“That job was a waste of time. I feel like I’m behind…”
Lacey, a twenty-four-year-old, from Darien, CT noted in her narrative.
I get the pressure to find a job.
But not only will having a career vision lead you to avoid Lacey’s common problem, a career vision will also help you get a job more quickly.
Most recent college graduates feel pressure to land a job fast. But rushing into the wrong job can lead to long-term dissatisfaction. The smarter move? Step back and focus on career vision—an intentional look at what actually leads to fulfillment and success.
That starts with asking better questions. What work makes you feel energized? What environments bring out your best? What values matter most in your day-to-day life? Don’t default to chasing prestige or salary. Those things wear off fast. Purpose and alignment last.
Too many young professionals get stuck in jobs that look good on paper but drain them. Without a clear vision, they bounce around without direction. Career vision is your compass. It helps you filter out what doesn’t fit and move toward what does.
This doesn’t mean you need a 10-year plan. It means you should explore themes—problem-solving, creativity, service, leadership, learning, autonomy—that resonate with who you are. Internships, informational interviews, even part-time gigs can help you test-drive these paths.
At Career Counseling Connecticut, we help new grads avoid drifting into mediocrity. Instead, we guide them in building intentional, satisfying careers from the start. The first step isn’t sending out resumes—it’s creating a vision that will keep you motivated and on track for years to come.