19 answers
Alexis
Student
North Branch, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
1099 views
How should I figure out what i'm going to do with my life?
#future #college #school #undecided #college-advice
Login to comment
19 answers
Christina Papas
Student
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Christina’s Answer
As a current college student my advise is to choose a major that you will enjoy or that you are good at. Many times people just choose majors based on salary and it can lead to difficulties during the college education. Find something that you love or enjoy doing. Or something you are talented in. Or a subject that you are good at and comes as second nature to you. I'm speaking from personal experience because I have changed my major twice (so I had 3 majors) before I decided to go with the major I should've chosen from the start. I had so much trouble attending classes prior to my current major. Now I have 3 semesters to graduate and am so happy with my choice. Go with your natural instinct and you will do great! Sometimes people don't realize how many jobs you can get with various degrees. Your college degree will open so many doors for you and you never know where they may lead.
Josiah House
Systems Analyst
8
Answers
Omaha, Nebraska
Updated
Josiah’s Answer
Someone else said know what you like and can be good at. That is important! The other thing I would add to this, is see if you can spend time shadowing those who are doing a job now that you find you may be interested in. If you can spend a week or so and see the day-in and day-out of the job, you may find that a job you thought you would love is terribly boring during the day. Or a job you weren't sure about, actually interests you more. The more real life experience you can take in, the better you can know if that is something you would enjoy and should pursue a job in.
Josiah, thank you!
Gabriel
Ryan Tong
College Student
3
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
I would say make a list of potential career fields or majors that you want to pursue. Then consult people within that industry for their advice and learn more about it. Choosing a career field or making a life decision you can never truly know what's going to happen down the road. Instead, try making a plan that's best fitted to you.
Jennifer Keely
Operations
7
Answers
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
What are you passionate about? What's important to you? These are questions that I would ask yourself in helping you to make your decision. If you love what you do than it won't feel like work. I recommend pursuing something that you are passionate about and what's important to you and in the meantime try working for different jobs to get work experience under your belt.
Audrey Beers
Sr. Field Operations Analyst
3
Answers
Hesperia, California
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
College is a time to have fun and find yourself. The great thing is you can start off by taking some general education courses and take the time to test things out. You have plenty of time to figure out what your passion is, just make sure you enjoy what it is you are doing. Try getting a list together of what careers interest you and then start researching. It's always good to know the pros and cons to certain careers, what's important to you? Would you like to be outdoors, in an office, be your own boss, help other people, etc. Don't feel rushed, remember you still have plenty of time!
Krista Bistline
Government Affairs
33
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Krista’s Answer
List 3 subjects you like, and then look for jobs which align with the subject area. Select a few jobs, and ask someone if you can shadow them at work or talk with them about the pros and cons of their position and/or company. Network with your family, friends, teachers, neighbors and others to help you evaluate your skills and interests. Many people have no idea what career path they would like so don't be afraid. You will find your path. Best of luck!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Alexis,
You honestly don't have to figure it all out right now! People move around in jobs quite a bit, and often end up in jobs not directly related to their degrees. So, take a few on-line interests tests. Go take the military aptitude test. They will tell you what you are good at. You don't have to go in the military, just take advantage of the test! Or, consider joining. It's not a bad move. Problems come in when you don't like doing what you are good at. Such as me not wanting to be an accountant, even though I did great in the class! Then you look towards other things that can use that same aptitude - perhaps teaching math rather than being a CPA?
A key term you want to learn right now, and remember for the rest of your working life, is "transferable job skills." That means things you learn in one job that you can use in another job. Sometimes you will have to spell it out for the next employer, because they might not see it. An example: If you own a dog, would you want someone taking care of it (boarding or doggy daycare) whose only past experience was in fast food? Probably not. But, (and this really happened). . . I was working with a young lady who was trying to get hired in such a position. Her only experience was fast food. What do the two have in common? A very strong concern with infectious disease control! So, we focused her resume on the heavy duty cleaning that she did, esp. since she worked the overnight shift. Breaking down and cleaning the grill, etc. and explicitly stated that she did it . . . "to ensure compliance with disease prevention regulations." (or something like that!). We added in her customer service and money handling experience, since she would also be doing customer service at the doggy place. But, the emphasis was on cleaning.
With practice, you will learn to write resumes that address the job announcement.
Anyway, what about now? If you want to go to college, I'd go to a 2 year commuter college and get a general associates degree. Hospitality Services or Business or ? I would not go into major debt at this point, not knowing where you are going. Another option is to get a job someplace that has tuition assistance, and take classes part time (I like to recommend hospitals, because they have everything from warehouse to dietary to admin!)
Try just envisioning yourself going to work. Imagine getting up in the morning, getting dressed - are you putting on a business suit, jeans, or ? Do you want to be outdoors or indoors? Do you like physical or mental work? Could you handle being at a cubicle all day? It's really hard to know what you like and what you don't when you've never done it. Don't be too hard on yourself right now. Telling yourself that you want to have your career on track by the age of 25, or 28, would be fair.
