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How do I pick a career path without knowing what id want to be?
I am currently a junior in highschool, I do not know what Id want to be in the future and college seeming what is most likely knowing what to major in is also something I'm not sure of.
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6 answers
Updated
Broc’s Answer
You already are the person you’re meant to be. The key is discovering yourself. Reflect on your life. Recall the moments that brought you the most joy. Go after those things.
Thank you, Broc for the advice.
Jeremy
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, I agree with Cliff that this is an excellent question. As he said, many students your age don't know exactly what they want to do, and that is fine.
When applying to college, you can leave your major as "undecided" or pick a likely one. Usually, you don't declare a major until sophomore year so it is fine if you change your mind. In fact, you may change your mind after taking courses in a new field or talking with your classmates about their majors.
Further, there is usually a career center (might have a different name) with counselors, career aptitude tests, and career information. Along with. Cliff's suggestions, this will help you make your decision. Good luck!
When applying to college, you can leave your major as "undecided" or pick a likely one. Usually, you don't declare a major until sophomore year so it is fine if you change your mind. In fact, you may change your mind after taking courses in a new field or talking with your classmates about their majors.
Further, there is usually a career center (might have a different name) with counselors, career aptitude tests, and career information. Along with. Cliff's suggestions, this will help you make your decision. Good luck!
Thank you for your advice, I did not know that you can just attend a college and not pick a major, this will definitely help me in the future.
Jeremy
You're welcome, Jeremy. I do want to be clear. You don't need to declare a major when applying but you will eventually have to declare one. But don't worry, you will have resources to help you decide.
Martha Kramer
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Jeremy,
This is a common question, so you're not alone. You can navigate this, though. Here's my thoughts on what you can do:
Think about what you LIKE to do and what you are GOOD at. Everyone has something you are good at and that you like to do. Do you like to work with your hands or do you like to do things with your mind (e.g. puzzles, math, play video games - yes even playing games can be something you can do if you're good enough at it)? Ask your family and friends what they think you are good at since we sometimes don't think we're very good at things.
Think about the people who you respect and admire - who are they and what do they do?
Think about the jobs that you think are interesting and can see yourself doing in the future. Do you think you can see yourself doing those jobs?
Picture yourself as one of those people you admire doing one of the jobs you think you will like, and you think are interesting.
I would do this above process with multiple different roles - it's good to have different options.
Ask family, friends, guidance counselors, teachers, etc. if they think you have the aptitude for each job. As long as you think you 'might' be able to do a job, that's probably good enough.
Next, think about what it will require you to do to get each of these jobs. Some may require college education; some may require a certification of some kind and others may only require you to work hard.
Then, you need to MAKE YOUR DECISION! Decide what you think is right for you based on your analysis.
I recommend that you then push yourself to make this happen for you! You can do it as long as you do whatever is necessary to achieve this goal.
It's never easy, but anything worthwhile is worth the sacrifices you have to make to do it.
Set your mind to it and make it happen! Reaching out to ask for help with this question is step one. Continue to ask for help until you get what you want. There are many people who will help you, you just have to ask!
Best of luck, Jeremy! Make your future happen! Take care!
This is a common question, so you're not alone. You can navigate this, though. Here's my thoughts on what you can do:
Think about what you LIKE to do and what you are GOOD at. Everyone has something you are good at and that you like to do. Do you like to work with your hands or do you like to do things with your mind (e.g. puzzles, math, play video games - yes even playing games can be something you can do if you're good enough at it)? Ask your family and friends what they think you are good at since we sometimes don't think we're very good at things.
Think about the people who you respect and admire - who are they and what do they do?
Think about the jobs that you think are interesting and can see yourself doing in the future. Do you think you can see yourself doing those jobs?
Picture yourself as one of those people you admire doing one of the jobs you think you will like, and you think are interesting.
I would do this above process with multiple different roles - it's good to have different options.
Ask family, friends, guidance counselors, teachers, etc. if they think you have the aptitude for each job. As long as you think you 'might' be able to do a job, that's probably good enough.
