6 answers
Soli
Student
Takoma Park
1
Question
Asked
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How do I decide on what career path to take in the future ?
I am 14 in highschool planning to take AP classes and graduate ealry on. I think that doing all this in preperation for my future career is useless when I dont even know what it is. I've been encourage to choose something in engineering or law but I am more interested in technology, science, and healthcare. I have been trying to decide over those 3 but am not so sure. I am searching for a career path ealry on because I want to know what I want to do when i graduate highschool and inter college.
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6 answers
Quantise Rodgers
Marketing
23
Answers
Fairfield, Connecticut
Updated
Quantise’s Answer
First, I commend you on deciding early on in your life what you want to pursue. You're doing the right thing. I would say do some self reflection. Truly evaluate yourself and say to yourself, what am I passionated about in life? To have a successful career, you want to be happy with what you're doing. When you wake up in the morning, you know are satisfied. Come up with a list of things you truly enjoy doing. Think of your hobbies, interests, gifts and talents. It seems that you have a few already picked out. I would do some research on each of those industries. Look at some Youtube videos of people in those careers to what a day in life would be. You can also take an online career assessment test. This can help you narrow down what you like to do. The key, you have to go with what you're passionated about. What you see yourself doing for the next 50 years as a career. Take a look at this article that should help you out https://musings-of-life.com/2024/11/25/why-planning-for-college-before-high-school-is-the-best-decision/
Wish you the best of luck!
Wish you the best of luck!
Thank you!
Soli
mike pszeniczny
Senior Engineering Technician
15
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
mike’s Answer
Please try to research as much as possible only careers that you are truly interested in. If you go to college for a career based on what others want, you might regret the time and money wasted pursuing the wrong career. There is nothing worse than making a lot of money at a job that you hate.
Thank you!
Soli
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1881
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for question. I'm glad to hear that you have a wide range of interest. The most important is to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. If you have interest in tech, science or healthcare, would you be able to be developer, computer engineer, chemist
, pharmacist, zoologist, doctor, nurse, biochemical engineer, etc. You can find out more relevant careers online
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, can 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. If you have interest in tech, science or healthcare, would you be able to be developer, computer engineer, chemist
, pharmacist, zoologist, doctor, nurse, biochemical engineer, etc. You can find out more relevant careers online
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, can 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!
Thank you so much!
Soli
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 => Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6661
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Soli!
Deciding on a Career Path: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Self-Assessment: Understanding Your Interests and Strengths
The first step in deciding on a career path is to conduct a self-assessment. This involves reflecting on your interests, strengths, and values. Since you mentioned an interest in technology, science, and healthcare, consider what aspects of these fields excite you the most. Are you more drawn to hands-on work, problem-solving, or research? Tools such as the Holland Code (RIASEC) can help categorize your interests into six types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.
2. Researching Career Options
Once you have a clearer understanding of your interests and strengths, research various careers within the fields of technology, science, and healthcare. For example:
Technology: Careers can range from software development to cybersecurity and data analysis.
Science: You might explore roles in environmental science, laboratory research, or pharmaceuticals.
Healthcare: Consider options like nursing, medical technology, or public health.
Utilize resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook to gather information about job descriptions, required education levels, salary ranges, and job outlooks for various careers.
3. Education Pathways
Since you’re planning to take AP classes and graduate early from high school, think about how these courses align with your potential career choices. Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, computer science, or statistics can provide a solid foundation for further studies in college.
Consider what degrees are typically required for the careers you’re interested in:
Technology careers often require degrees in computer science or information technology.
Science-related jobs may necessitate degrees in biology, chemistry, physics or environmental science.
Healthcare professions usually require specialized training or degrees (e.g., nursing programs or medical school).
4. Gaining Experience
Practical experience is invaluable when exploring career options. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities related to your fields of interest. This could include shadowing professionals in healthcare settings or participating in tech clubs at school that focus on coding or robotics.
5. Seeking Guidance
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from teachers, school counselors, family members who work in relevant fields or professionals you meet during informational interviews. They can provide insights into their career paths and offer guidance based on their experiences.
6. Making a Decision
After gathering all this information and experience:
List out the pros and cons of each field based on your research.
Consider factors such as job stability, personal fulfillment from the work involved, potential salary ranges and growth opportunities within each field.
Ultimately choose a path that aligns with both your interests and practical considerations regarding future employment.
7. Staying Flexible
Remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right now; many people change their career paths multiple times throughout their lives. Stay open to new opportunities as they arise during your education journey.
In summary: Take time for self-reflection; research various careers; align educational pathways with those careers; gain practical experience; seek guidance; weigh your options carefully; stay flexible about changes along the way.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on various occupations including job descriptions, salary information and employment projections which are essential for informed career decisions.
2. Holland Code (RIASEC)
The Holland Code is a widely used tool for assessing personal interests which helps individuals identify suitable career paths based on their preferences.
