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how to know choose a career
I am undecided highschooler , interested in technology and computerscience but wouldlike to use them as tools... #technology #stem #stem #professional #it #engineer
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Doc’s Answer
Great Question Surya. With a thousands of options it can't be that hard, Right?
Before you can choose the right career, you must learn about yourself. Your values, interests, soft skills, and aptitudes, in combination with your personality type, make some occupations a good fit for you and others completely inappropriate. Use the SELF ASSESSMENT tool and the CAREER ASSESSMENT test below to gather information about your traits and, subsequently, generate a list of occupations that are a good fit based on them. You can also choose to work with a career counselor or other career development professionals who can help them navigate this process. This may sound like a lot of work—and it is. But it's much easier to forge a career path when you know what you want. Taking these steps early will save you a lot of struggle and uncertainty in the long run.
SELF ASSESSMENT – https://www.whatcareerisrightforme.com/
Before you can choose the right career(Job), you must learn about yourself. Your values, interests, soft skills, and aptitudes, in combination with your personality type, make some occupations a good fit for you and others completely inappropriate.
√ What skills do have? – Communication, Technology, Sports.
√ What are your interests? – Teaching, Law, Chef, Artisan.
√ What your work style? – Collaborative, Mentoring, Independent
√ What are your core values? – Recognition, Supportive, Guarding.
CAREER ASSESSMENT – https://www.careerfitter.com/
CareerFitter has a comprehensive career test that will provide you with a full career profile. So, not only do you learn more about what kinds of career paths might be right for you, you’ll also learn the kind of work environment and culture that suit you the best.
√ Careers that fit your personality, interests and skills.
√ Your work personality.
√ Your strengths at work.
√ Your preferred management style.
1) MAKE A LIST OF OCCUPATIONS TO EXPLORE – You probably have multiple lists of occupations in front of you at this point—one generated by each of the self-assessment tools you used. To keep yourself organized, you should combine them into one master list.
2) CREATE A "SHORT LIST" – Now you have more information, start to narrow down your list even further. Based on what you learned from your research so far, begin eliminating the careers you don't want to pursue any further. You should end up with two to five occupations on your "short list."
3) NETWORK – When you have only a few occupations left on your list, start doing more in-depth research. The more people you meet, the more insight you can get into what the work environment is like, what the people are like, and how they enjoy the work. And if you are looking for that next job, networking is crucial.
4) FIND A MENTOR – Never underestimate the value and power of a good mentor! When I made my career shift, I knew I couldn’t go at it alone. I decided I wanted to learn from the best — so I started working with mentors.
5) IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS –Finally, after doing all your research, you are probably ready to make your choice. Pick the occupation that you think will bring you the most satisfaction based on all the information you have gathered. Realize that you are allowed do-overs if you change your mind about your choice at any point in your life.
YOUR COLLEGE BOND – Based on all your research and self-assessment of the first five stops on your journey, you should now have a better idea of the careers/majors you are not interested in pursuing, as well as a handful of potential careers/majors that do interest you. What are the typical majors found at a comprehensive university?
Surya, below are some tips to help pick the right university
College's Course Catalog
College's Career Center
College's Alumni
Professors
Family and Friends
Before you can choose the right career, you must learn about yourself. Your values, interests, soft skills, and aptitudes, in combination with your personality type, make some occupations a good fit for you and others completely inappropriate. Use the SELF ASSESSMENT tool and the CAREER ASSESSMENT test below to gather information about your traits and, subsequently, generate a list of occupations that are a good fit based on them. You can also choose to work with a career counselor or other career development professionals who can help them navigate this process. This may sound like a lot of work—and it is. But it's much easier to forge a career path when you know what you want. Taking these steps early will save you a lot of struggle and uncertainty in the long run.
SELF ASSESSMENT – https://www.whatcareerisrightforme.com/
Before you can choose the right career(Job), you must learn about yourself. Your values, interests, soft skills, and aptitudes, in combination with your personality type, make some occupations a good fit for you and others completely inappropriate.
√ What skills do have? – Communication, Technology, Sports.
