Kaye was thinking about going into engineering, so she got an eight-week summer internship at an aerospace company. After spending several weeks working there, she discovered that she does not like engineering. What should she do?
After realizing that she does not enjoy engineering during her internship, Kaye should consider the following actions:
1. Reflect on her experience: Encourage Kaye to take some time to reflect on her internship experience to understand the aspects she didn't enjoy. It might help her determine if it was the particular field of aerospace engineering or engineering in general that did not suit her interests.
2. Seek guidance from professionals: Kaye should reach out to professionals in different fields, such as engineering professionals from various disciplines or individuals working in non-engineering roles within aerospace companies. They can provide insights into their experiences and help her explore alternative career paths.
3. Conduct career research: Encourage Kaye to research other career options that align with her skills, interests, and values. She can explore industries where her engineering background can be utilized indirectly, such as project management, technical writing, technical sales, or even research and development.
4. Talk to career counselors: Career counselors can provide valuable guidance and support in exploring alternative career options. They can help Kaye assess her strengths, skills, and interests to identify potential career paths that align better with her goals.
5. Network and shadow professionals: Kaye could network with people outside the engineering field and request opportunities to shadow them for a day or a week. This can provide insights into alternative careers and help her gauge her interest in different fields.
6. Consider additional education or training: If Kaye discovers a new career path that requires additional education or training, she could consider pursuing further education to gain the necessary qualifications. This might involve returning to school or taking up certifications or courses in the specific field of interest.
7. Embrace transferable skills: Even if Kaye decides to shift away from engineering, she should embrace and highlight the transferable skills she gained during her internship, such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork. These skills are valuable in many fields and can enhance her candidacy in various roles.
Ultimately, it is important for Kaye to remember that she has the freedom to change her career path and find something that truly aligns with her interests and passions. Exploring various options and seeking guidance will help her make an informed decision about her future career.