3. National Career Development Association (NCDA)
The NCDA offers resources for career exploration including assessments and guides that assist individuals in making informed decisions about their future careers.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
Deciding on a Career Path: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Self-Assessment: Understanding Your Interests and Strengths
The first step in deciding on a career path is to conduct a self-assessment. This involves reflecting on your interests, strengths, and values. Since you mentioned an interest in technology, science, and healthcare, consider what aspects of these fields excite you the most. Are you more drawn to hands-on work, problem-solving, or research? Tools such as the Holland Code (RIASEC) can help categorize your interests into six types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.
2. Researching Career Options
Once you have a clearer understanding of your interests and strengths, research various careers within the fields of technology, science, and healthcare. For example:
Technology: Careers can range from software development to cybersecurity and data analysis.
Science: You might explore roles in environmental science, laboratory research, or pharmaceuticals.
Healthcare: Consider options like nursing, medical technology, or public health.
Utilize resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook to gather information about job descriptions, required education levels, salary ranges, and job outlooks for various careers.
3. Education Pathways
Since you’re planning to take AP classes and graduate early from high school, think about how these courses align with your potential career choices. Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, computer science, or statistics can provide a solid foundation for further studies in college.
Consider what degrees are typically required for the careers you’re interested in:
Technology careers often require degrees in computer science or information technology.
Science-related jobs may necessitate degrees in biology, chemistry, physics or environmental science.
Healthcare professions usually require specialized training or degrees (e.g., nursing programs or medical school).
4. Gaining Experience
Practical experience is invaluable when exploring career options. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities related to your fields of interest. This could include shadowing professionals in healthcare settings or participating in tech clubs at school that focus on coding or robotics.
5. Seeking Guidance
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from teachers, school counselors, family members who work in relevant fields or professionals you meet during informational interviews. They can provide insights into their career paths and offer guidance based on their experiences.
6. Making a Decision
After gathering all this information and experience:
List out the pros and cons of each field based on your research.
Consider factors such as job stability, personal fulfillment from the work involved, potential salary ranges and growth opportunities within each field.
Ultimately choose a path that aligns with both your interests and practical considerations regarding future employment.
7. Staying Flexible
Remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right now; many people change their career paths multiple times throughout their lives. Stay open to new opportunities as they arise during your education journey.
In summary: Take time for self-reflection; research various careers; align educational pathways with those careers; gain practical experience; seek guidance; weigh your options carefully; stay flexible about changes along the way.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on various occupations including job descriptions, salary information and employment projections which are essential for informed career decisions.
2. Holland Code (RIASEC)
The Holland Code is a widely used tool for assessing personal interests which helps individuals identify suitable career paths based on their preferences.
3. National Career Development Association (NCDA)
The NCDA offers resources for career exploration including assessments and guides that assist individuals in making informed decisions about their future careers.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
Thank you! This advice is really helpful.
Soli
You are allowed to ask for more information if you require it Soli!
James Constantine Frangos
Dr H
171
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Soli!
First off, high five for being super proactive about your future! It's like you're getting a head start on the race while others are still tying their shoes. But, here’s the thing: you don’t need to know the exact path right now. It's totally fine to not have everything figured out, especially at 14! Look at me—I was juggling a million career ideas too. I mean, I tried everything from painting (super fun, but... nah) to teaching (I crushed it, but still... not my forever thing).
It was only when I volunteered in healthcare that it clicked. I loved helping people feel better, giving them hope, and solving problems. Plus, I got to combine my teaching skills with something I was truly passionate about. If you feel that spark when you think about technology, science, and healthcare, then explore it! Start small. Look for volunteer opportunities or internships in these fields. For example, try volunteering at a local hospital, or even look for online health science programs. This way, you can dip your toes in and see what truly excites you. Is healthcare the one? Or are you more into tech and innovation? Both can be super fulfilling!
And hey, don’t let anyone pressure you into engineering or law if that’s not your thing. I promise, there will always be well-meaning voices trying to tell you where to go, but the only voice that really matters is yours. Be bold in trusting your instincts. That’s how the magic happens!
Just think of your journey like an adventure—sometimes you try out different things (like I did with volunteering and teaching), and those experiences help you figure out the big picture. Never stop exploring, never stop trying, and keep the passion alive. You’re doing amazing things already!
Believe in yourself, trust your choices, and don’t let anyone dim your spark. Your future goals will line up with your choices if you stay true to what you love.
Oh, and when in doubt—add some humor. Because honestly, if you can laugh at yourself along the way, you’ve won half the battle.
You got this, Soli! 💪😄
First off, high five for being super proactive about your future! It's like you're getting a head start on the race while others are still tying their shoes. But, here’s the thing: you don’t need to know the exact path right now. It's totally fine to not have everything figured out, especially at 14! Look at me—I was juggling a million career ideas too. I mean, I tried everything from painting (super fun, but... nah) to teaching (I crushed it, but still... not my forever thing).
