Career advice

My parents are both in the same industry as I am and I always loved doing IT related things. It was just natural for me, I knew what I wanted to do since I was 5 years old and, for the most part, I'm doing exactly what I always wanted to do and I enjoy it just as much as I always thought I would.

I know that doesn't help you too much, but just think back to the things that you enjoyed doing as a kid and what you wanted out of your life and try to find something that can work with that.

Went to college for one year, one year Foundation Degree at Uni then a few private courses. I'm a Neurological Massage Therapist, Trigger Point Master & Medical Acupuncturist.

I fell into my job. When I started University, I planned on being a doctor. I think many people who enjoyed biology in high school consider medicine at some point. Once I was actually studying chemistry and biology, I realized I hated it. So much pressure, not nearly enough human interaction. Instead I focused on the social sciences and health policy development. Once I graduated I started looking for jobs. I found one that required a degree, but didn't care what the degree was in (government), and I've just gained on the job experience and developed my career from there. I now work in more of a communications/ training role (still with government), but love my actual work. Sometimes careers develop over time and aren't necessarily what you plan them to be in the beginning. It's okay to go with the flow and discover what your passions are, rather than know everything before you start.

Pin the tail on the donkey.

Yes. I aspired to live and work in Washington DC when I was in high school (I am from 200 miles SE of there originally). My year book post actually says, "Move to Washington DC and study politics". I had help paying for college (back then it was $135.00 a semester) and I told my academic adviser that I wanted to be employed soon after graduation so he had me take computer classes, which, back then, programming was done with punch cards.

I married a fellow student that lived near Washington DC and moved north. My first job after graduation was as a supply clerk with a government contractor in Northern VA, but I soon moved into a job doing data entry.

Every two years I changed jobs for more money and different experiences around Supply Chain Logistics that required some sort of data analysis expertise.

Within 9 years I became a government employee (for one of the customers I had supported as a contractor). I have been with the government for over 25 years. I started there making $32,000.00. I have progressed through their grading structure from a GS-12 to a GS-15.

I have worked on many National priorities over the years just by moving around and getting experience and taking on a lot of extra projects. The government paid for all of my training and advanced education. I have a range and depth of experience on many subjects and in addition to managing people I also manage a sizable budget.

• Don't be afraid to think big and plan your career in increments. I always have a five year plan and work toward my goals by taking baby steps.
  
• Having mentors as you go is essential. Don't be afraid to go up to someone high up and request a 15 minute meeting. Generally all you have to do is have a goal in mind and ask them what they did to get where they are.
  
• Treat everyone with respect - especially the clerks and the maintenance staff. They are invisible but they see everything. They have the best intel. Have intel to share.
  
• Don't reveal your sources and know the difference between gossip and saving someone's *kitten*.
  
• Don't sacrifice anyone to get ahead. Keep your word. Your integrity is your most valuable asset.
  
• If you tell someone you will have something to them by 5:00 do it or call them / email them and tell them why you don't have it. Play fair and watch your back!

Registered nurse===== never without a job, can get a job anywhere, flexibility and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

owa1s wrote: »

@indigoblue9572 wow such an interesting person u are ma'am so hardworking, I love how u went up in ranks but I'm stuck here not knowing what to choose. Can u tell me about ur talents cuz I'm kinda confused about finding one's talents If that makes sense.

I've always loved animals and started doing animal rescue as a teen. Fostering unwanted pets and finding new homes. That naturally evolved to wanting to work with them on a daily basis but actually be able to make a career out of it. I could've gone from vet assistant to technician and gone to tech school for 2 years, but frankly, I was able to learn enough on the job to do it very well without schooling. I progressed into management from there.

As far as the office work, it provides a better and more stable lifestyle even though I miss working with animals every day. I have a M-F 8-5 schedule which is way better than the medical field, working nights, holidays, weekends, never knowing if you'd be called in, etc. It's not as exciting but it's definitely a good job.

I was able to earn my Professional in Human Resources certificate by taking a week long bootcamp course through an employer's council, as well as 3 months of self study. Everything else I learned on the job.