Commentary: UB Viewpoint - How to become what you might have been

At the recent University of Baltimore winter commencement ceremony, a student speaker quoted novelist George Eliot, stating: It is never too late to be what you might have been.

The speech made me take notice. How did the speaker, a 40- something wife and mother, become what she might have been? How can the rest of us do the same?

As I thought about her remarks, I realized that the speaker identified the central issue for career changers (and those who would like to change careers). Whether they're beginning new careers by choice or by chance, those who are brave enough to change course typically consider what they might have been. Though it may be daunting to face the prospect of starting a new career or even hobby, it can also be an exhilarating, rewarding process.

One of the ways to tap into your additional career options is to read some of the popular self-discovery books such as What Color is Your Parachute by Richard N. Bolles, I Could Do Anything if Only I Knew What it Was, by Barbara Sher and The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren. These books encourage readers to take stock of their skills and interests and to consider the possibilities for future careers. You might also consider keeping a journal of things that pique your interest, even if you don't initially see any career opportunities in these areas.

Another way to find your calling is to meet with a career counselor who can help you assess your transferable skills and visualize your ideal work environment. There are a variety of career counselors and career coaches in private practice, at state agencies and at local colleges and universities.

Share your exploration process with others. Talk to friends and colleagues. They have the opportunity to observe your talents firsthand and might offer suggestions that you had not considered. Conduct information interviews with those in your field of interest.

Take some risks along the way and don't be afraid to try something unexpected. I've worked with several attorneys who decided years into their careers that they would prefer entrepreneurship and home-based sales businesses. I started my career in banking, only to discover that I was more fulfilled by working in higher education.

If you always thought you'd be good at a particular task, why don't you just try it? Find others who are doing what you'd like to do and ask them if you can volunteer with them. At the very least, ask yourself if there are other ways to incorporate the experiences you seek into your current role.

Like the commencement speaker, you might find that you need to acquire new skills and education to make your dream a reality. It truly is never too late to continue your education. Many schools, like the University of Baltimore, appreciate adult learners and offer courses that fit busy schedules.

What might you have been? I challenge you to begin the journey of discovery.

Leslie Williams, the director of The Career Center at the University of Baltimore, wrote this column for The Daily Record. The opinions expressed are her own.

Copyright 2005 Dolan Media Newswires
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.