Last week, I had the privilege of mentoring at the Women in Sustainable Energy (WiSE) event at BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology, a professional networking and mentorship event aimed at supporting and empowering women pursuing or considering careers in the sustainable energy sector. A common concern that came up was the fear of switching careers or feeling anxious that their varied experiences might be seen as a disadvantage compared to those who had stuck to a single path. Some attendees worried that having a diverse background would hold them back from landing the right job. These conversations inspired me to write this article—so here it is.
When I was in university, I kept hearing the same advice: pick a field, do work terms in that area, stick with one company, and by the time you graduate, you’ll have a head start on your career and quickly move into management.
Well, I didn’t follow that path.
Instead, I completed five work terms in completely different fields—from biomedical research to oil and gas, and everything in between. Like many students, I didn’t know which area I wanted to focus on, so I wasn’t going to box myself into one narrow path. Of course, everyone around me told me I was making a mistake. Meanwhile, my peers who followed the traditional route graduated, got hired immediately by the companies they interned with, and quickly climbed the ranks.
And then there was me. Still unsure of what I wanted, I took a job in oil and gas, quickly realizing it wasn’t the right fit. So, I made another bold move—I left to pursue a teaching degree. This decision raised a lot of eyebrows: “You’re making a huge mistake.” “You’ll never get back into engineering.” “You’ll regret this.”
Well, it turned out I didn’t want to teach either. But I never would have known that if I hadn’t given it a shot. And here’s the plot twist: when I eventually transitioned into consulting, it was my teaching experience that set me apart. My employer valued the skills I developed in the classroom—communication, teamwork, training, and project management. They recognized the transferable skills I’d gained, even though my career path had been anything but traditional.
So here’s my advice for those just starting out or considering a career transition: there’s no one “right” way to build a career.
If you know exactly what you want to do from a young age, that’s amazing! But if you’re like most people and are still figuring it out, don’t be afraid to explore different options. Every job you take, every field you dive into, shapes you and teaches you valuable skills. And the right employer will recognize the value of those experiences.
We live in a world where industries and technologies are evolving at lightning speed, and even if you’re an expert in one area, it might not be relevant in five years. But skills like learning quickly, communicating effectively, and problem-solving are always valuable—and there’s no one way to develop them. The key is figuring out what you truly want, and that only comes from trying different things. When you know what excites you, it makes you more attractive to your dream employer. You’re not just looking for any job—you want their job. As someone involved in hiring, I can tell you that enthusiasm for our job and our company is more valuable than years of experience.
I believe we’re entering a time where employers are increasingly appreciating diverse skillsets, especially in innovative industries. As a consultant, I rarely do the same thing twice. And if we want to solve today’s biggest challenges, we need people with diverse experiences to bring fresh perspectives.
Besides, what if you specialize in one field, work your way up, and realize you no longer enjoy it? Then what?
So, here’s the bottom line: if you want to try different things—go for it. If you’re passionate about one thing and want to focus on that—do it. Life isn’t a straight line, and it’s definitely not about following someone else’s blueprint. Seek out people and employers who value what makes you unique, rather than trying to make you fit in.
Dare to stand out.
