Finding Yourself beyond the Classroom

If I were given the chance to be everything I wanted to before I leave this Earth?

I wouldn’t mind being on the Today Show, or perhaps Late Night with Jordan Patterson. I would want to design BMW’s next flagship sedan and also be the leading architect in designing the perfect addition to Indy’s skyline. I would write and produce music for talented artists that would win me a record number of Grammy awards. Oh, and voice acting in a Pixar film would be awesome!

One might see why the question “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” poses a challenge to a guy like me with many ambitions. I have a hunch that I am not alone. When giving campus tours at Butler University, I always ask the question to perspective students, “How many of you know what you want to do with your life?”

Of course, the pre-med students always are quick to raise their hands. Yet, the general response is utter silence.

Then I reframe the question. “Raise your hand if you don’t know what you want to do when you ‘grow up.’” Somehow this question unites us as I raise my own hand, the perspective students raise theirs, not to mention a few of the “grownups” too.

_________________________________________

We should understand what comes easy to us and what things we have to work hard for.
_________________________________________

I don’t believe these students are completely clueless about their futures. It could be one of two things. They are ridiculously multitalented that they lack a sense of focus, or they have not taken the time to truly understand what they have to offer and what stimulates them. No matter where you are, my suggestion is simply to learn and explore.

At this point, we are all too familiar with the lectures, homework, and tests that make up the traditional class environment. In this classroom environment we experience first-hand what subjects excite us and what things dreadfully bore us. We should understand what comes easy to us and what things we have to work hard for. The next step is to explore our interest outside of the traditional classroom setting and immerse ourselves into a real-world working experience.

I have learned from the traditional classroom setting that I am more creative than I am analytical. I love the art of communication and persuasion, and for the most part I like people. This summer, I have the opportunity to explore these interests through an internship with Indiana INTERNnet. I look forward to gaining more experience with social media marketing and writing. These are skills that will impress those folks at the Today Show, and I will be one step closer.

Check out these 10 ways to find your career path at http://bit.ly/1pg8OdO

If you were given the chance to do everything career-related that you could, what would you do? Write your thoughts in the comments below.