If you’re anything like me, the idea of planning your future while managing classes, work, and everything else can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of pressure to have a clear path figured out; what job you want, what your major “should” lead to, and how you’re going to get there. But in reality, most of us are still figuring things out, and that’s completely normal.
This past year, I’ve been taking steps to explore different career paths in ways that feel manageable and meaningful, not just another thing on my to-do list that stresses me out. I’ve had coffee chats with professionals, met with career counselors, and taken time to reflect. Those moments have helped me learn more about my options without putting pressure on myself to have all the answers right away.
This post is just me sharing what’s worked, and what’s made things feel a little less stressful. And if you’re feeling the same way, maybe some of it will help you too.
Start Conversations, Not Just Job Searches
One of the most helpful things I’ve done while exploring career paths is simply talking to people who are already working in fields I’m curious about. Not every conversation has to be a formal interview; sometimes, just grabbing a coffee and hearing someone’s story can give you a much clearer picture of what a job is actually like.
A great example of this was when I met with Nicole Johnson, a Senior Marketing Director at Optum Rx/UnitedHealth Group. I first got to know her through a family connection, and although we’d chatted briefly before, I reached out to see if she’d be open to meeting for coffee. I wanted to talk with her because I’ve been seriously considering marketing as a possible career path, even though it’s not my major. I was curious about what the role really involves beyond what you’d see on a job listing, and Nicole was incredibly open about her experiences. I also happened to have a business class that encouraged us to connect with someone in a leadership role, so meeting with her felt like a meaningful way to do that. I kept my message friendly and casual, just a genuine ask to hear more about her journey.
Sometimes we overlook the connections we already have. A family friend, an old neighbor, or even someone you met once at an event can all be great people to start a conversation with. If you’re not sure how to reach out, the KatieCareer Virtual Center has a networking resource with helpful tips and templates to make that first message feel a lot easier to send.
Nicole walked me through what her day-to-day looks like: building marketing strategies, setting team goals, working across departments, and presenting in meetings with company leadership. But what stood out most wasn’t just the tasks, it was how she talked about collaboration, communication, and leadership. Hearing about how she built her career and the challenges she’s faced gave me a much more realistic, grounded understanding of what a marketing career could actually look like.
Nicole talked a lot about the value of soft skills and character. She said when she’s hiring, she’s not just looking at someone’s major, she’s looking for people who are eager to learn, adaptable, and have a strong work ethic. That helped me see that there’s more flexibility in career paths than I thought, and that there are many ways to grow into a career, even if the path isn’t perfectly traditional.
She also shared how networking early on helped her land her first job, and how those early connections still matter years later. It was such a great reminder that every conversation matters more than you might think, and you don’t need to wait until you’re about to graduate to start reaching out.
If you’re unsure about your direction, I highly recommend finding someone to talk to about their work. You’ll learn more from one genuine conversation than hours of scrolling through job sites. And who knows? It might even help you discover a path you hadn’t fully considered yet.
An Interview with Emma Almquist; Internships!
Emma, a fellow St. Kate’s student, spent her summer as a CFO Organizational Intern at Hanford Mission Integrated Solutions, a government contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy. During her time there, she collaborated with multiple teams, including technical accounting, benefits accounting, and business administration integration. Her tasks ranged from handling audit requests and reviewing benefit and retirement proposals to assisting with annual rate reviews. This experience gave her valuable hands-on exposure to various facets of corporate finance within a large, well-structured organization.
More importantly, the internship helped Emma sharpen her career focus. “I realized I don’t want to stick with traditional finance,” she shared. “I prefer personal finance, where I can build relationships with people, not just work in spreadsheets all day.” Although she already had an interest in personal finance, this role helped her recognize what she didn’t enjoy. Reflecting on the experience, Emma expressed gratitude for the clarity it gave her in just a few months, rather than having to make a decision after committing to a full-time job post-graduation. “It was a great way to understand how diverse finance can be, even within one company,” she said.
Emma’s story is a perfect example of how internships can be just as much about self-discovery as they are about developing professional skills. While she didn’t change her major, her career goals became more specific and personal. She also noted that an internship doesn’t have to align perfectly with your dream role or company to be valuable. “You don’t have to have everything figured out at 18,” she advised. “Sometimes, trying something you’re unsure about can teach you even more than chasing the ‘perfect fit.’ After all, it’s just a few months—you learn, grow, and move forward.”
Once in the internship, Emma made a point to maximize the opportunity. Following guidance from a St. Kate’s professor, she arranged informational interviews with colleagues across the company. “I made it a goal to meet with someone new each day,” she recalled. “Most people are open to talking to an intern, and it really helped me improve my communication skills while expanding my network.” Although she doesn’t plan to return to that company, the connections she formed could prove valuable in the future, especially if they become clients down the road.
Looking ahead, Emma is preparing for her next internship with Shine Wealth of Ameriprise, where she’ll be focusing on personal finance. She’s optimistic that this new role will better align with her interests, but she continues to approach it with the same mindset: internships are a learning experience, whether they help you discover what excites you or show you what doesn’t.
If you’re starting to explore internships and aren’t sure where to begin, Career Development at St. Kate’s is a great place to turn. Through the KatieCareer Virtual Center (KCVC), you’ll find step-by-step guidance for every stage of the process, from getting prepared and setting things up to searching for the right fit. The platform also includes helpful video tutorials, plus resources for faculty advisors and site supervisors if you’re earning credit. It’s a simple, supportive starting point that can make your internship journey feel a lot more manageable.
Tap Into Campus Resources—They’re Actually So Helpful
When you’re trying to figure out your career path, it can feel like you’re supposed to have all the answers already. But you’re not expected to do it alone, that’s exactly why Career Development exists.
At St. Kate’s, the KatieCareer Virtual Center (KCVC) is an amazing tool that often gets overlooked. It’s an online platform with resources for every stage of your career journey. Whether you’re job searching, creating your first resume, exploring internships, or thinking ahead to grad school, there’s something there to support you.
On top of that, the career coaches are here to help guide students through all the unknowns. You don’t need a polished plan to meet with them, they’re used to helping people who are still figuring things out. They can walk you through options, suggest opportunities related to your major or interests, and offer feedback on resumes, cover letters, and more.
It’s common to feel like you’re the only one still trying to piece things together, but that’s far from the truth. Career Development is designed to support students through every step of the process.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, checking out KCVC or scheduling a quick appointment is a great step. These resources exist for a reason, and they really can make your career planning feel a lot more doable.
Be Patient with Yourself, It’s Okay Not to Have It All Figured Out
If there’s one thing I’ve learned while trying to figure out my path, it’s to be patient with myself. It’s tempting to think everyone else has a plan, or that you’re falling behind if you don’t. But honestly? Feeling unsure is part of the process.
Many people don’t know what they want to do right away; some don’t figure it out until years into their careers. So if you’re feeling uncertain, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re still exploring. And that’s okay.
The truth is, career paths aren’t always straight. They change and evolve over time. That doesn’t mean you’re going the wrong way, it just means you’re still learning. Every experience, every step, helps you get closer to what feels right for you.
So be proud of the steps you are taking. Whether it’s having a conversation, applying for an internship, or just thinking more intentionally about what’s next, those are all important moves forward, even if they’re small.
And remember: this is just one chapter. The pressure to figure it all out right now can be heavy, but trust that clarity will come. As you keep exploring and collecting experiences, things will begin to fall into place. Be kind to yourself, you’re doing just fine.