√ What are your interests? – Teaching, Law, Chef, Artisan.
√ What your work style? – Collaborative, Mentoring, Independent
√ What are your core values? – Recognition, Supportive, Guarding.
CAREER ASSESSMENT – https://www.careerfitter.com/
CareerFitter has a comprehensive career test that will provide you with a full career profile. So, not only do you learn more about what kinds of career paths might be right for you, you’ll also learn the kind of work environment and culture that suit you the best.
√ Careers that fit your personality, interests and skills.
√ Your work personality.
√ Your strengths at work.
√ Your preferred management style.
1) MAKE A LIST OF OCCUPATIONS TO EXPLORE – You probably have multiple lists of occupations in front of you at this point—one generated by each of the self-assessment tools you used. To keep yourself organized, you should combine them into one master list.
2) CREATE A "SHORT LIST" – Now you have more information, start to narrow down your list even further. Based on what you learned from your research so far, begin eliminating the careers you don't want to pursue any further. You should end up with two to five occupations on your "short list."
3) NETWORK – When you have only a few occupations left on your list, start doing more in-depth research. The more people you meet, the more insight you can get into what the work environment is like, what the people are like, and how they enjoy the work. And if you are looking for that next job, networking is crucial.
4) FIND A MENTOR – Never underestimate the value and power of a good mentor! When I made my career shift, I knew I couldn’t go at it alone. I decided I wanted to learn from the best — so I started working with mentors.
5) IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS –Finally, after doing all your research, you are probably ready to make your choice. Pick the occupation that you think will bring you the most satisfaction based on all the information you have gathered. Realize that you are allowed do-overs if you change your mind about your choice at any point in your life.
YOUR COLLEGE BOND – Based on all your research and self-assessment of the first five stops on your journey, you should now have a better idea of the careers/majors you are not interested in pursuing, as well as a handful of potential careers/majors that do interest you. What are the typical majors found at a comprehensive university?
Surya, below are some tips to help pick the right university
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Karen. “If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan
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Thank You Caleb. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare
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Thank You Marie. “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.
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Thank You Troy. “If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan
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Thank You Abril. “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” – Albert Pike
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Thank You David. Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud of.
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Updated
Carlye’s Answer
Do what gets you excited! There are so many opportunities within computer science and technology. In today's world these skills are extremely valued within almost every company I can think of!
I had no idea what I wanted to do in high school, so the fact that you are reaching out and creating the discussion is great! I went into engineering because I wanted to be a part of making a difference in people's lives as cheesy as that sounds. :) I am not saying the journey is easy but I can say I have no regrets majoring in STEM and really enjoy what I get to do for work everyday!
Prior to college classes, see about job shadowing a professional in your area that works in a position that interests you. When you begin taking college classes, take an intro class for computer science. These could give you more insight into whether or not it is the right career path for you.
Thanks for the question and hope this helps!
Carlye
I had no idea what I wanted to do in high school, so the fact that you are reaching out and creating the discussion is great! I went into engineering because I wanted to be a part of making a difference in people's lives as cheesy as that sounds. :) I am not saying the journey is easy but I can say I have no regrets majoring in STEM and really enjoy what I get to do for work everyday!
Prior to college classes, see about job shadowing a professional in your area that works in a position that interests you. When you begin taking college classes, take an intro class for computer science. These could give you more insight into whether or not it is the right career path for you.
Thanks for the question and hope this helps!
Carlye
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Amanda’s Answer
There are endless opportunities in technology for career choices which may make it hard to determine what suits you best.
I suggest first investigating some area's of interest and highlight some of the studies or skill sets that seemed to standout more than others.
If you are still unsure there are generally placement questionnaires that you can try to find online that might help steer you towards a course or general area of study that suits your interests.
Counselors at your community college may have suggestions for you as well if you are feeling uncertain or are looking for a mentor.
The is high demand in the technology world and I wish you best of luck in your en devours.
I suggest first investigating some area's of interest and highlight some of the studies or skill sets that seemed to standout more than others.
If you are still unsure there are generally placement questionnaires that you can try to find online that might help steer you towards a course or general area of study that suits your interests.
