This is one of the most common things we hear—few students have a clear career plan when they graduate, while for many, making such an important choice can be daunting. I was one of them!
Speaking with students recently took me back to when I had just finished my bachelor’s degree in Political Science & International Relations and felt undecided about my career path. During my studies, I was active in political clubs, debate tournaments, and internships in the Albanian parliament and other governmental entities. Yet, I faced limited job opportunities.
To broaden my options, I decided to combine my bachelor’s degree in politics with a master’s degree in business. This decision soon bore fruit. While still a student, I secured a paid internship with the ‘Trans Adriatic Pipeline’ project, one of the largest in Albania, and worked part-time as a teaching assistant at the university. This first project experience in 2017 boosted my CV and opened doors to other positions. Subsequently, I joined the GIZ team, progressing to senior project management roles and managing projects worth over £2 million.
I attribute my success to a combination of luck and hard work. Here’s the advice I shared with the students:
- Don’t Feel Constrained by Your Degree: You’re at an age where you can experiment and find your passion. Take time to explore!
- Try Different Experiences: Internships, volunteering, and part-time work not only help you discover what you enjoy and excel at but also add value to your CV.
- Self-Reflection is Key: It’s common for students to realize that their initial career choice may not be the right fit. Reflect on what you’re good at and what you might enjoy doing.
One of the challenges in Albania is the lack of adequate counseling and career guidance in colleges and universities. Without proper guidance, students may feel they have limited options and can become discouraged if they aren’t passionate about those few choices. Career guidance should start before university, with high schools implementing programs to help students understand the wide range of career options available to them based on their interests and skills.
I was pleased to see that students were thinking critically about their futures, trying to link their studies to their envisioned careers. Effective career guidance can help students make informed decisions and feel confident about their career paths.
In conclusion, it’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain about your career path. Use this time to explore, gain experience, and seek guidance. Your journey may take unexpected turns, but each step will bring you closer to finding a fulfilling career.
