We hear common career myths all the time at the Careers Service. In a previous blog, I introduced how you can use up-to-date careers information and our careers team to start to unpick these myths. This blog will take you through some common misconceptions and help you to unpick your learning:
Myth: I need to know exactly what I want to do before I make a career decision…
Paralysing perfectionism or decision-making paralysis is relatively common amongst students. Having a mindset of needing to know if something is right or perfect before exploring it further can lead to lack of progress. Instead, ask yourself, how can I move this decision from 50% to 70% or 80% certainty? That might be online research, having a career conversation with someone in the role to gain some insider insight (try LinkedIn Alumni or Bath Connection), or trying to secure work experience in the role.
Myth: I need to find my passion first…
In reality, many successful professionals discover their passions through diverse experiences, some use their passions in their everyday work, while others don’t. The common misconception about needing to know your passion before making a career move is faulty because it encourages the beliefs that you only have one passion, that passion is fixed and doesn’t change and grow as you do and that passion is effortless. By engaging in different activities (volunteering, part time work, work experience, extra curriculars) you can explore passions and start to identify what truly excites you. Much like career paths being non-linear and evolving, passions are the same; some may interweave with your career, and others will stand alone.
Myth: If I make the wrong choice, there is no way of going back…
Welcome to the era of squiggly careers! This means that for many of you, there won't be a straightforward A to B to C career path. Every experience holds value, whether it's developing transferable skills or discovering what environments or tasks you enjoy (or don't). There's no such thing as a wrong choice—just opportunities to learn more about yourself.
If you're worried about making poor choices, start by exploring your self-awareness and identifying what matters to you in a career (You can find out more about your values with this online assessment.) Finding work that aligns with your values, while also navigating changes in your life, the economy, and technology, is key to successfully managing the twists and turns of your career.
Myth: My degree subject has to perfectly align with my future career…
Most employers want potential not a specific degree. Whilst some may indicate a preference for subject areas, many others, including household names such as Deloitte, Unilever and the Civil Service Fast Stream recruit graduates from all academic disciplines. Your current or past subject interests may lead into a related career but for many, it’s the transferable skills and varied experiences you’ve developed that will support you in securing a future role.
Final thoughts
Many myths are there to hold you back, waiting to make ‘perfect’ choices or finding ‘exactly the right’ next step. In careers we encourage you to do your research, have career conversations, explore options and gain work experience. But remember, even with all that preparation, sometimes you just need to embrace the journey, stay curious, and take the next step.
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