10 answers
Tahaa
Student
Srinagar
1
Question
Updated
827 views
Can you help me find a suitable career?
I am confused about choosing between Creative & Design-Oriented Careers and Analytical & Data-Oriented Careers.
As a high school graduate, I was completely unsure of what to pursue, so I opted for a CS major. Later, I realized I have no interest in Java, C++, or Operating Systems. However, if I were forced to choose my favorite programming languages after three years, they would be R and Python.
My favorite subjects remain Statistics and Math. Here are a few things about me:
1. I have been good with numbers since childhood.
2. I am naturally good at drawing, with a steadier hand than most people I’ve seen sketching or drawing. I’ve never put effort into improving my drawing skills, yet I am better at it than most.
3. I love creating spaces. Although I am not an architect, I constantly think about how I would design a building, house, or neighborhood if I were one.
I want to follow my passion, but I also want to earn a handsome income. My current path doesn’t feel right to me—it’s like I’m just trying to fit in, and I never feel motivated to work hard for it.
I don’t know where to start or what skills to learn that would complement my future career goals. People often advise me to learn skills and excel at them, but I’m not sure which skills align with my interests and aspirations.
10 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
70
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hello Tahaa,
It's amazing that you’re self-aware and exploring your options based on both passion and practicality. Here's a roadmap to help you navigate your decision-making process and find a career that resonates with you:
Creative and Design-Oriented Careers:
1. Architectural Design
Your love for designing spaces aligns well with this field. Consider exploring Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Planning, which blend creativity with structure.
2. Data Visualization or Infographic Designer
Combines statistical and artistic skills to make data more engaging and digestible.
3. Graphic Design or UX/UI Design
Leverage your natural talent for drawing and combine it with tools like Adobe Creative Suite to enter the tech-meets-art space.
4. Industrial or Product Design
Design functional and aesthetic products for everyday use, blending math, creativity, and user needs.
Analytical and Data-Oriented Careers:
1. Data Scientist or Analyst
Your love for Python, R, statistics, and numbers makes this a promising path with high earning potential.
2. Actuarial Science
Use your math and analytical skills to assess risks for industries like insurance and finance.
3. Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
Combine statistical analysis with business strategy, which could be a satisfying mix of analysis and impact.
4. Quantitative Researcher
A high-paying field that uses math and statistics to solve real-world problems in finance, tech, and more.
Also here are some Techniques to Find Your Path:
1. Ikigai (Reason for Being)
Find the overlap between:
• What you love
• What you’re good at
• What the world needs
• What you can be paid for
Map your passions (art and creativity) and skills (math and statistics) to potential career paths.
2. Venn Diagram Analysis
• Create a diagram comparing your interests, skills, and values. Where they overlap is where your ideal career might lie.
3. SWOT Analysis
• Identify your Strengths,
• Weaknesses,
• Opportunities, and
• Threats in both creative and analytical fields to narrow down your focus.
4. Try Free Online Courses
• Explore platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare to test the waters:
• For Creative Careers: Design Thinking or Introduction to Architecture
• For Analytical Careers: Introduction to Data Science with Python or Statistics for Data Analysis
I know the answer is a bit long but I hope it provides clarity. Remember, it’s okay to pivot and explore different areas before settling on a career. The fact that you’re proactive and curious is a great sign that you’ll find a path where your passions and skills align. Best of luck on your journey!
It's amazing that you’re self-aware and exploring your options based on both passion and practicality. Here's a roadmap to help you navigate your decision-making process and find a career that resonates with you:
Creative and Design-Oriented Careers:
1. Architectural Design
Your love for designing spaces aligns well with this field. Consider exploring Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Planning, which blend creativity with structure.
2. Data Visualization or Infographic Designer
Combines statistical and artistic skills to make data more engaging and digestible.
3. Graphic Design or UX/UI Design
Leverage your natural talent for drawing and combine it with tools like Adobe Creative Suite to enter the tech-meets-art space.
4. Industrial or Product Design
Design functional and aesthetic products for everyday use, blending math, creativity, and user needs.
Analytical and Data-Oriented Careers:
1. Data Scientist or Analyst
Your love for Python, R, statistics, and numbers makes this a promising path with high earning potential.
