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8 C O O L S T U F F 2 0 2 2 • A Guide to Career Opportunities in Central Mass. Stephanie Hirshon, deputy director of marketing and programming at the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce in Framingham, said companies and organiza- tions like the chamber hold career fairs, open houses, and other opportunities to talk directly with potential employers. There are also many networking groups where young people can connect with each other, building connections with people in various local industries. "Open yourself up to that and you'd be surprised what you can find in those kinds of programs and events," Hirson said. "You could meet your future employer." Younis urged young people to build net- works. He suggested conducting informational interviews with older people in a career they're interested in, asking about their experiences, career strategies and day-to- day work routines. He noted older adults in people's personal networks are often eager to help. "Most people see the youth, and we're inspired to want to get them up and run- ning," he said. Your first choice isn't your only choice While starting to build a career can seem overwhelming, Younis said young people should remember that they have decades ahead of them. If they start down a path that doesn't work out, they can always try something new. He gave the example of his own mother, who was in her late 30s and working three waitressing jobs when she decided to go to MassHire to explore other options. "She learned computer programming and got a job at UMass," he said. "UMass paid for her master's degree." The lesson for young people, he said, is that they shouldn't feel too much pressure to find a forever-career by their mid-20s. "Being young really affords you the time to take chances," Younis said. "You can take calculated risks. It allows you to really explore. It allows you to change, adjust. And you can do that throughout the rest of your career."n Consider different aspects of a field • What's the work environment like? • Is it physically demanding? • How much interaction with other people does it involve? • What kind of work-life balance does it offer? • What's the range of pay? • Is it a growing industry? • What are the opportunities for advancement? Build networks • Attend networking events with the local chamber of commerce and other organizations. • Go to employers' open houses. • Find people in your personal network who are in the careers you're considering and conduct informational interviews. Target your education toward your career goals • Focus on a megamajor like technology or business and take classes that are relevant to the majors within that cluster. • If you're in college, get internships or other real-life experience early on. • If you're not in college, consider vocational programs or other avenues to get certified for specific jobs. Check out jobs in a field you're interested in • If you're in high school or college, find an internship or co-op. • Look for an opportunity to shadow someone in the industry. • Get a part- or full-time entry-level job in the field. Advice on exploring career paths Stephanie Hirshon Construction workers at UMass Chan Medical School sign the beam that will be the highest point at a new research facility. P I C K I N G A C A R E E R PHOTO | COURTESY OF UMASS CHAN MEDICAL SCHOOL