Carrer
Do you have a career which has been chosen by chance and it means earning livelihood, or do you have a career that lets you
• enjoy doing it every day?
• make you happy every day
• not only have money but a decent lifestyle
• improve your skills and evolve knowledge to get it later
If not then you have not managed your career well or have been a victim of Career Myths
Career Myths Career is not a one-dimensional smooth superhighway. It has its myths, bumps, potholes, curves. The reality of career is full of surprises.
Myth - My major is going to lead to my career.
Fact: Although your major can gain you entry in a particular job, as you move up the ladder, your behavioral competencies become more important and determining your success in your job. One major can lead to many different careers, and one career can be reached through many different majors. With correct skills most people find themselves working in fields that are only remotely related to their majors. Moreover, employers look for work-related experience and delivery rather than subject specific academic knowledge.
Myth – My job is my career. I must find that perfect job.
Fact: Just as individuals differ, job and career differ. What you need to look are the various paths that will take you closer to your career. For example, you may narrow down your search to hospitality sector and explore the possibility of working as a hotelier, floor manager, chef rather than the other way round.
Myth - I will have only one career in my lifetime.
Fact: Career is a journey rather than a destination. One needs to understand, evaluate and re-evaluate career plans constantly. Job markets change, technology changes and old ways become redundant. So do jobs. Moreover, it is a good idea to have a variety of interests and explore different parallel careers at the same time. Several successful individuals are able to balance at least two different careers at the same time.
Myth - Individuals entering college are fully cognizant of their career goals.
Fact: Surprisingly no. Often college and subject decisions are made on the basis of parental pressure, peer group inclinations, availability of seats in a college or residential proximity. Few decisions, if at all, are based on aspirations, motivations, career choices, skills and aptitude.
Myth Career Tests tell me exactly what career is right for me.
Fact: Most career Assessment tests approach human personality from a particular paradigm. No single test can assess the range of human behavior – in terms of motivations, aptitude, aspirations, anchors, attitudes and much more. Use assessments with caution, and critically examine test results with a career counselor in terms of your own experience and knowledge. You know yourself the best.
Myth – An individual should follow the current trends with a stable career.
Fact: Both yes and no. Identification of career gives stability over time. However, job market fluctuates constantly. The dot-com boom of the late 90s bust in just a few years and rendered thousands jobless. Employment opportunities respond rapidly economic conditions, technology, and the labor supply. The dynamics of demand and supply can alter any occupation cluster. However, job outlook trends provide useful information, but need to combine with personal preferences.
