Santa Clara University

Career Corner

Do what you can to help your career

I have a carving that hangs on my office wall in the Career Center at SCU. Enhanced with a butterfly, a flower, and a bird, the sculpted words state, "Do what you can, where you are, with what you have." The plaque hangs behind the heads of the alumni who come to see me, so I am reminded of the message several times a week. I believe it's a particularly pertinent message for those of us starting out on our career path, those encountering the many ruts, rocks, and ridges further down that path, and those who have been pushed or intentionally stepped off the path.

Kathy Potter

"Do what you can" is a significant imperative if you believe that you have some control over your circumstances...and most of us do. To learn more about the current job market, you could research industries and companies, gather information through networking, and prepare your marketing tools in order to present yourself to others you meet along the path. The Career Center offers several insturments that help you assess your career interests and values.

"Where you are" is here and now. As individuals, we cannot count on changing the economic situation or the job market, so it is extremely important that we find ways to work toward our goals and yet stay rooted in the present. When we are struggling on the career path, we need to stop and, more than just occasionally, smell the flowers.

"With what you have" is you and all those supporting you. You, with all your skills, your knowledge, your fears, your energy and passion, your insecurities, and your curiosity about what's around the next turn in the path. And, you have those other travelers, with their strength, knowledge, and companionship, to share the load.

Also in my office is a card titled "Life's Lessons from a Butterfly." It asks us to let go of the past; trust the future; embrace change; come out of the cocoon; and unfurl our wings. From a career standpoint, what could be more appropriate?

Kathy Potter is assistant director of SCU's Career Center. She can be reached by phone at 408-554-4859 or by e-mail at kpotter@scu.edu. Visit the Career Center online at www.scu.edu/careercenter.