News Pick
Why it’s okay to explore multiple career paths before finding your fit
Career paths aren’t straight lines, they’re winding journeys of discovery, learning, and self-growth
For years, the traditional idea of a “perfect career path” meant picking one field and sticking to it for life. But the world of work today is anything but linear. People switch roles, industries, and passions — and that’s not a sign of confusion, but of evolution. Trying different things before finding your fit is not only okay, it’s often the smartest way to grow.
The Myth of the One Perfect Career
We’re often told to have a clear goal early in life: “Know what you want to be.” But at 18 or even 25, how can anyone fully know what they’re meant to do forever? The truth is, careers evolve just like people do. Interests shift, new opportunities emerge, and the skills that define the future may not even exist yet.
Exploration helps build adaptability — one of the most important skills for the modern workplace. Each experience, whether it’s an internship, side project, or first job, teaches something valuable about what you enjoy and what you don’t.
Learning Through Exploration
Pakhi Bindal, a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication graduate (Batch 2020–23) from Apeejay Stya University and now Social Media Manager at WhizCo, shares her experience, “When I started my degree, I thought I’d go into journalism. But through internships and freelance projects, I discovered a passion for digital storytelling. Exploring different roles actually helped me find my fit in social media management.”
Her journey reflects what many young professionals experience today — discovering purpose through experimentation. Trying new things isn’t losing direction; it’s collecting insights.
Building Transferable Skills
Every career step, even those that seem unrelated, contributes to a stronger skill set. Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability carry across industries. Pakhi adds, “Each project taught me something — from writing to analytics to client communication. Those lessons still help me every day.”
Instead of worrying about a “wrong turn,” view each shift as a stepping stone. Exploring roles helps you understand what energises you and where your strengths truly shine.
Embracing the Journey
It’s natural to feel uncertain while exploring, but that uncertainty often hides opportunity. The best careers aren’t always planned — they’re discovered. What matters is the courage to try, learn, and keep moving forward.
So, if your path doesn’t look like a straight line, take heart. Growth rarely happens in a straight direction. It’s okay — even necessary — to explore multiple routes before finding your true calling. After all, every experience, whether expected or not, brings you closer to where you’re meant to be.