One other thing. . . as you explore life, try not to get too heavily in debt. Sometimes it is necessary to take a pay cut to create opportunities. That is, a different job at a different company. The job might pay less, but the opportunity for advancement is great! You want to have the latitude to be able to make that move.
I know this went into areas you didn't ask about. However, the more you can learn about personal financial management skills and job search skills, the better situated you will be to navigate the adult world. Good luck to you!
You honestly don't have to figure it all out right now! People move around in jobs quite a bit, and often end up in jobs not directly related to their degrees. So, take a few on-line interests tests. Go take the military aptitude test. They will tell you what you are good at. You don't have to go in the military, just take advantage of the test! Or, consider joining. It's not a bad move. Problems come in when you don't like doing what you are good at. Such as me not wanting to be an accountant, even though I did great in the class! Then you look towards other things that can use that same aptitude - perhaps teaching math rather than being a CPA?
A key term you want to learn right now, and remember for the rest of your working life, is "transferable job skills." That means things you learn in one job that you can use in another job. Sometimes you will have to spell it out for the next employer, because they might not see it. An example: If you own a dog, would you want someone taking care of it (boarding or doggy daycare) whose only past experience was in fast food? Probably not. But, (and this really happened). . . I was working with a young lady who was trying to get hired in such a position. Her only experience was fast food. What do the two have in common? A very strong concern with infectious disease control! So, we focused her resume on the heavy duty cleaning that she did, esp. since she worked the overnight shift. Breaking down and cleaning the grill, etc. and explicitly stated that she did it . . . "to ensure compliance with disease prevention regulations." (or something like that!). We added in her customer service and money handling experience, since she would also be doing customer service at the doggy place. But, the emphasis was on cleaning.
With practice, you will learn to write resumes that address the job announcement.
Anyway, what about now? If you want to go to college, I'd go to a 2 year commuter college and get a general associates degree. Hospitality Services or Business or ? I would not go into major debt at this point, not knowing where you are going. Another option is to get a job someplace that has tuition assistance, and take classes part time (I like to recommend hospitals, because they have everything from warehouse to dietary to admin!)
Try just envisioning yourself going to work. Imagine getting up in the morning, getting dressed - are you putting on a business suit, jeans, or ? Do you want to be outdoors or indoors? Do you like physical or mental work? Could you handle being at a cubicle all day? It's really hard to know what you like and what you don't when you've never done it. Don't be too hard on yourself right now. Telling yourself that you want to have your career on track by the age of 25, or 28, would be fair.
One other thing. . . as you explore life, try not to get too heavily in debt. Sometimes it is necessary to take a pay cut to create opportunities. That is, a different job at a different company. The job might pay less, but the opportunity for advancement is great! You want to have the latitude to be able to make that move.
I know this went into areas you didn't ask about. However, the more you can learn about personal financial management skills and job search skills, the better situated you will be to navigate the adult world. Good luck to you!
Meghan Kiesel
Human Resources
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Meghan’s Answer
A lot of figuring that out is trying new things! Whether it's through jobs in school, or internships, or classes - just try a lot of things and make sure to keep track of or think about what you're interested in, like or don't like through each of those. Most importantly - think about how no one has the answers necessarily! It's all a process, which is scary but also helped me think through my options when I was in your shoes.
Kelsey Heuer
Sales and Customer Service
3
Answers
Decatur, Georgia
Updated
Kelsey’s Answer
Do not just go with what is available or do what everyone else is doing. When you find the right career opportunity you can focus on that but until then try to gain experience. So many people go to college and get a degree that is in a field they do not currently work in and many students accrue a great deal of debt from student loans. I would recommend doing something with some structure like Peace Corps, Military, volunteer work or anything with travel. You will know the right path to take when you see it.
Cameron Hilton
Human Resources Consultant
4
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
Hi Alexis,
I would encourage you to read "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Figuring out what to do with your life is a process, and this book will teach you skills to help you work through this process effectively.
Good luck!
-Cameron
I would encourage you to read "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Figuring out what to do with your life is a process, and this book will teach you skills to help you work through this process effectively.
Good luck!
-Cameron
Kim Grover
Account Manager
11
Answers
Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kim’s Answer
First, understand that you don’t have to have your whole life figured out. Things change, your career and life path will likely to change. A good starting point is to figure out what you are passionate about. Find things you enjoy and look into jobs that are along those lines. Then find someone that does that job, try to set up a job shadow. Do some research on the position or company. Reach out to people and get advise and knowledge from people that do what you might like.
Jackie DeCicco
Front Desk Agent or Guest Experience Expert
40
Answers
Fort Myers, Florida
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
Well the first step is to figure out what you enjoy doing, start with hobbies and get creative; painting, music, writing, traveling, etc., and once you determine that, begin to see what college classes offer for those talents. So schools that offer many majors that can help you determine which path you would like to go down.
For example, if you are one that enjoys traveling then you might want to consider Hospitality! You can start as a front desk agent and make your way towards sales which have great job title opportunities to get you to travel. If your studying hospitality in college there are classes that offer wine tasting, cruise line classes, theme park management, gulf management, and many more.
