Navigating Academic and Career Transitions: A Reflection on Internship Experience and Future Directions
Embarking on a college journey often involves exploring various academic paths and gaining practical experience through internships. Recently, I found myself contemplating a significant change in my academic major, prompted by my current internship experience.
As a freshman approaching my sophomore year, I am enrolled in a Safety Management program. While I do not consider myself exceptionally gifted academically, I’ve observed that certain peers in my program seem primarily motivated by financial gain rather than genuine interest. Nonetheless, I’ve enjoyed some aspects of my coursework and have excelled in several challenging classes, earning straight A’s.
Currently, I am halfway through a construction internship. The team and the work environment are positive—everyone is supportive and engaging. However, the actual tasks associated with the internship have proven uninspiring and somewhat repetitive. This realization has led me to conclude that a career in safety management may not align with my interests and aspirations.
One of the challenges I face is uncertainty about my long-term career goals. I don’t possess strong mathematical skills and don’t have a clear passion that could translate into a vocational pursuit. My personal interests include video games and disc golf, which currently do not seem to offer a direct pathway to a profession. Despite this, I am committed to my studies, maintaining good study habits and approaching my coursework with diligence and responsibility.
While I am not expecting to find a job that allows me to love every aspect or never feel like work, I am seeking guidance on how to navigate this period of uncertainty. Any advice on how to explore new paths, make informed decisions about major changes, or leverage my current experiences to shape my future would be greatly appreciated. I believe that with effort and reflection, I can find a direction that aligns with both my interests and strengths.