5 answers
Alexa
Student
Damascus, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
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Career paths
I’ve been reflecting and thinking for a while now. I’m stuck on my career path in life and honestly I’m feel stuck and confused. I don’t know if sonography or event planning is best for me. I’m soon getting out of high school and I want to make a decision before I graduate so I have a plan after high school. If anyone is in any of these industries please reach out! Thank you
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5 answers
Flo L.
Strategist | Educator | Consultant | Intuitive Creator
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Flo’s Answer
Choosing a career path can be a tough decision, Alexa. But since it's a path, you can always pivot as it unfolds if you realize that this may not be the right one after all.
It’s understandable that you want to choose the right path before you graduate High School and before committing to a career path.
Sonography and Event Planning do seem like opposite fields, and I’m curious if you’ve created a list for each career path.
What is it that draws you to each one?
What specifically interests you about them?
Also, it’s important to be honest about what aspects of each career you might not look forward to.
For example, I earned my Event Planning Certification later in life, and I recognized that I have innate skills that are a good fit for this career. However, I realized that the social aspect of event planning can be challenging for me to maintain long-term. Despite this, I’ve been able to take on Planning roles in other industries, which allows me to live a more balanced life as a remote professional.
After high school, I considered exploring cosmetology. I was fascinated by hair and everything that came with that career. Looking back now, I’m grateful I didn’t pursue that path. While I was extremely interested in it during high school, my interests faded as my life evolved and I grew into the woman I am today. But no regrets!
I suggest starting with a list for each career so you can compare both the roles themselves and the paths you would need to take to achieve them. This will help you better understand the steps involved and what each career truly entails. This will help you make an informed decision before graduating from high school.
It’s understandable that you want to choose the right path before you graduate High School and before committing to a career path.
Sonography and Event Planning do seem like opposite fields, and I’m curious if you’ve created a list for each career path.
What is it that draws you to each one?
What specifically interests you about them?
Also, it’s important to be honest about what aspects of each career you might not look forward to.
For example, I earned my Event Planning Certification later in life, and I recognized that I have innate skills that are a good fit for this career. However, I realized that the social aspect of event planning can be challenging for me to maintain long-term. Despite this, I’ve been able to take on Planning roles in other industries, which allows me to live a more balanced life as a remote professional.
After high school, I considered exploring cosmetology. I was fascinated by hair and everything that came with that career. Looking back now, I’m grateful I didn’t pursue that path. While I was extremely interested in it during high school, my interests faded as my life evolved and I grew into the woman I am today. But no regrets!
I suggest starting with a list for each career so you can compare both the roles themselves and the paths you would need to take to achieve them. This will help you better understand the steps involved and what each career truly entails. This will help you make an informed decision before graduating from high school.
Simona Zaffaroni-Lucas
Financial Analyst
27
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Simona’s Answer
Hi Alexa - I am not able to advise on the specific area that you are asking. But on career in general and which next step to take after school I think I can comment, at least based on my own experience. My career has nothing to do with what I studied. And I don't think that I necessarily ''wasted'' my time during my school time, nor I think I am missing out anything now. My studies gave me some important background as far as general education, and the career I have has allowed me to continuously challenge myself and keep learning.
As an initial approach, after establishing what you like to do and especially, if you see yourself in that field for many years to come - then select couple options, investigate what opportunities there are (school, courses, etc) and invest time in checking with people you know who are working in those areas. You would need also to assess if you have the right skills, and also if there is any job demand. And what is that role opening up as future opportunities.. growth, further learning and personal satisfaction.
Hope it helps.. and good luck!
As an initial approach, after establishing what you like to do and especially, if you see yourself in that field for many years to come - then select couple options, investigate what opportunities there are (school, courses, etc) and invest time in checking with people you know who are working in those areas. You would need also to assess if you have the right skills, and also if there is any job demand. And what is that role opening up as future opportunities.. growth, further learning and personal satisfaction.
Hope it helps.. and good luck!
Pamela Knight
Student
120
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hello Alexa
It's great that you're reflecting on your future and considering your options! Both sonography and event planning are distinct career paths with their own unique challenges and rewards. Here are some points to consider that may help you in making your decision:
### Sonography
**Pros:**
1. **Job Stability:** The healthcare field often provides stable job opportunities due to demand for medical professionals.
2. **Impactful Work:** Sonographers play a crucial role in patient care and can make a significant difference in people's lives.
3. **Good Salary:** Medical careers generally offer competitive salaries and benefits.
4. **Specialization:** There are various specializations within sonography (e.g., obstetric, cardiac, vascular) that you can explore.
**Cons:**
1. **Education Requirements:** Becoming a sonographer typically requires a degree or certification in a medical field, which may involve additional schooling and training.
2. **Shift Work:** Many healthcare roles require working nights, weekends, and holidays.
3. **Emotional Stress:** Dealing with patients in medical situations can be emotionally taxing.
### Event Planning
**Pros:**
1. **Creativity:** Event planning allows for a lot of creative expression and the opportunity to design memorable experiences.
2. **Variety of Work:** Each event is different, which can keep the work engaging and exciting.
3. **Networking Opportunities:** You have the chance to meet and work with various vendors, clients, and professionals.