2. Actuarial Science
Use your math and analytical skills to assess risks for industries like insurance and finance.
3. Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
Combine statistical analysis with business strategy, which could be a satisfying mix of analysis and impact.
4. Quantitative Researcher
A high-paying field that uses math and statistics to solve real-world problems in finance, tech, and more.
Also here are some Techniques to Find Your Path:
1. Ikigai (Reason for Being)
Find the overlap between:
• What you love
• What you’re good at
• What the world needs
• What you can be paid for
Map your passions (art and creativity) and skills (math and statistics) to potential career paths.
2. Venn Diagram Analysis
• Create a diagram comparing your interests, skills, and values. Where they overlap is where your ideal career might lie.
3. SWOT Analysis
• Identify your Strengths,
• Weaknesses,
• Opportunities, and
• Threats in both creative and analytical fields to narrow down your focus.
4. Try Free Online Courses
• Explore platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare to test the waters:
• For Creative Careers: Design Thinking or Introduction to Architecture
• For Analytical Careers: Introduction to Data Science with Python or Statistics for Data Analysis
I know the answer is a bit long but I hope it provides clarity. Remember, it’s okay to pivot and explore different areas before settling on a career. The fact that you’re proactive and curious is a great sign that you’ll find a path where your passions and skills align. Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you for the advice.
Tahaa
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
339
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
To find a suitable career that aligns with your interests in both creative and analytical fields, consider the following pathways:
Data Visualization: This field combines your love for statistics and math with creativity. You can use tools like Tableau or Power BI to create visual representations of data, making complex information accessible and engaging. Roles include Data Visualization Specialist or Business Intelligence Analyst.
User Experience (UX) Design: This role allows you to apply your artistic skills in creating user-friendly interfaces while analyzing user data to improve design. It requires a blend of creativity and analytical thinking.
Architecture or Interior Design: Given your interest in designing spaces, pursuing a degree in architecture or interior design could be fulfilling. These careers allow you to express your creativity while applying mathematical concepts in planning and design.
Graphic Design with Data Focus: Consider specializing in graphic design that emphasizes data presentation, where you can leverage your drawing skills to create infographics or visual reports.
Skills Development: Focus on learning software relevant to these fields, such as R and Python for data analysis, along with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite for creative roles.
By exploring these options, you can find a career path that resonates with both your analytical abilities and creative passions.
Data Visualization: This field combines your love for statistics and math with creativity. You can use tools like Tableau or Power BI to create visual representations of data, making complex information accessible and engaging. Roles include Data Visualization Specialist or Business Intelligence Analyst.
User Experience (UX) Design: This role allows you to apply your artistic skills in creating user-friendly interfaces while analyzing user data to improve design. It requires a blend of creativity and analytical thinking.
Architecture or Interior Design: Given your interest in designing spaces, pursuing a degree in architecture or interior design could be fulfilling. These careers allow you to express your creativity while applying mathematical concepts in planning and design.
Graphic Design with Data Focus: Consider specializing in graphic design that emphasizes data presentation, where you can leverage your drawing skills to create infographics or visual reports.
Skills Development: Focus on learning software relevant to these fields, such as R and Python for data analysis, along with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite for creative roles.
By exploring these options, you can find a career path that resonates with both your analytical abilities and creative passions.
Linda Mire
Interior Design
137
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Linda’s Answer
I have been am Interior Designer my whole life, I was born one. My advantage is I have always known what I wanted to do and was driven and wouldn't allow anything to get in the way of my journey. I know if I had all the money I could ever need and never had to work a day in my life I would still do design work as an interior designer. This is what you must consider, what you would do with your time if you didn't have to earn a living. What ever that is is where your passion exists. Discovering you passion sometimes means wearing a lot of hats. There is design in everything, you have to rundown the one that speaks to you, and don't waist a second on something you are unhappy doing. Once you find it you should get an education to polish your skills and build your confidence. Stay courious it will pave the way. Work harder than anyone you know , act with integrity and always remember failures is a teacher and there to help you learn what to do and not do so don't let it discourage you, use it and let the knowledge be you strength. I wish you happy adventures.
