Self-Exploration Paper

My parents always said that once you start working, you cannot stop. I found that hard to believe before I got my first job, but it became more apparent and true as the years passed. Throughout my short, yet significant career development experiences, I have gained a better insight as to what my future career might look and be like. My career development experiences have ultimately strengthened and shaped the person I am today. The foundation for my understanding of my career choices can be traced as far back as my childhood, important life events, and my current interests along with hobbies. Consequently and thankfully, all of my previous work experiences have made me stand out from the other 50,000 ASU college students.

Growing up as a child, I really wanted to be a professional ice hockey player, but as the years flew by that dream and reality started to fade away. However, my love and passion for the sport still lingers and has given me a jumping point as to what I would someday like to have as a career. I started my first job working at an ice rink at the age of sixteen. At the time I was playing youth hockey and I wanted to start saving money for a car. So I asked the youth hockey director if there might be any available positions at the rink. She got back to me a few days later saying that the manager wanted to have an interview with me. Since I knew the youth hockey director relatively well, she was able to give me a great recommendation although I had no previous work experience. As I was getting ready to leave for the interview, I get a phone call from the hockey director saying that I got a position as an ice attendant. I was so shocked at the time because I had just received my first job without having to go through ...

... middle of paper ...

...ter taking out a few business loans, I think my dream of someday owning my own ice rink might become a reality.

Without my previous work history and experiences, I probably would have an undecided major right now and have no idea as to what I would want to have as a future career. The two jobs I have now, I could not be any luckier. If I had gotten my first job at a movie theatre or ice cream pallor, I would not have the passion I desire as to what I am doing today. The experiences I have gained from those two jobs alone will help me later down the road when I someday own a rink. I have met so many incredible people along the way while working and I am good friends with most of them. Timing is everything, if the youth hockey director or my friend who helped me get my job at the arena did not help me, I would not be were I am today, and for that I am truly thankful.