done with college while continuing to explore the management field. Except, I was advised that you should begin to worry once you hit the late 30’s, early 40’s.  We cannot explore the road forever, eventually we will run out of gas! This thoughtful journey of mine demonstrates the value of exploring the career world.  I believe that exploration during my 20’s will greatly benefit me in the near future because I will have a better understanding of myself and the variety of job opportunities that await.  I know myself more than anyone else, and I also have much faith in my research, observations, and experience. So today, when people ask me that same old Curios George question I say, “I’m a passionate management major, I’m currently interested in entrepreneurship and public relations field, but I am still exploring my options.” I feel confident and comfortable with my answer, and for now that is all that matters to me.