Chosen Osarodion Iyen
Maintenance
74
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
It sounds like you have a blend of creative and analytical talents, which opens the door to exciting and diverse career options. Here are some ideas and potential skills to explore:
Analytical & Data-Oriented Careers
1. Data Science/Analytics
Combines your love for Statistics, Math, and programming (R and Python).
Skills to Learn: Machine Learning, Data Visualization (Tableau, Power BI), SQL.
Potential Roles: Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Statistician.
2. Quantitative Analysis
Use your numerical skills in fields like finance or market research.
Skills to Learn: Financial Modeling, Econometrics, Statistical Software.
3. Urban/City Planner
Combines data analysis with your interest in creating spaces.
Skills to Learn: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Urban Design Principles.
---
Creative & Design-Oriented Careers
1. Architecture
Leverage your talent for drawing and space creation.
Skills to Learn: CAD Software (AutoCAD, Revit), Architecture basics.
Requires further education, but it aligns well with your interests.
2. Interior Design
Focuses on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Skills to Learn: Interior Design Software, Color Theory, Space Planning.
3. UX/UI Design
A creative tech career merging design and psychology.
Skills to Learn: Design Tools (Figma, Adobe XD), Human-Centered Design.
---
Hybrid Careers (Combining Both)
1. Geospatial Data Analyst
Integrates your love for spaces and data analysis.
Skills to Learn: GIS software, Spatial Analysis, Python for geospatial data.
2. Game Designer or Animator
Combines art and programming in a lucrative field.
Skills to Learn: Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity.
3. Product Manager
Combines strategic thinking with creativity to build innovative solutions.
Skills to Learn: Agile Methodology, Roadmapping, Communication.
---
Steps Forward
1. Explore Internships/Workshops:
Try internships in architecture, interior design, or data science to get hands-on exposure.
2. Upskill Gradually:
Take courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy in areas that intrigue you.
3. Seek Mentorship:
Talk to professionals in fields that combine your interests.
4. Experiment with Projects:
Build a small portfolio (e.g., data projects, design sketches) to refine your skills and identify what excites you most.
Would you like detailed guidance on any specific career or skills?
Analytical & Data-Oriented Careers
1. Data Science/Analytics
Combines your love for Statistics, Math, and programming (R and Python).
Skills to Learn: Machine Learning, Data Visualization (Tableau, Power BI), SQL.
Potential Roles: Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Statistician.
2. Quantitative Analysis
Use your numerical skills in fields like finance or market research.
Skills to Learn: Financial Modeling, Econometrics, Statistical Software.
3. Urban/City Planner
Combines data analysis with your interest in creating spaces.
Skills to Learn: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Urban Design Principles.
---
Creative & Design-Oriented Careers
1. Architecture
Leverage your talent for drawing and space creation.
Skills to Learn: CAD Software (AutoCAD, Revit), Architecture basics.
Requires further education, but it aligns well with your interests.
2. Interior Design
Focuses on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Skills to Learn: Interior Design Software, Color Theory, Space Planning.
3. UX/UI Design
A creative tech career merging design and psychology.
Skills to Learn: Design Tools (Figma, Adobe XD), Human-Centered Design.
---
Hybrid Careers (Combining Both)
1. Geospatial Data Analyst
Integrates your love for spaces and data analysis.
Skills to Learn: GIS software, Spatial Analysis, Python for geospatial data.
2. Game Designer or Animator
Combines art and programming in a lucrative field.
Skills to Learn: Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity.
3. Product Manager
Combines strategic thinking with creativity to build innovative solutions.
Skills to Learn: Agile Methodology, Roadmapping, Communication.
---
Steps Forward
1. Explore Internships/Workshops:
Try internships in architecture, interior design, or data science to get hands-on exposure.
2. Upskill Gradually:
Take courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy in areas that intrigue you.
3. Seek Mentorship:
Talk to professionals in fields that combine your interests.
4. Experiment with Projects:
Build a small portfolio (e.g., data projects, design sketches) to refine your skills and identify what excites you most.
Would you like detailed guidance on any specific career or skills?
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
610
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Tahaa,
Good question! It’s completely normal to feel conflicted, especially when your interests span both creative and analytical fields. The good news is that your unique combination of talents—statistical and mathematical prowess, a natural knack for drawing, and a love for creating spaces—opens up a range of exciting career possibilities that can balance passion and income. Let’s explore how you can find the best fit for yourself.
