Let's Talk About Careers

We are defined by the roles we play at all stages of life: college major, job title, career roles. We ask kids, “what do you want to be when you grow up,” before they even learn to read. Then we expect them to hold on to the decision they made in elementary school and give them positive affirmations if their career choice fits in with social standards of a prestigious job. This continues in high school, college, and every time we make career choices throughout life. We are expected to know what we want to do and stick to it. Every time we meet new people, the first question we ask and are asked is: "what do you do?" The response to this simple and harmless question sets the tone for the rest of the conversation, and makes assumptions on the person's character, level of education, and success. “What do you do” essentially defines a person in a single word or sentence.