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I am becoming more intrested in more career paths, how could I learn more about these careers?
How could I learn more about a career path I am potentially interested in? And how do i potentially establish connections to build future job paths.
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4 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jeremy it's never too late─or too soon─to start preparing for your future. High school is an important time to start exploring careers. At this stage, a career search is all about seeing what's out there and finding opportunities that interest you so that you can decide what you need to do next. Exploring career paths can guide your academic and extracurricular pursuits. When you have some idea what your goals are, you can take relevant courses, develop skills, and effectively transition into work or education after graduating from high school. There's a world of career possibilities out there. It might feel a little overwhelming to settle on something now while you're still in high school. Even if you change your mind later, knowing which options best meet your needs can help you stay on track to a fulfilling career.
CAREER COACHING
Career coaching is the engagement of an external expert, most often a dedicated coach, to guide an employee in their career choices and help them with challenges in the workplace. Some career coaches can also be used for advice about resumes, negotiations, and interviews. Career coaches are sometimes seen as a type of counselor. However, there are important differences between the two. Career counselors engage in various tests and interviews to provide advice over the course of a few sessions. In comparison, a coach establishes a comparatively long relationship with a client and gets to know them thoroughly. Together, the coach and client examine a multitude of options before a path is chosen, and they remain in touch for further advising once the employee takes on a new role.
ATTEND PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS
Workshops help professionals learn new skills, improve old ones and remain up to date on the latest work processes. Many workshops let attendees practice new skills through simulated situations using practical tools used on the job, such as computers in an IT workshop. Workshops also provide networking opportunities to meet other similar professionals from whom you can learn new skills and exchange professional knowledge.
SEEK A MENTOR
Mentors are experienced professionals who share their knowledge and experience with a protege who wants to learn. Since mentorship is often a one-on-one relationship, they can give personalized advice and feedback when reviewing your work. They can also guide you through learning new skills step by step. As an added benefit, mentors can also help you contact those organizations looking for new employees, expanding your network to include theirs.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
Informational interviews take place between one professional and another with the aim of one professional learning more about the other's career moves and current job. Typically these take place over the phone or in a casual setting like a cafe or restaurant. You can participate in informational interviews with more experienced professionals you follow on professional networking sites or that you met at networking events. During these interviews, you can ask them what their typical day is like in their job and what they would suggest for someone looking to achieve the same role.
INTERNSHIPS
An internship is a short-term job that can be paid or unpaid and gives students or job seekers experience in a real-world work environment. Usually if an internship is unpaid, it does provide some college or classroom credit. Internships are available in government, private businesses, and non-profit organizations. Interns, unlike volunteers, usually have a specific mentor or co-worker who helps them navigate the experience. Apply for an internship through a college or high school internship office, by using an internship finder service, or by contacting the human resources office of a business directly. You can also use the Business Finder to locate companies and search their websites—or contact them directly—for internship opportunities.
CAREER COACHING
Career coaching is the engagement of an external expert, most often a dedicated coach, to guide an employee in their career choices and help them with challenges in the workplace. Some career coaches can also be used for advice about resumes, negotiations, and interviews. Career coaches are sometimes seen as a type of counselor. However, there are important differences between the two. Career counselors engage in various tests and interviews to provide advice over the course of a few sessions. In comparison, a coach establishes a comparatively long relationship with a client and gets to know them thoroughly. Together, the coach and client examine a multitude of options before a path is chosen, and they remain in touch for further advising once the employee takes on a new role.
ATTEND PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS
Workshops help professionals learn new skills, improve old ones and remain up to date on the latest work processes. Many workshops let attendees practice new skills through simulated situations using practical tools used on the job, such as computers in an IT workshop. Workshops also provide networking opportunities to meet other similar professionals from whom you can learn new skills and exchange professional knowledge.
SEEK A MENTOR
Mentors are experienced professionals who share their knowledge and experience with a protege who wants to learn. Since mentorship is often a one-on-one relationship, they can give personalized advice and feedback when reviewing your work. They can also guide you through learning new skills step by step. As an added benefit, mentors can also help you contact those organizations looking for new employees, expanding your network to include theirs.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
Informational interviews take place between one professional and another with the aim of one professional learning more about the other's career moves and current job. Typically these take place over the phone or in a casual setting like a cafe or restaurant. You can participate in informational interviews with more experienced professionals you follow on professional networking sites or that you met at networking events. During these interviews, you can ask them what their typical day is like in their job and what they would suggest for someone looking to achieve the same role.
INTERNSHIPS
An internship is a short-term job that can be paid or unpaid and gives students or job seekers experience in a real-world work environment. Usually if an internship is unpaid, it does provide some college or classroom credit. Internships are available in government, private businesses, and non-profit organizations. Interns, unlike volunteers, usually have a specific mentor or co-worker who helps them navigate the experience. Apply for an internship through a college or high school internship office, by using an internship finder service, or by contacting the human resources office of a business directly. You can also use the Business Finder to locate companies and search their websites—or contact them directly—for internship opportunities.
Updated
Eric Scott’s Answer
Exploring career options and making connections are important steps in your job journey. Here’s a simple plan that mixes research and networking:
1. Research and Self-Assessment:
* **Online Research:**
* **Job Portals:** Check out sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor for job details, pay info, and skills needed.