Understanding Your Core Interests
1. Creative Strengths: Your talent for drawing and envisioning spaces suggests you have a designer’s eye and a knack for creativity. These skills are highly valued in fields like architecture, interior design, and product design.
2. Analytical Skills: Your love for numbers, statistics, and tools like Python and R indicates you enjoy logical problem-solving and data-driven work. These skills are in demand in fields like data analysis, data science, and financial modeling.
Possible Career Paths
Here are a few options that blend your interests and skills:
1. Architectural Design or Interior Design
- If creating spaces excites you, consider exploring architecture, urban planning, or interior design.
- Learn tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit to enhance your design skills.
- This path allows you to express your creativity while earning well with experience.
2. Data Visualization Specialist
- Combines your love for numbers and visual design.
- Learn tools like Tableau or Power BI to create compelling, visually engaging data stories.
- This role is in high demand across industries like marketing, finance, and tech.
3. UX/UI Designer
- If you enjoy designing intuitive and beautiful digital interfaces, this is a fantastic creative-technical blend.
- Learn tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.
- It offers handsome pay and lets you leverage your drawing and design talents.
4. Statistical Analyst or Data Scientist
- A pure analytical career that aligns with your love for statistics and R/Python.
- You could focus on predictive modeling, machine learning, or even sports analytics.
5. Landscape or Environmental Designer
- Combines creativity and problem-solving to design sustainable outdoor spaces.
- If you’re interested in eco-friendly designs, this could be your calling.
How to Decide
1. Experiment with Projects: Take online courses or internships in these fields to see which excites you the most. For instance:
- Try a basic AutoCAD course for architecture.
- Explore data visualization projects on Tableau or Python.
- Enroll in a UX/UI beginner class on platforms like Coursera or Udemy.
2. Set Goals: Decide what matters most—creativity, financial stability, or a mix of both—and use that to guide your choice.
3. Talk to Professionals: Reach out to people in these fields to understand their day-to-day work and growth opportunities.
Next Steps
- Start small with free or affordable online courses in areas like data visualization, design tools, or interior design software.
- Build a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills.
- Look for internships or mentorship opportunities to gain practical experience.
Remember, It’s okay not to have everything figured out right now. Each step you take will give you more clarity. Trust your instincts, explore your interests, and keep in mind that many successful people have carved unique careers by blending their passions with their skills. You’ve got this!
Best wishes!
Good question! It’s completely normal to feel conflicted, especially when your interests span both creative and analytical fields. The good news is that your unique combination of talents—statistical and mathematical prowess, a natural knack for drawing, and a love for creating spaces—opens up a range of exciting career possibilities that can balance passion and income. Let’s explore how you can find the best fit for yourself.
Understanding Your Core Interests
1. Creative Strengths: Your talent for drawing and envisioning spaces suggests you have a designer’s eye and a knack for creativity. These skills are highly valued in fields like architecture, interior design, and product design.
2. Analytical Skills: Your love for numbers, statistics, and tools like Python and R indicates you enjoy logical problem-solving and data-driven work. These skills are in demand in fields like data analysis, data science, and financial modeling.
Possible Career Paths
Here are a few options that blend your interests and skills:
1. Architectural Design or Interior Design
- If creating spaces excites you, consider exploring architecture, urban planning, or interior design.
- Learn tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit to enhance your design skills.
- This path allows you to express your creativity while earning well with experience.
2. Data Visualization Specialist
- Combines your love for numbers and visual design.
- Learn tools like Tableau or Power BI to create compelling, visually engaging data stories.
- This role is in high demand across industries like marketing, finance, and tech.
3. UX/UI Designer
- If you enjoy designing intuitive and beautiful digital interfaces, this is a fantastic creative-technical blend.
- Learn tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.
- It offers handsome pay and lets you leverage your drawing and design talents.
4. Statistical Analyst or Data Scientist
- A pure analytical career that aligns with your love for statistics and R/Python.
- You could focus on predictive modeling, machine learning, or even sports analytics.
5. Landscape or Environmental Designer
- Combines creativity and problem-solving to design sustainable outdoor spaces.
