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We Spoke to the Experts at Griffith University About How to Unlock Career Fulfilment

Career fulfilment can feel like an elusive beast. If you’ve been in a job or career that no longer feels fulfilling, it can be daunting — overwhelming even — to consider making the necessary changes to shift things.

That’s why we spoke with experts at Griffith University who have helped countless students and graduates find that all-elusive sense of career fulfilment.

Early career choices, often made as a teenager in school, can feel like a permanent decision. But if you’ve spent any time in the workforce, chances are you’ve realised that career paths are rarely linear.

Perhaps the reality of the career you once envisioned yourself in is not quite as ideal a fit as imagined. Maybe you’re feeling stuck, you’ve stopped growing and learning, or your priorities have changed, leaving you longing for something more aligned with your current self.

Whatever the reason, career fulfilment doesn’t have to be a far-away concept — and can actually be found at any age.

In fact, according to Griffith University Student Employment Consultant Daniel Capper, designing and finding a fulfilling career path can be broken down into a couple of clear, actionable steps — which start with getting clear on what your own values and goals are.

“Clarify your personal values and goals,” says Capper. “Career fulfilment is highly personal.”

He encourages anyone wanting to unlock career fulfilment “to reflect on what truly matters to them.”

This can vary hugely from individual to individual. “Whether it’s meaningful work, financial security, work-life balance, or making a positive impact, this clarity can guide more intentional career decisions.”

For Griffith University MBA graduate Briony Low, career fulfilment meant infusing purpose into her career.

“As I’ve grown older, my views on the world have evolved,” she reflects. “Navigating new phases of life has led me to consider what a career means to me and what I want to be doing day-to-day because, let’s face it, we spend a lot of time at work.”

Briony credits Griffith University’s flexible, supportive and progressive MBA education for helping her achieve career fulfilment.

“Griffith has significantly sharpened my ability to reflect on and reevaluate my career.”

Not that you’ll have to make these career reflections completely on your own.

Capper explains how Griffith’s MBA program has a “career development approach”.

It’s tailor-made to help you transform your career into the one you’ve always wanted it to be, with a “combination of personalised coaching, practical tools, and access to resources that are tailored to each student’s unique goals, experience, and aspirations.”

The university’s resources played a role for Low too. “The supportive, kind, and approachable staff — from teaching to support and engagement teams — create a nurturing environment for personal and professional growth.”

In addition to gaining clarity on your own values, Capper also identifies “exploring new career possibilities”, “finding meaning in your current role”, focusing on growth and learning, and even aligning your career with your personal goals and values” as key ways to get close to career fulfilment.

If you plan to stay in your current job, Capper also suggests “exploring ‘job crafting’ strategies” including “modifying aspects of your current job to make it more meaningful. This can be done through seeking more challenging tasks, reshaping relationships with colleagues, or even changing the focus of your role.”

Low had grappled with the question of how to find fulfilment in her career and agrees with Capper’s advice.

“If you’re seeking more fulfilment, start by focusing on what you do day-to-day. Identify where people find value in your work and recognise your existing strengths. Consider how these can be transferred to other areas and what additional skills you might need to build upon.”

Ultimately, as Low attests, “your career is an evolution.”

“Sometimes, you just have to start the process, and Griffith can help initiate that conversation around your professional goals.”