Counselors at your community college may have suggestions for you as well if you are feeling uncertain or are looking for a mentor.
The is high demand in the technology world and I wish you best of luck in your en devours.
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Karen’s Answer
You should definitely pursue the things you are passionate about. Be aware and open to the fact that this can change over time. To some degree you want to be open to exploring many different things you are interested in. Many people often do not end up in a career related to their studies. The most important thing to do beyond identifying things you are passionate about it to keep reevaluating and checking to see if how your interests may have changed.
I also think it's important to have a broad background so may suggest that when you do go to college and pick a major that you find something else that you are interested and may make you more well rounded and possibly choose as a minor.
Last, I would recommend finding either older students or graduates that you may be pursuing the career you are interested in or the studies you selected and asking them what they like best about what they do and what they like the least.
Keep a list of what you are interested in.
Commit to a date and periodic review of your interests and reevaluate.
Talk with people who have similar studies or career aspirations.
I also think it's important to have a broad background so may suggest that when you do go to college and pick a major that you find something else that you are interested and may make you more well rounded and possibly choose as a minor.
Last, I would recommend finding either older students or graduates that you may be pursuing the career you are interested in or the studies you selected and asking them what they like best about what they do and what they like the least.
Karen recommends the following next steps:
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Dilasha’s Answer
Great question!
This is something I was struggling with for the longest time.
What I realized is first, I need to know myself, my values, and then accept it. There are many times when external factors get in the way of choosing a career path that may be best for you (e.g. money & status vs. what you enjoy in life). Make a career of what you enjoy and what you are good at, because usually, what you're good at is what you will enjoy the most, and in turn, it will become something you will be amazing at with the effort you put into it.
You mentioned you are interested in technology and computer science. Find out what about it interests you and how you can use it in line with what you value. You may not know the answer now, but with experience, it will be more clear.
Best of luck with selecting your career path but don't stress too much if you don't know it yet. There are many of us who did not know what career path to go to and was undecided even after graduating college. Sometimes, it may not be clear until you get your first or second job out of college, and that is completely OK. Just remember who you are, what you value, and what you enjoy the most, and it will help you determine the best path for you.
This is something I was struggling with for the longest time.
What I realized is first, I need to know myself, my values, and then accept it. There are many times when external factors get in the way of choosing a career path that may be best for you (e.g. money & status vs. what you enjoy in life). Make a career of what you enjoy and what you are good at, because usually, what you're good at is what you will enjoy the most, and in turn, it will become something you will be amazing at with the effort you put into it.
You mentioned you are interested in technology and computer science. Find out what about it interests you and how you can use it in line with what you value. You may not know the answer now, but with experience, it will be more clear.
Best of luck with selecting your career path but don't stress too much if you don't know it yet. There are many of us who did not know what career path to go to and was undecided even after graduating college. Sometimes, it may not be clear until you get your first or second job out of college, and that is completely OK. Just remember who you are, what you value, and what you enjoy the most, and it will help you determine the best path for you.
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Rob’s Answer
Choosing a career may seem like a very stressful task, but it becomes easier when you look at your career as a process or journey. Ask yourself what things you are most passionate about(i.e. technology, media, culture) and what type of activities you enjoy(i.e. reading, interacting with people, fixing things). Follow those passions toward careers that marry the things and activities you are passionate about. Maybe you love technology and interaction with people, then opportunities working in Communities for software companies could be interesting.
Also, look at where those occupations may lead as you grow in skills and seniority. Is that a destination(job) you dream of? Many times your starting point may only hit on some of the areas you are passionate about so it is important to map a course to get you toward the perfect job that fully utilizes your passions
Write the 5 things that you are the most passionate about
Write the 5 activities that give you the most enjoyment
Google on the intersection of those 5 passion areas and 5 activities to see different jobs that marry those things
Also, look at where those occupations may lead as you grow in skills and seniority. Is that a destination(job) you dream of? Many times your starting point may only hit on some of the areas you are passionate about so it is important to map a course to get you toward the perfect job that fully utilizes your passions
Rob recommends the following next steps:
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David’s Answer
My advice would be to be curious and try different things, on my experience I tried electronics, robotics and finally software dev, (to be honest a tried a lot of things non it related as tattooing haha) and base your decision on what you enjoyed the most. It could be very time consuming but it´s worth it. You could get your taste of these (not tattooing) online for sure!
