4 C O O L S T U F F 2 0 2 2 • A Guide to Career Opportunities in Central Mass.
W
hen James Keane grad-
uated from high school,
he knew one thing
about his potential
future: The salary for a
pharmacist was amazing.
"I thought college education equaled dol-
lars and cents," Keane said.
But, in his freshman year, he had the
chance to explore different subjects and
think more deeply about his skills and inter-
ests. He changed course, and today he's vice
president of academ-
ic affairs at
Quinsigamond
Community College
in Worcester, helping today's college stu-
dents in their own explorations.
For young people, whether they're college
bound or not, working through the rewards
and challenges of different career paths can
be tricky. Fortunately, Central
Massachusetts has many resources to help.
"I remember being that age; you don't
really have a vision all the time of what you
want to do, and it's kind of scary," said
Jibrael Younis, operations manager at
MassHire Central Career Center, which
helps people of all ages take the next steps
in their careers. "You kind of have this
urgency of understanding adulthood is
coming."
People arrive at young adulthood with
different levels of responsibility, Younis said.
Some may need to start providing for their
families right away, while others have the
financial support to explore without as
much pressure.
BY LIVIA GERSHON
Taking the
first steps
P I C K I N G A
C A R E E R
James Keane
How should you start exploring
potential career paths?
Employees at the Devens
facility of Bristol Myers Squibb
help create treatments for
diseases.
PHOTO | COURTESY OF BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB
