Monday, May 18, 2015

What do I want to be when I grow up?

Does anyone still feel as though they are not sure about what they want to do when they graduate? Because after almost 4 years at university it has finally hit me that life out of university is right around the corner.




I was never the type of person to know exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I left school I thought that I really wanted to be a physiotherapist. But alas that dream lasted one semester before I realized that I definitely was not cut out for the medical world.

So after a lot of hard thinking, I decided that maybe I should put my good attributes to use. Public Relations and Events Management seemed like a sure fit and I have thoroughly enjoyed the past few years of studying and work experience.

However this is where the next problem starts. Who knew that having this degree would open so many doors and lead down so many different paths? There are so many possibilities and different paths that I could take when I graduate. Do I want to plan small events or large festivals? Do I want to do consulting? Do I want to work in the not-for-profit sector?

As Im nearing the end of my internship, one thing I do feel sure about however is that I want to go into work in the not-for-profit sector. Working at Momentum Forum Events on the various charity events that are held yearly have definitely opened my eyes to the amazing work that can be done by the hardworking people working in the public relations and events management sector. There is a giant need for raising awareness and funds and gaining support for the many different people who need our help and our voice in society and public relations and events management is the perfect way to achieve these goals. While many people see this as a very fickle and selfish line of work, it is good to know that we actually have the ability to make a huge difference in the lives of many others.

Has anyone felt confused like this as they are nearing the ends of their degree? I’d be interested to hear if anyone has also felt as though they are still very unsure of their futures. I'd also be interested to hear about what field everyone has thought about working in and why?

Until next time,

Taila

5 comments:

Anouka Hoppmann-Smith said...

Hi Talia,

I am with you on this 100%! I keep having little stress outs, not kowing what avenue I want to go down.. Like you said, there are so many doors and so many different industries to choose from with a degree such as PR and marketing. I am interning in a NFP organsation, Fremantle Press- a book publishing company. I have actually been offered some part time work there which is really exciting! I think it also works perfectly for me for me, as I am still unsure of what I want to do so it gives me some time to think about it without diving into full time work as I still dont know where I want that to be.

Im sure lots of graduates feel the same way as us!

All the best for whatever you end up doing!

Anouka

Unknown said...

Hi Talia and Anouka,

I agree with you both! I didn't know that through studying Public Relations, I'd find myself having so many choices! Just starting with PR, do we do in-house or consulting, NFP, Government or the private sector, and billions of other choices (or so it feels). I find myself applying for jobs now, and getting call backs for marketing assistant roles, or event manager roles. Where do we even go? I feel so worried sometimes that I'll end up in the wrong job.... but I think because there are so many opportunities and career paths, we will be fine - hopefully. It's hard deciding what we're going to be when we grow up.

All the best ladies!

Jade.

Liss said...

Hi Talia,

I'm a 30 year old mature age student just about to wrap up my degree. I was in my mid-20's working in finance before I knew I wanted to study PR. In between holding down fulltime work and deferring uni to move overseas, I've somehow managed to finish my degree. It's been quite the journey!

It might be a scary and daunting thought now that uni will soon be behind you but look forward to the exciting times ahead. You will make mistakes along the way and question whether you've made the right career decision but that's completely ok!
As long as you believe in yourself and always trust your gut, I have no doubt you'll do great whatever it is you decide to do.

Best of luck Talia
Liss

Unknown said...

Hi Talia,

I definitely feel the same! It's so hard to choose when there are so many different industries we can go into - all while working in PR!

The only thing I think we can do is try to get as much experience as possible in different areas and hopefully we will all eventually find something that we feel passionate about.

Like you, I have done work experience in a not-for-profit organisation, and absolutely loved it!

I hope that you enjoy whatever field you get into, best of luck!

Tessa x

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.