by Muhammad Ilyas Nu’man Azmi
Syamim Najwa on her graduation day in front of the USM logo.
Photo by Muhammad Ilyas Nu’man
Transitioning from school to the workforce feels a bit like standing at a crossroads, where you have to choose between following what you're really passionate about or going for something more practical. It's a common dilemma many students grapple with: Do you pursue what you love, even if it seems uncertain, or do you opt for a more stable job that might not light that fire in your belly? This decision is more than just a fork in the road; it's a tug of war between staying true to yourself and meeting the expectations society has for a normal and financially secure career.
Syamim Najwa Fani, 23, is one such student who has found herself in a bit of a pickle who has discovered her true passions in event management and photography despite majoring in pure biology. Syamim is approaching graduation and must make a difficult choice: should she pursue a career in biology or follow her heart and pursue her passions for event management and photography.
Syamim has always been interested in event management. She has a natural talent for event planning and coordination, and she has actively sought out opportunities to hone her skills. She was the President of Protege and has been a project director and stage manager at a variety of events, including Film Festival and Acoustic Concert, and she has even taken on leadership roles in event planning on her college campus. Her interest in event management has grown over time, and she is now considering making it a career.
Syamim is at a crossroads as she approaches graduation. While she has excelled in her biology classes, she is aware that her true interests are elsewhere. She is torn between pursuing a stable and secure career in biology and following her heart and pursuing her passions for event management and photography. It's a difficult decision, but she knows she has to make it soon.
“I've always enjoyed organizing events and coordinating logistics. It comes naturally to me, and I find it very fulfilling. While I've enjoyed my biology courses, I am at loss as the decision making is not a joke. A career in biology might give me a stable career but I won't feel fulfilled. I know I might have to make a hard decision soon.”, she said when asked about her plans for her future.
Syamim's experience exemplifies the difficulties that many students face when deciding on a major. While she has excelled in her biology classes, she is aware that biology might not be for her from a career point of view. As she nears graduation, she must make a difficult choice. Should she pursue a career in biology or follow her heart and pursue her passions for event management and photography? Whatever path she takes, one thing is certain, she has a bright future ahead of her, and her unique combination of skills and interests will undoubtedly drive her far.
In the end, your career story is unique. Whether you decide to follow your passion or go for a practical choice, what matters most is knowing yourself, being flexible, and facing the twists and turns of the professional world with courage. This whole "interest vs. career" thing isn't a strict rule but more of a personal journey. The real win isn't in the choice itself but in how true you stay to yourself and how you handle the ups and downs of your professional adventure.