Discovering Life's Purpose and Landing Your Dream Job
One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is hosting virtual office hours. These online events provide an incredible opportunity to connect with current college students and recent graduates, discussing their career journeys, sharing advice, and tackling their pressing job search questions.
As students prepare to head home for winter break, many will likely face the inevitable interrogation about their future plans: “What are you going to do with your life?” While this question can be stressful, it’s also an opportunity for self-discovery and thoughtful career planning. To address these challenges, I invited Suzy Welch—journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and professor at NYU Stern School of Business—to join me for a virtual fireside chat. Together, we explored key strategies for self-discovery, career planning, and embracing change. Here are the four crucial steps we discussed:
1. Determine Your Values, Aptitudes, and Economically Viable Interests
Choosing a career path that aligns with your values, aptitudes, and interests is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. Suzy emphasized that values are deeply held beliefs that shape your actions and decisions. Aptitudes, on the other hand, are innate strengths—they’re not just skills but are rooted in your personality and unique traits. Interests are the intellectual and emotional pursuits that resonate with you, and when they intersect with economic viability, they create potential career opportunities.
As Suzy put it, “Find the job that fits you; don’t try to fit yourself into a job. That’s the fastest way to purpose.” For example, consulting might be ideal for someone who values financial success, thrives in a work-centric environment, and enjoys problem-solving. However, it may not suit those who prefer specialized tasks over generalized problem-solving. Understanding your self-portrait and ensuring it matches the professional frame you’re aiming for is crucial.
It’s important to remember that values can evolve over time. Life experiences, personal growth, and significant events can shift your priorities and perspectives. Suzy encouraged everyone to periodically reassess their values and adjust their career paths accordingly to ensure alignment.
2. Define Career Success on Your Terms
Success looks different for everyone. For me, growing up in an immigrant family, my parents equated success with financial stability and practicality. A “better life” meant obtaining a stable job, earning a secure income, and surpassing their financial achievements. So, it was no surprise that my decision to major in psychology and work in higher education initially baffled them.
Over time, I helped my parents understand that my definition of career success was rooted in optionality—the freedom to pursue work I found meaningful and interesting. For me, success meant aligning my career with my passions and values, a choice that ultimately led to a role I love.
It’s perfectly acceptable to have a different definition of career success from your family or peers. What matters is demonstrating that your career choices align with your personal values, aptitudes, and interests. By doing so, you’re more likely to find satisfaction and success—whatever that means to you.
3. Broaden Your Perspective
Many students limit their job searches to the companies and industries that actively recruit on campus, but the job market is far broader than that. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies over 100 different industries, each teeming with opportunities for early-career professionals.
Suzy highlighted the importance of researching megatrends—global shifts that have the potential to reshape industries and create new opportunities. Exploring emerging fields allows you to learn and grow alongside the industry itself. For instance, while computer science remains a popular major, recent trends show tech-savvy graduates diversifying into sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and government as tech-industry hiring slows.
To maximize your opportunities, think beyond the obvious and venture into less traditional industries. The broader your perspective, the more likely you are to discover a role that perfectly matches your unique strengths and interests.
4. Embrace Change
Change is inevitable, and your ability to adapt is a muscle that requires regular exercise. To build your resilience and adaptability, try these simple exercises:
Take a new route home: Changing something as simple as your commute can stimulate your curiosity and help you see things from a new perspective.
Switch up your morning routine: Small changes to your daily habits can encourage flexibility and keep you open to new possibilities.
Pick up a new hobby: Committing to a new activity for six months—even if you’re not immediately good at it—teaches perseverance and adaptability.
By stepping out of your comfort zone regularly, you’ll develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate career transitions and embrace life’s inevitable twists and turns.
Final Thoughts
Finding purpose in life and in your career is a journey of self-discovery and thoughtful planning. It requires understanding your values, identifying your aptitudes, and pursuing interests that align with economic opportunities. It also means defining success on your own terms, exploring diverse industries, and building resilience to change.
While these steps might not eliminate the stress of family conversations during winter break, they can provide you with clarity and confidence in your career path. By investing in self-awareness and proactive planning, you can craft a career that’s not only fulfilling but also uniquely yours. And ultimately, that’s what living your best life is all about.