JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Whether you’re a college student trying to choose a career, changing jobs in your 40s, or looking for a new purpose after retirement, Rutgers University professor and author Mark Beal believes one thing remains true: it’s never too late to pursue your passions.
Beal joined In Depth with Kristine Bellino to discuss his newest book, Pursue Your Passions. Dream Big. Anything Is Possible, and shared why he believes curiosity, research and happiness are key ingredients for building a fulfilling career and life.
For Beal, it all starts with one simple question:
“What do you love?”
That’s the question he asks every student on the first day of class at Rutgers University.
Whether it’s sports, media, entertainment, fashion or something entirely different, Beal encourages students to identify what excites them before worrying about job titles or salaries. If they haven’t discovered a passion yet, he tells them that’s okay too.
Once they do, his advice is simple: stay curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to dream big.
“I truly do believe anything is possible,” Beal said.
Your dreams can change, and that’s okay
Beal’s own career is proof that passions can evolve.
As a college student, he dreamed of working in sports and media. That eventually led to a decades-long career in sports and entertainment marketing, where he worked on events including the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup and the Super Bowl halftime show.
But becoming a college professor was never part of the plan.
That changed in 2013, when Rutgers asked him to teach one class. He quickly discovered a new passion: mentoring students and helping them launch their careers. By 2019, he had made the transition to becoming a full-time professor.
Today, Beal says his purpose is helping the next generation find theirs.
Success stories that inspired his book
Throughout the interview, Beal shared stories from former students who once had no idea what they wanted to do but have since built successful careers.
Some now work in leadership positions at companies like NBC Sports, T-Mobile and Paramount.
Another former student, Jake Thistle, who recently competed on American Idol and finished in the Top 14, wrote the foreword for Beal’s new book.
Beal said Thistle’s determination to continue pursuing music after the show embodies the message of the book: success isn’t about one milestone; it’s about continuing to chase bigger dreams.
Why curiosity opens doors
One of Beal’s biggest messages is to “consistently be curious.”
He encourages students and professionals alike to reach out to people already working in fields they’re interested in and simply ask questions.
Whether it’s scheduling a virtual coffee chat, attending networking events or learning from guest speakers, Beal believes those conversations often lead to unexpected opportunities.
“The questions will lead to answers. The answers will open doors to opportunities,” he said.
He also brings dozens of industry professionals into his classrooms every semester, urging students to take advantage of having experienced leaders in the room.
Research matters
Beal also stresses that preparation can separate one candidate from another during a job search.
He advises students to thoroughly research companies and interviewers before every interview, not just the organization itself, but the people they’ll be speaking with.
Listening to a hiring manager’s podcast interview, reading their articles or learning about their career can help create meaningful conversation and show genuine interest.
That extra effort, he says, often leaves a lasting impression.
Happiness should be part of the equation
Beyond finding a job, Beal says people should also ask themselves whether their work truly makes them happy.
If someone enjoys their profession but doesn’t feel fulfilled, he says they shouldn’t be afraid to make a change.
He shared examples of former students who stayed in the same field but moved to nonprofit or charitable organizations because they wanted their work to have a greater impact on their communities.
For many of them, that shift made all the difference.
“Happiness is really important,” Beal said. “You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing.”
Finding joy every day
One of the book’s most personal chapters centers on joy.
Beal recalled a longtime colleague who fulfilled his dream of moving back to the Midwest and launching his own public relations agency. Years later, after being diagnosed with ALS, the colleague shared one message that stayed with Beal:
Find joy every day.
That experience inspired Beal to include a chapter reminding readers that life is short and that pursuing meaningful work and meaningful relationships shouldn’t be postponed.
A message for every generation
Although much of Beal’s work focuses on college students and Gen Z, he says the lessons in his latest book apply to everyone.
Whether someone is graduating college, changing careers, starting a side business or looking for a new purpose after retirement, he believes there is no age limit on pursuing dreams.
His latest book, Pursue Your Passions. Dream Big. Anything Is Possible, is available through Amazon.
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