I am presently a full-time student at the University of
Southern Mississippi, 22 years of age, and working at Grand Casino. My problem is that I seem to need a high level of excitement with some risk involved to perform as well as I think I can. I know there are jobs in this
world that can administer such a program but i am finding it very hard to find this information. Every source seems to lead to another and another. I will graduate with a Marketing degree just because there are no
"excitement" degrees. I've been skydiving, windsurfing, scuba diving, parasailing, and am presently working on a recreational pilot's license.
What suggestions could you have for me?
From: Greg Mitchell, University of Southern Mississippi
ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:
Hi Greg -
Risk taker? Although it could be argued that almost any job has an element of risk associated with it, your best
bet is to look for a job within a high-risk industry. You named several sports-related high-risk areas in your closing sentence that can provide you with a good launching point for strategizing your job search. Look for
similar high-risk industries to pursue.
By all means, you should avoid the standard Fortune 500 with its training programs, structure, and yellow pencil approach. This type of training works for many, especially
those that need guidance and direction in their careers. But you would probably be much happier with a small- to medium-sized company in a high-risk industry.
Your marketing degree will likely serve you well, as it
provides an excellent starting point for many lesser known (and lesser pursued) industries. You'll still have to be trained in the industry/product line, but your ambition for taking risk should provide you with the
needed energy to initiate contact and secure the interview. At that point, do what you do best--sell yourself.
You're at a point in your life where taking risk can be fun and enjoyable. You might eventually find
yourself interested in taking the ultimate risk--starting your own business. However, I wouldn't recommend following this path until you have a) put aside the needed funds to carry you through the first year or two of
establishing the business, and b) gained the necessary industry insight from others that have worked in the field over an extended period of time. Don't forge off prematurely just to make the all classic mistakes as a
newbie to the field. Learn the ropes, find out if it's right for you, THEN make the decision as to whether to forge off on your own.
Most of all, choose a career that you will enjoy. The limited career choices of our
parents are gone--we CAN choose a career that is more than just the 9 to 5 grind. There is more to life than the weekend (although college sometimes attempts to convince us otherwise). You are much better to choose a
job you will love and earn $20,000 than one you despise and earn $50,000. Especially in marketing, you will accomplish much more and reach your full potential working in an industry you enjoy while marketing a product
you believe in.
Take your risks now, but as you take the risks, look also for fulfillment. Make your own luck in finding the job of your dreams!
Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.
All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.