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Aubrielle’s Answer
When choosing a career, it is important to self evaluate what interests you have and talents that come naturally. This allows you to see what you enjoy daily and what potentially could be a career opportunity. Also internships/volunteering will help get your foot in the door and will allow you to see the in and outs of different careers before you start investing in college.
Networking is another option that helps build your brand, get you connected to professionals in the workforce but also may provide an opportunity to connect with a peer/friend/ business partner of individuals in a different fields that could be of interest.
Networking is another option that helps build your brand, get you connected to professionals in the workforce but also may provide an opportunity to connect with a peer/friend/ business partner of individuals in a different fields that could be of interest.
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Steve’s Answer
Don't feel like you have to have your whole life or career figured out in high school. Very few people I know really had it figured it out then, altho some had a very clear vision and purpose and kept pursuing it. My daughter was passionate about theater from a young age, and pursued it thru high school, college and into her professional career.
But don't put too much pressure on your self . What do you enjoy? Where are your interests? What seems interesting to you and feels like something you'd want to commit several hours each day to?
It's a journey. You WILL change your mind. You WILL start down a path that you thought was your forever plan, and will find something along the way that may be more interesting, or may present opportunities you will want to explore. Keep your mind open.
But also, talk to others. Find adults in careers you think might be interesting and talk to them about what they do. How did they get to where they are? what was their journey? Find a mentor or two...people who can provide you with ideas and direction...challenge your thinking. Don't be afraid to experiment. And to change your mind.
Think about where you want to live someday. And what careers might be ideal for where you want to live.
Personally I ended up on my career path almost accidentally, and got my start thru a company founder who I became friends with and who believed in my potential. He took me under his wing, and years later, I'm still on that path, and he and I remain friends.
I hope that helps. There's no absolute answer. Oh, and enjoy life!! Be curious. Discover. Live life. It's about more than just work
But don't put too much pressure on your self . What do you enjoy? Where are your interests? What seems interesting to you and feels like something you'd want to commit several hours each day to?
It's a journey. You WILL change your mind. You WILL start down a path that you thought was your forever plan, and will find something along the way that may be more interesting, or may present opportunities you will want to explore. Keep your mind open.
But also, talk to others. Find adults in careers you think might be interesting and talk to them about what they do. How did they get to where they are? what was their journey? Find a mentor or two...people who can provide you with ideas and direction...challenge your thinking. Don't be afraid to experiment. And to change your mind.
Think about where you want to live someday. And what careers might be ideal for where you want to live.
Personally I ended up on my career path almost accidentally, and got my start thru a company founder who I became friends with and who believed in my potential. He took me under his wing, and years later, I'm still on that path, and he and I remain friends.
I hope that helps. There's no absolute answer. Oh, and enjoy life!! Be curious. Discover. Live life. It's about more than just work
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Gloria’s Answer
I would say that you have a lot of choices when it comes to technology and computer science. It just depends on what you would like to do as a job all day long. I am lucky enough to work in an industry where technology and computer science are very relevant - Learning and Development. I work for a corporation, however, my skills could work in Elementary and Secondary education as well. I create content using a variety of tools like the Adobe Cloud Suite, from creating web-based training courses to videos that support training. I have a family member who uses his talent as an artist with technology to be a graphic designer and web developer. I would say that the first thing that you need to do is maybe narrow down what technology you are passionate about and want to focus on. If you like making and editing videos, you are going to have a lot of opportunities as more and more people turn to videos to learn how to do stuff or use it to create entertainment. If you like writing code, what code do you like to develop? For example, people who develop simulators for flying planes have the same skills as video game programmers. They just use it for a different purpose.
