6/17/14 Interviewed by Scott Proietti
This week, the conversation centers around identifying your skills and finding a job that suits your interests. Our featured guest is Eric Howser. Eric graduated from West Virginia University this past winter with a degree in Finance. He is currently a Broker/Financial Advisor for SagePoint Financial in the greater Pittsburgh area.
1. When did you initially decide that you wanted to major in Finance and why did you make this decision?
EH: I decided to major in finance my junior year. I was initially an accounting major, but felt there would be more opportunities as a finance student. I enjoyed learning more about investing much more than I did about accounting. Learning about investments transitioned into the job I have today.
2. If you could have any job in the world, what would be your dream job?
EH: If I could have any job in the world it would be a head football coach at a major division one school.
3. How would you balance the job of your dreams against your ability to do it successfully?
EH: It would be very hard to balance my dream job with my ability to do it. Obviously a head coaching job at a NCAA division one school is very difficult to achieve and highly unlikely. Due to the small chance of achieving this job, I chose a job the compliments my skill set.
4. Do you think job seekers should chase after and work toward their dream job right away or work in a profession that better benefits and utilizes their skills?
EH: The time to chase after your dream job is now. You will never achieve your dream job by delaying the time and effort it takes to achieve it.
5. What would be your best advice to any recent college graduate/ upcoming college graduate when it comes to searching for a job?
EH: Do what you want to do!! You are still young and though you may feel you are older and have more responsibilities, it is nothing compared to how it will be when you have a full time job and a family. If you want to chase your dream job do it now, nothing gets accomplished by waiting. If you want to travel the world do it, you will not get anywhere by sitting around and waiting on others. When you graduate you have your entire life ahead of you to work. Do what you are comfortable with, whether it’s your dream job or a job that utilizes your skills. Where and how you work is up to you.
What piece of advice offered by Eric do you find to be the most useful?
Should you chase after your dream right away or should you start your working career and hope to find an entry into your dream job later on in life?
Any other questions or comments- feel free to post! Let’s Talk!