MY BRILLIANT CAREER

It's never too early to start thinking about a career. Once you get to college, make it a point to visit the career center ASAP. The career counselors will not only help you begin thinking about future jobs, but also help you decide on an academic major.

Why is this important? Because not everybody grows up knowing what they want to do. And doing work you love is a lot more fun than having work you loathe.

Here are some other things to try as you explore career options:

• Volunteer. Choose community service projects where you have a career interest. One young man volunteered at a hospital and realized he didn't have the stomach to be a doctor, so he started looking at other careers.
• Take summer jobs. Try to find summer jobs in career areas you might like. This is a great way to make money and try the work, too.
• Intern. Internships allow you to earn academic credit and gain real work experience simultaneously.
• Conduct informational interviews. Call friends and friends of friends to find people who practice in your chosen field. Ask if you can set up interviews. This can give you great insight into possible careers—and bolster your network, too.
• Job Shadow. Contact a professional in your field and ask if you can spend the day shadowing him or her. Again, this can give you a taste of your chosen field.

Who You are Versus What You Earn

There's more to life than driving a fancy car or showing off the latest electronics. Things like falling in love, maintaining great friendships, and finding a meaningful career tend to make life full and rich.

You've probably heard the cliché "money doesn't buy happiness" at least a million times. While it's true that money provides no guarantee of happiness, financial security and peace of mind free people to do more of the things they enjoy. Use your Venture Scholars resources to the fullest. Learn how to do the best you can with the money you have. Get as much education as possible. Find a career you love. And have an incredible life!

There's more to life than driving a fancy car or showing off the latest electronics. Things like falling in love, maintaining great friendships, and finding a meaningful career tend to make life full and rich.

You've probably heard the cliché "money doesn't buy happiness" at least a million times. While it's true that money provides no guarantee of happiness, financial security and peace of mind free people to do more of the things they enjoy. Use your Venture Scholars resources to the fullest. Learn how to do the best you can with the money you have. Get as much education as possible. Find a career you love. And have an incredible life!