"Life is like one big Mardi Gras"
What has brains, humor, a Big Easy upbringing, a courageous coming out story, and a knowledge of Pussycat Doll lyrics?
If you said Ellen Degeneres, then you hit the nail on the head, Huskies. And Ellen gave one heck of a commencement speech at Tulane University. And what was the morale of her story? There were several, but one of the most resounding -"The definition of success changes; follow your own path". Right on. Heed that advice, Huskies. Remember that your definition of 'success' as a kid, as a freshman, even as a last-quarter senior may well change. You'll be many things, think many thoughts and strive for many different successes in your life, but the important part is that a committment to your own path stays central.
Further words of wisdom? "Never follow someone else's path unless you're lost in the woods and you see a path. Then take it". Robert Gates has a lot to live up to, eh? :)
Great message in theory, but what if I just don't know what my path is supposed to be? I'm about to graduate, my parents are looking at me like I'm supposed to hand them tickets for a free Hawaii cruise, and I really still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
I'm lost in the woods, but it seems like every time I head down a path I bonk my head on a tree or get stuck in the bushes.
Hi Bette-- this is such a great point and great question. Thank you for asking it, because I'm sure other students are feeling the same way! It's definitely a process to discover your professional calling: something that will pay the bills AND make you happy. To start the process, I really encourage you to make an appointment with one of our career counselors (two of whom are bloggers: Briana and Patrick.) We have 5 counselors on staff, and each is extremely sensitive to the pressures facing graduating seniors. I spoke with several of them before graduating in 2007, and it was an incredibly positive, eye-opening, and validating experience for me. You can give us a call or stop by to schedule an appointment (206.543.0535 or 134 Mary Gates Hall.) And keep in mind that CAREER COUNSELING APPOINTMENTS ARE FREE TO CURRENT STUDENTS-- BUT FEE-BASED ONCE YOU'RE AN ALUM. So get on in here! :)
There are other resources I'd encourage you to check out, as well. RoadTrip Nation (http://www.roadtripnation.com/) sends young adults across the country on a roadtrip (hence the name) to interview professionals in a variety of fields, and find out more about what they do and how they got to where they are. You can check out TONS of videos on their website, or apply to take a roadtrip of your own. And speaking of informational interviews, did you know that the UW Alumni Association has a program called HuskyConnect (https://uw.affinitycircles.com/washington/auth/login) where students can contact UW alum working in the field you're interested in? Explore different careers, talk to successful Huskies doing what you want to do. This is also a service I took advantage of before graduating. Learning more about certain fields helped me to narrow my search and find a career that fit me.
Last but not least, our office offers a 2-day intensive seminar called Dependable Strengths (http://careers.washington.edu/DSSforAlumni) that can help with the exact questions and concerns you mention above: identifying your strengths, and using that information to find the work that will make you happy and successful. You can register online, or complete some of the exercises on your own in our gold Career Guide (http://careers.washington.edu/Students/Career-Guide).
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our office-- that's what we're here for! You are also more than welcome to shoot an email my way: cem4@u.washington.edu. Most importantly, have confidence in yourself and your abilities. You're smart, skilled, and 100% employable. In no time you'll be pulling down the money to send mom and dad on a lovely Hawaiian getaway, and maybe take one yourself. :)
Best of luck! --Cara MacMillan, UW Career Center
My favorite part was "show people your brain, if they like what they see, you'll get more beads than you know what to do with." As a graduating senior, I am well aware of the job market. I am surrounded by people advising me (not at the Career Center) to take whatever I can get, don't be picky. That might be good advice for a year or two. However, I am someone who actively chooses to follow my passions. They are different than anyone else, and very specific. I know I can create my own career path, I just need to stay true to my own compass.
So fellow graduates, we're "gonna be ok, dum dee doom doom doom"