By the time you graduate or ready to gear on your career, there are so many career advices hurling around you frequently from well-meaning friends, relatives, and of course family. Hearing them over and over again, you might have fallen victim to some of the most common myths… but don’t feel bad, as not only you but nearly everyone in the workforce is being trapped by such common myths regarding how to find, get and keep a job. But, these half-truths are misguided and block us from discovering true career success and put off us from making positive changes. Many times, such faulty assumptions can delay or obstruct your ability to achieve your goals. That’s why it is must required to clear your mind. In view of that we have discussed below some most popular Career myths so that you can achieve your personal as well as professional milestones, by clearly separating career fact from common myths.
Myth 1: The “Smartest” person gets the job.
Fact: Here smart means “more qualified”. For generations, students believe that a degree of college will get them a job. But the actual thing is totally different; there are so many new graduates who are remaining unemployed due to the lack of experience. Degrees are beneficial but not essential requirement in a job design; it isn’t the only thing an employer looks for. In few cases, they are supposed to be just add-on. It is wrong to feel that the person, who has more paper than you, puts you behind in the race. However, in the current climate, most employers give more preference to the person’s experience in a similar job and check whether he/she can adapt to a mass of situations and tasks if required.
Myth 2: If I go back to school for more education after my bachelors degree, I will find a great job.
Fact: As said above, your work and skill values more than degrees. Further education doesn’t assure you a job, if so then why the majority of self-made millionaires or entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, alleged that they started their businesses with passions, not a degree. Before going to any further education, ask questions like Does the new degree match your values and passions? Or Will the new degree offer you position that you could see yourself working in for the next 10-20 years? Or Does the recent economy require your new skills or knowledge gained?
Myth 3: There is one perfect/right job for me; I just need to find it!
Fact: Don’t forget that sometimes there are other than one perfect road to reach your destination. As everyone has different interests and abilities, there are plentiful occupations that will match your skills, interests, abilities and values. If you try to look for the one perfect job, it will limit you.
You can get success on many different jobs and career fields which can suit your career goals and be “right” for you potentially. Instead of thinking that you’re going to get it “wrong”; just let go of the Cinderella-slipper Career (that dream of a perfect job match), and judge your abilities, interests and values. Using career assessment tools, at first identify what you are looking for in a job or career. Then, look at available options thoroughly and think advantages and disadvantages of each. It is good to keep an open mind and uphold career awareness. When you get experience and grow professionally, the type of work you would like to pursue may change eventually.
Myth 4: Once I choose a career, I'll be stuck in it forever.
Fact: No, you can simply change your career if you are unconvinced for any reason. There are chances that you'll be in better company. Planning for a career is an enduring process. A lot of people change careers during their life. As per the recent survey, so many people in work force will have at least five or six different occupations when they retire. Change is natural so in the job market. Also, the change is required if occupations that were available in your past may not even exist yet! Or if you realize that you weren’t making the "right" choice earlier. At this time, your goal should be to make the "next best choice" and continue that career once again.
Myth 5: It’s too late to change careers!
Fact: Change is good in career and you are free to shift careers at any time if it outcomes a more satisfying career. Sometimes this could be a challenge, when you need to enhance your current qualifications, to gain new knowledge and skills, to improve your oral communication skills, or to take a public speaking course. Changing careers may require that you re-tool by following an advanced degree, in this case do some search and look for your options. If you are good to master the required skills and the confidence to follow your goals, then you will definitely navigate a successful career transition.
Myth 6: I need to follow my passion to have a satisfying career.
Fact: It is believed that job satisfaction comes only when you figure out what you love and find a career path that fits you. This is truly great, but imperfect. Actually, it is not possible that all passions go with the realities of the job market. For ex. - If you are passionate about poetry or love to paint, there are very limited job opportunities. Not all people, but only some are the lucky ones who get to do what they love for a job. So, try to get work that you can do happily; it doesn't require being your passion. Shape your interests and skills according to job market needs is the winning combo.
Myth 7: After college; Liberal Arts, Humanities and Science majors are generally unemployable.
Fact: It is fact that humanities or liberal arts majors don't have any marketable skills. But they have most important skills in areas like writing, research, interpersonal communication, and critical thinking. Such transferable skills are educated in one area, but they can be used in a wide range of other areas. The skills learned in the liberal arts are required by many employers. No doubt that people with humanities or liberal arts majors are working in a wide range of careers but sometimes their job titles aren’t related to the title of their academic major.
Myth 8: I should choose my career from a "Best Careers" list.
Fact: Remember that job market is always changeable; what is being hot today may not be in demand tomorrow. Economic circumstances, technological advances, and the labor supply can considerably influence employment opportunities. Job outlook trend is essential in career selection but it should not be the major consideration. Statistics shows that people, who potentially follow current market demand and jobs, change 5-7 jobs and as many as 3 varied careers during their life. Considering this, it is better to select job/career focusing on your interests, skills and values, rather than market demand.
Myth 9: If I change careers, my skills will go to waste.
Fact: In this highly advanced era, change and adaptation are unavoidable part of the job market. Your skills can be transferred from one job to the next but they won't go to waste. Soft skills like communication, leadership and judgment are just yours to keep. What we’ve learned in the past isn’t futile, however it may perhaps not be used in the same particular way. But one thing for sure is that if you can train yourself to expect changes, you can grab new opportunities whenever they come along.
