It’s questioned from the minute we’re born. “Ooh I wonder what
little Johnny will be when he grows up?” We give our protective casing a kick
while we’re in the womb and our soon-to-be father declares with pride “he’s
going to be a footballer!” We get full marks on one middle school science test
and “look honey, she’s going to be a scientist!”
If they’re not imposing future careers on us, they’re
bombarding us with questions on whether we have decided, at six years old, what
we want to do for the rest of our lives. They mean well, of course they do.
They just want to encourage our aspirations and send us on the right path into
adulthood and the world of work. But for the kids who haven’t got a clue what they want to do or be,
it’s horrendous. I was one of those kids.
I have always loved reading; loved the excitement of a trip
to Waterstones as a child and cursed my tired eyes when I had to put the book
down for another day and return to reality. But it wasn't until very recently
when, at the age of twenty, I discovered the possibility of a career in
publishing. I undoubtedly greatly admire the work of authors, but lack the creativity
and perseverance of their craft, though I love being around words and books. I
actually also rather enjoy editing my own, and my peers, work. Thus the notion
of a book editor was formed.
After attending a publishing seminar at my university I was
able to appreciate just how large the publishing industry is. There are lots
more sectors than just editing, there’s marketing, sales, finance, production… A whole industry dedicated to books!
I don't know how I'm going to feel by the end of my degree, or even by the end of my first year at university, all I know is that right now I'd finally have an answer to the 'what do you want to be when you grow up' question. I think the most important thing that I've learnt from my first semester at uni is that you don't need to know what you want to do yet. University is about discovering what you're passionate about and then finding a career that fits, rather than picking a job and moulding yourself to fit it.
I don't know how I'm going to feel by the end of my degree, or even by the end of my first year at university, all I know is that right now I'd finally have an answer to the 'what do you want to be when you grow up' question. I think the most important thing that I've learnt from my first semester at uni is that you don't need to know what you want to do yet. University is about discovering what you're passionate about and then finding a career that fits, rather than picking a job and moulding yourself to fit it.
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