Written by: Zena D’souza

What should I do?

A question posed by so many young people just out of college and ready to embark on their career path.

We have all been there – What should I do? Where should I go? What is right for me? These are just some of the questions that plague us when we are done with our studies and degrees.

So how does one decide the career that he/she will excel at? There is no fixed rule/guideline to ensure this. However, some introspection and objectivity along with a pen and paper can help.

First things first take that pen and paper and write down 2 separate columns – your skills and your interest areas

Why both? – your skills will determine which department you are suited for and if your career can include your interests as well then believe me – work won’t be just work 😊

If you feel that you have good communication skills, love to meet and talk to new people, are good at analysis, and are willing to stretch the extra mile with a smile then maybe sales and marketing is the career you should be looking for. If you love to travel and explore new places then you have a career that combines your skillsets and interests as well.

Remember, that you also need to know your weaknesses – do not neglect those while choosing a career. Work on them if you feel that you want to walk down a path despite them. Many people have overcome their fears, and shortcomings because their will to succeed was much higher.

So do what you love and love what you do – only this will take you ahead and keep you interested for however long you want to work. Believe me, if you are not in your ‘Happy Place’ at work you will burn out earlier than you ever wanted to.

So future leaders – chose your path with care and do not settle down anywhere till you get what you want to do for the next 30-40 years of your life.