Fridays from the Frontline
Somewhere in the 5th century, Confucious wrote, “Take a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” No doubt this sage advice is easier said than done, especially in this day and age. I personally find the musician Thor Harris’ take more applicable to most people’s realities: “Find work you love. If you can’t do that, then find a job where you love the people.” Ally Daws recently took part in an offering from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School that helped her—as a college student—begin to recognize the aspects of business that most interest her.
Called UNC Business Essentials (UBE), the online course is open to anyone who wants to gain a solid background in the principles of business. Being a UNC student or alumnus is not a requirement, and many non-UNC graduates have taken the program. For prospective applicants to business school without a business background, it can offer a terrific primer covering many of the foundational topics that form the base of most leading MBA programs. Taking the course can help prospective MBA applicants identify areas that interest them most, as well was areas where they might want to brush up in preparation for the business school classroom.
Ally Daws shared her experience in the UBE course in a recent post to the UNC Kenan-Flagler Blog, specifically how it has helped her focus her future career goals. We’ve selected it as today’s Fridays from the Frontline.
The following piece has been republished in its entirety from its original source, “the UNC Kenan-Flagler blog.”
Finding a Career I Am Passionate About
by Ally Daws
UNC Business Essentials (UBE) has shaped my career goals by helping me narrow down what exactly I am interested in doing after I graduate—a daunting decision for any college student.
I’ve always known that I would be interested in a career in a business-related field, but prior to UBE I wasn’t quite sure the scope of business and the different types of careers that you could hold in it.
Through UBE I discovered specific aspects of business that interest me. I realized that I love operations, but not so much accounting. I am interested in marketing, but not finance.
Having this opportunity to discover what interests me, before I enter the job market, has been incredibly beneficial in helping me find a career that I will be passionate about. I also realized that I can apply my other interests to a career in business.
The UBE program provides real-world examples of business across various industries and applications. No matter what your future career goals might be, this certificate program provides valuable skills that will benefit you in any field or position.
I now have a clearer image of what my future career could hold. I know that this certificate will not only make me stand out to employers, but also set me up for success. The skills I formed through this certificate program have not only shaped my future career plans, but provided me with the skills necessary to achieve them.
