Sit Back & Enjoy the Ride: The Roller Coaster Career Plan

CC Patrick McGarvey via Flickr

When I was younger, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up: Theatre Director. But after a few years in that world, I didn’t feel like it was a good fit anymore.

So I dabbled. I transferred colleges. I changed my major four times. And I finally settled with art history. This led to working in a museum for a few years following graduation. I felt a bit more confident about my career plan at this point. I wanted to work in the administrative side of museums, leading a team towards a shared vision. I also understood that I couldn’t do this on my own, I needed a better understanding of this side of the art world. So, I went to graduate school, receiving a degree in Arts Management.

I entered the program with a very clear idea of what I wanted to do. Yet, over the next two years of learning, expanding my perspectives and meeting new people with wide-ranging expertise, I realized that my career trajectory doesn’t have to follow the straight path I always imagined. I’m now all about the roller coaster career plan!

I’ve realized that there is so much more to learn, that you have to be flexible and ready for the next big turn, drop or vertical loop! The best way to do this is by surrounding myself with people who are knowledgeable in a variety of areas, not necessarily in my specific field. It’s about connecting with others and sharing what we know. This is what I get to do now, through my work with the Global Cultural Districts Network. I’m learning from leaders of world-renowned arts institutions, urban planners, interactive digital artists, consultants, cultural district managers and many more.

I’m very happy with the roller coaster career plan. Every turn is a new adventure!
 
 

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