Nobody has it all figured out freshman year. If you are feeling overwhelmed about your future, or feel “behind” just know it is totally normal. When I first got to UW-Madison I had no idea where I wanted to end up, and it took me way to long to realize everyone was feeling the same way. That absolutely doesn’t mean you can’t start setting yourself up for success now though! Here is what I wish someone had told me about navigating your career early on, especially as a freshman/sophomore at UW-Madison.
Literally Everyone Switches Their “Dream Job”
I remember panicking by the end of my freshman year that I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I knew what I liked, but had no idea what possible careers could match that. And there are SO many future jobs and careers that you didn’t even know existed but somehow hold all of your interests. First of all, don’t panick about choosing the “wrong” major or not knowing what it is yet! You will begin to notice how common changing your major is, and thankfully UW-Madison makes this process relatively easy with lots of guidance. I have a friend who went from being Pre-med to being Psych, then switching to Nursing, and now has decided to study Spanish and Marketing. And she is absolutely not behind! Frankly, she is smarter than so many people I know. One of the blessings of college, especially a bigger university, is that it allows you to have time and space to explore a million different possibilities Take advantage of that!
Talk to People Doing What You Think You Want to Do
The best advice I ever got was to talk to people living your dream job. Or what you even remotely think could be your dream job. Whether that’s your Mom’s best friend who owns a business or your older brother’s roommate who works in finance – you will never leave one of these conversations regretting it. I have even met with people and left thinking – “Thank God we chatted, I realized this is absolutely not a job that would be a good fit for me.” One of the thing that surprised me the most about this once I started reaching out to people was that they want to help you. Almost everyone in the real world met someone older who helped them fall in love with their job or gave them a piece of advice that changed everything. People remember what it felt like to be just starting out – confused, curious, a little desperate for direction – and they’re usually more than happy to pay it forward. All it takes is a LinkedIn message, an email, or a mutual connection to get the ball rolling. So don’t be afraid to reach out and just listen. Another great resource is your professors! They know what the millions of little jobs are out there within their field and can help you get creative in finding the niche position that fits you perfectly.
Use. Your. Campus. Resources.
UW–Madison spoils us with resources, and yet so many go untouched. From career advisors to job shadowing to field visits, there are opportunities to connect with professionals, get hands-on experience, and explore different industries. Pay attention to your school’s weekly newsletter or ask your career advisors events that are coming up. I once went to a career panel that totally reshaped how I saw my interests and helped me hear about a future career I would have never considered that ended up being the field I interned in. Get involved early and often.
You do not need a five-year plan – you barely even need a one-year plan. Have the curiosity and courage to start somewhere. Make connections and explore anything and everything; you will never regret trying!