Experiments in Career Reinvention

Abstract

How does one define a career? Is it just a job that pays a salary and done as an obvious progression of life after taking a degree from a college? Or can one look at it as a very important part of life itself which involves happiness and balancing one's preferences of life as well. What does following one's passion or calling mean? Can passion and career be the same? Is a career choice serendipitous or a more clinically thought plan that one makes? This case looks at three career trajectories of alumni from IIM Bangalore and looks at careers from a very different perspective to help answer the questions above. The case helps students look at career from various angles and attempts to help them plan their career better. It also delves into aspects like taking risks and handling fears which are relevant in taking unconventional career choices.