The importance of taking risks for career development: Opinion

In an article for Inside Higher Ed, Chris Smith explains why students should take more risks in career exploration. The author describes how people tend to care more about potential losses than gains, keeping them from taking useful risks. He recommends that students take risks and engage in informational interviews with people who work in areas they are interested in to learn about their future careers and form important ties with professionals in the field. Smith also encourages students to take part in experiential learning opportunities in their chosen field, whether through volunteering, job simulations, job shadowing, or internships. Though these and other unexpected opportunities might be frightening, Smith notes that the potential benefits outweigh the downsides. Inside Higher Ed Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.