The Path to a Career
I decided on my career trajectory initially by my interest in visual arts and writing. I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to express myself creatively, as well as allow for me to move up in ranking. Also, I planned for a career that would be able to comfortably finance my needs and wants. I began to lean towards public relations because of its connection with writing and media. I knew I wanted to do something related to maintaining a company’s public image, and being that liaison between the business and the general public. According to Pollak, you should not choose a career solely on your ability to do a skill well, but because you actually have interest in the career (Pollak, 54). I have always had an interest in communication and exploring social media platforms. Most importantly, I enjoy communicating through writing, social media, and speech. This lead me to search public relations positions and careers similar to it. I was able to find a career advertisement as an Instagram communications associate, which excited me. I absolutely love Instagram and the freedom in communication options it allows. I aspire to one day work for Instagram, or any social media platform like it. I believe social media is forever changing and expanding, therefore it would be a valuable investment for my future.
I decided to stick with my career trajectory because I know finding a career I like and am capable of doing, is more important than money. Honestly, I want to become a millionaire with my career (who doesn’t right?), but I have come to the realization that I need to focus on my skills and interests, and intertwine it with my future career. Ultimately, I weighed my decision based upon my interests and realistic aspect of the public relations career. It is a bit more obtainable and secure than a career in the entertainment industry, such as a singer or actress. Some of the stresses of focusing on my career path are influences from my family to “go where the money is,” and finding a balance between my passion and realistic goals. Pollak mentions how you should get “rid of what other people tell you that you “should” want” (Pollak, 52). If I tune out what my family tells me I should want in a career, I will be able to achieve the career best for me. In regards to my passion and goals, I can bridge the gap between the two by taking Pollak’s advice. She says, “Learning about yourself in relation to the work world will help you find and keep a job and create a career that will be fulfilling and satisfying for you” (Pollak, 58). My passion in visual arts and writing along with my goals of achieving large sums of money from a career is possible. I have to use “career strategies” such as building years of experience in the pubic relations field and waiting to start a family, in order to achieve the successful career I want (Pollak, 60).
