I came to college hoping I would find my passion. Since
I was a young child, I dreamed of finding a career I would love. In
my first three semesters of college, I sampled classes from many different
departments. I enjoyed some of my classes, but I didn't feel that I
had discovered what I should do with my life. Unfortunately, I had
to pick a major, unless I wanted to drop out. I felt that I needed
to stay in school to get a good job. I chose to major in economics.
My true goal has always been to find a job that would hold my interest
and make me feel challenged and satisfied, whether it paid a lot or not.
Since, I had not found that yet, I chose to major in economics, a field that
should pay reasonably well. I also figured that the range of possibilities
for my career would be much larger if I finished by bachelors degree with
any major. Some of economics interests me, but I do not feel that it is how
I want to spend my life. As an economics major, I have learned economic theory
and used technology to evaluate current economic trends. I think of computers
and the Internet as great resources, but I do not find them particularly
interesting. I do not spend much free time playing on a computer or
searching the Internet. Still, I learned to use computers and the Internet
because they are a vital part of jobs in economics and the rest of the world
today.
While I have used the Internet, for school as well as my personal
life, since high school, I was introduced to programs for statistical analysis
in economics classes. I have also learned about a few different programming
languages, while in economics and other college courses. Computers
have helped to increase my productivity. Instead of writing an essay
on paper and then typing it out, I write on my computer; it is then easier
to revise and change. I can also save time by sending an email instead
of calling or visiting someone in person. Computer programs are very
important in the field of economics. They allow us to analyze data
and quickly look for trends. Without programs like Excel and SAS,
it would be terribly time-consuming to do data analysis. While I have experience
with various applications of technology, I generally do not understand it
very deeply. I know how to use programs, but I do not know why they
work. I do not believe that this will be a disadvantage to me in the future.
My limited technological skill should be enough for a job in economics
or many other fields.
Today, my academic identity is
not clearly defined. After almost four years of college, I know a
little bit about a lot of different subjects. Through my college classes,
I have gained experience with some new technologies. While computers,
software and the Internet have helped me get through my classes, I do not
consider them an important part of my identity. Since I am still searching
for something that I should do with my life, my academic experience, and
my interaction with technology, so far, have not shaped me drastically.
I still consider my personal life; my family, my friends, my dog and my travel;
more important than anything I have done academically. Perhaps, one day,
that will change. I am open to the possibility of finding a job I will
love and more clearly defining myself academically. Perhaps, I'm too idealistic
and I will never find what I am looking for, but I don't want to give up
yet. This quest may lead me back to school in the future, but I will
look for a job in economics, first. My experience in the job market
may give me insight into what I really want in my life. Whether I work
in a field related to economics or eventually discover a career I love, I
am bound to need to use computers and other technology in the future.