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[ekmac]

So... I'm 17, if I'm not mistaken. Additionally, I've been on the Ministry Career track for several years now, and have been planning (eventually, barring death through Ministry drafting) to go into Muggle Relations, an idea which both my parents seem quite keen on. I like Muggle Studies quite a bit, actually, having gone to Muggle primary school

Comments

[smith_badger]

Well, you're not really hands-on enough for Cursebreaking, and I doubt you'd like working for Susan's father (he's the research runes guru -- keeps suggesting that I should do that and I don't think I can run far enough away from the idea). But maybe research? I don't know. I've always known where I was going. I've never had to actually think about it.

[ekmac]

You're lucky, then. Perhaps I should ask Sprout...

[smith_badger]

It'd be an idea. I hardly hold the secrets of the universe.

[ekmac]

But what about those Secrets to the Universe I saw stashed in our room?

[durmstranger]

Oh dear.

If it helps, I do not know what I want to do either. I think I might like to be a journalist, but I am not entirely sure. I wonder if there are people you can talk to about this?

Also, have you made any progress with the researching?

[ekmac]

Did they do the career counseling for you, either here or at Durmstrang? In fifth year Professor Sprout took each of us aside and we spoke to her about out ambitions, NEWTS-level courses, etc. That's why I was on the track I did... perhaps you should set something up with her, if she hasn't taken the initiative.

Some. The books I've gotten haven't been terribly useful yet, but I may be translating them too literally. Want to have a look at my notes?

[durmstranger]

Oh, they did, but I wanted to be a Potions Master like my father will be. However, I do not want to do that anymore, but I am not entirely sure where I should go. Maybe we should both see her, just so that we can clarify?

Sure! I have not written a lot, but it is more than I had before.

[ekmac]

A trip to Professor Sprout, then! Although perhaps it'd be best to wait a few days more, so I can gather a few notes with ideas, etc. I don't want to seem too unprepared.

It's frustratingly vague, the material. But I've some ideas, so perhaps I can run them past you...?

[_thisjustin]

I don't really know what I'll be doing after graduation either. There are probably a lot of people in that position, so you shouldn't think that you're the only one having this kind of trouble.

If all else fails, you could always start in the Ministry until you work out what you really want to do. It's not like you can't change your mind later on.

[ekmac]

Well... the ones that know exactly what they want to do are more vocal than the rest of us. It would seem a waste to have taken so many NEWTS courses and not use them, which is why I'm so concerned. Adalia and I are planning a trip to Prof. Sprout's office to talk about careers, if you want to come.

I don't know. Perhaps... it's certainly not a bad idea. Better than living in my parents' home until I'm 30, with no direction and nothing to do.

[_thisjustin]

Well, that makes sense. They have more to talk about, as they have a direction. It could even be that we all talk about it for the same amount of time, however their focus is more memorable, whereas what we say doesn't really stay in your mind. I might join you both, actually. The last time I spoke to Professor Sprout about careers, she suggested studying to be a Healer and I think I made a face due to the Potions aspect of that career. At least she can't even suggest that anymore.

Now you're looking on the bright side.

[princessofcups]

I think that people who are sure of their paths after Hogwarts are far fewer than they seem. There is certainly nothing wrong with working in the private sector. You just need to be, well, very skilled, as opposed to moderately skilled and very well-connected.

[ekmac]

How does one become well established in the private sector once the skill requirement has been met?

[princessofcups]

Depending on what you do, it is sometimes again a matter of who you know. In others it's a matter of building reputation and putting in quite a lot of work. Or, of course, you establish yourself in a field where you are a unique commodity. You cannot help but be in demand if you are the only available person.

My mother has been quite successful as a researcher at St Mungo's partially because Potions Masters are relatively rare and partially because she has worked tirelessly in the field since before I was born. It is a matter, I think, of either finding a niche or creating one.

[smith_badger]

Susan, I am dying over here. Positively dying. Best description yet.