A couple weeks after my interview spree, I finally have a chance to recollect my thoughts and reflect on the entire process. I asked my co-workers about what internships and jobs they had during high school/college, how those experiences helped them figure out their career path, and why they’re at Brightstorm.
I then thought…why aren’t I asking myself this? What past experiences, academic and extra curricular have I enjoyed. Why? What am I passionate about? What do I want to do for a career? All of my co-workers had one thing in common—a passion for education. A majority of them have taught in the past—in classrooms and through programs such as Teach For America, and some continue to tutor high schoolers to this day. Their jobs here at Brightstorm suit their interests.
And in two semesters, I’m expected to declare a major. I’m pretty schizophrenic and commitment-phobic about this, having applied as a molecular cell bio major, then switching to double majoring in econ and film studies. Now I’m wondering if I should minor in Nutritional Science instead of Film (all this due to this amazing public health seminar—thank you Zak Sabry!).
Fortunately, my interviews calmed my nervousness about this situation because in reality your major doesn’t have to determine your career. Jeff, the CEO of Brightstorm, is a prime example of that. He was an English major at Stanford, got a teaching degree from Brown, and finally received his MBA from Berkeley’s Haas Business School. And now he heads an Internet start-up e-learning company that specializes in test prep and math help programs. How did that happen? Throughout our interview, Jeff emphasized that he tried various jobs—working in the backroom at a store and working at a car wash shop in his youth, then working as an English teacher and management consultant later in his career. He loves teaching…and he also loves managing big projects. Instead of compromising, he balanced his passion and skill set, combining his two interests and starting an education-based business.
What Jeff taught me was that your major is a great starting point in your career, but what you should keep in mind is that it isn’t as restrictive as you might think. To find a truly fulfilling career, you should take initiative and use whatever major you declare to your advantage. I’m still on that path and with each opportunity I’m getting one step closer to realizing what I truly want to do. This advice is for you as much as it is for me: experiment with different jobs and take a leap of faith.
Born and raised in Europe, Clarissa is an avid volunteer and self-professed foodie and film aficionado who recently finished her first year at UC Berkeley and plans to double major in Economics and Film Studies.