Once you have some idea of what you might be interested in, find someone who does that job for a living. See if they will show you what they do and how they do it. I agree with a previous answer that job shadowing can be a powerful way for you to see if you want to do that work. And some jobs use technology in ways that you might not imagine. So maybe just job shadow a few people you know to see how they use technology. Volunteering with various organizations can help you with getting exposure to jobs that you might not have considered as well.
Once you have some idea of what you might be interested in, find someone who does that job for a living. See if they will show you what they do and how they do it. I agree with a previous answer that job shadowing can be a powerful way for you to see if you want to do that work. And some jobs use technology in ways that you might not imagine. So maybe just job shadow a few people you know to see how they use technology. Volunteering with various organizations can help you with getting exposure to jobs that you might not have considered as well.
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Nick’s Answer
Great question! I was very undecided when I was in high school, as well as college. In fact, it took me quite a while to choose a degree, so I totally understand where you're coming from. I would say what helped me was realizing today's job market is fast moving and you need to be super adaptable to enter it. That's actually a good thing because it means you won't get pigeonholed or stuck in any one field. You can enter one field and somewhat easily (as long as you stay open to learning!) move departments or even entire careers, depending on what field you start in.
I would also say to follow what makes you excited. What subjects do you read books about in your free time? What youtube videos are you always watching? What subject do you always have questions about and find yourself getting lost on Wikipedia trying to answer them? It sounds corny, but having a passion for something will make it less like a job and more of a pursuit.
To summarize, there isn't one way to simply know how to choose what career you want. Gravitate towards a field that makes you feel passionate, but know that you can always switch it up and adapt as needed. Good luck!
Write down at least one thing you're SUPER passionate about
I would also say to follow what makes you excited. What subjects do you read books about in your free time? What youtube videos are you always watching? What subject do you always have questions about and find yourself getting lost on Wikipedia trying to answer them? It sounds corny, but having a passion for something will make it less like a job and more of a pursuit.
To summarize, there isn't one way to simply know how to choose what career you want. Gravitate towards a field that makes you feel passionate, but know that you can always switch it up and adapt as needed. Good luck!
Nick recommends the following next steps:
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Abril Gabriela’s Answer
Hi Surya!
This is Abril.
First you will need to ask yourself why do you like computer science? Is there any other new field undiscovered I can develop myself?
I don´t what older people told you about this (LOL) but for example ten or maybe twenty years ago there were a few options to study in tech filed. So maybe you can start discovering what are your hobbies and if those hobbies can be applied in the job field. The most important thing about choosing a career is that choosing a career is not the process ... you need to discover what things you like to learn and to do and at the same time you enjoy.
And to get to that point, to learn something you will need to ask yourself some questions to start searching in the internet what options or skills you can adopt and combine with hobbies...
MY suggestion is before choosing try to explore your creativity and ask yourself: since I was a kid... What I enjoyed to do the most?
Here is a book that you can look for and see if the book can bring some inspiration for you: Steal Like An Artist from Austin Kleon.
Abril
Google everything
Look for some professionals that were in your same position and study their biography, who knows? maybe you can take some ideas to take your own path.
Look for good readings and authors that mix technology with high learning. (Maybe you can start googleing this one)
The tradition way: ask questions to a specialist in the field you want to develop and ask for their experiences.
This is Abril.
First you will need to ask yourself why do you like computer science? Is there any other new field undiscovered I can develop myself?
I don´t what older people told you about this (LOL) but for example ten or maybe twenty years ago there were a few options to study in tech filed. So maybe you can start discovering what are your hobbies and if those hobbies can be applied in the job field. The most important thing about choosing a career is that choosing a career is not the process ... you need to discover what things you like to learn and to do and at the same time you enjoy.
And to get to that point, to learn something you will need to ask yourself some questions to start searching in the internet what options or skills you can adopt and combine with hobbies...
MY suggestion is before choosing try to explore your creativity and ask yourself: since I was a kid... What I enjoyed to do the most?
Here is a book that you can look for and see if the book can bring some inspiration for you: Steal Like An Artist from Austin Kleon.
Abril
Abril Gabriela recommends the following next steps:
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vasavi’s Answer
The thought of what my career and future would look like can be quite stressful in high-school and I can assure you that you are not alone.
