How to navigate changing career aspirations at university

Posted on by Careers Service

Hi, I’m Olivia. I’m a fourth-year Politics and International Relations student, I am also a Communications Intern at the Careers Service.

Olivia smiling

For the first three years of my degree I wanted to be a journalist. I spent hours researching schemes, writing for student papers and completing work experience.

But during my year abroad I had a change of heart and although it was hard to admit, I realised that was no longer what I wanted to do. The world of media and reporting didn’t excite me anymore and I decided that I wanted a career that helped people in a more tangible way.

After much deliberation, I chose to go down the path of a career in human rights, but it felt like I was starting from scratch. 

Changing your career plans towards the end of your studies can be daunting and overwhelming, but I’m here to tell you why it doesn’t have to be such a scary thing and how you can make the most of this new chapter. 

Reflect on your motivations 

Make a list of the reasons why you’ve decided to make a change. What originally attracted you to this new job or industry and what is motivating you to keep pursuing it? Come back to this list anytime that you feel disheartened. 

For me, my motivation for turning away from the world of journalism and into the human rights sector was a desire to have a positive impact and to be surrounded by people with similar values. It all started because of what I was witnessing in the world and that is still what keeps me inspired today. 

See this step-by-step guide to exploring career options to help you to reflect on your motivations and values.

Research your new path 

A new career may require additional experience or qualifications, especially if it’s unrelated to your degree.

I had some idea about what a human rights career might entail from my course but I still had to do lots of research about the specific organisations I might want to work for and how to get my foot in the door. 

See researching sectors and employers advice and resources from the Careers Service to help you get started.

Identify your transferable skills

Any work experience you’ve done is not wasted. You will have learnt things that can be applied to any job you may go on to have. My journalism experience strengthened my writing skills which can be applied to writing human rights reports and briefings. Also, being able to confidently converse with different people is another asset that can be applied to my new career. 

Use My Skills to reflect on and record your skills.

Complete an internship 

The SME Internship scheme is a great way to gain experience in your new role or industry. You can offer smaller organisations your transferable skills in return for relevant experience. 

This is something I am in the process of applying for because smaller human rights organisations are mostly voluntary and do not have the funds to support a paid intern unassisted. 

Learn about other ways to gain work experience.

Reframe the change

Approach this pivot as a new chapter, something to be excited about. Although it may feel like it, you’re not starting from scratch. Listening to your gut is the most beneficial thing in the long run.

I was initially reluctant to admit that I no longer wanted to be a journalist, especially after I’d spent my summer working at national papers, but a year later I feel confident that I made the right decision. 

Changing your mind about your career aspirations does not mean you’re throwing away all the work that you’ve done. If this journey has taught me anything it’s the importance of following your genuine passions in order to find the career that is right for you.

Remember, you are not alone, the Careers Service are here for you – you can contact them either on Live Chat or by visiting them in person at 5 Tyndall Avenue.

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