Myth 10: If you're not sure what you want to do, go to grad school.
Fact: You know yourself the best, so it is waste of time and money if you're expecting that Grad school will point down you a career path in some way. Grad school helps you in the career planning process. So, if you're in doubt what else to do and prefer to go grad school, then you may be burdened with large student loans too.
Myth 1: The “Smartest” person gets the job.
Fact: Here smart means “more qualified”. For generations, students believe that a degree of college will get them a job. But the actual thing is totally different; there are so many new graduates who are remaining unemployed due to the lack of experience. Degrees are beneficial but not essential requirement in a job design; it isn’t the only thing an employer looks for. In few cases, they are supposed to be just add-on. It is wrong to feel that the person, who has more paper than you, puts you behind in the race. However, in the current climate, most employers give more preference to the person’s experience in a similar job and check whether he/she can adapt to a mass of situations and tasks if required.
Myth 2: If I go back to school for more education after my bachelors degree, I will find a great job.
Fact: As said above, your work and skill values more than degrees. Further education doesn’t assure you a job, if so then why the majority of self-made millionaires or entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, alleged that they started their businesses with passions, not a degree. Before going to any further education, ask questions like Does the new degree match your values and passions? Or Will the new degree offer you position that you could see yourself working in for the next 10-20 years? Or Does the recent economy require your new skills or knowledge gained?
Myth 3: There is one perfect/right job for me; I just need to find it!
Fact: Don’t forget that sometimes there are other than one perfect road to reach your destination. As everyone has different interests and abilities, there are plentiful occupations that will match your skills, interests, abilities and values. If you try to look for the one perfect job, it will limit you.
You can get success on many different jobs and career fields which can suit your career goals and be “right” for you potentially. Instead of thinking that you’re going to get it “wrong”; just let go of the Cinderella-slipper Career (that dream of a perfect job match), and judge your abilities, interests and values. Using career assessment tools, at first identify what you are looking for in a job or career. Then, look at available options thoroughly and think advantages and disadvantages of each. It is good to keep an open mind and uphold career awareness. When you get experience and grow professionally, the type of work you would like to pursue may change eventually.
Myth 4: Once I choose a career, I'll be stuck in it forever.
Fact: No, you can simply change your career if you are unconvinced for any reason. There are chances that you'll be in better company. Planning for a career is an enduring process. A lot of people change careers during their life. As per the recent survey, so many people in work force will have at least five or six different occupations when they retire. Change is natural so in the job market. Also, the change is required if occupations that were available in your past may not even exist yet! Or if you realize that you weren’t making the "right" choice earlier. At this time, your goal should be to make the "next best choice" and continue that career once again.
Myth 5: It’s too late to change careers!
Fact: Change is good in career and you are free to shift careers at any time if it outcomes a more satisfying career. Sometimes this could be a challenge, when you need to enhance your current qualifications, to gain new knowledge and skills, to improve your oral communication skills, or to take a public speaking course. Changing careers may require that you re-tool by following an advanced degree, in this case do some search and look for your options. If you are good to master the required skills and the confidence to follow your goals, then you will definitely navigate a successful career transition.
Myth 6: I need to follow my passion to have a satisfying career.
Fact: It is believed that job satisfaction comes only when you figure out what you love and find a career path that fits you. This is truly great, but imperfect. Actually, it is not possible that all passions go with the realities of the job market. For ex. - If you are passionate about poetry or love to paint, there are very limited job opportunities. Not all people, but only some are the lucky ones who get to do what they love for a job. So, try to get work that you can do happily; it doesn't require being your passion. Shape your interests and skills according to job market needs is the winning combo.
Myth 7: After college; Liberal Arts, Humanities and Science majors are generally unemployable.
Fact: It is fact that humanities or liberal arts majors don't have any marketable skills. But they have most important skills in areas like writing, research, interpersonal communication, and critical thinking. Such transferable skills are educated in one area, but they can be used in a wide range of other areas. The skills learned in the liberal arts are required by many employers. No doubt that people with humanities or liberal arts majors are working in a wide range of careers but sometimes their job titles aren’t related to the title of their academic major.
Myth 8: I should choose my career from a "Best Careers" list.
Fact: Remember that job market is always changeable; what is being hot today may not be in demand tomorrow. Economic circumstances, technological advances, and the labor supply can considerably influence employment opportunities. Job outlook trend is essential in career selection but it should not be the major consideration. Statistics shows that people, who potentially follow current market demand and jobs, change 5-7 jobs and as many as 3 varied careers during their life. Considering this, it is better to select job/career focusing on your interests, skills and values, rather than market demand.
Myth 9: If I change careers, my skills will go to waste.
Fact: In this highly advanced era, change and adaptation are unavoidable part of the job market. Your skills can be transferred from one job to the next but they won't go to waste. Soft skills like communication, leadership and judgment are just yours to keep. What we’ve learned in the past isn’t futile, however it may perhaps not be used in the same particular way. But one thing for sure is that if you can train yourself to expect changes, you can grab new opportunities whenever they come along.
Myth 10: If you're not sure what you want to do, go to grad school.
Fact: You know yourself the best, so it is waste of time and money if you're expecting that Grad school will point down you a career path in some way. Grad school helps you in the career planning process. So, if you're in doubt what else to do and prefer to go grad school, then you may be burdened with large student loans too.
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