After discovering that becoming a veterinarian was not in the cards, I looked into what I could do with my biology and chemistry coursework and interests. Again, without doing any career exploration, I jumped into becoming a science teacher. I mean, seriously, I had four science teachers in high school and several in college already. To me, it appeared that science teachers were in demand because I demanded them! And, besides that, how hard could it be! So, I went to the Registrar's office and completed the paperwork to change my program. It would be a couple of years later before I would realize that I had just made another BIG mistake.
So, off I go, head first, into my next (yes, I said 'next'...not 'final') career goal. I trudged through three more years of biology, chemistry, math, and education classes. Problem was, this career epiphany was occurring at the same time that a glut of teachers was entering the job market. Hello, was I not paying attention...again! During my second senior year (yep...you read it right as it took me a wee bit longer to complete the science classes...they were harder than I thought!) I scheduled my appointment with the Dean of the College of Education for my required interview. This was part of the entrance process for candidate selection to move forward into student teaching and certification. What happened next was just horrible.
I arrived to my meeting with the dean at a responsible time...10 minutes before my appointment dressed in a suit, make that my only suit, to look my best, professionally. I thought I was prepared. Apparently, I wasn't. I kid you not, but when I walked into the dean's office I was totally caught off-guard. When the dean came for me, I stood up, shook his hand while pleasantly greeting him, followed him to his office and, when offered, sat down anxiously ready to proceed and complete my 'interview'. He, on the other hand, had no intention of interviewing me that day...or any other day, it appears.
Throughout my college life I had been involved in many student activities including residential hall government, intramural sports, fund-raising events, homecoming activities, just to name a few. I tutored other students in their classes and worked hard to create an award-winning environment within our residence hall complex. I was outgoing, charismatic, and liked helping others. So, as I sat there waiting to share my story with the dean imagine my utter horror when he simply looked at me and said, "I don't believe you will make a good teacher. This interview is over." He then stood up, walked over to his door, and opened it for me to leave. That was it. The entire episode lasted less than 60 seconds.
I learned two things that day; however, one of them did not come to be for many years. First thing I learned is that the College of Education was not taking 'out of state' students as there were so many applicants to the program and not enough teaching positions available due to a large influx of teachers in recent years (checking that point out would have been helpful!). The second, and most important thing I learned, was that I allowed this individual to tell me that I would not be good at something. Unbelievable.
Years later while I was presenting my Jobs Connection Workshop to a large group of recently laid-off workers, I joked that someday I would like to teach adults at the community college level, but probably would do it as an online instructor. One person then commented that it would be a waste if I only considered online as I was a really good instructor and made the workshops fun. In retrospect, I realized that I should have told the dean that he was wrong...very wrong. I let someone else decide for me what I would be good, or in his case, not good at doing for a career. In looking back at the work I have done, I see that in many of the things I have accomplished, the most rewarding have been in helping and teaching others.
That was the last time I ever allowed someone to tell me at what I would not be good at doing.
When working with transitioning adults, it is important to listen to what they like and don't like. Sometimes, they select career choices based upon what they know. Further investigation generally demonstrates that there is so much more out there than what we are aware of in our career search. Careers that we think we would like to do turn out to be something different than what we thought (e.g. veterinarian!). Other times we discover a career option that we would probably never have considered based upon our perceptions of what we believed that career offered. Whatever the case may be, it is pretty safe to say that most, if not all, of us will not land in the perfect job without some preparation. Our choices are many and with the right tools to help us identify areas to investigate, we stand a better chance of making a good career choice...or, at least one that puts us on the path to move towards our 'dream job'.
The Jobs Connection Workshop is offered most Tuesdays at Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center. To see if one is scheduled this month, check out the link to the CAMW! Calendar of Events. There are a lot of opportunities out there, but, we have to have the skills, knowledge, and desire to do it well. If you are looking for help to begin identifying various career options, stop by and attend the Workshop. It's free and you'll leave with some great information to help you in your search.
Job Blasts!
Please visit the Michigan Talent Bank website to check out these and other postings.
4th and Inches Landscaping & Snow Removal (Lansing):
Biggby Coffee (East Lansing): F/T Public Relations Assistant MTB # 2995823
First Presbyterian Church (Mason): P/T Sexton MTB # 2993263
Clinton Area Care Center (Saint Johns): P/T, per Diem positions
Ingham County: For these positions, please go to the Michigan Talent Bank and enter the Job Posting number to access the information on the positions.
- Account Clerk Sheriff's Office: MTB: #2996103
- Community Health Rep II: MTB # 2996102
- Dentist: MTB # 2977128
- Disease Control Nurse (F/T): MTB #2996101
- Disease Control Nurse (P/T): MTB # 2965134
- Family Nurse Practitioner/Provider (F/T): MTB # 2959163
- Health Center Nurse (P/T): MTB # 2959165
- Jail Nurse: MTB # 2971155
- Medical Director/Physician: MTB # 2959167
- Office Coordinator Sheriff's Office: MTB # 2996104
- Physician Assistant - CHC (F/T): MTB #2953976
- Public Health Nurse: MTB # 2987559
- Universal Deputy Roster ICSO Corrections: MTB # 2987553
I must agree, you are an incredible teacher and a dynamic presenter. I am glad you have the opportunity to do both. I am also glad I have had the opportunity to witness both.
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