FINDING PURPOSE AND DIRECTION.....

Choosing a career path can feel like a huge deal, and it is. 

But here’s what they don’t tell you: you don’t have to figure everything out at once. 

Your school years are the best time to explore, experiment, and evolve into who you’re meant to be.

 

Whether you’re in secondary school, a diploma program, or a university, this guide is for you.

 

Let’s walk through how to discover your career path without the pressure, confusion, or comparison.

 

 

 

Start With Self-Discovery

 

The usefulness of self-awareness is underemphasized. 

Just as no two people on earth have the same fingerprint, there is no two YOU.  

Before choosing a career, you need to know yourself:

 

• What are you good at?
• What do you enjoy doing even when no one pays you?
• What subjects or topics do you find naturally interesting?
• What compliments do you often get from others?

 

Take a few minutes and write out:

• Your top 3 strengths
• Your 3 biggest interests
• Skills or hobbies you’d love to explore

 

For Example: 

You might love explaining things to people, enjoy writing, and be curious about how social media works. Communications, public relations, or education may be a good fit for you.

 

Stop Thinking in “Courses”, Start Thinking in “Careers”

 

Too many students define their future by the course they’re studying.

Start with the end in mind.

Courses are just tools. 

Careers are destinations.

 

Your course is just a starting point. You can be a Biochemistry student who ends up as a software engineer if you explore and build skills.

 

So, instead of asking:

“What can I do with this course?”

 

Ask:

“What kind of life do I want to live long term?”

“What careers align with my strengths and interests?”

 

This shift opens your mind beyond the four walls of your department.

 

Research Career Options Related to Your Interests

 

Now that you’ve got a clearer idea of your skills and interests, it’s time to dig deeper.

 

Search:

“Careers for people who love writing”

“Jobs for problem-solvers”

“What can I do with my multitasking prowess?”

 

Look through real job descriptions on sites like Jobberman, LinkedIn, or MyJobMag.

 

This helps you understand:

• What the job really involves
• What skills or degrees are needed
• What is the growth or salary potential

 

These tools will give you career matches based on your personality type and preferences. Use them as guides, not final answers.

 

Talk to People in the Field

 

One of the fastest ways to gain clarity is by asking someone who’s already doing what you’re interested in.

 

• Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn or Facebook
• Attend webinars or career panels
• Ask your lecturers or senior colleagues for introductions

 

Ask questions like:

“How did you get into this career?”

“What does a typical day in the field look like?”

“What do you wish you had known earlier?”

 

Real-life insight beats guesswork every time.

 

 

 

5. Intern, Volunteer, or Freelance

 

Experience reveals interest. You’ll never fully know if you like something until you try it.

 

During holidays or weekends:

• Apply for internships
• Volunteer in NGOs, churches, or media houses
• Offer free help to small businesses

 

You don’t need to wait for NYSC or graduation. The earlier you get real-world experience, the faster you’ll know if a path is right (or wrong) for you.

 

It looks good on your CV too.

 

Use Career Tests and Assessments

 

While these aren’t perfect, career tests can point you in the right direction.

 

Try free tests like:

• 16personalities.com
• Truity.com
• Princeton Career Quiz
• O*NET Interest Profiler
• humanmetrics.com
• 123test.com

 

 

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Change Direction

 

Let’s be honest, you may have started school studying a course you didn’t even choose.

 

Maybe your parents picked it. Perhaps you just went with what was available because you were transferred to another course due to not reaching the cut-off mark of your desired course, and you didn’t want to stay an extra year at home.

 

Whatever the case, it’s okay to evolve.

 

Many successful people pivoted:

• Walt Disney studied art but became a world-class entrepreneur.
• Mark Zuckerberg studied psychology and computer science now he runs Meta.
• Tolu Ogunlesi studied medicine but became a communications advisor and writer.
• Reed Hastings studied mathematics. Now he is a tech entrepreneur & entertainment disruptor
• Majek Fashek studied engineering but became a musician

 

Your course doesn’t lock your future. You do.

 

Build Skills Alongside School

 

In today’s world, your skills are your superpower.

 

Learn:

• Tech skills (design, programming, data analysis)
• Soft skills (communication, time management, teamwork)
• Marketable skills (copywriting, photography, social media)

 

You can learn online (Coursera, YouTube, Udemy) or in person.

 

You never know which skill will open a door.

 

Stop Comparing Your Journey

 

Your roommate might be sure of becoming a doctor. Your coursemate might already be making money as a graphic designer.

 

That’s their journey.

Comparison will only make you anxious or feel behind.

 

Focus on:

• Discovering what fits you
• Improving every day, no matter the odds
• Asking the right questions and exploring options

 

There’s no deadline for clarity. But the earlier you start, the better.

 

Pray, Reflect, and Be Patient

 

Sometimes, clarity comes gradually.

 

Take time regularly to:

• Reflect on what’s working and what’s not
• Pray for guidance
• Ask for feedback from people you trust

 

You’ll be surprised how things begin to align when you slow down and pay attention.

 

Real Student Story

 

"When I entered university, I was studying Physics. I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do with it. However, I started looking into who I was at the time and who I wanted to become. I started joining helpful communities, asking questions, volunteering at tech events, and fell in love with UX design. It’s 2 years of consistency now, and today I work at a top startup, and I’ve not even graduated yet." ~ Emmanuel, a 400L Student at UNILAG

 

In summary, don’t wait to Graduate Before You Start Exploring

 

Your career path isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And the best time to start that journey is while you’re still in school.

 

Don’t pick a career just because it’s trending. Pick one you can grow in and enjoy long-term.

 

Don’t be afraid to try, explore, fail, pivot, and grow.

 

You’re not behind. You’re learning.

 

And you’re allowed to discover. One step at a time.

 

Your future isn’t far away, you’re walking into it already.

 

 

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