4. **Flexibility:** Many event planners have the option to be self-employed or freelance, which can provide flexibility in work hours.
**Cons:**
1. **High Pressure:** Event planning can be stressful, especially when managing multiple details and meeting client expectations.
2. **Variable Income:** If you freelance, your income may fluctuate based on the number may fluctuate based on the events you book.
Long Hours: Event planning often requires working long hours, particularly as events approach.
Steps to Help You Decide
Research: Look into both fields more deeply. Consider reaching out to professionals in each career for informational interviews or job shadowing.
Reflect on Your Interests: Think about what excites you more. Do you enjoy working in fast-paced environments and being creative, or do you feel drawn to the healthcare field and helping others?
Consider Your Skills: Assess your strengths. Are you more analytical and detail-oriented (which might suit sonography), or are you more creative and social (which might suit event planning)?
Explore Educational Paths: Look into the educational requirements for both careers. Are you willing to commit to the necessary schooling for sonography, or would you prefer the potentially shorter path of entering event planning?
Think About Work Environment: Consider where you see yourself working. Do you prefer a clinical environment (sonography) or a more dynamic, varied setting (event planning)?
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best choice is one that aligns with your interests, values, and skills. Take the time to explore both options, and remember that it's okay to change directions in the future if your interests evolve. Good luck with your decision-making process!
Professional Pamela Knight
It's great that you're reflecting on your future and considering your options! Both sonography and event planning are distinct career paths with their own unique challenges and rewards. Here are some points to consider that may help you in making your decision:
### Sonography
**Pros:**
1. **Job Stability:** The healthcare field often provides stable job opportunities due to demand for medical professionals.
2. **Impactful Work:** Sonographers play a crucial role in patient care and can make a significant difference in people's lives.
3. **Good Salary:** Medical careers generally offer competitive salaries and benefits.
4. **Specialization:** There are various specializations within sonography (e.g., obstetric, cardiac, vascular) that you can explore.
**Cons:**
1. **Education Requirements:** Becoming a sonographer typically requires a degree or certification in a medical field, which may involve additional schooling and training.
2. **Shift Work:** Many healthcare roles require working nights, weekends, and holidays.
3. **Emotional Stress:** Dealing with patients in medical situations can be emotionally taxing.
### Event Planning
**Pros:**
1. **Creativity:** Event planning allows for a lot of creative expression and the opportunity to design memorable experiences.
2. **Variety of Work:** Each event is different, which can keep the work engaging and exciting.
3. **Networking Opportunities:** You have the chance to meet and work with various vendors, clients, and professionals.
4. **Flexibility:** Many event planners have the option to be self-employed or freelance, which can provide flexibility in work hours.
**Cons:**
1. **High Pressure:** Event planning can be stressful, especially when managing multiple details and meeting client expectations.
2. **Variable Income:** If you freelance, your income may fluctuate based on the number may fluctuate based on the events you book.
Long Hours: Event planning often requires working long hours, particularly as events approach.
Steps to Help You Decide
Research: Look into both fields more deeply. Consider reaching out to professionals in each career for informational interviews or job shadowing.
Reflect on Your Interests: Think about what excites you more. Do you enjoy working in fast-paced environments and being creative, or do you feel drawn to the healthcare field and helping others?
Consider Your Skills: Assess your strengths. Are you more analytical and detail-oriented (which might suit sonography), or are you more creative and social (which might suit event planning)?
Explore Educational Paths: Look into the educational requirements for both careers. Are you willing to commit to the necessary schooling for sonography, or would you prefer the potentially shorter path of entering event planning?
Think About Work Environment: Consider where you see yourself working. Do you prefer a clinical environment (sonography) or a more dynamic, varied setting (event planning)?
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best choice is one that aligns with your interests, values, and skills. Take the time to explore both options, and remember that it's okay to change directions in the future if your interests evolve. Good luck with your decision-making process!
Professional Pamela Knight
Carrie Chung
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
As you navigate your career choices, I want to share a personal perspective. While I may not have a path as a sonographer or event planner, I've learned that feeling stuck and uncertain is a common experience that many people face. It's a natural part of the journey to self-discovery.
Life is a journey of exploration, and it's a process of getting to know yourself, your strengths, and your passions. It's a journey to define your purpose and find your place in the world. Don't let feelings of uncertainty overwhelm you – instead, use them as an opportunity to reflect and grow first.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is the importance of self-awareness. When you're feeling stuck, take a step back and ask yourself some fundamental questions of "WHY". Why did you want to pursue a career in sonography or event planning? Was there a particular experience or inspiration that led you to this path? Once you ask these questions, you will feel more comfortable to navigate yourself.
Life is a journey of exploration, and it's a process of getting to know yourself, your strengths, and your passions. It's a journey to define your purpose and find your place in the world. Don't let feelings of uncertainty overwhelm you – instead, use them as an opportunity to reflect and grow first.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is the importance of self-awareness. When you're feeling stuck, take a step back and ask yourself some fundamental questions of "WHY". Why did you want to pursue a career in sonography or event planning? Was there a particular experience or inspiration that led you to this path? Once you ask these questions, you will feel more comfortable to navigate yourself.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1853
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. It is a right time for you to consider the career path.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest eg, your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you have interest in music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest eg, your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you have interest in music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!