Computers and technology offers a wide range of paths and almost more than 50% of time career path for people evolves. Focus on what are the topics that catch your interest.
You pick a path based on what grabs your interest on a day to day basis like technology , media , marketing. You definitely want to head a direction and choose a career that will help you grow both personally and professionally. Another big thing that helps is talking to people from different background and different industries/ domain. Connecting to people in these career paths may seem challenging so leverage social media(linkedIn) or reach out to people who can help. Passionate professional will always exhibit their passion towards their career by highlighting their achievements and also giving live examples which can be very valuable to evaluate if that is where you see yourself in future.
List down the top 3 courses that are your favorite in school
Google for jobs offered in the areas that you are passionate about.
Computers and technology offers a wide range of paths and almost more than 50% of time career path for people evolves. Focus on what are the topics that catch your interest.
You pick a path based on what grabs your interest on a day to day basis like technology , media , marketing. You definitely want to head a direction and choose a career that will help you grow both personally and professionally. Another big thing that helps is talking to people from different background and different industries/ domain. Connecting to people in these career paths may seem challenging so leverage social media(linkedIn) or reach out to people who can help. Passionate professional will always exhibit their passion towards their career by highlighting their achievements and also giving live examples which can be very valuable to evaluate if that is where you see yourself in future.
vasavi recommends the following next steps:
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Karim’s Answer
Think about what gets you amped...what activities do you get excited about. Are those activities things that can be a job or something you would enjoy being paid to do? I know that I loved DJ'ing years ago, but when I started getting paid to do it I lost the love of it and eventually stopped doing it. I'm saying this because the things we love to do aren't always the best choices for a job, so if you assess your favorite activities that way it might help you eliminate some options.
Technology is everywhere, so maybe you can look at industries that are of interest and see how technology plays a part in that industry. Sports, travel, manufacturing, fashion, software, construction, etc...technology plays a part in many ways.
Last thing I'll say is you may see areas where technology can improve something, but no one has thought of it. Use your ideas to spark creativity in how you can find a job you'll love (or at least like a lot). =)
Make a list of the activities you love to do.
For each item on the list, decide which ones can become a job.
Technology is everywhere, so maybe you can look at industries that are of interest and see how technology plays a part in that industry. Sports, travel, manufacturing, fashion, software, construction, etc...technology plays a part in many ways.
Last thing I'll say is you may see areas where technology can improve something, but no one has thought of it. Use your ideas to spark creativity in how you can find a job you'll love (or at least like a lot). =)
Karim recommends the following next steps:
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Christina’s Answer
I will echo what most people said here - finding what you are passionate about is key to long term happiness. Work will never be fun 100% of the time, but if at the core you believe in what you do, you believe in the company goals, you will be happy and succeed.
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Jake’s Answer
It is never too early to begin thinking about your career. The best way is to start thinking about what interests you. After doing some research, try to find local businesses who may be willing to provide an internship in an industry that interests you. If an internship is not available, ask if you can shadow an employee just to gain some insight as to what the day to day of your future career might be like.
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Elwira’s Answer
Hi Surya,
That is great question indeed.
In order to answer that you need to learn a little bit about yourself and skills and predisposition you have. As suggested by others please take a look at:
SELF ASSESSMENT – https://www.whatcareerisrightforme.com/
CAREER ASSESSMENT – https://www.careerfitter.com/
Additionally I would suggest to read excellent book: FIND YOUR WHY by Simon Senek which will give you guidelines around how to find your purpose in life which will be your internal driving force making you get up in the morning and be passionate about what are you doing. That is very important to have your purpose because only then you feel fulfilment which enable you to overcome all the challenges and thrive in fast paced environment.
Secondlly I would suggest to look into IKIGAI concept, as that is fantastic roadmap which will navigate your thoughts to get the answer of what is really important to you in life.
Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a wonderful Japanese concept that essentially means “a reason for being.” It's made from two Japanese words: iki, meaning “life” and kai, meaning “effect, result, worth or benefit.” Combined: “a reason for living.”
