When I joined the young adults in Discover Year, a purposeful gap year program, I was reminded of something powerful. These learners arrive ready to grow, yet many carry long-held beliefs about careers. 

Some career beliefs help them take steps forward. Others quietly hold them back. As educators, our role is to help them notice the difference, then support them as they let go of the beliefs that limit their growth.

During our Career Myths session, students explored the ideas that influence their decisions, their confidence, and their willingness to try new things. By the end, many had experienced a real shift in how they think about their future.

Some of the statements we examined in the session include:

• “Most successful people knew what they wanted to do at an early age.”

• “If I make the wrong choice, there is no going back.”

• “If I look hard enough, I will find the one ‘perfect’ job for me.”

• “My education decides my career path.”

Students agreed or disagreed with the statements and then met in breakouts to discuss questions like:

• Who do you know who defies this belief?

• Where does this belief come from?

• How might it hold you back?

• What would it take to let it go?

These conversations brought out thoughtful stories and honest self-reflection. 

By the end of the workshop, students were asked what they learned - here’s what they shared:

• “How flexible careers can be.”

• “Regardless of how you compare to others, focus on your own progression.”

• “Change in a career is not a bad thing. It’s okay to make mistakes and then learn from them.”

• “I’m taking away beliefs on career paths and a much broader open minded understanding on finding the right job and career path for you and to not overcomplicate it.”

• “I learned that you can’t find a ‘perfect’ career but you can find a career you enjoy a lot.”

• “I learned to not allow my beliefs to stop me from pursuing what I want to do. You don’t have to be perfect to succeed, you just have to work hard and have a realistic positive mindset.”

• “A partner can change your life.”

• “Limiting beliefs keep you trapped, sometimes without you realizing. In addition, it’s important to be an active participant, not a passive bystander.”

• “That your mindset is very important.”

• “There are many ways to reach a career you are happy with.”

These reflections show just how quickly students can grow when they are encouraged to question the underlying beliefs that shape their career and education choices.

Thank you to the Discover Year team for creating the space to explore these Career Myths and help their young adults question limiting career beliefs and consider new possibilities.