Many young job seekers often find themselves fixated on a single career path, convinced that success hinges on pursuing one specific role or industry. This narrow focus, though understandable, can significantly limit their opportunities and stifle personal growth. They often overlook other potential career avenues or fail to adapt to the ever-changing job market.
Gifty Akorfa Kumah, a seasoned HR professional and CEO of HRBIC Ltd, a firm known for international recruitment and HR consulting, argues that this fixated mindset can be a barrier to success.
With over a decade of experience connecting Ghanaian talent to global opportunities, she has seen firsthand the motivations driving younger workers. She stresses the importance of staying open-minded and flexible, as doing so increases the chances of discovering diverse career opportunities and helps young people adapt to the evolving job landscape.
According to Ms. Kumah, many young graduates fixate on roles that are directly related to their academic background or initial career goals. This can cause them to miss out on diverse opportunities that may not fit neatly within their expectations but could provide valuable experience and growth.
“It is essential to discover yourself along the way,” she said. “While having a dream is important, young people need to be open to learning new skills and exploring different paths that may ultimately lead them to their true calling,” she shared with The High Street Journal.
She highlights that many industries require a broader skill set than just the technical expertise learned in school. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, play a crucial role in securing and excelling in jobs. By limiting themselves to a narrow set of career options, young job seekers risk overlooking roles that can help them develop these crucial skills.
“Opportunities are endless, but it’s about being open to them,” Ms. Kumah explained. “If young people are fixated on only one path, they may miss out on experiences that will teach them valuable lessons about their own strengths and preferences.”
Moreover, she emphasized the importance of learning on the job, even in positions that might not directly align with a person’s desired career.
“I’ve seen many people who started in entry-level positions, like customer service roles, but gained skills that helped them transition into strategic management roles,” she said. “It’s about seeing each role as an opportunity to grow, not just a stepping stone to your ‘ideal’ position.”
For employers, Ms. Kumah suggests revisiting hiring strategies to look beyond a candidate’s immediate qualifications. “Companies should hire for potential, not just for what’s on paper,” she said. “Candidates who show openness to learning and adapting are often more valuable than those who come with a rigid skill set but lack the ability to grow.”
Young job seekers should not limit themselves by sticking to a fixed career path but instead remain open to the possibilities that come with being flexible and open-minded in their job search.
