You are in your final year; there are many conversations surrounding job-seeking and career paths. Most of your peers are looking at the reputable big boys and talking about drawing a potential $5K starting pay as a management trainee. The starting pay certainly looks attractive, but something just doesn’t click for you. You simply cannot picture yourself in a corporate environment and having a predictable career trajectory like everyone else.
You are not alone.
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with a conventional career choice, it pays to explore alternative paths while you are still young. There are benefits to pursuing unconventional career options in the name of gaining experience.
If not now, when?
Be the Black Sheep
In 1982, Levi’s launched the black denim jeans in the United Kingdom where most jeans are invariably blue. Levi’s wanted to capture the rebellious spirit of those who dared to opt for black. The tagline from this award-winning advertising campaign, “When the world zigs, zag.” strikes a chord even today. Its relevance goes beyond fashion.
Picture this. You are one of many graduating students fighting for the same attractive high-paying and promising job. You can choose to go with the flock or pave your distinct path and own your career journey. Be the black sheep in a flock of white ones. Risky as it may sound, entrepreneurship and unconventional careers provide you with the opportunity to pursue your passions and align work with your purpose. Unlike traditional career paths, these avenues allow you to explore your unique interests and create a meaningful impact in areas you truly care about.
It Pays to be Different
While financial success is not guaranteed, entrepreneurship and unconventional careers can offer the potential for significant monetary rewards. Those who are willing to take calculated risks, innovate, and build successful ventures or unique career paths may have the opportunity to reap financial benefits that exceed those of traditional employment.
The benefits outweigh the risks, especially when you are just starting your career. Here are some other benefits of exploring alternative paths:
Independence and autonomy: One of the most appealing aspects of entrepreneurship and unconventional careers is the independence and autonomy they offer. Those who choose these paths can have greater control over their work-life balance, decision-making processes, and overall career trajectory. They can shape their destiny and have the freedom to follow their vision.
Continuous learning and skill development: It will be a continuous learning experience with the opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills beyond your academic expertise, including business management, marketing, networking, problem-solving, and adaptability. This continuous learning fosters personal growth, enhances your marketability, and equips you with valuable skills that can be applied in various contexts.
Networking and collaboration opportunities: Engaging in entrepreneurship and unconventional career paths exposes you to diverse networking and collaboration opportunities. You can connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, mentors, and potential partners. These networks can provide valuable support, guidance, and access to resources that can propel your ventures or unconventional careers forward.
So Where Do I Start?
By following these steps, embark on your path towards entrepreneurship or an unconventional career with confidence and purpose. Most importantly embrace the journey, stay motivated, and remain open to the opportunities that come your way.
- Explore your passions: Reflect on your passions, interests, and unique skills. Consider what excites you and what you genuinely enjoy doing. This will help you identify potential areas or industries where you can channel your entrepreneurial spirit or pursue unconventional paths.
- Do the groundwork: Once you have an idea of your interests, dive into thorough research. Study the industry or field you’re interested in, identify trends, and understand the market dynamics. This will help you assess the feasibility of your ideas and make informed decisions.
- Seek mentorship: Connect with experienced professionals or entrepreneurs who can serve as mentors through industry associations, online communities, and faculty staff. They can provide valuable advice specific to your field of interest.
- Develop new skills: Identify the skills necessary for success in your chosen field. Consider acquiring additional skills through workshops, internships, or mentorship programmes. This could include skills like marketing, finance, communication, project management, or technical expertise. Strengthening your skill set will enhance your ability to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship or unconventional careers.
- Fail fast, learn fast: Take small steps towards your goals. Consider starting a side project, freelancing, or launching a small-scale venture to test the waters. Taking calculated risks allows you to gain practical experience, learn from failures, and adjust your approach as needed. Setbacks are inevitable. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and stepping stone towards success.
Take Action
Ultimately, the most important step is taking action. Start implementing your ideas, launch your projects, or pursue opportunities that align with your goals. Embrace the entrepreneurial mindset of learning by doing and taking calculated risks. Remember, the journey begins with the first step.