Do you have any recommendations of other people with whom I should speak?
Note that her focus here is on learning as much as possible about where and how she
might work for different organizations, not just on asking whether openings exist.
She recognizes that asking someone for a job tends to put people on the spot, and
can end conversations prematurely.
She also isn't even sure what she wants to do yet, and so
is genuinely trying to use this process to help her expand her possible options.
By going about it in a systematic way, she's increasing her odds that she will
not only refine her goals but land a position purely through serendipity.
I define serendipity in this context as where luck and hard work converge.
And there is still going to need to be an element of luck in this process.
One of the most popular modern career theories,
one that takes into account social context, is chaos theory.
Chaos theory has a lot in common with how design thinking frames the problem.
It encourages continuous flexible planning over set long term plans.
Openness to change and new things.
Seeing decisions as provisional.
Measured risk taking and seeing mistakes as experiments.
And seeing and appreciating the role of chance in one's success.
Chaos theory stresses the need for luck readiness.
An expression I love, because I see it as just another way of saying serendipity.
Chaos theory stresses the importance of people taking ownership of their careers.
In the sense that one takes control, when possible, but allows for contingency.
You must also recognize patterns of influence, both external and
internal on your thinking and actions.
As well as to understand what matters most in your life and how your personal values
and valued relationships come to bear on your decision making.
These have all been primary themes of this course.
But it's also important to be willing to live with uncertainty, and
recognize that change will come and that it's best to be ready for it.