Career Resilience Tips
Some of you may have a very clear idea of what you’ll do after graduation and others may have no idea. Either scenario is just fine. For most of you, life after college may be filled with uncertainty and continuous career exploration, which can be a lot of fun! Try to embrace the fact that the world of work is constantly changing and so are you.
Here are some helpful characteristics that you may want to develop further to be able to take advantage of uncertainty and unexpected, “chance” events on your career journey:
| Be curious Being curious may lead to new opportunities. You may research new ideas and/or a new activity. Stay curious about the world around you because it will help you learn more about what you like and don’t like. This will help you notice opportunities you didn’t even know existed! |
| Flexibility It’s important to remain flexible about your career plans. Are you open to new ideas or are you adhering to your original plan, no matter what new information you come across? Set career goals that can be adapted and changed as you gain experience and knowledge. Stay open to possibilities! |
| Remain Optimistic Are you feeling hopeful about the future? Feel hopeful and confident that things will work out in your career will increase your chances that you’ll take the action steps needed for those goals to be realized. Remember that not every action will work out (and it isn’t all in your control!) but keep taking action and trying alternatives and you’ll get to where you want to be. |
| Be Persistent Doing career research and exploration can be energizing but it can also be a lot of work. Take a break when necessary so you have the energy to continue. Not everyone you contact will get back to you. Not all the information you gather will turn out to be accurate. Keep going! |
Take a Leap No matter how much research you do, you will never know for sure if a career decision is going to work out. Don’t wait to be absolutely certain. Take a chance on a career path or job that seems to meet many of the criteria you’re looking for and where you see potential opportunity. |