Career Paths

As a career counselor, I hear a lot of perceptions and misperceptions about career choices and planning. Many students are clueless. Some are a little more prepared and driven. While others are misled by individuals with no right to advise on career trends. Most people are a combination.

I met with a student today who worried that she might choose the wrong masters in counseling program. If she chose an MSW instead of a marriage and family therapy or counseling program would she be "screwed"? First, I don't recognize too many significant differences in any of those fields--all qualify someone to provide counseling/therapy. Second, I think that a master's degree in anything is a positive step and makes a person more marketable than if they didn't complete the degree. Third, and this is my major point, it is hard to classify a career path was "wrong" or worthless. Each new opportunity we take has the potential to dramatically alter our future, especially in the career world.

I would wager that most people end up in career paths they never would have imagined. Some of the positions many of us will hold by the time we retire are not even created yet.

In high school, I never would have guessed I'd be a career counselor at a university. Even during my master's program, I don't think I would have seen this as a part of my path. And I am confident this will not be the end of my own career development. Who knows where I will be, what I will be doing, and hopefully, how much more money I'll be making. ;) It is interesting the small steps we take that alter our fate. I truly believe it is the Lord opening new paths and showing us the way. Even devastating career issues and changes often lead to even greater success elsewhere--sometimes the Lord has to close doors to get us to open the ones right in front of us.

So, I'd like to ask. How did you get to where you are today?

My career progression:
High School: considered family history (how embarrassing--I really was a Molly!)
College: Sociology major (really, not a very real-life applicable degree, but again, not necessarily the wrong choice for me to take)
1st "career type job": Three Springs of North Carolina--counselor to delinquents--helped me get into graduate school
Master's degree: school counseling, high school focus (decided I wanted to help students with their careers)
1st "real" career type job: Career counselor, university
Thoughts on the future: sometimes wish I had a MSW so I could do therapy; would like to have a second BS in communication/pr; considering opening a resume online business--who knows how?; would like to teach at UVU adjunct for student success or career exploration classes; could really see myself in a PR type job