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Topic 1: choosing a suitable career is a problem that faces many young people. What are the
reasons? What suggestion would you give to them to help them make the right decision?
Every year as 20-somethings leave their college campuses and enter the professional workforce,
they must cope with the same challenges.
Although a diploma has equipped young people with the technical and intellectual tools, choosing a
career is probably as overwhelming as choosing a major. For some who are trained in a highly
specialized field such as maths and science, starting a career could mean an entry-level position in
an industry related to their studies. For some others, choosing a career isn't necessarily easy.
Students who majored in the humanities for example, might not find a position that is directly linked
with their academic training. They might have to re-evaluate their skill sets and edit their résumés to
highlight the applicability of their diplomas.
However difficult the job search is, there are some general guidelines for everyone. First, young
people should be open to jobs in all fields. They should not limit their search by their own majors, or
should they a quickly dismiss a job position because it has nothing to do with their degrees. Like
trying on shoes, you would never know if the shoe fits unless you try it on.
Second, a career takes time to plan and strategize. A young person might have to make some
compromises in the short term to reach their ultimate goal. For example, an art history graduate
wants the career of a curator, but finds only administrative positions or internships open at the
moment. The advice is to take the position and gradually transition to their "dream job". The
experience is not only a meaningful addition to one's resume, but also an opportunity to familiarize
oneself with all aspects of the industry.
Lastly, young people should keep in mind that there are always jobs that have not been created yet.
Blogging and freelancing were once unimaginable to job seekers in the past. The rapid
transformations brought about by technology mean that there are always ways to build a career, if
you are creative enough.