Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Research Fellow At Christensen Institute
Thomas, a Senior Research Fellow, learned that career planning should prioritize networking and connecting with people doing interesting work rather than solely focusing on academic pursuits. He advises asking, "What are the steps to get to do what you're doing?", demonstrating a shift from a purely academic approach to a more proactive, people-focused strategy.
Networking, Career Exploration, Career Development, Job Search, Higher Education
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Thomas Arnett
Senior Research Fellow
Clayton Christensen Institute
Brigham Young University, 2009
Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business, Master of Business Administration
Economics
Education
Research and Development (R&D)
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Focus on networking and meeting people doing interesting work, instead of solely focusing on academics.
2. Understand career paths by talking to people in desired fields and learning how they got there.
3. Don't limit career exploration to traditional academic routes; consider diverse paths and opportunities outside of formal education.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
When I was an undergrad, I thought I needed to figure out what I wanted to study. If I found something I liked, I'd work hard, get a degree, and then people would be lined up with job offers in that field.
That's a backwards way to look at it, though. It's not about picking a major and then seeing what jobs are available for it.
I wish I'd approached it differently: by meeting people doing cool work and asking them how they got there. Some paths might not even involve college or grad school, or they could point you toward specific programs.
So, I guess that all comes down to networking. I wish I'd focused more on meeting and talking to people, and finding those doing interesting work. I would have asked them about the steps to get to where they are.