What’s the Best Career for Me?
Babson College students are naturally drawn to careers in business, but not everyone arrives on campus with a concrete career path. Even midway into a career, plenty of professionals want to refine or even pivot to take their career in another direction. Through its undergraduate and graduate career centers, Babson—recently ranked No. 1 in the nation for career preparedness by The Wall Street Journal—helps students and alumni to comb through their lives to define their interests, strengths, and weak points.
Babson’s Graduate Center for Career Development director Jessica Chance shared additional insights to help students reflect on the best career fit long before compiling a pitch or detailing their personal brand.
Self-Reflection Is Key
Begin by looking inward. Reflect on your past experiences where you’ve received feedback or heard from others about your skills, attributes, and areas for growth. This internal exploration is crucial in identifying your strengths and areas for improvement.
“Students should take stock of past experiences when they’ve gotten feedback, observations, things that they’ve heard from peers and colleagues about their skills, their attributes, and areas for growth,” Chance said.
Seek External Input
Don’t rely solely on self-assessment. Consult mentors, colleagues, friends, and family to gain an outside perspective. This external input can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your unique qualities.
But Not Too Much External Input
“While it’s good to get advice and feedback, sometimes there’s a lot of noise. People suggest different careers without really thinking about what’s going to fit the student based on their skills, what drives them, and where they’re going to be the most effective,” Chance said. “Students don’t want to be in a job where they’re just surviving, they want to thrive. Meeting with the advisor can then help them make those informed decisions.”
Want to know how Babson can help prepare you for your dream job? Read Babson’s ongoing series on Career Preparedness.
Identify Energizing Moments
Recognize those times in your academic or professional journey when you felt most energized and fulfilled. Think back to moments when you excelled in a project or learned valuable lessons during a work challenge. These are your personal landmarks.
Consider What’s Meaningful to You
Amid the noise of modern life, ponder what has brought you the most fulfillment and joy. Identify your true passions and values. This clarity will help you align your career path with your aspirations.
Consult Career Advisors, Take Part in Career Education
“Our career advisors excel at meeting students where they are,” Chance said. Express your thoughts and curiosities openly, and advisors will help you distill your information into a clear and concise reflection of your unique qualities, enabling you to make informed career decisions.
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