- If you’re interested in eco-friendly designs, this could be your calling.
How to Decide
1. Experiment with Projects: Take online courses or internships in these fields to see which excites you the most. For instance:
- Try a basic AutoCAD course for architecture.
- Explore data visualization projects on Tableau or Python.
- Enroll in a UX/UI beginner class on platforms like Coursera or Udemy.
2. Set Goals: Decide what matters most—creativity, financial stability, or a mix of both—and use that to guide your choice.
3. Talk to Professionals: Reach out to people in these fields to understand their day-to-day work and growth opportunities.
Next Steps
- Start small with free or affordable online courses in areas like data visualization, design tools, or interior design software.
- Build a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills.
- Look for internships or mentorship opportunities to gain practical experience.
Remember, It’s okay not to have everything figured out right now. Each step you take will give you more clarity. Trust your instincts, explore your interests, and keep in mind that many successful people have carved unique careers by blending their passions with their skills. You’ve got this!
Best wishes!
Ria Montenegro
Senior Manager, Legal Data Strategy
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Ria’s Answer
Hello there! I can totally relate to the dilemma you're currently facing—I was once in your shoes, caught between my fondness for numbers and my enthusiasm for creativity and design. Eventually, I discovered a one-of-a-kind career that beautifully combines both: crafting data visualizations. This job lets me delve into data analysis while also exercising my creative flair to design visuals that narrate captivating stories.
----------------
My Journey to Discovery
----------------
I embarked on an associate’s degree in Graphic Design, which nourished my creative spirit, and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, which fueled my fascination for numbers and problem-solving. This unique blend paved the way to Data Analyst roles, where I could flaunt my design prowess. As time passed, I realized that my knack for transforming data into visually engaging and user-friendly formats gave me a distinctive advantage in the field. Most of my peers were more technically inclined, making my creative take on data presentation stand out.
----------------
Why This Role Could Speak to You
----------------
Based on your insights:
- R and Python are excellent tools for data analysis and visualization, and your curiosity about them is a brilliant first step.
- Your fondness for math and statistics naturally aligns with data-centric careers.
- Your skill in drawing and designing spaces indicates a robust visual and creative instinct, which can be priceless in areas like data visualization and UX/UI design.
----------------
Possible Career Trajectories
----------------
Here are some career paths that might resonate with your abilities and passions:
- Data Visualization Specialist: Utilize tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Python libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn to transform raw data into visually pleasing and insightful dashboards.
- UX/UI Designer for Data Tools: Merge your design abilities and data comprehension to develop intuitive interfaces for analytics tools or applications.
- Creative Data Storyteller: Blend data analysis with design to weave narratives for businesses, nonprofits, or media organizations.
----------------
Skills to Cultivate
----------------
To supplement your interests and future career aspirations, consider:
- Mastering tools for data visualization, such as Tableau.
- Strengthening your expertise in R and Python.
- Delving into the fundamentals of design principles, color theory, and tools like Figma, Adobe Illustrator, or Canva to hone your creative edge.
----------------
My Guidance
----------------
Don't fret about "fitting in." Instead, strive to create a niche where your unique mix of skills and passions can truly shine. Seek out internships or projects where you can practice blending data and design, and remain open to how these two interests might intersect in unexpected ways.
Remember, your path doesn't have to conform to a single mold. With your mix of analytical and creative abilities, you can forge a career that is both rewarding and profitable.
----------------
My Journey to Discovery
----------------
I embarked on an associate’s degree in Graphic Design, which nourished my creative spirit, and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, which fueled my fascination for numbers and problem-solving. This unique blend paved the way to Data Analyst roles, where I could flaunt my design prowess. As time passed, I realized that my knack for transforming data into visually engaging and user-friendly formats gave me a distinctive advantage in the field. Most of my peers were more technically inclined, making my creative take on data presentation stand out.
----------------
Why This Role Could Speak to You
----------------
Based on your insights:
- R and Python are excellent tools for data analysis and visualization, and your curiosity about them is a brilliant first step.
- Your fondness for math and statistics naturally aligns with data-centric careers.
- Your skill in drawing and designing spaces indicates a robust visual and creative instinct, which can be priceless in areas like data visualization and UX/UI design.
