Employability Service
Category: Student support services
24 August 2020
Being interested and passionate about your job is a key ingredient to a happy and fulfilling graduate career. This blog looks at why passion plays an important part of your career planning process.
Passion = career purposeEvery day of your degree you’re learning more about yourself, your strengths and your interests. It’s important to take time to reflect on your activities and achievements to understand areas you excel in, and themes/issues that you deeply care for. Ask yourself: why is this important to you? Is this an area you would like to build a career in? You’ll feel a stronger sense of purpose in your job search if you have taken time to identify career areas that resonate strongly.
Passion = employabilityEmployers love candidates who have a genuine enthusiasm for the work they do. That’s because they know that candidates who care are great investments. Passionate employees are more likely to be dedicated, highly reliable and determined to deliver results. So, make sure you let this enthusiasm shine out on paper and at interview. Highlight activities which prove you are genuinely interested in the job, which not only includes your studies, but also any work (paid or unpaid) that relates.
Unsplash (Ian Schneider)
It’s also important that you feel passionate about your workplace. This is not simply about whether you have friends at work. Is the organisation ethos compatible with your values? Does the organisation support themes which are important to you? This is very individual but can help to shape your career search further, or help you decide between two job offers. For example, if you’re passionate about the environment, you may feel more comfortable within an organisation with a commitment to sustainability. So, in addition to exploring job titles, take time to research organisational values / ethos as part of your career planning and job search.
Passion = job satisfactionWhen work is stressful or boring, it is important to consider: Is this job in an area that really interests you enough that you look forward to it? If you find that it is not, then don’t keep running on a hamster-wheel of misery. Pause and reflect on what you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to take a new direction if you need to. Job satisfaction is not simply about money or status, it’s important for both your professional and mental health. Ultimately work is where you choose to invest your time, skills and energy. Make sure your workplace is more than the place you work. So be brave if you need to, if it will bring you closer to doing a job you love.
If you want to look at how your interests can help with your planning and next steps, try the Motivation at Work assessment and make a Careers Appointment to talk through ideas.
Khrieu Healy, Employability & Careers AdviserDisclaimer
The views expressed here are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the views of Anglia Ruskin University. If you've got any concerns please contact us.