I’m one of the few people who came into college knowing exactly what I wanted to do. I had it all planned out: major in Broadcast Journalism, get an internship sophomore/junior year in the area, get an internship with CNN, get hired by CNN and move to Atlanta after I graduate and eventually make my way up to main anchor. I had this vision since high school and was prepared with what college had for me.
But, things change. I studied abroad one semester and decided to transfer schools the next semester so that messed my plan up a bit. I befriended a Marketing major and crazy enough, everything he did for his field I loved. It made me feel like Journalism was the wrong route, but I was hesitant to change my major because it would set back my graduation date. Then I met an alumni who told me she was a Journalism major as well, then changed it to Marketing and was so happy she did even though she graduated later than expected. That girl is now my mentor.
I didn’t think I would need anyone to guide me down my career path because I felt like I knew exactly what I was doing with my life. I didn’t realize how beneficial a mentor could be until I asked her. If you look at it from a different perspective, you have someone who already works in the industry helping you get to your goal. Having a mentor doesn’t mean you’re weak or unable to do things for yourself. It actually gives you an advantage because you have a connection with someone in the field. Plus, you can get all the inside tips others can’t.