With the semester coming to an end, many of us are looking forward to the holidays, seeing our families, and the well-deserved break. However, some of us may feel a bit anxious about having the possible conversations we may have with our families regarding school, and especially our ‘future careers’. But do not worry! Whether you are still an undecided freshman, a sophomore who just declared a major, a junior who still does not know what their career goals are, or even a senior who is still in the midst of job searching, you are not alone. Below are a few common scenarios, as well as the best way to respond to each.
Someone just asked you what you’re majoring in, but you’re still undecided.
It is not uncommon to be undecided! Let your family know that you are still exploring the different options, and that your classes this past semester have helped you narrow down on what you may want to major in (or not want to major in). You want to make sure that the person you’re talking to sees that you’re not a ‘lost puppy’ in college, and that you are actively involved in your own education. The best way to do that would be through discussing the cool things you’ve done this past semester, whether they are clubs you’ve joined or classes you’re taking. The most important thing is to reassure your family that you do not simply want to major in just anything, but something that you’re passionate about.
You just declared your major and are excited to share it with your family, but their default response is “Well, what are you going to do with that?”.
You may initially feel a little bit defensive, but make sure you take the time to properly phrase your answer. It is important to understand that they are not targeting you or your decisions, but simply care about you and your success. In fact, take it as an exercise and practice on being able to clearly enunciate why you chose your field of study. Have some stories in the back of your head, from classes you’ve taken, projects you’ve worked on, professors you’ve spoken with, to use during your discussion. The most important thing is to reassure whoever you’re speaking to that you’re passionate about your field or study. It’s great if you already know what career you want to pursue with your degree, but also completely fine if you are still browsing possible career choices. If you’d like, you can check out What Can You do with your Major!
You have one more semester of college to go, but you are still in the middle of job searching. Your family continuously asks you what you’re planning to do with your life, and why you haven’t received a job offer yet.
While some firms do full-time recruitment in the fall, it’s important to remember not all firms do. Depending on your career interest, the company you wish to work for or the job you wish you pursue may do recruitment in the spring. Reassure them that recruitment for job is still on-going, and that you have been actively working on applications and cover letters and will continue to do so over break. If you do not know exactly what type of position you are interested in pursuing, communicate to them that you’ve been looking into various types of positions you think you would be interested in. Your first job out of college usually is not your dream career. Instead, it is a job that will teach you skills to be successful in the workplace and your future jobs. At the end of the day, what matters most to your family is that you are actively working on getting a job and that you have a sense of direction.
While clearly communicating and reassuring your family that you are actively engaged in your own education and career goals, it is just as important to do it. Winter break is a great time to refocus yourself and understand what your future goals!