3 answers
Peityn
Student
Escalon, California
3
Questions
Updated
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How do you know what career to choose if you have multiple interests or things that you can see yourself doing?
If it helps, I’m interested in music, engineering (aerospace), first responders, law enforcement, astronomy, and marching band. HELP!
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3 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
666
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
It is absolutely OK that you don’t have things figured out yet. I know there is a pressure to have it all sorted, but I think you can use high school in college to explore different avenues and determine what you will really enjoy.
Take different electives, join different clubs, and talk with professors about their experiences. Over time, you were worth all away a few of the possible options and end up with a couple clear paths. Thinking good thoughts as you work through your future!
Take different electives, join different clubs, and talk with professors about their experiences. Over time, you were worth all away a few of the possible options and end up with a couple clear paths. Thinking good thoughts as you work through your future!
Thanks for taking the time to answer my question!
Peityn
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1011
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Peityn, please understand that by choosing a career when you have multiple interests can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a gift—a sign of your curiosity, passion, and diverse talents. The key to making a fulfilling and strategic decision lies in aligning your career not just with what you like, but with what resonates deeply with your values, long-term vision, and lifestyle aspirations. Rather than trying to “pick one and forget the rest,” consider exploring ways to integrate your interests, or at the very least, prioritize based on what excites you, challenges you, and gives you a sense of purpose.
Start by taking a structured approach to career exploration. Tools like O*NET Online - https://www.onetonline.org and MyNextMove - https://www.mynextmove.org can help you evaluate careers based on your interests, values, and personality. You might also take a Strong Interest Inventory or CliftonStrengths assessment to gain clarity on your innate strengths and preferences. From there, you can map your interests to potential roles. For example:
* Music and marching band don’t have to be hobbies you leave behind. You could explore careers in audio engineering, music technology, or even military band programs (e.g., U.S. Army Field Band: https://www.armyfieldband.com.
* Your interest in aerospace engineering could translate into roles at organizations like NASA, SpaceX, or Northrop Grumman, all of which have robust internship and early-career programs. Check out NASA’s Pathways Program - https://www.nasa.gov/careers/pathways for structured, student-to-career pipelines.
* A passion for first response and law enforcement might point you toward becoming an EMT, firefighter, or police officer, but could also extend into forensic science, emergency management, or federal agencies like the FBI, FEMA, or U.S. Marshals. Look into Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC): https://www.fletc.gov.
* Astronomy could lead you toward scientific research, education, or roles in aerospace where both astronomy and engineering intersect. The American Astronomical Society - https://aas.org is a great place to start exploring education pathways and career options.
Peityn, instead of choosing just one path today, consider testing your interests through internships, volunteering, shadowing professionals, or attending summer programs. Programs like High School Aerospace Scholars - https://www.nasa.gov/stem/has and National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM - https://www.envisionexperience.com offer hands-on exposure that can make the decision process clearer.
Also, Peityn, keep in mind that careers today are rarely linear. Many people shift across fields throughout their lives. What matters is starting with something that gives you energy, keeps you growing, and opens doors for the future. Don’t feel pressured to have it all figured out now—focus on building a strong foundation and staying curious. With your diverse interests, you’re already ahead of the curve. Let your passions guide you, but let your experiences inform your path. You don’t have to pick just one dream—you can build a career that honors all of who you are.
Start by taking a structured approach to career exploration. Tools like O*NET Online - https://www.onetonline.org and MyNextMove - https://www.mynextmove.org can help you evaluate careers based on your interests, values, and personality. You might also take a Strong Interest Inventory or CliftonStrengths assessment to gain clarity on your innate strengths and preferences. From there, you can map your interests to potential roles. For example:
* Music and marching band don’t have to be hobbies you leave behind. You could explore careers in audio engineering, music technology, or even military band programs (e.g., U.S. Army Field Band: https://www.armyfieldband.com.
* Your interest in aerospace engineering could translate into roles at organizations like NASA, SpaceX, or Northrop Grumman, all of which have robust internship and early-career programs. Check out NASA’s Pathways Program - https://www.nasa.gov/careers/pathways for structured, student-to-career pipelines.
* A passion for first response and law enforcement might point you toward becoming an EMT, firefighter, or police officer, but could also extend into forensic science, emergency management, or federal agencies like the FBI, FEMA, or U.S. Marshals. Look into Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC): https://www.fletc.gov.
* Astronomy could lead you toward scientific research, education, or roles in aerospace where both astronomy and engineering intersect. The American Astronomical Society - https://aas.org is a great place to start exploring education pathways and career options.
Peityn, instead of choosing just one path today, consider testing your interests through internships, volunteering, shadowing professionals, or attending summer programs. Programs like High School Aerospace Scholars - https://www.nasa.gov/stem/has and National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM - https://www.envisionexperience.com offer hands-on exposure that can make the decision process clearer.
Also, Peityn, keep in mind that careers today are rarely linear. Many people shift across fields throughout their lives. What matters is starting with something that gives you energy, keeps you growing, and opens doors for the future. Don’t feel pressured to have it all figured out now—focus on building a strong foundation and staying curious. With your diverse interests, you’re already ahead of the curve. Let your passions guide you, but let your experiences inform your path. You don’t have to pick just one dream—you can build a career that honors all of who you are.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. This helps a lot and has a great amount of information that I can look at. Thank you very much!
Peityn
Jose Aleman
Strategic Sourcing Analyst
8
Answers
Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico
Updated
Jose’s Answer
Hello,
I've found a great tool that helps me when I need to make tough decisions with several options. It's called a "decision matrix."
Here's an example I found online: Imagine you have three job offers. You're considering salary, work-life balance, and growth opportunities.
Criteria | Weight | Job A | Job B | Job C
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Salary | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3
Work-life Balance | 2 | 3 | 2 | 5
Growth Opportunities | 1 | 5 | 3 | 4
Total Score | | 29 | 28 | 29
This tool helps narrow down your choices or pick the best option.
I've found a great tool that helps me when I need to make tough decisions with several options. It's called a "decision matrix."
Here's an example I found online: Imagine you have three job offers. You're considering salary, work-life balance, and growth opportunities.
Criteria | Weight | Job A | Job B | Job C
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Salary | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3
Work-life Balance | 2 | 3 | 2 | 5
Growth Opportunities | 1 | 5 | 3 | 4
Total Score | | 29 | 28 | 29
This tool helps narrow down your choices or pick the best option.
Thanks! This definitely beats a pros/cons list! Makes more sense for me.
Peityn