----------------
Possible Career Trajectories
----------------
Here are some career paths that might resonate with your abilities and passions:
- Data Visualization Specialist: Utilize tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Python libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn to transform raw data into visually pleasing and insightful dashboards.
- UX/UI Designer for Data Tools: Merge your design abilities and data comprehension to develop intuitive interfaces for analytics tools or applications.
- Creative Data Storyteller: Blend data analysis with design to weave narratives for businesses, nonprofits, or media organizations.
----------------
Skills to Cultivate
----------------
To supplement your interests and future career aspirations, consider:
- Mastering tools for data visualization, such as Tableau.
- Strengthening your expertise in R and Python.
- Delving into the fundamentals of design principles, color theory, and tools like Figma, Adobe Illustrator, or Canva to hone your creative edge.
----------------
My Guidance
----------------
Don't fret about "fitting in." Instead, strive to create a niche where your unique mix of skills and passions can truly shine. Seek out internships or projects where you can practice blending data and design, and remain open to how these two interests might intersect in unexpected ways.
Remember, your path doesn't have to conform to a single mold. With your mix of analytical and creative abilities, you can forge a career that is both rewarding and profitable.
Hagen Finley
Technical Sales DELL Alliances
52
Answers
Fort Collins, CO
Updated
Hagen’s Answer
Tahaa,
It might help to broaden your timeline by, oh say, about 20 years. There's a tendency to assume these early 20s forks in the road DETERMINE the rest of your career path. In reality, your 20s are just a decade. Hopefully, you'll have several more in which to explore your interests and career opportunities.
With rare exceptions our most productive and likely most financially rewarding are your 40s and 50s. Ideally, you spend your 20s exploring your options without over burdening yourself with too many long term commitments (job, marriage, children, home ...) so you have the flexibility to pivot different directions should that be possible and desirable. Generally, your 30s are spent solidifying your life (that's where job, marriage, children, home typically become the focus). That implies you're in job that suits you and pays the bills but there's still a lot of changes ahead in your 40s and 50s (I can't pretend to know what that will be like in 2050 ;-) and neither can you).
You also may want to consider career vs hobby. I love philosophy, music, art and design but I don't pursue those as careers. Often the reality of working in music, for example, is much more challenging and can even ruin your pleasure in that area of your life. Often your job will want to define your creativity as more of a task - widget building so to speak. That can work but maintaining creative freedom is a wonderful goal in its own right. Later in life the freedom to think about and act on possibilities separate from what your company wants is a real joy.
You won't have as much freedom in your 40s and 50s as you do now (by then you've made a lot of promises to people) but there is still a lot of space to navigate. In that sense, your whole life is full of choices - don't assume this choice is your last choice.
Read - I always add this part - reading is an amazing accelerator regardless of what you do.
Be patient. Part of the problem your facing is you don't know, can't know, what is going to happen tomorrow let alone over the course of your life. Don't pressure yourself to make decisions for which you lack the information to make intelligent decisions. Let life unfold.
It might help to broaden your timeline by, oh say, about 20 years. There's a tendency to assume these early 20s forks in the road DETERMINE the rest of your career path. In reality, your 20s are just a decade. Hopefully, you'll have several more in which to explore your interests and career opportunities.
With rare exceptions our most productive and likely most financially rewarding are your 40s and 50s. Ideally, you spend your 20s exploring your options without over burdening yourself with too many long term commitments (job, marriage, children, home ...) so you have the flexibility to pivot different directions should that be possible and desirable. Generally, your 30s are spent solidifying your life (that's where job, marriage, children, home typically become the focus). That implies you're in job that suits you and pays the bills but there's still a lot of changes ahead in your 40s and 50s (I can't pretend to know what that will be like in 2050 ;-) and neither can you).
You also may want to consider career vs hobby. I love philosophy, music, art and design but I don't pursue those as careers. Often the reality of working in music, for example, is much more challenging and can even ruin your pleasure in that area of your life. Often your job will want to define your creativity as more of a task - widget building so to speak. That can work but maintaining creative freedom is a wonderful goal in its own right. Later in life the freedom to think about and act on possibilities separate from what your company wants is a real joy.
