Many of us will be spending more time than usual with our families, neighbors, friends, and loved ones over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Between mouthfuls of turkey and pumpkin pie - or other favorite dishes! - this may be the perfect opportunity to talk with them about things you normally don't get a chance to explore regarding their learning journeys and career paths. Their responses may not only help to forge closer relationships but may also support your own career exploration.
For instance, you may want to ask:
- What do you most enjoy learning about and why?
- What do you most enjoy about your current work? What do you enjoy least?
- What sparked you to follow your current career path?
- What experiences do you think have been the most impactful for you?
- What recommendations do you have for me as I get started on my own journey?
Through these conversations, you
may find it helpful to know that others have forged their own paths - sometimes
down long and winding roads and with both positive and negative experiences - that
guided their career decision making process.
It is possible that by opening up this conversation with loved ones, a space to share your own career vision, dreams, and even fears may also open up as well.
You may find that these conversations re-energize you in your own career exploration and career planning activities! When you return to campus following this well-deserved break, please know that all of our Career Center resources are at your fingertips such as online materials and counseling appointments to explore career direction, services to connect you with employers and internship/job opportunities, and information to assist those of you who want to continue your education after UMBC. We love to talk about all these resources and welcome you to visit us anytime either in-person on the 2nd floor of the Math and Psychology building, Rm. 201 or via virtual appointments on Handshake!
Enjoy the holiday!