This is a concern that I have encountered in my private practice and on social networks. Many young people in the middle of their university studies find their professions impractical and feel in a dilemma between abandoning and disappointing their parents or taking advantage of the time and being themselves, perhaps starting a business… Does this sound familiar to you in your families or in those of your friends this situation?
Always be honest with your parents, that is the first observation I must make to those young people with doubts. Maybe they already “smell” your resolution. However, if you are hesitating, it is because everything seems like a half-truth: on the one hand, your parents want the best for you and on the other, you want to make your own way, which is also valid. Who is right?
Based on my experience, these are some conclusions that will help you make your decision:
- You have good judgment, good judgment. In effect there is a “divorce” between formal education and the requirements of the modern world, especially for obtaining a good income, the expense is not compared with the return, especially in the long term to monetize.
- Entrepreneurship is not a bed of roses. Ventures do not always end well. I mean, instead of prosperity they lead to significant bankruptcies. There are statistics about this, about how many times you have to start, fail, etc. to have a healthy company. Therefore, it is valid to have a plan B in case you have to look at other options and complete a professional career.
- Studying a university degree is not only a requirement to earn a salary or make a living. Studying a career and becoming a professional is a process of personal transformation that we must all undergo. In reality, our motivation should not be only the salary, but rather to learn and grow. This is a stage that we must all live through.
- The career you chose or study is a little of everything… in my opinion, the best results are obtained from having focus, from being a specialist. It seems to me that in five years one does not become an expert in international markets and business. Colombia has a poor vocation for external vision. It will take some more time for this career to have its recognition and applicability in our country. Maybe that’s why you realize that when you leave, graduates are not well paid, there is a lack of clarity about their value for organizations. In my opinion it should be a postgraduate degree. Being an internationalist is a reality for everyone today, in all tasks. This is a program that sells very well commercially but does little for those who invest in it. As in this case, there are two or three professions that are difficult to apply: social communicator, chemical engineer (when they go on the market, most find that there are few companies that can open positions for them and it is very annoying to play under the rules of the system and then find a door in the face)…
Not all cases are the same but this is what I observe in my private practice. If you require help, I can support you with Career Coaching for these difficult decisions.
Greetings, I am Rubén Reyes, director of Puedoser.