Career Courageousness 101
This blog was written by Clark Sheldon from UVM’s Career Center.
Oh, career, you are a source of meaning and accomplishment, but also sometimes doubt. We (the Career Center) are guest blogging some resources and action items to help you focus less on doubt and more on courage when it comes to your career. Mini side note about doubt: In the homonymously titled movie, Barbie’s existential crisis arrives amidst a dance party in the form of a question—“do you guys ever think about dying?”—launching her journey of self-discovery. As we say at the Career Center, your major does not define you. Instead, it’s a launch-point, a touchstone, a framework, and a toolkit to accompany you on your journey. Let’s roll.
“SHE WAS NEVER QUITE READY. BUT SHE WAS BRAVE. AND THE UNIVERSE LISTENS TO BRAVE.” ― REBECCA RAY
Resources
Before you hop in your pink Barbie Corvette and race into the future, fuel up on these resources.
1. DROP-IN FOR 15 MINUTES OF CAREER COACHING
Bring us your ideas, your dreams, your overwhelm, your questions, your goals, your i-don’t-know-where-to-start. Why? Because taking action, even the smallest amount, builds momentum and confidence. Find us at 204 Davis, Monday-Thursday, 10am-2pm. No appointment needed. Just walk in.
2. DIY IT WITH OUR BRIGHTSPACE PAGE
Every person and every path is unique. Our Brightspace (add “Career Resources General” as a class) is packed with self-serve step-by-step guides and resources on just about every career topic you can think of: resume, CV, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, internships, interview prep, salary negotiation, networking, informational interviewing, job search, and more.
3. UVMCONNECT: ALUMS & INSPIRATION
What did other Catamounts who double-majored in Geography and Applied Economics with a minor in Music Theory do? Search the directory of alums on UVMConnect to find out & message them to chat about it. Our point is, there’s someone out there whose major and career path combination can inspire your own thinking around what’s possible for you. And while you’re there, join one (or all 6) career interest groups to connect with other students (and alums) with similar interests. Choose from Arts, Media & Communication; Health Professions; STEM; Food, Environment & Sustainability; Business & Entrepreneurship; or Education, Policy & Social Impact.
Navigating Detours: Stuck, or Need More Support?
We got you. In the career road trip of life, we’re like a 7-Eleven with clean bathrooms, great snacks, and hot coffee.
1. 30 MINUTES OF COACHING
Refresh. Regroup. Recenter. Reset. Virtually or in-person. While none of the Career Center staff are named Siri or Alexa, we are here to listen, help, and offer resources no matter where you are, what’s happening, or what’s on your mind. Book an appointment via Handshake.
2. IDENTITY-SPECIFIC RESOURCES
Check our website of specialized resources, tailored job search tips, and additional supports for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, First Generation Students, Veterans, & Students with Disabilities.
3. GET TAILORED FEEDBACK ON YOUR DOCUMENTS (RESUME, COVER LETTER, ETC.)
Yep, we do this too. Submit your draft via Brightspace for personalized feedback within 2 business days. Prefer to review in person? Drop in or, schedule an appointment.
4. PRACTICE IT!
Mock interview? Networking elevator pitch? Just practice it. We promise your brain and your nerves will thank you later. Practice builds confidence and clarity. Need a practice buddy? We’re available.
5. JOB & INTERNSHIP SEARCH
Starting where you are is a mighty fine launch place. From on-campus career fairs to searching Handshake, LinkedIn, and other sites… our comprehensive job search page & our guide to internships covers it.
“IF EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT, YOU WOULD NEVER LEARN AND YOU WOULD NEVER GROW.” –BEYONCE
You’ve read this far—let’s dish the juicy stuff.
1. CELEBRATE WINS
Did you slay that job application or interview? Attend a job fair? Land the internship? Chat with someone on LinkedIn? Or, do the thing you thought you couldn’t do? Take a minute to acknowledge and celebrate yourself for the preparation and work you put in. Recognize how it feels. Harness this mojo; it’s the fuel for what you want to tackle next.
2. JOIN THE CLUB: CHANGING YOUR MIND IS NORMAL
Someone out there with a childhood dream of being a nurse decided to major in geology, and now has a career in international development that they love. Yes, really. If you’ve been waiting for permission to change your mind or choose the thing that’s really calling you, consider this sentence that permission.
3. IT WON’T BE LINEAR BUT IT WILL BE ITERATIVE
Nobody has it all figured out, at least not always (or, heck, even right now). The magic is to keep going and growing. You might have 5 (or more!) careers over your lifetime. So, go try enough things enough times to get good at failing and, collect clarity and feedback as you go. Because, hot tip, number one on the list of the top attributes that employers are looking for is problem solving skills.
You may never feel 100% ready. We don’t either, especially on Mondays, but we show up with as much courage as we can muster, and that’s the magic. The world is ready for your magic too.
