Career Insights from the CCPD

As I reflect on my path to higher education, my journey was not a traditional one. In the beginning, it was rather challenging to navigate. As a first-generation college student, I found myself walking across the stage at my high …

What’s so hard about choosing a major?

Noise. The noise sounds a little different to each one of us:

I need to choose a major that will lead to job security.

I need to be in a major that my …

What do you want to be when you grow up?

This is probably the most frequently asked question anyone will hear at one point or another in their life. I am sure you have been asked this question at least once, and depending on your age, your answers may have varied from ballet dancer to doctor or anything in between. It is a decision we all will make in our lifetime. The school, job, adulthood, or career path will look different to everyone and how you get to that end is unique.

People are meant to be a part of your life for a certain time.  So, if a mentor is only your mentor for a certain part of your life, it is okay. That goes the same for mentees, if a mentee is only your mentee for a certain part of your life, that is okay too. Certain mentor relationships have a time limit, but there will be others that will last a lifetime.

Have you ever attended an event and been told “Don’t be so shy, just go up and talk to them!”, as if it was only just that easy!? Me too! If the thought of networking feels overwhelming and fills you with dread, just know that you are not alone. There are steps you can take to make yourself feel more comfortable and have a positive and successful networking experience.

Thoughts like these can be common when you’re trying to balance school, work, family, friends, and a job search all at once. It may be normal to question whether all the resumes you’re creating and job applications you’re filling out are actually making a difference when you’re still waiting to hear back from employers.

Living life and pursuing your career can be challenging, but there are definite times when you will be tested beyond measure. These past four years have been some of the best times of my life, but I was also tested beyond measure on several different occasions. I questioned my value, who I am as a person, and even questioned if I belonged in this world. It was definitely a tough time for me, but through it all I am a better person because of it. Here is my story over the past four years.