Step 1: Understand What You Actually Want to Do
Start by figuring out what you truly want to pursue. You may need to do a few internships or programs initially to better understand your interests. I recommend doing these internships during your college years, so you can get a clear idea of the job market and the career options available to you.
Step 2: Know Your Mentors/Tutors
Take the time to research your mentors or tutors. Check their LinkedIn profiles to understand their professional background. You can also ask for a few sample courses or videos to get a sense of their teaching style.
Step 3: Ask for the Syllabus
Be proactive and ask for the syllabus. Understand how the program works. Never hesitate to inquire about paid opportunities within the organization or how the skills you’ll learn can help in the monetary aspect of your career.
Step 4: Connect with Alumni
If possible, connect with alumni who have completed the course. They can provide you with valuable insights and give you a more realistic picture of what to expect.
Step 5: Request an Orientation Session
If needed, ask for an orientation session before joining the program. This will help you get a clearer idea of what the program entails.
Step 6: Focus on Building Your Skills
Once you’ve joined the program, make sure to concentrate on building your skills. This is your time to grow.
Step 7: Explore Job Markets and Non-Conventional Fields
With your newly acquired knowledge, explore job markets and non-conventional fields. Stay open to opportunities.
Note:
Focus on building your skills. If you don’t have skills, you are essentially dependent on AI and ChatGPT. Don’t complain about the lack of job opportunities. Building an empire takes time.
If you are doing unpaid work to acquire skills, make sure that this is your last pro bono internship. It’s important to keep exploring. Give your best and leave the rest to God. There is a bigger picture that you might not see right now, but God knows. Be so skilled that if a company or person doesn’t respect you or your work, you can confidently say “Bye” and move on. It will be their loss, not yours. A better opportunity will come your way.
Lastly, I’ll leave you with this quote:
कोशिश कर, हल निकलेगा
आज नहीं तो, कल निकलेगा।
अर्जुन के तीर सा सध,
मरुस्थल से भी जल निकलेगा।
मेहनत कर, पौधों को पानी दे,
बंजर जमीन से भी फल निकलेगा।
ताकत जुटा, हिम्मत को आग दे,
फौलाद का भी बल निकलेगा।
जिंदा रख, दिल में उम्मीदों को,
गरल के समंदर से भी गंगाजल निकलेगा।
कोशिशें जारी रख कुछ कर गुजरने की,
जो हैं आज थमा थमा सा, चल निकलेगा।
Can better negotiation, collective voices, financial awareness, exploring diverse career paths, or continuous skill development make a difference?
What practical steps do you think we, as healthcare professionals, can take to improve our journey and make the early stages less discouraging?