W. P. Carey Alumni Share Advice on Narrowing Down Your Career Choices

We asked W. P. Carey Alumni: What are the most effective tips you would give to students to help narrow down their career choices?

Here is what they shared:

  • Define Your Own Values and Prioritize What Matters to You
  • Leverage Your Network to Meet People in the Industry
  • Determine What You’d Like to Learn Early in Your Career
  • Find Your Competitive Advantage

Define Your Own Values and Prioritize What Matters to You

While defining a career path, many individuals focus solely on salary. However, there is so much more to consider when picking a path! 

It’s important to figure out what matters to you and what your top three values are. For example, if one of your values is flexibility, you may wish to focus more on remote careers rather than a job that requires five days in the office.

Grant Frailich, MS Management ‘14, Sr. Development Manager, Conscious Capitalism

Leverage Your Network to Meet People in the Industry

I would recommend networking with people in your target industry as early (and as often) as possible. By meeting with people who are at various stages in their careers, and playing different roles in the industry, you will get a sense of a “day in the life” as well as a career trajectory. 

For example, I knew I wanted to be involved in the commercial real estate industry—which is an incredibly broad term. There are a seemingly never-ending number of participants in the industry, including developers, general contractors, architects, brokers, lenders, private equity participants, city staff, etc., that all play a critical role. 

By meeting with a variety of stakeholders in the industry, you will get an understanding of the roles different market participants play, which will allow you to focus on opportunities that appeal to you. 

Grant Kingdon, BS Marketing ‘13, Principal, Mountain West Region, Creation Equity

Determine What You’d Like to Learn Early in Your Career

Job choices out of college are daunting, and each decision feels world-changing. While there are many things to consider in the search, what you learn at early jobs can open doors not immediately obvious. 

By focusing on learning skills or industries that are interesting, you can prove value for future roles without worrying about taking the “correct” path. This approach allows you to explore different career paths and gain exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives, which can be valuable assets in the long run.

Moreover, the skills and knowledge that you acquire early in your career can help you build a firm foundation and set you up for success in the future. So, don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue opportunities that align with your learning goals, even if they may not seem like the obvious choice at first.

Patrick Seip, BS Economics ‘15, MBA Supply Chain ‘19, Consultant, ProcureAbility

Find Your Competitive Advantage

One tip would be to write a list of immediate skills and/or experiences you are looking to gain in your first role that would set you apart or differentiate you from individuals pursuing similar career paths. Is there a career choice that would provide you with a competitive advantage down the road? 

Your career journey will be long and winding, so embrace the twists, turns, and tradeoffs along the way. You are about to embark on a lifelong growth journey.
Crystal Warmington-North, BS Marketing ‘06, Sr. Recruiting Manager, Executive Search, Meta

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By W. P. Carey Career Services Center
W. P. Carey Career Services Center