"What kind of career should I pursue?" "Which faculty should I choose to study?" "I don’t like my job, but I don’t know what I like." These questions about careers are incredibly difficult to answer. As Jack Welch wisely put it in his book Winning, "You have life ahead of you, but you understand it more easily when you look back. The same goes for careers." He notes that when he asks successful executives about their first job, most of them laugh—because their initial foray into the working world often wasn't a good fit at all.
It's true for many of us. Our first job often isn't the dream because, fresh out of graduation, we tend to grab whatever we can get. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs reminds us that basic necessities come first.
So, why do people start working only to quit so quickly? My definition of "fast" is less than a year, but for the new generation, it can be as quick as 3-4 months. And surprisingly, changing jobs often isn't seen as a bad thing anymore. We're in the "Google era," where everything, including career success, is expected to be as fast as microwave noodles.
However, true success takes time. According to First Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, it typically takes 10 to 18 years for individuals to reach their peak in a conventional career, with rare exceptions like child prodigies such as Steve Jobs, Tiger Woods, or Steven Spielberg.
Advice for Recent Graduates
If you're just starting out, here's a roadmap to help you navigate those crucial early decisions:
1. Know Yourself First. Before anything else, understand your aptitudes and interests. There are many career aptitude questionnaires available online for a small fee. Personally, I recommend the StrengthsFinder assessment from the book StrengthsFinder by Marcus Buckingham and Don Clifton. Purchasing the book often includes a code for the questionnaire, even in Thai, to help you uncover your potential.
If you prefer not to use formal tools, an easy alternative is to ask 5-6 people around you what they think you're good at and what career they believe you should pursue. Their external perspective can be incredibly insightful.
2. Assess What Suits You. Let's say, based on the first step, people tell you that you have a knack for persuasion and would make a great salesperson. The next step is to research where you should pursue a sales career. Start by analyzing the industry. Service industries like hospitals, education, or hotels will differ significantly from high-tech industries such as computers, mobile phones, or specialized equipment. Each requires different qualifications and attracts different types of individuals. Choose the industry first.
3. Decide Your Focus. With information from the first two points, you can now pinpoint what specific work you should focus on and in which type of business.
4. Start Planning. Now let's get into the nitty-gritty. Suppose you've decided you want to work in sales within the computer industry. You need to consider that each company has a different corporate culture. For instance, Apple Computer and HP have distinct organizational environments. Do your homework and determine which one aligns with you. If you value a friendly and collaborative atmosphere, seek an organization with that kind of culture.
5. Prepare for What's Ahead. The final step is preparation. Look at the qualifications required for the jobs you're targeting. Almost every job will require these basic skills: computer proficiency, English language skills, and presentation abilities. All of these can be practiced and developed.
Suggestions for Current Professionals Considering a Change
If you're currently working but feel disengaged or want a change, here are some suggestions:
1. Ask Yourself: "Have I given my current job my absolute best effort?" Answer this question three times. If the answer is no, go back and work hard before deciding you want to quit. This step is crucial for what comes next. Many people work for a short period, get bored, quit, find a new job, and repeat the cycle. This is a loss for everyone, especially for the overall effectiveness of our country.
You might wonder why you should work hard at something you don't even want to do. The reason is simple: by fully dedicating yourself, you'll discover which activities you genuinely enjoy or excel at, and which you truly dislike. This self-awareness provides invaluable criteria for choosing future jobs.
2. Look Within Your Current Organization First. Once you've fully dedicated yourself and gained clarity, others will notice your effort. This dedication might open doors to a more suitable role within your current company.
3. If You Can't Find It Internally, Look Elsewhere. Only after exploring opportunities within your current organization should you begin to search for positions outside.
The journey of career discovery and growth is continuous. By taking the time to understand yourself, research your options, and dedicate yourself to your work, you'll be well on your way to building a fulfilling career.