Myths & Realities about Career Planning

• Myth 1: “I'm confident that my academic interests will not change over time.”

  Reality: Your tastes, your aspirations and your expectations can indeed change based on your academic experiences, your jobs and your volunteer work. You might discover new interests and new talents that will prompt you to reconsider your options.

• Myth 2: “During my first year of studies, I should only take compulsory courses linked directly to my program.”

  Reality: Choosing electives that allow you to explore other disciplines might help to broaden your interests.

• Myth 3: “I'm confident that my degree will help me get a very specific job.”

  Reality: Degrees do not necessarily correspond to only one type of job. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Obtaining a degree means that you have acquired specific knowledge and have developed widely applicable skills that will allow you to consider more than one type of career. This means you have to explore the jobs or sectors you would like to work in most, and you have to consider how you can adjust to those careers or sectors.

• Myth 4: “The program of study I choose determines my career track."

  Reality: Studying in one area gives you specific knowledge that you can transfer to other areas. Studies show that people change their line of work up to seven times!

• Myth 5: “Planning my career is a one-time exercise that is designed to remain relevant throughout my life.”

  Reality: Planning your career means setting objectives and establishing a plan of action to achieve these objectives. Success truly depends on your willingness to take advantage of new opportunities. As you gain new skills and experiences, you will have to reassess and readjust your career plans to the reality you are facing at the moment.

• Myth 6: “There is only one good profession for me that matches my interests, my values, and my personality traits.”

  Reality: By exploring your interests, values and personality traits, you will realize that you are suited to practice more than one profession. It is wiser to explore many professions in order to expand your choices and create more opportunities. Through Career Services you can consult handy reference tools or register for the Career Mentoring Program that puts you in touch with experienced University of Ottawa alumni who can answer questions about specific careers.

• Myth 7: “I want to wait until my final year of university to plan my career.”

  Reality: Planning your career means that you have to know yourself well enough to identify the direction you want to take academically and determine the work and volunteer experiences you want. So as soon as you enter your first year of university, clarify your goals by taking the time to establish a network of contacts and by gaining experience in a variety of fields.

• Myth 8: “I'm sure to land a job when I complete my university degree.”

  Reality: There is more to landing a job than having a diploma in your hand: acquiring specific job-related skills is equally important. If you take the time to discover the skills needed for the job or career you want, you can develop the required competencies and thus improve your chances of landing that type of employment.