Next, think about what it will require you to do to get each of these jobs. Some may require college education; some may require a certification of some kind and others may only require you to work hard.
Then, you need to MAKE YOUR DECISION! Decide what you think is right for you based on your analysis.
I recommend that you then push yourself to make this happen for you! You can do it as long as you do whatever is necessary to achieve this goal.
It's never easy, but anything worthwhile is worth the sacrifices you have to make to do it.
Set your mind to it and make it happen! Reaching out to ask for help with this question is step one. Continue to ask for help until you get what you want. There are many people who will help you, you just have to ask!
Best of luck, Jeremy! Make your future happen! Take care!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Jeremy
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi, Jeremy! Great question. Some people grow up knowing exactly what they want to do when they graduate college, and I envied them. Like you, I wasn't sure what career path I wanted or what major I was interested in, but I felt like I needed to go to college to figure that out. Like Martha mentioned, you don't really need to choose a major until sophomore year, so it's best to take different types of courses to see what you like.
I would also recommend writing down jobs and careers that interest you, and then asking yourself what they all have in common. I've had a few different career pivots over the past 15 years, and what I've noticed is that they all involve helping people. I graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology, and a few people who do that go on to be therapists. I didn't do that. I was a nanny, then a tutor, then a social worker, then a Tech Support Agent. Now, I work at a tech company on the User Experience team, making sure that the software that's designed and released feels intuitive and human for those using it - which allows me to use my Psychology major every day, even though that was never even an option when I went to school. I had no idea that job would someday exist, but I found myself on the team after working hard to help people in Tech Support, then writing instructional articles, and then finally designing. If you work hard at what really interests you (like helping people, or art, or business, etc.), opportunities will open up, you'll learn along the way, and you'll find yourself in a career you love. Good luck!
I would also recommend writing down jobs and careers that interest you, and then asking yourself what they all have in common. I've had a few different career pivots over the past 15 years, and what I've noticed is that they all involve helping people. I graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology, and a few people who do that go on to be therapists. I didn't do that. I was a nanny, then a tutor, then a social worker, then a Tech Support Agent. Now, I work at a tech company on the User Experience team, making sure that the software that's designed and released feels intuitive and human for those using it - which allows me to use my Psychology major every day, even though that was never even an option when I went to school. I had no idea that job would someday exist, but I found myself on the team after working hard to help people in Tech Support, then writing instructional articles, and then finally designing. If you work hard at what really interests you (like helping people, or art, or business, etc.), opportunities will open up, you'll learn along the way, and you'll find yourself in a career you love. Good luck!
Hey Katie, Thank you for your response and thank you for using your own example to explain.
Jeremy
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I don't think anyone ever really knows. That's ok and honestly, as you change and grow, your interests will change as well. That's ok because that's life.
When I was in medical school, we rotated through different fields and so many people changed their field specialty. I know several people who went to medical school and finished and regretted it. That's okay. You just need to figure, what can I do with a medical degree and still do something I like without seeing patients.
When I was in medical school, we rotated through different fields and so many people changed their field specialty. I know several people who went to medical school and finished and regretted it. That's okay. You just need to figure, what can I do with a medical degree and still do something I like without seeing patients.
Thanks for your response, knowing that other people also might not know improves my chances.
Jeremy
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Jeremy, please understand that choosing a career path can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure of what you want to pursue. As a junior in high school, it's completely normal not to have a clear vision of your future. However, this is also a crucial time to explore your interests, identify your strengths, and start considering your options. The process of finding a career path doesn't happen overnight, and it's okay to take the time you need to reflect and explore various opportunities.
The first step is to gain a deeper understanding of your interests and strengths. Take advantage of tools like career assessments and personality tests to help clarify potential fields that might align with your skills and preferences. Websites like MyNextMove (www.mynextmove.org) and 16Personalities (www.16personalities.com) offer free assessments that can provide insights into possible careers based on your responses to various questions about your interests and personality. These tools can help narrow down broad options and give you an idea of where your passions and talents lie.
