Self-propelled career trajectories

Grad students hit a point about half to two-thirds of the way through their programs where they have to make a decision. They're done with required courses and they can start positioning themselves a little more precisely for the future they want--if they know. At this point they've sunk XXL time and money into whatever degree program they're in, so it's not a decision most take lightly. Some students don't feel like they have a choice. Their identity, family pressures etc. are so conflated with whatever decision is the "best," highest paying, and most prestigious that they see no other option. Or they've internalized--rightly or not--that there are some leagues they're not good enough to play in, so why bother trying? Just take whatever comes. Then there are the students who see both possibilities, and make a conscious choice. It doesn't matter what choice they make, but it very much matters that they know they have a choice, and that they're the ones making it. Sure, plans rarely…