Is passion valuable? Yes.
The idea of “finding your calling” isn’t new.
The debate about whether calling even exists is even older.
But as a graduate of now an MA in Career and Coaching Studies, I did find the article on Vocation and Calling particularly interesting.
Yesterday I attended a webinar with admissions staff from University of Cambridge.
Two points stood out:
Admissions is complex. If you’re not a genuine fit for the subject, they will discover it.
Choosing a prestigious university is tempting. Choosing the right subject for you is far more important.
But aren’t these points simply another way of saying:
find what genuinely interests you and build from there?
I’ve worked in youth development for nearly two decades. When I help someone find direction, I always look for the same thing:
Where is the energy?
What makes their eyes light up?
Where do they come alive?
I once worked with a student who said she wanted to study Economics. It was a “good subject.” It sounded impressive.
As I explored it with her, I watched her face slowly drain of colour.
Eventually she said, “Naomi… I’m sorry. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I understood completely. I felt the same doing Biology A-level. I had no idea what was happening in those classes because I should have followed my artistic instincts. Instead, I chose what sounded sensible and what my father said would, “keep you sharp.”
Back to my student.
When we shifted the conversation, something changed. Computing. Chemistry. App design. She’d already done an internship in development. She suddenly came to life and the change in her was palpable to both of us.
Top universities are not just looking for grades. They are looking for evidence of genuine interest: sustained, independent engagement and a true excitement about the subject area.
The same is true of employers-questions on application forms for the top companies often are about what paper you most passionate about.
The same might be considered true of all of us anyway.
Perhaps it isn’t mystical, perhaps it is plainly obvious and observable.
Your energy tells the truth before your CV does, before your degree, your job, or your interview technique.
And the real work-in education, careers, life-is noticing where that energy lives.
Finding your gold.
Finding your voice.
