Searching For a College Major: #4 Take Action

Did You Know? … a chance meeting, a broken appointment, a spontaneous vacation trip, a “fill-in” job, a newly discovered hobby — these are the kinds of experiences — happenstances — that lead to unexpected life directions and career choices.
That’s what John Krumboltz in his book, Luck is No Accident, contends and what he briefly explains in this video clip. Based on his experience and study, Krumboltz discovered that most people found great jobs and careers rather unexpectedly. He urges people to be involved in lots of constructive activities, to be willing to try new things, and to reach out and connect with different people.

Be Involved in Constructive Activities
When Mario was working part-time as a shipping clerk, a teammate asked him to attend a Toastmasters lunch meeting with him. Although not very enthusiastic, Mario decided to go. He was amazed at what he could learn at lunch and started participating regularly in the group. After several months, the president of the company attended a meeting, heard Mario speak, and asked to meet with him. The president offered Mario a full time position as his assistant. Mario, who never thought of himself as managerial material, now has an executive position.

Try New Things
Learn a new skill, pursue a hobby, volunteer in your community. If you are interested in politics work as a volunteer for a candidate you admire. If you have always wanted to play golf, sign up for a class at your community college. Stay open and willing to take advantage of unplanned events. When Tim was laid off from his job as a manufacturing supervisor, he began helping out on his daughter’s soccer team. He and the coach got along well. It ended up that the coach was starting a new business venture and asked Tim to be a part of the team. That was five years ago and Tim still has a good job in the new company. Don’t dodge unplanned events in order to return to your normal routine. If you open your mind, and roll with the unexpected, new opportunities will unfold.

Connect with Others
Scott Adams, creator of the now famous Dilbert cartoon, took a chance and contacted cartoonist Jack Cassady. Cassady, in turn, gave Adams suggestions and encouragement to continue pursuing his cartooning. Adams made his own luck by taking positive action, which in turn created opportunities for him. You can do the same thing in your own career exploration and job hunting activities by reaching out to people, asking questions, and taking positive action.

Every moment is the chance of a lifetime. Pir Vilayat