(ROSENBERG, Texas) – “Find a job you like, and you’ll never work a day in your life” is a quote said often to high school students trying to decide what to do after graduation, to people looking to change careers, and in motivational posts on social media.
While a career that is both rewarding and meaningful can be a recipe for success, actually going about finding one comes with a host of challenges — the first of which being where to start looking.
For those still in high school, trying a variety of different classes and hobbies can go a long way to narrowing down interests. Many high schools offer classes such as welding, journalism, computer programming and more. School counselors can arrange tours at local colleges to view their programs and degree paths to facilitate a better understanding of what higher education is like.
For those already in the field, maybe looking to change careers or start an education, the same advice can still apply. Never has information and discussion about different topics and fields been more available, whether it be through YouTube videos, websites, or online or in-person events. Knowing a bit of the basics before jumping in can help mitigate the risk of starting something and then deciding not to pursue it.
Jamie Jimenez, a Career Services coordinator for Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus, encourages talking with as many people as possible.
“Networking is so important,” she said. “You never know who your classmates or the people you meet know. They might have the connections you need to get a head start.”
Once a career path has been chosen, it can be essential to start learning more about the different job opportunities available, even before the application process begins. Community or college-specific job fairs can connect those looking for a job directly with employers who are hiring. Tools such as LinkedIn and Indeed can help to build a professional portfolio and resume. Making sure to document progress such as part-time work and personal or school projects helps show employers a range of skills.
Bill Parker, a supervisor of operations at CenterPoint Energy, recently spoke to a group of students at TSTC about the need for a diverse set of skills.
“The more things that you have that we are looking for, the faster you will progress,” Parker said. “What we are wanting to do is hire better employees from the get-go. It’s why we have high expectations.”
To “never work a day in your life,” the best time to start investing in yourself is today.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is open. For more information, go to tstc.edu.