Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Business Owners
Howard, a business owner who didn't follow a traditional career path, advises undergraduate students seeking entry-level positions to prioritize gaining experience in *any* field: "get the first job that feels like...can make you some money" and use that experience to inform future career decisions, as their own diverse background—including chemical engineering—informs their current success.
Career Exploration, Job Search, Experience, Entrepreneurship, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Howard Zuo
Business Owner
Small Business Owner
Georgia Institute of Technology, 2011
N/A
Engineering - Chemical
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense, Coaching, Speaking & Writing
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Consider entry-level positions to gain experience and determine your career path, even if it's outside your major.
2. Don't be afraid to take a job that makes money while you explore your options.
3. Real-world experience is valuable; you can refine your career goals later based on that experience.
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
To be perfectly honest, I don't have a great grasp because I didn't go down that path. As an entrepreneur in the mental health field, you can definitely pursue a traditional bachelor's in psychology.
But I would suggest giving yourself some compassion. If you're an undergrad college student, get the first job that feels like it can make you some money, especially if you're dealing with student loans. Really get the experience.
I think the worst thing you could do is have four or five years of studying with zero years of employment, plus maybe an internship or cooperative. Just get more experience because that will give you the data to decide how to refine your path. Do you want to continue in this field, branch out, or go into a completely different one?
That's what happened to me. I don't use my chemical engineering education directly, but I use all those experiences as a core part of my business. My clients are all tech people, IT people, and engineers who are struggling.
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