What do you want to be when you grow up?
In his Chapel Talk to Hackley seniors on November 29, Peter Sawkins (Director of Auxiliary Programs) challenged students to “start a conversation with [themselves] about the future,” embracing a thoughtful process of choosing a career path that answers to their values, interests and talents.
Describing his own post-college path,which took him from professional hockey to architecture studies, business school, advertising, sports trading cards, other entrepreneurial roles, prep school athletics director and ultimately Hackley, he encouraged students to “step back to look at the big picture,” to reflect on who they are and what is best for them, rather than pursuing careers based on income potential, on what their parents do, what they “might perceive as cool, or they just fall into…without the deep analysis one should undertake for such a profound life decision.” He observed, “The conclusion I have come to is the optimal intersection for career happiness exists where what you are good at meets your interests meets a growth area.”
Back
He offered this “top ten” list of recommendations:
- Have an in-depth conversation with your parents about their work. Truly understand what they do and how they feel about it.
- Talk to other adults (as many as you can) about their careers – what they do, what they like and what they don’t like. Visit them at work. They want and enjoy helping. Take them up if they offer help – internship, office visit, informational interview, etc…
- Really do a deep dive on what makes you happy and what you are good at. Ask other people for their honest opinion. This can be the hardest part!
- Think about the world and where things are going. What are going to be the industries, products and services of the future? What are going to be the growth areas? It is a lot more fun being in a growing industry than a shrinking one
- Read about industry leaders and jobs online, in the paper, books or magazines – find out about career paths, influencers and even what people look for when hiring
- Volunteer for short-term jobs and/or events – these experiences will give you insight and help build your resume – without a long-term commitment.
- Stay connected to your classmates from Hackley and from college – you’d be amazed at the opportunities these relationship can and will bring you.
- Take full advantage of your senior project opportunity. It is not just a box to check off but rather a very special opportunity to explore a work environment, industry and career. Get off campus. Really learn something.
- Take full advantage of your college career center – they are there to help you! They want you to be successful.
- Embrace the process – don’t bury your head in the sand about it. Remember that it is just as important to cross something off your list as it is to find something you like.
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