Finding My Career at 18

Imagine growing up in a small town in the south; your future is virtually predetermined. You’ll live in that town your whole life. You might go to college. You’ll spend your life trying to find a husband, who you’ve probably grown up knowing. You will either work in the school system, behind a desk from 9-5, or be a stay at home mom. You will be “fine”.

Most people I grew up with were okay with that scenario, not me. I wanted more. I knew I needed to get out. Since my first day of high school. I wanted to be consumed by my professional work, setting my own rules and living by my decisions and what I produced. But how do you get there and build a road map for success at such a young age?

The first step was leaving. When it came to deciding which college to attend,  I considered what the school’s business program offered. Mercy College was just what I dreamt of and was unlike any other in New York. So what does a young and hopeful 18-year-old choose? “Hard” decision, I know. I left.

Fast forward to my life in New York. I am majoring in marketing with backgrounds in finance and sales. Over the course of my first semester here, I have had so many unique hands on experiences. I visited Fortune 500 companies and learned what exactly that type of job entails. I was taught how their 9-5 hours, financial stability, and corporate world atmosphere was something we should be driven by. I started to dream of working with for companies like Bloomberg, JP Morgan, or Boston Consulting Group. I loved the idea of being able to say “I work for a Fortune 500”- that was exciting and enticing.

However, that dream isn’t me. Yes, I am driven by success and financial stability,  but I crave fashion, creativity, exciting cultures, entrepreneurship, and a kick-ass reputation. I want Executives coming to me from all over wanting to hire me knowing I can better their company. A Fortune 500 does not fit here.

My perception of what I wanted in a career changed when I found a “big sister”, who just so happened to be my boss- Jocelyn Greenky. I’ve found that while the corporate world is financially stable, I don’t have to settle. I can be who I am and do what I want while making just as much as a man, having fun, and creating my own brand. Branding myself at this age is pertinent. By exemplifying my skills and creativity among others, my opportunities are endless.

I’m 18. I don’t need to know what my career will be! I do know now how to get there and to not settle. I take every opportunity that comes in my direction, say yes more, and never say sorry. I plan to work so hard that I don’t have to be behind a desk and people come to me for jobs. I plan on being a passionate, career-driven woman that can support my savvy style, have fun, and love what I’m doing.

By Alex Snapp

Mercy College Student – Marketing Associate