Next, Jeremy, you should explore subjects that intrigue you in high school. It’s a good time to reflect on which classes or extracurricular activities you enjoy most, as they may reveal potential career paths. For example, if you enjoy science, math, or technology, careers in engineering, research, or healthcare might be worth exploring. If you are drawn to writing, the arts, or social issues, fields like journalism, law, or social work could align with your passions. Engaging in hands-on experiences, like internships, volunteer work, or job shadowing, can provide a clearer understanding of the day-to-day reality of various professions and help you build a more informed decision.
Additionally, consider speaking with professionals in different fields. Networking is a valuable tool in finding your direction. You can reach out to individuals in careers that interest you through platforms like LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) or even attend career fairs and informational interviews with people in your community. Ask them about their career paths, what they enjoy about their jobs, and what challenges they face. This firsthand information can provide clarity and guide you toward fields you may not have previously considered.
Jeremy, it's also important to understand that college majors don't always lock you into a specific career. Many students begin college unsure of their major and change their focus later on as they explore new subjects. The National Center for College and Career Transitions (www.nc3t.com) highlights the importance of gaining broad exposure during your undergraduate years to discover your true interests. Look for colleges that offer flexible general education requirements or a wide variety of minors and elective courses, so you can explore different fields before making a final decision. Additionally, many schools offer career counseling services and internship programs that help students explore potential careers and make informed decisions.
Finally, Jeremy, remember that your career path is not set in stone. The journey may involve twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities. It’s okay to change directions as you grow and learn more about yourself and the world. Many successful people don’t have a linear career path, so trust the process, stay curious, and be open to new possibilities. Use this time to gather information, ask questions, and take steps toward discovering a path that aligns with your values, interests, and long-term goals.
The first step is to gain a deeper understanding of your interests and strengths. Take advantage of tools like career assessments and personality tests to help clarify potential fields that might align with your skills and preferences. Websites like MyNextMove (www.mynextmove.org) and 16Personalities (www.16personalities.com) offer free assessments that can provide insights into possible careers based on your responses to various questions about your interests and personality. These tools can help narrow down broad options and give you an idea of where your passions and talents lie.
Next, Jeremy, you should explore subjects that intrigue you in high school. It’s a good time to reflect on which classes or extracurricular activities you enjoy most, as they may reveal potential career paths. For example, if you enjoy science, math, or technology, careers in engineering, research, or healthcare might be worth exploring. If you are drawn to writing, the arts, or social issues, fields like journalism, law, or social work could align with your passions. Engaging in hands-on experiences, like internships, volunteer work, or job shadowing, can provide a clearer understanding of the day-to-day reality of various professions and help you build a more informed decision.
Additionally, consider speaking with professionals in different fields. Networking is a valuable tool in finding your direction. You can reach out to individuals in careers that interest you through platforms like LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) or even attend career fairs and informational interviews with people in your community. Ask them about their career paths, what they enjoy about their jobs, and what challenges they face. This firsthand information can provide clarity and guide you toward fields you may not have previously considered.
Jeremy, it's also important to understand that college majors don't always lock you into a specific career. Many students begin college unsure of their major and change their focus later on as they explore new subjects. The National Center for College and Career Transitions (www.nc3t.com) highlights the importance of gaining broad exposure during your undergraduate years to discover your true interests. Look for colleges that offer flexible general education requirements or a wide variety of minors and elective courses, so you can explore different fields before making a final decision. Additionally, many schools offer career counseling services and internship programs that help students explore potential careers and make informed decisions.
Finally, Jeremy, remember that your career path is not set in stone. The journey may involve twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities. It’s okay to change directions as you grow and learn more about yourself and the world. Many successful people don’t have a linear career path, so trust the process, stay curious, and be open to new possibilities. Use this time to gather information, ask questions, and take steps toward discovering a path that aligns with your values, interests, and long-term goals.