Don't choose a career path because your friends, classmates, or mentor did!
In 2021, I had the invaluable opportunity to intern with KPMG. Believe me, I was very excited and elated. For a passionate penultimate student, it felt like a dream come true. Who wouldn't want to intern with one of the big four?
I interned with the audit division, but some weeks down the line, I began to question my interests. Yes, I could execute the assigned tasks, but it wasn't flowing. I couldn't feel myself. It seemed I was forcing myself to engage.
At a point, I had to make inquiries with HR to decipher if I could change my division, but it was too late.
One striking thing about my choice of "Audit" during my application was that I was inspired by a senior colleague. She didn't force or coerce me to choose her path, but I was so inspired by her strides that I really wanted to follow in her footsteps.
For the record, she also interned with KPMG. lol.
But, after that internship, I discovered that while we should always be inspired by the great strides and achievements of our mentors, leaders, colleagues, and friends, we must learn to tame our inspiration.
Choosing a career path solely because it's popular among our friends, classmates, or mentors can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and disengagement.
It's been almost 3 years, and I am so glad I discovered that misalignment early.
We must learn to continually "customize" our inspiration in such a way that it soothes and is tailored to our interests and passion.
Manager, University Talent Acquisition
1moWe're excited for you to join the team, Alex! It was great having you in the office! 😃