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How do you figure out what career you want to pursue?
I am currently a high school senior and am struggling to think of what I want to study in college because I am unsure of what I want to do after. I am interested in the sciences, specifically psychology and biology, but am not sure how to pick between the different majors and careers to find something I think I will enjoy.
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4 answers
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Robyn’s Answer
I highly encourage you to go online and try the Strong Inventory Assessment. It's a career planning tool created by a psychologist that can really help guide your future. I took it later in my career, and I truly wish I had done it back in high school.
The assessment asks you questions about what you like and dislike, and then it matches your answers with those of professionals who love their jobs. It only takes a couple of hours, and you can find detailed explanations online about how the results are grouped into different themes and how they connect with each other.
There's a fee, but I believe it's definitely worth it. The insights it gave me were incredibly valuable.
Take the Strong Inventory Assessment
Review the results with your Guidance Counselor and family
Research the various professions on your results
Contact professionals in your areas of interest and ask if you could "job shadow" them for a time.
The assessment asks you questions about what you like and dislike, and then it matches your answers with those of professionals who love their jobs. It only takes a couple of hours, and you can find detailed explanations online about how the results are grouped into different themes and how they connect with each other.
There's a fee, but I believe it's definitely worth it. The insights it gave me were incredibly valuable.
Robyn recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. The most important you have to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Since you have interest in biology, would you be interested be a zoologist, vet, doctor, nurse, pharmacist, phycologist, etc. you can find out more biology related 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, 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. Since you have interest in biology, would you be interested be a zoologist, vet, doctor, nurse, pharmacist, phycologist, etc. you can find out more biology related 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, 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!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Cassidy
Updated
Marisa’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Rebecca,
If you are able to try out courses in both subjects to during your first year at college, I would recommend doing so! The best way to be confident in what you are most interested in studying is spending time with both subjects. To go a step further, go to professor office hours and get to know them and why they are in the field they chose and talk through the different paths of each major.
It's totally okay to be unsure -- sometimes figuring out your path happens along the way! :) Best of luck to you!
If you are able to try out courses in both subjects to during your first year at college, I would recommend doing so! The best way to be confident in what you are most interested in studying is spending time with both subjects. To go a step further, go to professor office hours and get to know them and why they are in the field they chose and talk through the different paths of each major.
It's totally okay to be unsure -- sometimes figuring out your path happens along the way! :) Best of luck to you!
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Consider focusing on what your daily routine in potential jobs might be like. Remember, you'll spend many more years working than studying, so it's important to choose a path that excites you.
If you choose psychology, imagine having an office where you listen to diverse people, helping them navigate their challenges. This could be very rewarding!
Try experiencing the field from a different perspective, like being a patient, to see how it feels to be on the other side.
Before committing to a full career path, you might want to take a few courses in your area of interest. This way, you can explore and see if it's something you truly enjoy.
If you choose psychology, imagine having an office where you listen to diverse people, helping them navigate their challenges. This could be very rewarding!
Try experiencing the field from a different perspective, like being a patient, to see how it feels to be on the other side.
Before committing to a full career path, you might want to take a few courses in your area of interest. This way, you can explore and see if it's something you truly enjoy.