Sarah, Australia
I don't think it's necessary to plan a career carefully. I'm currently doing my master's degree and don't necessarily know where this course of study will take me. But I believe that I will learn valuable life lessons and that I can pursue any career path later on - be it in science or another field.
I would like to contribute to improving our environment – also through my job. I want to enjoy my job, so my career decisions are not based primarily on salary. I also hope that my future employer listens to its employees and behaves fairly towards them. ◆
- Sarah McColl-Gausden : Fire Ecology and Flammability, University of Melbourne, Australia
Scott, New Zealand/Netherlands
I am ambitious, value hard work and put in a lot of effort to achieve my career goals. For example, in order to complete a master's degree at Amsterdam Law School, I gave up my job at a renowned law firm in New Zealand and built a life on the other side of the world in the Netherlands.
I would like to pursue a political career, but I'm not quite sure which role would suit me best. Balance and meaningful work are more important to me than a high income. My ideal employer should challenge me intellectually and personally, but he should also perceive me as a person (and employee). I've had the privilege of having a job like this before. That's why I know that I'm willing to work longer. Nevertheless, I want to be sure that I have time for friends and family. ◆
- Scott Winnard from New Zealand: International Trade and Investment Law, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Maria, Finland
I would like to have a career, but not the traditional way. The world is changing and we cannot yet predict what it – and especially working life – will look like in the future. I dream of a career in which I can apply my range of knowledge and experience in the areas of politics and philosophy, entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, but also my know-how about non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For example, I am involved in university politics and in business associations and try to successfully complete my studies. Instead of pursuing a specific and precise career plan, it will be more important in the future to have generally applicable knowledge. I could imagine becoming self-employed later, working for a larger company or a small NGO. I hope that my future employer will give me the opportunity to develop further, appropriate pay and enough positive challenges. ◆
- Maria Loima : Philosophy, University of Helsinki, Finland
Yann, Canada
Later I would like to work in “green” management consulting. In order to achieve this goal, I invest a lot of time in my studies. I also travel a lot. In a globalized world, experiences with other cultures are invaluable. I wasn't very ambitious when I graduated from high school, but that changed drastically when I graduated: now I have a goal in mind that drives me.
A good employer should give me the opportunity to gain experience abroad. The general working atmosphere should also be right - I would like to work in a challenging and supportive environment. Financial independence is important to me, but at the same time I also want to be able to develop professionally. ◆
- Yann Müller : Management, University of Toronto, Canada
Claudia, Austria
Of course I want to have a career, otherwise I wouldn't study. However, it is important to me not to forget myself. This means that I also want to integrate my interests into my career. My dream job would probably be a position in a ministry: perhaps for integration issues, perhaps for social justice issues, somewhere in the EU or maybe even in the private sector? I really can't say that yet, but the way to get there is clear to me: through commitment and commitment. It is important for me to be active alongside my studies – professionally and voluntarily. I am particularly ambitious when it comes to my voluntary work – I want to show what I can achieve. I would definitely like to be paid well, but a job with meaning is definitely more important to me than a job with a high salary. Personally, I'm probably happiest when I'm doing something and see a purpose behind it, and that's where my free time can come in short. A good employer should be able to create a good working atmosphere in which you enjoy working and being part of a team. Every individual should have the opportunity to use their personal strengths. ◆
- Claudia Witzeneder : Law, University of Linz, Austria
Off to abroad!
Are you planning a semester abroad? Then you should consider these questions in advance:
Five students talk about their career plans.
