Why Failing to Achieve Your Goal Doesn’t Equal Failure

Written by: Hafsa Hersi

Growing up, my first serious career goal was to study medicine and become a doctor. Today, I work in healthcare tech, co-host a podcast, speak at events, and explore entrepreneurship. All things I didn’t even know existed when I was a student.

As a student, I did everything possible to get into medical school. I volunteered, studied hard and prepared endlessly for interviews. When I finally received an offer, I felt like all my hard work had paid off but then I missed the grades I needed. 

I remember staring at my results, feeling a sinking weight in my chest. It felt like everything I had worked for had slipped through my fingers, and I was convinced I had ruined my one chance at success with no idea of what to do next.

Why Am I Sharing This: Personal Insights and Lessons

It’s overwhelming when society makes you feel like you need a perfectly mapped-out plan from a young age. The fear that one wrong choice will define your future is simply untrue. You can study any subject and pursue opportunities you never imagined possible! I ended up studying Biomedical Sciences at university, worked part-time in social care, and then transitioned into tech consulting. None of this was part of my original plan.

Life doesn’t follow a straight path, and careers today offer more flexibility than ever before. In the UK, 1 in 10 workers have made a career change in the past 10 years! (Office for National Statistics)

Exploring New Career Paths: How I Found Opportunities & Redefined Success

As a student, I learned about different career paths by attending events hosted by organisations like Generating Genius, Bright Network, and SEO London. I always signed up for additional events that had nothing to do with the career path I was already pursuing, and that was how I discovered new industries and career paths I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

I actually came across tech careers when I randomly decided to attend a Generating Genius event in collaboration with Salesforce. It was my first time at a tech event, and I had no idea what to expect, but by the end of it, I had been introduced to an entirely new career path. Let me ask you? What would happen if I hadn’t gone that day and stuck to attending events only for what I considered my dream career path at the time! 

That experience showed me the importance of having an abundance mindset in that there are so many career paths in the world that are worth exploring even if they don’t seem to match your current plans. 

Lessons From Experience: My Advice to You

1. Be Proactive: Always keep an eye on different career paths and look at what fellow students are doing (events they are attending etc). I made it a habit of connecting with people I met at events on LinkedIn, signing up for company open days or attending online webinars.
   

2. LinkedIn: If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile, create one and start following people who are doing interesting things. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people to ask questions, because many of them will actually be happy to help.
   

Connect with me on LinkedIn if you have any further questions👇:

Hafsa Hersi

1. Networking: Attending networking events, student meetups, and company insight days is one of the best ways to find out what options exist, learn from accomplished professionals and inform your career choices. Generating Genius, Bright Network, and SEO London host many events throughout the year that can be found on their website. Also, you can apply for company insight days via their company website or platforms such as RateMyPlacement:
   

2. Be Yourself: Don't put too much pressure on yourself to have your entire career figured out right now. Follow your interests, stay curious, and allow yourself to explore different possibilities.

Embracing Change: Why You Can Change Paths at Any Time

There is no moment when it becomes too late to take a new direction. The world is shifting, industries are always changing, and new opportunities are always being created. The career you imagine for yourself today is just one of many possibilities. The idea that you have to stick to one thing forever is outdated.

So, prioritise what is best for you and pursue the career path you want even if you have to change. I did it myself going from Medicine to Healthcare Technology. Stay open and stay curious!

If you're curious to find out more about being audacious and embracing change, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn and let's start talking😊!