Throughout life, children are taught to gain skills for what they want to be when they are older. This is prepared through life experiences such as shadowing or interning with a professional, team sports, or clubs and reflecting on their experiences. But what happens when that child gets to college and hates the major they chose for themselves? Do they have to start from scratch and learn new skills for their future career? No, not necessarily. Choosing a career can be complicated, but the skills gained throughout life will aid you when finally choosing a career that suits you.
Start gathering your skills and accomplishments
Writing a resume can be stressful. You may not be able to think of all of the skills and accomplishments that you have. But with just a little thought and patience, it will come easily. The best thing to do is start by thinking of all the teams, jobs, and internships you have been a part of. These have value as the skills you have gained from them could be teamwork, analytical thinking, technology skills, and more. You must be able to execute the skills and principles that you have learned from your previous commitments. Whether that is communicating effectively, learning to be a leader or follower, and dealing with obstacles that may arise. All of the experiences you have hold some real-world application and will accelerate your influence in the workplace.
Network, Network, Network
Searching for a job can be intimidating, however, talking to people and getting connections will make the process much more enjoyable. First, start by finding a mentor. Engage in situations where you can shadow or intern someone and see if you thrive in that particular career environment. Become better informed by learning the demands of each career option. Meet people. Do not be afraid to talk to people you are around, whether in the workplace, school or someone on the street. These people could have connections that could be beneficial to you.
Actively seek opportunities
Throughout your college career, there are several ways to gain experience. Go to career fairs, volunteer, and search for internships or jobs. Find a club that is about something you have passion for. All of these opportunities are ways that you can develop your skillset within your desired career field. Seeking opportunities will benefit you in your future career and help you to advance in the work environment.
Preparing for a career is intimidating, but essential skills and accomplishments are learned throughout your life. Whether they be communicating with others, leading a project, or past experiences. Be sure to reach out and meet people to learn about opportunities that may be interesting or beneficial to your future career. Stay focused, motivated, and pursue your passion.