Many majors also have connections through programs that can set you up with internships or even jobs right after college, just talk to a guidance or academic advisor!
This is just an example and that each major has a different area of where you can fit in. You can also take classes within these majors to get a feel of what the majors all about, and one great thing is that you always have the opportunity to switch your major.
Hope this helped
For example, if you are one that enjoys traveling then you might want to consider Hospitality! You can start as a front desk agent and make your way towards sales which have great job title opportunities to get you to travel. If your studying hospitality in college there are classes that offer wine tasting, cruise line classes, theme park management, gulf management, and many more.
Many majors also have connections through programs that can set you up with internships or even jobs right after college, just talk to a guidance or academic advisor!
This is just an example and that each major has a different area of where you can fit in. You can also take classes within these majors to get a feel of what the majors all about, and one great thing is that you always have the opportunity to switch your major.
Hope this helped
Jeffrey Boylen MBA
Engineer
11
Answers
Eugene, Oregon
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
Find out what you enjoy doing then try to find a profession that includes that. Once you find that profession find a good College or Trade School that will get you into that profession. My grandfather always said if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life. That being said remember we all have to live and eat so you need to find something that pays you bills.
Richard A.
physician
2150
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Take classes that challenge you. Apply to internships. Participate in research. Eventually you will find something that both interests you and suits your skills. Good luck!
Rilwan Olokodano
SUNY Albany Sophomore
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Rilwan’s Answer
As a college student there are many opportunities to find out what you may want to do in the future. I'd recommend just looking at clubs you find interesting and even going to career fairs. I knew I wanted to go into business but I didn't know what specifically. What helped me was going to events where people would talk about what they do and their experiences in their respective fields.
I really hope you find what you're looking for.
Good Luck!
Join a club you find interesting
Attend the next career fair
I really hope you find what you're looking for.
Good Luck!
Rilwan recommends the following next steps:
Aicha Moustapha
Full time student & actress
40
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Aicha’s Answer
Hi!
You should sit down and think about what things make you happy and what things are you passionate about. It may take time to figure out what exactly it is that you want to do but you could start volunteering and shadowing people to see if that helps. Also, start networking and getting to know the people around you. Do not think you have to have everything carved out and finalized right now because you do not!
You should sit down and think about what things make you happy and what things are you passionate about. It may take time to figure out what exactly it is that you want to do but you could start volunteering and shadowing people to see if that helps. Also, start networking and getting to know the people around you. Do not think you have to have everything carved out and finalized right now because you do not!
Kevin Rezek
Sr. Technology Solutions Manager
3
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
I'd start by doing an honest assessment of two general areas: What am I good at, and What do I like.
Then look at where those two intersect, and pursue in that direction. Aptitude and interest surveys, widely available, can help in this discernment process.
Remember you don't have to decide what to do for the next 30 or 40 years all at once...as long as what you pick can earn you a living, life is what happens while you are making other plans. In the meantime, don't stress about what to do
The old adage that "if you do something you love for a living, you never work a day in your life" is true.
1. Honestly self-assess on the things you like (your passions).
2. Honestly self-assess your skills (what you're good at).
3. Look at where those two intersect.
4. Get into a major that is in line with your passions and skills
5. Go Get That Dream!
Then look at where those two intersect, and pursue in that direction. Aptitude and interest surveys, widely available, can help in this discernment process.
Remember you don't have to decide what to do for the next 30 or 40 years all at once...as long as what you pick can earn you a living, life is what happens while you are making other plans. In the meantime, don't stress about what to do
The old adage that "if you do something you love for a living, you never work a day in your life" is true.
Kevin recommends the following next steps:
Natalie Mack
Advisory Associate
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Alexis,
You are not alone in being unsure of your direction! We all have wondered what the best choice for our career and future is.
The best piece of advice I received when I was trying to figure out what to major in was to ask the people around me what they thought I was really good at. An honest self-assessment of your strengths is super important, but often those around us can see things we can't. Ask people who know you well what they think your strengths are and you may be surprised by some of their answers. This additional perspective helped tremendously in my journey and pointed me toward a business major and a future in consulting. Trust that your family and friends see what puts a spark in your eye and what makes you stand out. Those often are what they love most about you and can help you see what kinds of activities and areas of life you uniquely excel in. Good luck!
You are not alone in being unsure of your direction! We all have wondered what the best choice for our career and future is.
The best piece of advice I received when I was trying to figure out what to major in was to ask the people around me what they thought I was really good at. An honest self-assessment of your strengths is super important, but often those around us can see things we can't. Ask people who know you well what they think your strengths are and you may be surprised by some of their answers. This additional perspective helped tremendously in my journey and pointed me toward a business major and a future in consulting. Trust that your family and friends see what puts a spark in your eye and what makes you stand out. Those often are what they love most about you and can help you see what kinds of activities and areas of life you uniquely excel in. Good luck!
Emily Heacock
Recruiter
5
Answers
Campbell, California
Updated
Emily’s Answer
I think the first step is to take the pressure off! You will likely change careers and take new directions throughout your life. Just follow what you enjoy learning about and just keep learning. You don't need to have all the answers right now, it will come naturally!