The Huskies teams get graded on their performance so far this season. SPORTS 5-7
THE sheaf
9 January, 2014 • The University of Saskatchewan student newspaper since 1912
Planning students reinvision parking lot across circle drive. NEWS 2
Celebrate the underappreciated films from 2013. CULTURE 12
Are you guilty of filling up your Instagram feed with selfies? OPINIONS 13
Career paths that break the mold CHIEDZA PASIPANODYA
Career paths are rarely straightforward, making many graduates feel lost after obtaining their degrees. “What next after graduation?” Every student in the College of Arts and Science has asked themselves this question — I certainly have. Regardless of what degree you receive, there’s no limit to what kind of career you can have. As students we often feel bound to the field that we majored in, but the economy doesn’t have a job for every one of us. It’s even less likely to find a job in our specialization. In addition, after four or five years of studying a particular subject, you may discover that it isn’t what you want to spend the rest of your life doing. Increasingly, graduates have had to rethink their career paths, take on new challenges or have simply had to create their dream jobs for themselves. Profiling three alumni who graduated with a degree in fine arts, social sciences, or natural sciences but pursued a nonlinear career path, shows that getting creative when it comes to your career is a valid choice. Following a career that isn’t directly linked to your degree isn’t out of the norm. No matter what changes you choose to make, you are always taking positive steps forward. Kyle Hamilton began university with the intention of doing a medical degree. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Biology, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature with the intention of pursuing a law degree. After being accepted into three different law schools, he decided to take a job housekeeping at a remote mountain lodge instead. He worked for 10 years in hospitality. Now he has a successful portrait and wedding photography studio, and has had
JORDAN DUMBA/ PHOTO EDITOR
The Student Employment and Career Centre is located in Lower Marquis Hall and offers students career coaching, resume and cover letter help, as well as tips on how to succeed in job interviews among other things. his work published in ski and snowboard magazines across the world. During his time at university, Hamilton travelled to France, Sweden and New Zealand. He got money for his first plane ticket by collecting beer bottles from parties and subsequently had enough money for the first two weeks. Once he arrived at his first destination, Hamilton worked odd jobs to stay afloat. Hamilton says travelling and working in another country opens up your mind and
is the best thing you can do. Choosing a career path that isn’t common is a lifestyle choice and, in Hamilton’s experience, inner passion has been the motivation that has kept him going. By starting his own company, Hamilton realized that he needed to learn to take the good with the bad. In order to make career changes, he needed people that would encourage and push him to make forward progressions.
Choosing to look at nothing as a bad choice and counting every experience as a learning opportunity has helped him grow his business and make each change successfully. Embarking on a non-linear career path is not an excuse to be disorganized. Planning is still necessary for both the long term and the short term. However it is important to be open to making changes to your plans.
Career paths • continued on 13