Question by Attack Watch Monitor: How do I go about a career change?
I’m 28, and live at home because I studied English during undergrad – which wasn’t for me. I want to start on a new career but I’m still not sure what I want to do. I used to want to study natural science such as physics but that doesnt seem realistic anymore although it’s a nice fantasy. I’m considering urban planning or library science. I would like to speak to professionals to get an idea of what working in their fields is like. I don’t feel comfortable approaching people, however, considering my age and lack of experience. I’ve just been doing research on careers on my own. Can anyone help me out?
Best answer:
Answer by flingebunt
Well you have to start with your strengths. You studied English, which gives you opportunities in journalism, editing and writing. Whatever you do their will be a chance to do some writing.
Some easy approaches is to do a masters in business or information technology. Then, you can be a business or technical writer. Your english major will work to your advantage.
There are many paths to working in a library, a lot of university libraries employ people who are specialists in a topic rather than actually librarians. You can get into that area fairly easily. Library work is fairly diverse, with library work in industry (many large companies have libraries, both physical and virtual) as well as commercial libraries that support industry and business on a fee paying basis. Often libraries offer access to a range of technological resources.
Urban planning is an interesting and challenging area. But there aren’t going to be that many jobs specifically as urban planners. Rather urban planners come from the field of architecture.
Don’t worry about your age or background. Many people switch careers, often combining the best of both worlds. Look for the paths that your background is an advantage.
Also some professions, such as Psychology, older graduates actually have the advantage over younger graduates.
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