I often talk
to young people about their career choices. It is hard to break old habits from
a lifetime in education.
I had such a
conversation with a young man last week who was ruminating about his college
course of study. Here’s what I told him.
Go to a
community college of two years. It buys you time to mature and it buys your
parents a break. Use the two years to get your general studies and an
associate’s degree under your belt. During that time, determine the classes
that you enjoyed the most.
This young
man wanted to pursue political science but also enjoys psychology.
The
conversation reminded me of one I had back in 1987 with a young woman from
Jersey County, Illinois. I was working at Lewis and Clark Community College as
a broadcasting instructor. She was about to quit broadcasting…but I got her to
start talking.
As I
listened to her, it was obvious she had grown up on a farm and had a passion
for agriculture. So, I proposed she meld broadcasting with farming. She decided
to not drop out…and I got her an internship with the Brownfield Network, one of
the leading Ag radio networks in the country. She flourished.
Today she is
the morning voice of RFD Illinois heard all over the state. Her name is Rita
Frazer.
My advice to
the young man was to not listen to people who tell him politics and psychologies
are losing pursuits. Meld them. Become a political psychologist. It’s a growing
field in demand by political candidates and government.
When in
career doubt… always pursue your passions.
Then you’ll never truly ever have to
punch a clock. Your work will be your passion.
I showed this blog to my son in November prior to completing his GED. He is now enrolled in our local junior college. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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