The Perfect Career Counselor

A thought experiment

I’ve read your new-client questionnaire with interest. There’s much I’d like to ask you, but is there anything you’d like to ask or tell before I start?

The counselor listens.

So, in short, you’re looking to launch your career and are a bit nervous because of the AI threat and that you’re not particularly technical. You considered law school but rejected it because of the cost. You also considered teaching, partly because you’d like the summers off and get tenure for life after just two or three years but are afraid you don’t have the gift of getting kids to work hard for you or even behave. Have I got you right?

The client agrees.

Well, I did some research based on your questionnaire answers, and two careers emerged. I’m curious what you think of either patent agent or data farm supply chain manager.

The client says, “I don’t know much about either. Could you give me a brief summary?”

Patent agents do much of the work of patent lawyers but you don’t have to have a law degree. My suggestion of patent agent comes, in part, from your questionnaire’s statement: “I like to stay up on the cutting edge, the latest and greatest,” that you’re detail-oriented, and like to write. Patent agents can make their case for a patent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office but not litigate a patent claim in court. But the latter doesn’t seem to be a motivator for you.

Data farm supply chain specialist: Data centers use thousands of highly specific, often esoteric products such as industrial transformers and massive cooling systems. Timely sourcing is crucial. Demand is high and will likely continue, with entry level salaries around $100,000 and after a few years, you might well earn $200,000+ Your reactions?

The client says, “Both sound intriguing.”

Would you like to do some Google searching to learn more about them or would you like me to help you?”

The client: “I need to slow down, mull, research, and I’ll get back to you. What do I owe you?”

Nothing. As you know, you use Gemini and ChatGPT for free.

I read this aloud on YouTube.

Marty Nemko is a career and personal coach, and author of 36 books including Thought Experiments. You can reach him at mnemko@gmail.com