It was only when I volunteered in healthcare that it clicked. I loved helping people feel better, giving them hope, and solving problems. Plus, I got to combine my teaching skills with something I was truly passionate about. If you feel that spark when you think about technology, science, and healthcare, then explore it! Start small. Look for volunteer opportunities or internships in these fields. For example, try volunteering at a local hospital, or even look for online health science programs. This way, you can dip your toes in and see what truly excites you. Is healthcare the one? Or are you more into tech and innovation? Both can be super fulfilling!
And hey, don’t let anyone pressure you into engineering or law if that’s not your thing. I promise, there will always be well-meaning voices trying to tell you where to go, but the only voice that really matters is yours. Be bold in trusting your instincts. That’s how the magic happens!
Just think of your journey like an adventure—sometimes you try out different things (like I did with volunteering and teaching), and those experiences help you figure out the big picture. Never stop exploring, never stop trying, and keep the passion alive. You’re doing amazing things already!
Believe in yourself, trust your choices, and don’t let anyone dim your spark. Your future goals will line up with your choices if you stay true to what you love.
Oh, and when in doubt—add some humor. Because honestly, if you can laugh at yourself along the way, you’ve won half the battle.
You got this, Soli! 💪😄
John Hand
User Experience Designer
31
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Soli,
How to decide your career path at a young age: DON'T! I know that may not be what you want to hear, but here are some things to consider:
1. The first few years of college you'll mostly be taking care of your core credits and the classes will largely be the same regardless of what path you choose.
2. AP classes in high school are HARDER than actual college courses. While they may be more robust, they can also hurt your GPA, making the acceptance into college more difficult. That doesn't mean you shouldn't take AP courses, but make sure you don't take on more than you can handle. Balance is key.
3. I didn't know what I wanted to do at 14, 18, or even 20. An ideal career path will involve something that you're passionate and excited about. Finding out what that passion is takes experience, which is very difficult to achieve when you're in high school cramming in as many AP courses as you can to graduate early. I had many different types of jobs before finding my career path, and all of those different types of work helped give me skills and experience that help with the work I do today.
4. Find some people who are in the career paths you're considering and talk to them about why they like it, and what's most difficult about it. Ask them what kinds of personality traits make for good candidates for their roles. Ask to see their resume or to tell you about their path into those careers. Take a look at job postings for similar positions and look at what qualifications are required to get an idea of the path into those roles. These actions will help you understand what your path might look like towards those careers. A lot of people change career paths completely in their 30s or 40s. That's OK too!
That said, your interests in technology, science, and healthcare are a great place to start. You might be interested in human-computer interaction, computer science, or focusing on healthcare. If you get a Master of Public Health, you could pretty much go into whatever you want. That might look like creating or improving healthcare infrastructure or user interface systems, creating new ways for patients and doctors to work together, or creating new models for healthcare or public services. The technology between hospitals, healthcare systems, or even insurance companies and the patients who need those services tends to be terrible, so there's lots of opportunities for improvement. I hope this helps!
How to decide your career path at a young age: DON'T! I know that may not be what you want to hear, but here are some things to consider:
1. The first few years of college you'll mostly be taking care of your core credits and the classes will largely be the same regardless of what path you choose.
2. AP classes in high school are HARDER than actual college courses. While they may be more robust, they can also hurt your GPA, making the acceptance into college more difficult. That doesn't mean you shouldn't take AP courses, but make sure you don't take on more than you can handle. Balance is key.
3. I didn't know what I wanted to do at 14, 18, or even 20. An ideal career path will involve something that you're passionate and excited about. Finding out what that passion is takes experience, which is very difficult to achieve when you're in high school cramming in as many AP courses as you can to graduate early. I had many different types of jobs before finding my career path, and all of those different types of work helped give me skills and experience that help with the work I do today.
4. Find some people who are in the career paths you're considering and talk to them about why they like it, and what's most difficult about it. Ask them what kinds of personality traits make for good candidates for their roles. Ask to see their resume or to tell you about their path into those careers. Take a look at job postings for similar positions and look at what qualifications are required to get an idea of the path into those roles. These actions will help you understand what your path might look like towards those careers. A lot of people change career paths completely in their 30s or 40s. That's OK too!
That said, your interests in technology, science, and healthcare are a great place to start. You might be interested in human-computer interaction, computer science, or focusing on healthcare. If you get a Master of Public Health, you could pretty much go into whatever you want. That might look like creating or improving healthcare infrastructure or user interface systems, creating new ways for patients and doctors to work together, or creating new models for healthcare or public services. The technology between hospitals, healthcare systems, or even insurance companies and the patients who need those services tends to be terrible, so there's lots of opportunities for improvement. I hope this helps!