A career is often more complex than we think. We may have a good idea of the tasks, working conditions, clientele, or work environment — but what about the reality in the field?
In this article, I introduce five professionals who generously agreed to share their first name, one aspect of their daily work, and a piece of advice drawn from their own experience.
After learning a little more about their career path, I asked them the following question:
“What advice would you give to someone who wants to do your job?”
Here are their answers.
Issa – Nurse and beneficiary attendant
His story: After working as a nurse for seven years, Issa is currently working as a beneficiary attendant, a position he has held for the past two years. He explains that he is doing this work while completing the integration program required by the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec, which is mandatory in Quebec.
He says his career path is guided by a deep desire to care for others, contribute to humanitarian work, and support vulnerable people.
His advice: “To be a nurse, you need to be a person with strong moral values, someone who loves human beings regardless of their gender, age, culture, religion, or background. Above all, you must be ready to face daily challenges, because we work with people, not machines.”
Ali – Nursing Care Executive Advisor
His story: Ali specializes in short hospital stays, as well as intake, orientation, and integration. He explains that his two years of experience as a manager in a hospital setting have been shaped by his passion for developing professional practices.
He believes that one must always strive to go further in order to guide staff toward best practices. Inspired by an advisor he once observed, he now works to support teams in improving the quality of care, while staying up to date with the latest evidence-based practices.
His advice: “Be passionate about nursing care, collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders, and stay curious so you can go further in your practice, because every idea deserves to be developed further.”
Amara – Electromechanic
His story: Since childhood, Amara says he has always enjoyed taking things apart and repairing them. He explains that he was drawn to both electricity and mechanics. Today, he has been working as an electromechanic for six years and does not regret his choice.
His advice: “Go for it — you won’t regret it.”
Geneviève – Administrative Assistant
Her story: Geneviève has been working in this profession for four years. She says what she enjoys is that it is a fast-paced job with varied tasks, where she can help others and accomplish many different things. In short, she says that when you are an administrative assistant, you do not have time to get bored.
Her advice: “Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. We are used to managing several things at once, but teamwork is essential.”
Dior – Social Worker
Her story: Dior has been working as a social worker for two and a half years. She explains that what led her to this profession was human connection and the helping relationship. Dior says she was motivated by the desire to support the most vulnerable people in society and to stand against social injustice.
Her advice: “Don’t hesitate to set boundaries at work and take care of yourself so that you are able to properly care for others.”
In short, whether they work in care, social services, administration, or technical fields, all these professionals have one thing in common: they speak from the heart.
Because a career is not only about the tasks we perform. It also reflects an atmosphere, a motivation, and sometimes even a philosophy of life.
Listening to these voices is already one step closer to finding your own path.
