By the time most people graduate from high school, they already know what career paths they want to follow. They know the college degrees they’ll take or the businesses they want to run, at what age they want to start a family, and for some, even their retirement age. However, it doesn’t always turn out as perfect as planned because real life is so different from what we imagine.
For Aishah Newson, a soon-to-be MS in Information & Data Science graduate from UC Berkley, the road to figuring out what she wants to do has taken most of her 20s. But she does not regret any of the phases she’s gone through. Instead, she appreciates every step of the way and has gathered lessons to shape her as she builds a career and business for herself.
Mama Is Always Right
When the now 29-year-old Newson was in high school, she was outstanding in math. Her mother noticed it and encouraged her to pursue a math-related course in college. However, in her own words, “Naturally being kids don’t listen to their parents, I didn’t do any of those things!” she went to school and studied entrepreneurship and kinesiology. But this was not disobedience at play; it was her curiosity leading her to experiment with things.
While parents and guardians have seen it all and know what is best for their children, it helps to charter out a path for yourself, especially as you approach adult years. When you realize that life is for the living and that the foundation you lay for yourself as a young person determines the comfort of your future, you work harder to create the life you want.
Many young people make the mistake of living life on other people’s terms. However, it is you that will be miserable for not having followed your own path. Newson supports this idea and comments, “Some might say that’s reckless, I would say it was perfect for my curious soul.” After spending most of her 20s trying something different every year, Newson finally settled for what made her happy and fulfilled.
Follow Your Passion
When Newson started working a perfect 9-5 job, she did not fit in perfectly. She says, “But I wanted more, I didn’t think the job was challenging enough.” She did some soul searching and figured out that she still had coding at heart. She decided to go back to grad school and earn herself a Data Science degree.
See, mama was right after all.
Figuring out what you want to do with life is the breakthrough to a contented and fulfilling life. Most young people lose themselves trying to fit in with what other people think is ideal for them. The 20s should be years of discovery and rediscovery as you search for clarity in your life. When you find the one thing you want to spend the rest of your life doing, go for it passionately.
Put In The Work
Nothing good comes easy, and if you want to build a career for yourself, you have to put in the work. No shortcuts. When Newson got into grad school, she decided to do more than just sit in class and study. She says, “But throughout the program I decided to freelance and consult a bit to keep my skills fresh and keep developing.” She now works for herself handling data analysis, modeling, and visualization stuff.
When you start building a business or a career for yourself, don’t expect to have it all figured out. It is a long journey, so be open to learning. Newson has this to say about her journey, “I must say it is a wild adventure and I’m really enjoying it,. Most importantly, I’m learning shit ton along the way.” Be willing to learn and grow gradually to achieve your dream career or business.
The Company You Keep Matters
While you pursue your goals as a young person, you need to watch out for the wrong company. Only stay close to people who push you to be better and inspire your growth. For Newson, her biggest motivation from a close friend who has worked hard to run their business. Newson says, “It’s just really nice to be close to someone who has been where I am from a stand point of running your own business and is currently in the space of the direction I want to head in.” if your friends don’t motivate you to do better, you should seriously consider changing your circle.
Newson’s advice to young professionals in her field is, “Study. Create a study schedule and dedicate a few hours per week at least to developing your skills. It takes time & nothing will happen overnight.” Be willing to put in extra work if you want to reap big in the future.