Choosing a career that aligns with your life purpose and areas of interest will allow you to go through difficulties and challenges, and to derive satisfaction and joy in life.
This was expressed by Alexis Chuah, founder of Dreamvast, during an in-house talk on ‘Finding and Pursuing Your Purpose for a Fulfilling Career’ organised by WOU’s School of Humanities & Social Sciences (SHSS) at the main campus today.
INTERESTING INSIGHTS FOR THE FULL-TIME STUDENTS ON HOW TO PURSUE A FULFILLING CAREER.
She stressed, “To do the job you love, discover your purpose and direction in life, make the changes, and overcome hurdles.”
She shared her own journey of finding purpose and a fulfilling career through self discovery, non-stop learning, dreaming, trial and error, risk taking, planning, choices, fear, management, mistakes and regrets. She did jobs like customer service, lecturing, sales and copywriting to accumulate experience and learning, declaring that her freelance writing helped to launch her career in communications. “Do not shy away from taking side jobs related to your passion and interest. Grab whatever opportunities you can to build your career.”
CHUAH TALKS ABOUT HER OWN JOURNEY OF FINDING PURPOSE IN LIFE.
In encouraging students to pursue their dreams, she stated, “The purpose of your life is found in the intersection of your talent, passion and pain. Work from your core strengths and interests. Finding your purpose is about meaning and contribution, knowing why you are doing something, as then you will be able to persevere through the hard times.”
Chuah told the crowd to add value and invest in themselves, like enrolling in higher studies, attending workshops, and participating in activities at WOU. She continued, “Build your skills, qualifications and experience in your desired area. Freelance and offer your skills for free at first in exchange for testimonials. Tweak your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight clearly the things you have done. Network and learn from others’ experience as well.”
CHUAH OFFERS TIPS ON TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY.
She suggested reflection, soul searching, analysis and thinking before “making the changes” to turn dreams into a realistic career plan, such as resigning, getting certification and venturing into something else. “Take action and get advice, feedback and support by joining networking groups or connecting with people on Linkedin.”
She also spoke on overcoming barriers like health issues, lack of time, fear, lack of knowledge, lack of money and lack of confidence that are blocking your path. “The biggest hurdle of all is you. Do not let yourself or your self-image stop you from doing what you like.”
THE CROWD OF FULL-TIME STUDENTS AT THE TALK.
Chuah recommended tracking your progress regularly. “Periodically reflect and review your success, failures, mistakes, and motivations for continuous growth. How far you have come, what you did well and how you can improve. It is fine for plans to change, as long as you stay true to your overall purpose, to who you are, and remain open to change and improvement.”
She concluded: “Choose a job based on your life purpose and you will be able to love the journey through the mountains and the valleys.”
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPUTY DEAN JASMINE EMMANUEL WITH FULL-TIME STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT MUHAMMAD FARID ARSYAD FOAD.
Over 100 students and a few staff, including School of Business & Administration Acting Dean Prakash V Arumugam and SHSS Deputy Dean Jasmine Emmanuel, attended the talk.