Ikigai is the union point of four fundamental components of life: passion, vocation, profession and mission. In other words, where; what you love meets what you are good at, meets what you can be valued and paid for meets that which the world needs. Ikigai is only complete if the goal implies a service to the community. We feel more satisfied giving gifts than receiving. The next step, once you’ve identified these components, would be to start following your compass. Start working on your questions, and see how your answers fit in the Ikigai components.
Hope that gave you another perspective to look at your search to discover your career path!
Keeping fingers crossed!
Greetings,
Elwira
That is great question indeed.
In order to answer that you need to learn a little bit about yourself and skills and predisposition you have. As suggested by others please take a look at:
SELF ASSESSMENT – https://www.whatcareerisrightforme.com/
CAREER ASSESSMENT – https://www.careerfitter.com/
Additionally I would suggest to read excellent book: FIND YOUR WHY by Simon Senek which will give you guidelines around how to find your purpose in life which will be your internal driving force making you get up in the morning and be passionate about what are you doing. That is very important to have your purpose because only then you feel fulfilment which enable you to overcome all the challenges and thrive in fast paced environment.
Secondlly I would suggest to look into IKIGAI concept, as that is fantastic roadmap which will navigate your thoughts to get the answer of what is really important to you in life.
Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a wonderful Japanese concept that essentially means “a reason for being.” It's made from two Japanese words: iki, meaning “life” and kai, meaning “effect, result, worth or benefit.” Combined: “a reason for living.”
Ikigai is the union point of four fundamental components of life: passion, vocation, profession and mission. In other words, where; what you love meets what you are good at, meets what you can be valued and paid for meets that which the world needs. Ikigai is only complete if the goal implies a service to the community. We feel more satisfied giving gifts than receiving. The next step, once you’ve identified these components, would be to start following your compass. Start working on your questions, and see how your answers fit in the Ikigai components.
Hope that gave you another perspective to look at your search to discover your career path!
Keeping fingers crossed!
Greetings,
Elwira
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Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Surya. Most high school career centers can help you meet a professional in the field you might be interested in so take advance of that. Job shadowing can help provide great perspective into a particular career. Just to be on the safe side, request the location of the interview to be onsite at work among other individuals.
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Cristina’s Answer
When I was in high school I also chose technology because I wanted to make sure I got a job, but I was also interested in business so I chose a major in information systems which is in the business school. It allowed me to get a job in high tech but also take classes in an area I am interested in. 20+ years later I am still working in technology and have really enjoyed my career. So it's great you are interested in computer science/technology it is a great stepping stone and you can then carve your way letting what interests you guide you.
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Mei Ling’s Answer
First and foremost, realize that whatever you choose is not set in stone. You can change majors and change careers several times. Many people start out on one path only to realize that it isn't the right fit. Take some pressure of yourself, choose something you enjoy and want to learn more about and it will lead you to opportunities that you might not expect. Also, having a passion for a subject doesn't mean that you have to make that your career field. You can apply that passion to other fields, thereby diversifying your skill set and differentiating yourself. For example, if you have a passion for Psychology, you don't have to become a Psychologist but could apply that knowledge to Business or Technology (user experience).
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Christina’s Answer
Hey,
I would say do something that you think you would love waking up to do for the rest of your life! It is ok to not know what you want to do now at your age it is perfectly normal. When I was in High School in 2011 I did not know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go to school. If I could tell you one thing it would be to follow your dream, that thing that keeps you up at night , the career that your scared to do or think is to hard to do or study for ! That is usually the job you will always want to do and wish you did!
I put a job quiz at the bottom for you :)
https://www.jobquiz.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxbu1hfSi6QIV0sDICh32aAEJEAAYASAAEgK5z_D_BwE
I would say do something that you think you would love waking up to do for the rest of your life! It is ok to not know what you want to do now at your age it is perfectly normal. When I was in High School in 2011 I did not know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go to school. If I could tell you one thing it would be to follow your dream, that thing that keeps you up at night , the career that your scared to do or think is to hard to do or study for ! That is usually the job you will always want to do and wish you did!
I put a job quiz at the bottom for you :)
Christina recommends the following next steps: