Opportunities Worth Exploring: A Perspective

Jessica F. Miller

Cooperative Education Coordinator

Lawrence Technological University

When opportunity knocks it is worth opening the door and seeing what is available. As students, we take the time to open up the academic and social doors but sometimes not enough time opening the door that says careers. Why? Various reasons, such as having the fear of knowing that one day we have to take that leap out into the real world which has its challenges, being unsure of whether the major chosen is the correct one, and just trying to figure out how to put the puzzle together by connecting what is learned in the classroom with industry. If we could devote time to discovering careers as much as our interest in attending football games, fraternity/sorority parties and alike this in itself will be a personal touchdown for students while the parents/friends and teachers will be the crowd cheering on in the stands. Now the question is how do you balance finding time between studying, working, and spending time with friends and family? First make a pact with yourself as a student to give yourself a break and take care of the number one person: you. Then set goals.

The career goals you set need to be small to start with so you are not inclined to give up. Imagine that you are a famous person if that helps and don't give up as Oprah Winfrey says, "When I look into the future, it's so bright it burns my eyes." Have the confidence that you can do it. Network with others by joining organizations on campus. Work with the football team, student government, band, or your roommate. They key thing is to work together with a group of people just like organizing a study group for that Calculus class you need for yourself in order to understand the math. Remember that working in a team with people is an essential skill that industry looks for in choosing their leaders for the future. So take the initiative to start this while you're young and inexperienced.

Getting the experience itself makes all the difference in the world. As a freshman, sometimes there are not as many opportunities for internships or co-ops since employers may be more inclined to look at upperclassman. Don't despair. Instead, look at volunteering. If you have to, get your foot in the door by creating a website for a non-profit organization. Perhaps they will end up paying you once they see your skills. If there is an uncertain feeling about who to call based on your major, there are a number of books such as Peterson's Job Opportunities for specific majors and industries refer to books like these as a guide.

Then there are those who may be just confused, not sure if you chose the right school, major, or really know what is involved with truly being an engineer. There are sources that can be turned to in this case as well. Career testing is an option such as the traditional Strong Interest Inventory, which can measure your interests such as your school subjects, activities, and your preferences in the working environment. Take the time to do some job shadowing too. Talk to the Career Services department at your school or specific positions that interest you because Career Services may have established a shadowing program that you could take part in. In fact, many companies have a job shadowing program in place for high school and college students. Imagine walking around with an engineer, scientist, or technical writer and see firsthand what is involved with the job responsibilities. Tours are given and you'll be able to look at the products themselves as well as the equipment that they use.