Hagen recommends the following next steps:
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
299
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
You may choose a combo of creative and design oriented career with analytical and data oriented career.
Such careers include:
* Game development - this involves creatives animations, coding and computer-aided design.
* Software development - this involves programming or coding, user experience design (interfaces, UX/UI, video creatives and graphics).
* Systems design - technical computing, algorithm development, systems architecture, computer aided design, computer-aided engineering, software aspects and more are involved.
Automated manufacturing aspects, such as industry 4.0, CAM, 3D printing and prototyping involves both creativity, analysis, product design and datascience. They involves scripting, programming, modelling, simulations, testing and production of products.
Such careers include:
* Game development - this involves creatives animations, coding and computer-aided design.
* Software development - this involves programming or coding, user experience design (interfaces, UX/UI, video creatives and graphics).
* Systems design - technical computing, algorithm development, systems architecture, computer aided design, computer-aided engineering, software aspects and more are involved.
Automated manufacturing aspects, such as industry 4.0, CAM, 3D printing and prototyping involves both creativity, analysis, product design and datascience. They involves scripting, programming, modelling, simulations, testing and production of products.
Braisha Owens Mount
Fashion Designer
15
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Braisha’s Answer
While I see a lot of "I'm good at this" and "I'm good at that," I'm not hearing as much about what truly ignites your passion. It seems like you might be straying away from what you love. Remember to keep your dreams and passions at the forefront, as these are the things that will give you purpose and drive you to work harder. They will inspire you to learn more, and the money will naturally follow.
I believe too many people are chasing after money, forgetting that life is fleeting and you can't take wealth with you. Instead, pursue your passion, chase your dreams. These will give you a sense of purpose, a feeling of being truly alive. We are all connected through our individual purposes, so it's crucial to identify what you're chasing.
It’s not what are you good at? It’s what do you love? What's in your heart? What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning, excited to start the day? If you could do something every single day without worrying about money, what would it be? That's what you should aim for.
-with love BO
If money wasn’t an issue that would you do
I believe too many people are chasing after money, forgetting that life is fleeting and you can't take wealth with you. Instead, pursue your passion, chase your dreams. These will give you a sense of purpose, a feeling of being truly alive. We are all connected through our individual purposes, so it's crucial to identify what you're chasing.
It’s not what are you good at? It’s what do you love? What's in your heart? What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning, excited to start the day? If you could do something every single day without worrying about money, what would it be? That's what you should aim for.
-with love BO
Braisha recommends the following next steps:
Camille Tyree
15
Answers
Temecula, California
Updated
Camille’s Answer
Hey! Thank you for asking such an important question. This is a common concern for those with diverse interests and talents.
Here are some things you can do:
Identify any overlap between your interests and strengths
Some examples of this can include Data Visualization & UX Design. This would combine your love for statistics, math, and R/Python with creativity in presenting data. Careers like data visualization specialist, UX designer, and dashboard designers require both technical and creative skills
Architectural Design or Urban Planning
Considering that you are passionate about creating spaces, I think this option would be a great fit! While architectural design is more creative, urban planning is another option that is more analytical.
Interior Design
Your skills can also be useful in interior design, especially when working with software like CAD or during data driven management projects.
Test your interests through projects or classes
You can take short courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy. Since it sounds like you are a college student you can also take elective classes and speak with your academic advisor. If you are extremely interesting in a certain field you can look into majors that align with that field. For things like that your academic advisor is a great resource!
Here are some things you can do:
Identify any overlap between your interests and strengths
Some examples of this can include Data Visualization & UX Design. This would combine your love for statistics, math, and R/Python with creativity in presenting data. Careers like data visualization specialist, UX designer, and dashboard designers require both technical and creative skills
Architectural Design or Urban Planning
Considering that you are passionate about creating spaces, I think this option would be a great fit! While architectural design is more creative, urban planning is another option that is more analytical.
Interior Design
Your skills can also be useful in interior design, especially when working with software like CAD or during data driven management projects.
Test your interests through projects or classes
You can take short courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy. Since it sounds like you are a college student you can also take elective classes and speak with your academic advisor. If you are extremely interesting in a certain field you can look into majors that align with that field. For things like that your academic advisor is a great resource!
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