What’s Your Issue?
Finding the right career path is a challenge for all of us.
We live in a complex and ever-changing world. Duh. But what does that really mean for emerging professionals and job-changers? Perhaps a new mindset is in order. With 20,000 job titles in existence, many of which will change or haven’t even been invented yet, it’s overwhelming to decide where to start. But a Canadian career development expert named JP Michel has a new approach. Forget about the college major or job title and focus on the issue.
In his recent presentation to the National Career Development Association, Michel suggested focusing on the challenges, problems and opportunities that you are most passionate about. JP Michel is the founder of SparkPath, an organization helps young people discover their true potential and choose the education program that leads to an extraordinary career. But his lessons are applicable to every professional at every stage of their career.
Michel suggests starting with the premise: I want to contribute insight and solutions to the growing challenge of (fill in the blank).
So, what’s your issue—the Environment? Education in America? Helping women and minorities enter science and technology fields? Whatever your values and skills, there is a job that’s right for each of us. We just need to wade through the misleading titles, ever-changing roles and monitor the trends affecting the issues or challenges that matter most to us.
As always, networking conversations are key to this process. Find people who are working on these very issues today and connect with them. Join groups and professional associations that focus on your issue so you can gain new insights and understand what’s required to prepare for your new career. Since we always have to be looking ahead, be sure to consider how the world will be different in 10-20 years and what impact that will have on your issue. And whether you are a college student or mid-career professional, continuing education—however informal—is critical and will create pathways for you to find work that is meaningful.
Our language is ever-evolving and I love the idea of changing the narrative from “So, what’s your major?” to “What challenges do you want to tackle in your university studies?” And rather than asking friends and colleagues, “What’s your job?” how about asking them what they see as the most critical issues of our time and how do they want to contribute to solutions? These may seem like subtle distinctions, but they’re actually quite powerful. Changing our mindset often triggers an escape from conventional wisdom and instigates exciting new ideas, strategies and innovative ways of solving problems.
By starting your career exploration with the issue that’s ignites your passion and reflects your values may be the ideal first step toward identifying and pursuing your next great role!
