Gaining Experience to Better Understand Oneself
Choosing a career path is a crucial decision that can sometimes feel abstract until one is confronted with the realities of the field. Internships and volunteer experiences provide key opportunities to refine one’s choices by offering hands-on exposure to various industries and professions. These experiences allow individuals to test different roles, understand the demands of a professional environment, and most importantly, learn more about themselves.
According to Donald Super’s vocational development theory, professional identity is built gradually through real-life experiences. Internships and volunteer work offer the chance to bridge aspirations with the reality of the working world, helping individuals confirm or reconsider their career plans.
Exploring Preferences and Discovering Skills
Professional experiences enable individuals to identify their preferences regarding work environments, daily tasks, and interpersonal interactions. Some may discover a passion for team management, while others realize they thrive in independent work settings. Experimenting with different professional contexts helps in better defining one's aspirations, motivations, and core drivers, ultimately leading to a more informed career choice.
Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory highlights the importance of three fundamental psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and social affiliation. Internships and volunteering provide opportunities to experience all three dimensions by allowing young individuals to develop their skills, take initiative, and interact with professionals in a structured setting.
Facing the Reality of the Workplace
Academic and theoretical training, while essential, often lacks the tangible aspects of professional life. An internship or a volunteer mission exposes individuals to real working conditions, offering a concrete understanding of job expectations, required skills, and daily challenges. It is not uncommon for hands-on experience to reshape preconceived ideas about a sector or a specific role.
Moreover, these experiences help develop transversal skills, also known as soft skills, such as time management, teamwork, communication, and adaptability—valuable assets for any future career.
Building a Network and Expanding Opportunities
Internships and volunteer engagements also provide a chance to meet professionals, gain insights into job market expectations, and establish a presence within a specific industry. A well-executed internship can sometimes lead to a job offer or open doors to other opportunities through networking and professional connections.
Conclusion: Experimenting to Make Informed Career Decisions
Rather than selecting a career path based on preconceived notions or external pressures, it is essential to allow oneself time to explore. Internships and volunteering provide this opportunity to test, observe, and evaluate personal aspirations. These experiences enable individuals to make more informed decisions that align with their skills, values, and long-term goals. Finding one’s path is about experimenting to better understand oneself, but above all, it is about truly discovering who one is!
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