Purpose is one of the most meaningful, and sometimes most challenging aspects of building a career. Many students wonder: How do I find work that truly matters? How do my strengths connect to something bigger than myself?
For this month’s Mentor Minute, we asked alumni on St. Thomas Connect:
“How have you found a sense of purpose in your career?”
“What advice do you have for students trying to understand how their unique strengths can serve a greater purpose?”
Their responses highlight an important truth: purpose is not something you need to have fully figured out from the start. It is something that evolves through experience, reflection, and the impact you create over time.
Start with What You Enjoy and Build from There
Sometimes the simplest questions lead to the clearest direction.
What do you enjoy and what are you good at? That is where to focus. Purpose comes from using the talents you already have in ways that help others.
Mary Verrill
Follow What Energizes You
Purpose is not always immediate. It often reveals itself through the moments that bring you energy, curiosity, and fulfillment.
My sense of purpose comes from leaning into the moments that bring me joy. Over time, those moments add up and help clarify how you can use your strengths in a meaningful way.
Jessica Cooley
Understand your Strengths and Align them with Real Needs
A key theme across responses was this: purpose sits at the intersection of what you’re good at and how it helps others.
Understand your strengths and look for where they meet others’ needs. Be willing to explore and take risks, purpose reveals itself over time.
Dr. Allan Hansen
When faced with a challenge, what do you do? Do you draw? Do you open a spreadsheet? Do you research and investigate? Do you organize or lead? Lean into your instincts and refine the skills that support your style. Become good, better and great at the skills drive you.
Tom Fischer
Purpose Is Often Found in the Impact You Create
Many alumni shared that purpose is not always tied to a job title. Instead, it comes from understanding how your work affects others, even behind the scenes.
Purpose often lives in the systems behind the scenes. The work may look technical, but when done well, it creates clarity and stability for others. That ripple effect is where meaning comes from.
Mirdalys Tweeton, MBA
I’ve become a business leadership coach to share my experience, background & skillset with entrepreneurs so they can grow their business, find their purpose & achieve their dreams.
Gregg Johnson
Your Path May Change, and That’s Okay
Several alumni emphasized that your career path does not need to be linear. Purpose often emerges through unexpected turns.
Your path may start in one place and end up in another. What matters is finding what you are good at and passionate about, that’s where your purpose grows.
Linda Ladley
I think the key is to figure out what you are interested in, and dive into it. Remain open minded, you might find that something else catches your attention.
Timothy Moran
Tap into the Tommie Network
Finding your purpose is a journey, and you don’t have to do it alone.
The Tommie community is here to support you as you explore your interests, develop your strengths, and discover your path.
Looking for more career advice, networking support, or alumni connections? Visit St. Thomas Connect, our dedicated platform where Tommies engage, learn, and support one another. Check the “Connect → Community” tab to explore alumni by degree, industry, or topic, and continue building your confidence.
