Be inspired - popular culture and careers

The original game-changers: Extraordinary careers inspired by genius minds - Genius: Einstein © National GeographicThe original game-changers: Extraordinary careers inspired by genius minds - Genius: Einstein © National Geographic

The Genius Series showcases the lives of some the world’s leading and original game changers. From Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and (soon to be released) Mary Shelley. The idea of the genius series is derived and measured on a weighting based on intelligence and authenticity.  It is nothing short of inspiring the next generation of geniuses.

Einstein as a theoretical physicist created, developed and discovered. Picasso put forward creations that generated intrigue and interest. Novelist Mary Shelley on the other hand, took creative writing to the next level in monstrous proportions.

In a very loud of world of technology however, such game changers today are difficult to identify. Going back in time to the beginning might be a means and the gateway to sparking awesome careers.

Ernst Cline's epic adventure Ready Player One caught the eye and interest of many - well actually, one person: Steven Spielberg. He readily accepted the challenge by taking the futurist novel and bringing it to the present.

Ready Player One by Ernst Cline - Image supplied by Penguin Random HouseReady Player One by Ernst Cline - Image supplied by Penguin Random House

In the past we had ideas of what the future would look like: some virtual reality fused with fiction and of course, our non-fiction bouquet of literature, films, television and other popular culture.

At some stage in this vision the animated series Captain N: The Game Master and the gaming series Sims seemed to touch on this virtual world and serve as previews of what could be our future ways of living.

Dynamic careers - handle with care! Image source: Bigstock® Image Credit and Copyright: © tashatuvango

Dynamic careers - handle with care! Image source: Bigstock® Image Credit and Copyright: © tashatuvango

Changing a career is never easy - full stop. Every career is unique and original - just as every individual is one of a kind.

This sense of uniqueness is even more prevalent in life when the individual feels stuck in the mud and seeks the need for a change in jobs. A common course of action is to challenge their current career path.

Reasons can vary from the need for a better salary, looking for career growth or just simply a need for a change of scenery. The 1999 film Office Space is loosely based on this scenario and provided some entertaining examples of what individuals will do to seek a career revamp.

So how does one go about changing a career? We examine five examples of career changing points...

1. Go get it: In many cases individuals actively seek employment in another company, generally within the same industry as it is an easier move to make. However, it sometimes loops back to the reason why they initially needed a change. Check out: Monster.com or Glassdoor or LinkedIn

2.  Get recruited: Connecting with a recruitment company or head-hunter to seek a new career opportunity for individuals has become a common approach to taking the next step. Visit Korn Ferry as a top example.

3. Company culture: Changing job role or position within a company is also another option. Companies who invest in their employees see logic within promoting individuals and allowing for fresh perspectives within the business itself. This would illustrate a clear link of understanding between human resources, management and employees.

Films and series that inspire careers in the environmental field.

Bill Nye Saves the World - Image Credit and Copyright: © NetflixBill Nye Saves the World - Image Credit and Copyright: © Netflix

There’s no arguing that we need intervention possibly from superheroes like Superman or for those who are not too young to remember, Captain Planet. We however in reality need ordinary individuals who are willing to put their focus on the world in which we live on and love.

Popular culture has been an inspiring tipping point for many a career from finance to legal - to even sporting careers, books, films and television. It has ignited young pioneers of the future. This is ever-prevalent as the future pioneers of the planet seek the next start-up, adventure or graduate recruitment prospect in the open corporate world. It is perhaps a saddening factor that a talent pool of such great career-seekers tend to overlook the need to champion opportunities in perhaps the best office space available - the natural environment of earth...

Fly Me to the Moon - Image source: Shutterstock, Inc. Image Credit and Copyright: © Vadim SadovskiFly Me to the Moon - Image source: Shutterstock, Inc. Image Credit and Copyright: © Vadim Sadovski

The Future of the Gap Year - think bigger and get inspired!

What is all the fuss about space age?

In a world hyped up by trending ideas, technology, fast moving consumables and financial bubbles, individuals, no matter the age, find themselves looking to escape from the chaos or ensuing hustle and bustle after their studies or in-between jobs, take on a gap year.

The idea of a gap year gives the individual the time and space to figure out what their next move will be in their life, education or career path. As open as a gap year seems however, breaking away from a normal routine represents change that at times an individual is reluctant to make – but really needs.

The gap year provides one with the opportunity to engage in travel adventures, studying abroad, try out various new career paths, or can be just the simple act of switching off from the world to catch one's breath again.