* **Industry Websites:** Find professional groups and industry news for career tips and insights.
* **Informational Interviews Online:** Watch interviews with people working in your field of interest.
* **Educational Resources:** Use sites like Coursera and Khan Academy to learn new skills and understand your field better.
* **Self-Assessment:**
* **Skills and Interests:** Think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy. What are your strengths and passions?
* **Personality Tests:** Tools like the Myers-Briggs can help you see what careers might suit you.
* **Values Assessment:** Decide what matters to you in a job, like work-life balance or growth opportunities.
2. Experiential Learning:
* **Internships and Volunteering:** Get hands-on experience and see what the job is really like.
* **Shadowing:** Spend time with someone in your desired job to learn about their daily work.
* **Freelancing or Side Projects:** Build your skills and create a portfolio.
* **Attend Workshops and Conferences:** Learn from experts and meet new people in your field.
3. Networking and Connection Building:
* **Informational Interviews:**
* Contact professionals in your field and ask for an interview to learn about their journey and get advice.
* Use LinkedIn to find and connect with these professionals.
* **LinkedIn:**
* Create a strong profile showcasing your skills and experience.
* Join groups and engage in discussions.
* Connect with people in your field and personalize your requests.
* Use LinkedIn’s job search tool.
* **Networking Events:**
* Go to industry events and be ready to introduce yourself.
* Collect contacts and follow up with them.
* **Alumni Networks:**
* Use your school’s alumni network to meet graduates in your field.
* Attend alumni events to make connections.
* **Professional Associations:**
* Join groups related to your career for networking and resources.
* **Mentorship:**
* Find a mentor for guidance and support.
* Mentors can offer advice and connections.
* **Online Communities:**
* Join forums and online groups related to your industry and participate actively.
* **Maintain Connections:**
* Keep in touch with your network through emails or LinkedIn messages.
* Offer help when you can and thank people for their time.
**Key Considerations:**
* **Be Proactive:** Reach out and look for opportunities.
* **Be Patient:** Building a career takes time.
* **Be Open-Minded:** Be ready to explore different paths.
* **Be Professional:** Always act professionally.
* **Follow Up:** After meeting someone, send a thank you email or connect on LinkedIn.
By mixing research with active networking, you’ll understand your career path better and build connections to help you grow professionally.
1. Research and Self-Assessment:
* **Online Research:**
* **Job Portals:** Check out sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor for job details, pay info, and skills needed.
* **Industry Websites:** Find professional groups and industry news for career tips and insights.
* **Informational Interviews Online:** Watch interviews with people working in your field of interest.
* **Educational Resources:** Use sites like Coursera and Khan Academy to learn new skills and understand your field better.
* **Self-Assessment:**
* **Skills and Interests:** Think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy. What are your strengths and passions?
* **Personality Tests:** Tools like the Myers-Briggs can help you see what careers might suit you.
* **Values Assessment:** Decide what matters to you in a job, like work-life balance or growth opportunities.
2. Experiential Learning:
* **Internships and Volunteering:** Get hands-on experience and see what the job is really like.
* **Shadowing:** Spend time with someone in your desired job to learn about their daily work.
* **Freelancing or Side Projects:** Build your skills and create a portfolio.
* **Attend Workshops and Conferences:** Learn from experts and meet new people in your field.
3. Networking and Connection Building:
* **Informational Interviews:**
* Contact professionals in your field and ask for an interview to learn about their journey and get advice.
* Use LinkedIn to find and connect with these professionals.
* **LinkedIn:**
* Create a strong profile showcasing your skills and experience.
* Join groups and engage in discussions.
* Connect with people in your field and personalize your requests.
* Use LinkedIn’s job search tool.
* **Networking Events:**
* Go to industry events and be ready to introduce yourself.
* Collect contacts and follow up with them.
* **Alumni Networks:**
* Use your school’s alumni network to meet graduates in your field.
* Attend alumni events to make connections.
* **Professional Associations:**
* Join groups related to your career for networking and resources.
* **Mentorship:**
* Find a mentor for guidance and support.
* Mentors can offer advice and connections.
* **Online Communities:**
* Join forums and online groups related to your industry and participate actively.
* **Maintain Connections:**
* Keep in touch with your network through emails or LinkedIn messages.
* Offer help when you can and thank people for their time.
**Key Considerations:**
* **Be Proactive:** Reach out and look for opportunities.
* **Be Patient:** Building a career takes time.
* **Be Open-Minded:** Be ready to explore different paths.
* **Be Professional:** Always act professionally.
* **Follow Up:** After meeting someone, send a thank you email or connect on LinkedIn.
By mixing research with active networking, you’ll understand your career path better and build connections to help you grow professionally.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you can start with your interests first.
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 music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, 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 music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, 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!
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Jeremy,
You have already received many replies with good advice to your question, so let me just keep it short and suggest you checking out "Coach", a free app from CareerVillage, where you can easily learn about careers by just typing in simple questions and it immediately replies and provides you with lots of information to help you with your search.
Best wishes,
Tony
You have already received many replies with good advice to your question, so let me just keep it short and suggest you checking out "Coach", a free app from CareerVillage, where you can easily learn about careers by just typing in simple questions and it immediately replies and provides you with lots of information to help you with your search.
Best wishes,
Tony