Ethan
How do I narrow down my career options?
Im a junior in highschool and i have no idea what i want to do when i get out of school. I love math and problem solving, however i hate english and writing papers. I also dislike the medical field. I want to go to college but im worried that i wont know what to study. #college #math #problemsolving #career #noidea #career-choice
10 answers
Khoa Huynh
Khoa’s Answer
As a student, we've all went down that path of uncertainty, especially when it comes to our career path. The first step would be to identify your likes and dislikes on a general basis. You can research to narrow down which colleges are best for which Majors and the different types of Majors that you consider pursuing. From a personal experience, my likes and dislikes helped me associate with a crowd that usually has a similar view as I do, and the beauty of college is that you are able to choose your classes and meet new students and professors that can help you gain a deeper insight to your likes and dislikes. For instance, if math is your favorite subject, does this mean you want to do more theoretical calculations like a statisticians or use real-time data to analyze a company's statistics? Therefore, you would pick classes that are more math-based and end up meeting new friends and professors that may help you understand more about whether or not this is something you want to pursue a career in or reconsider another path. Most of the time, many people only like something on a generic basis, but once they dive deeper into what it really is, they tend to change their mind.
However, many fear of wasting time and money (maybe embarrassment from friends and family too). Time and money can be lost in the process, but if this is a career path that you'll be doing for the rest of your life, a little more investment into figuring out if this is for you may be worthwhile. Some are more fortunate to know from the beginning, some learn through trial and error, and some are still struggling to find out. Go at your own pace without comparing yourself to your peers. They may end up with a job first but absolutely hate it as time goes on, but for you who, who started of much later, may love your job more than you thought. If you were to never try it out, how would you know to love it or hate it? The most important factor to consider is to be open-minded and try new things. This could be challenging, but when you have the right support from the right friends, professors, and family, they will continue to push you from your first like to your second like, and so on so forth if it still doesn't work out.
In some circumstances, money may trump your love for that job, so if that applies to you, then more research will have to be done to know which job is high paying and in demand. Everyone's route will be different, but follow the one that is right for you if being passionate about a job is not your thing. Of course, this is all opinionated because at the end of the day, everyone has different experiences. For now, focus on rocking high school, getting the scores and GPA that you need for your desired college, and start your journey in college with a fresh mind. Just keep in mind that you will never be able to experience success or failure without even trying in the first place. Best of luck!
Todd Salsbury
Todd’s Answer
Hi Ethan,
Many people do not know what career is best them. I would not worry about narrowing your career options but rather preparing yourself such that the most options are available to you. Focus studies on the areas that interest you and take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. I started study in general math and science. I graduated as a mechanical engineer. My first job was as a quality engineer at a pharmaceutical company and soon after became a pharmaceutical project manager. I have been in project management ever since and it is a great fit for me. I was not even aware of this career path when I was in school. "Luck is preparation met by opportinity" Seneca
Michelle Hudson
Michelle’s Answer
When I was going into college I was in a very similar boat. Loved math and problem-solving but didn't know what I wanted to do with it. I ended up going into school with a generic business degree and during my freshman year I took a class that helps you identify what careers will be good for you. I was told to do something in business, which wasn't helpful. Taking classes in the business school are what steered me into Accounting and Finance and I ended up double majoring in those two fields and now I work as an accountant primarily focused on financial services clients. I am using my math (obviously) and also problem-solving skills on a daily basis. I think you should take a few classes in different fields of study and then decide. You've got time though, do not stress too much about your career, it will all work out!
Best,
Michelle
Carrie Turner
Carrie’s Answer
Deciding what to study can be a bit overwhelming. Rest assured, I know very few people who knew exactly what they wanted to do right out of high school. One of the best things about college is the exposure to different disciplines. I started out as a business major and ended up in English because I fell in love literature. Ironically, I'm in business now and able to use my degree in some form or fashion each day. My oldest son went through the same dilemma you find yourself in, only he was a sophomore in college. He'd realized that he wasn't cut out for engineering, and went to his advisor who helped him decide on a new major and he's loving it.
As with other advice you've gotten, knowing your strengths is key; however, don't discount something just because you don't like it. Our likes change and you might miss out on an opportunity to learn a new skill or discover a career path you never knew existed. Also, I would say take some risks early on in classes you take--branch out and take an elective that you know nothing about. Who knows? You might uncover a new passion. Lastly, use the resources at your disposal. Talk to academic advisors, talk to your professors and teaching assistants, your friends' parents--anyone with a career can give you their story of how they got where they are.
Best of luck to you!
GABRIEL ESPOSITO
GABRIEL’s Answer
Kim Gravell
Kim’s Answer
You have been given some excellent advice already. My only additional thought to consider is to gain insight into your natural strengths and then build your educational and career options from there. There are several assessments that will focus on your strengths. My favorite is StrengthsFinder. Whichever one you choose the resulting report should provide you with your top strengths and how they influence your career path. This information will provide a foundation for you to utilize at many points along your journey. And it's all focused on what suits your strengths. Best of luck.
Kim recommends the following next steps:
Arun Kumar Joshi
Arun Kumar’s Answer
a) What are my short term, medium term and long term aspirations
b) My personal financial situation and my responsibilities in the family
c) The skills that I have
d) The passion I have......what profession excites me
e) Do I want to be an individual contribution or people leader
f) Do I want to work for others, or work for myself
g) How much financial assistance I can get and or what is my financial strength
h) What type of location I live in....developed country, devoloping country etc
Garrett Hinson
Garrett’s Answer
Megan Bludau
Megan’s Answer
As others have mentioned, I would narrow down your interest and continue researching jobs that go hand-in-hand with those interests. For example, you mentioned you love problem solving and math. Perhaps you would have an interest in Accounting/ Financial Analysis?
