When I worked in the career services departments at Maryville College and the University of Texas, Knoxville, I saw many graduating students struggle with conflicting emotions: excitement about the end of their college careers and uncertainty about applying for their first job.
Now that they had a paycheck and were ready for the freedom, they wanted to do what they loved, but many resisted the idea of ”getting your dream job” because they thought it would take years to land their dream job (or if they even knew it would happen at all).
I was never convinced. I believe that with a combination of outside-the-box thinking and targeted action steps, anyone can get closer to their passion work. It’s not a question of “if” but “when.”
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Method is as follows.
Step 1: Think outside the box
Consider the big picture and think creatively about the career you really want. Here are three areas to consider:
Let’s look at the logistics
What’s your dream industry? Tourism? Music? Sports? Identify the field you want to work in and make a list of companies you’d like to work for. Where are those companies located? Would they suit a particular part of the country or climate? If the area you currently live in isn’t ideal, consider relocating to be closer to the action.
I remember working with a student who wanted to become a museum professional in the nation’s capital, and she was able to get a job at a local Target Stores and relocate to Washington, D.C. Becoming a resident made interviewing and ultimately finding employment in the museum industry much easier.
Don’t worry if your degrees don’t match
Often, your degree may not match up with your dream job on paper. Unless the work is highly specialized, you probably have skills that transfer well into another niche. Case in point: My smart cousin majored in finance and international business and became a certified financial planner. She also loved all things beautiful. She got a master’s in art history and, lo and behold, ended up helping wealthy investors manage their priceless art collections.
Remember the relevant positions
You may aspire to a high-profile job in the TV, music, or film industry that leads to fame and fortune. High-profile jobs may seem glamorous, but they often come with an unglamorous reality: long hours, chaotic schedules, and stress.
But behind every celebrity is a whole host of support staff who make things really happen. Take the music industry, for example: In addition to audio professionals, musicians employ travel managers, accountants, publicists, personal trainers, tutors, assistants, chefs, and more. These peripheral professionals make a living sharing in the exciting hype and hustle of the celebrity lifestyle without giving you a headache.
Step 2: Take targeted action
Imitate your ideal posture and make it a reality. To learn how, follow these suggestions:
Roleplay your dream job
Find companies and people you admire in your dream field. What brand do they have? How do they dress? What do they say? Where do they go and what do they do? Who do they partner with? Who do they do business with? Emulate the lifestyle of the professional you aspire to be through appearance, behavior, and communication (or all three).
Educate Yourself
Search for classes, webinars, and certifications locally and online to enhance your experience. It never hurts to learn something new. You can get inside clues and connections through your instructors and classmates.
Look into professional organizations, they may offer training or continuing education. Often these organizations offer free resources and you can learn a lot just by browsing their websites.
Targeted Facebook groups are also a great way to “join” the chatter in your field, learn lingo, and meet new leads and job opportunities.
volunteer
Being physically present in your dream environment will speed up the process of actually getting there. As a volunteer, you can build connections and demonstrate your enthusiasm while learning about the industry.
Here’s a great example: When I was fundraising and searching for talent for a local nonprofit, I interviewed a candidate who came from the news/journalism industry. She had a heart for service and volunteered at a national nonprofit. I hired her. She grew and gained experience, and her next job was in a strong leadership position at the same organization where she originally volunteered.
Think big about the future
Your career path is truly your own. Don’t be afraid to envision your life doing something that truly inspires you. A combination of creative thinking and hard work can get you there in a lot less time than you think. In return, you’ll pave the way to a rewarding (and enviable) career.
Freelance writer Carrie McConkey helps clients write memorable copy and content through her Knoxville-based business, Carrie M. Creative. She is a 2013 Leadership Knoxville graduate and a Greater Knoxville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. Ms. McConkey can be contacted through her website. Carrym Conkey.
