Musicians spearhead workshop on student career future

Folk musicians and sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nields led a workshop for students on constructing individualized careers around their passions.

The Nields urged students to consider career paths based on what they want to do instead of what they feel that they need to do.

The Nieldses asked participants to brainstorm the five things in their rooms that bring them joy, three activities that make them lose track of time, and the three most meaningful compliments that they ever received.

According to the Nieldses, a job should be more than simply an occupation.

“It’s not necessarily just about your job, it’s about what you do,” Katryna Nields said. “Without boredom, creativity is almost impossible.”

After the workshop, the Nieldses took questions from participants.

Among the 14 students who attended the workshop at Ursa’s Fireside, the response was positive.

“I felt great. I don’t know how much closer I am to finding out my career after today, but I would definitely question every decision I make,” freshman Austin Spurlock said. “You get so caught up in your ambitions, you lose track of your real feelings, which makes you happy and the happiness can be shared with others.”

Seniors in attendance at the workshop thought it was helpful for people who are preparing to enter the workforce.

“It’s been a transition for me, the past few weeks,” senior Meghna Srinath said. “[The Nieldses] were really inspiring, this workshop came at the right time for me.”

The workshop was co-sponsored by the Career Center and the Office of Residential Life, and it was organized by Associate Dean of Students Jill Stratton.

“This workshop is meant to present a reflective way to think about passions,” Stratton said.

While many students learned different things from the workshop, many walked away with a common thought: “Keeping an open mind is the most important thing,” Srinath said.