What is a perfect career for me?
#career-choice #career #career-path I am a fifth grader going to 6th grade and I don't know what to do. My dad is pressuring me to choose my career and find a colleg, but how do I know what I want to do for sure?
38 answers
Doc’s Answer
It's one of the first big independent decisions of your academic life. Most likely your parents have hammered into you, choosing a major in college is an important decision. It's important to listen to your parents' concerns and advice. However, it's important for you to remember it's ultimately your major. You will have to do the work and ultimately leverage that major as you transition into the workforce.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS?
The first thing to consider when picking a major is what you like to do. By the time you graduate high school you’ll have enough information and experience from your classes to figure out what you might or might not be interested in pursuing. When choosing the right career path for you, the most important thing that you need to remember is to stick to your interests.
• LIST 10 THINGS YOU LOVE – Listing what you love doing, both inside or outside the classroom, is a great way to see possible paths you can take. If you enjoy art and drawing but you’re also interested in technology, consider majoring in graphic design. If you’re into business and traveling, investigate majoring in international business.
• STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES – Figuring out your strengths and weaknesses can help you assess what kind of major to go into. For example, if public speaking isn’t really your thing, you might want to avoid majors that could lead to careers like being a news anchor or spokesperson. When it comes to your qualities, pay attention to how you respond in certain situations. Are you the type of person that aims for perfection? Do you respond well to pressure? Your answers to these questions will help you figure out the next step after you’ve determined your interests.
• BE PATIENT – Decide on what type of business you want to be involved in and then get the necessary knowledge and develop the skills needed to make it happen. Don’t decide on your career path just because you’re being pressured by your parents. Your ahead of the game, you've got plenty of time out to figure out what you really want to do. Making a career out of what you love doing is not as easy as you may think. Expect to encounter a few bumps in the road while you’re treading down the path that you’ve chosen. Give it time and continue striving to achieve what you’ve envisioned for yourself. Besides, success is always sweeter when you know that you’ve worked really hard for it.
• JOB SHADOWING BENEFITS – Job shadowing is a useful way to learn about a particular job of interest. It involves spending time following a professional in that job. By observing the life of the professional for anywhere from a few hours to as long as a week, you'll get a sense of what that job is really like. By providing a snapshot of a day in the life of an experienced professional, it can help you decide whether or not you think you would enjoy and feel passionate about the job. It also can help you decide if your skills match the career field of interest and how your skills from school and other jobs might translate to this job.
• TAP YOUR SCHOOLS RESOURCES – The best source of college advice is your school counselor. They’ve helped lots of students who are making the same decisions you are. Your school counselor can tell you more about college majors and program offerings. Your school counselor are trained to give you the best advice as to how that would impact your chances of finishing school in a reasonable amount of time. You deserve to have a successful academic experience wherever you go to school. Fortunately, your school counselor feel the same way regarding your success in school. Students who do well in a particular program will recommend other people for that program. This helps both the student and the school get better and set a foundation for long-term success for everyone involved. Therefore, your school counselor will do everything that they can to make sure that you graduate with a degree that will suit your future career goals and aspirations.
Hope this was Helpful Mochi.
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Jim’s Answer
John’s Answer
You have received a lot of good advice from some highly educated and intelligent people with real life experience. As a parent of two collage grads doing well, I will talk about your parents. I'm sure they are trying their best to look out for your interest, there are no rules about choosing a major for college other than declaring a major by your 3rd year, and yes it could change one or more times. It sounds to me more like your parents would like you to have goals. That is a great idea because it gives you something to aim at or a direction to go in. It's easier to focus on getting a goal rather than being aimless and feeling anxious, and drifting without clear goals. Just going into the 6th grade, as stated before doesn't give you enough life experience to know all that will be available to you. So make smaller goals that will ready you for a career. That would include taking classes that challenge you and that will open up more opportunities for different colleges. In doing so, by the time you finish High School, you will most likely know what areas interest you (you can have more than one). So, thank you parents for being interested in your future and let them know you will need a little more life experience and information before you can make such a big decision.
Until then, do well.
John
Brett’s Answer
I will try to be as helpful as possible. I know it can seem a lot when a parent is asking for an answer you may not have. You are in my opinion a little young to determine now what you will do for the rest of your life. However that being said does not mean you cannot dream! Are there any things that you really enjoy? Space or nature those may be things you would look into like science/math/engineering. Or do you like to help your friends at school you may want to be a nurse/doctor/police or fire person. These might be some things to think about and that you can tell your dad you are interested in. I would also recommend talking to your dad and letting him know you don't know what you want to do yet and that what you give him for an answer today is almost guaranteed to change in 10 years or more. You are young and have a long way to go to figure out what is best for you! Live life, be happy and enjoy being young while you can! We all grow up too quickly! Don't forget to Dream, and Dream Big! As you get older you can determine what you want to do, but for now enjoy all the things that being a kid has to offer! Best of luck!
Kevin’s Answer
I would normally recommend taking aptitude test to help determine your interest, which may help you in determining what careers maybe of interest to you but I think you are probably still a little too young for the test to be of value to you!
you're still growing, developing your interest
I would recommend reading, reading everything that interest you
read different types of books, magazines, continue to grow and learn
when you are older 15 and then again right before you enter college take the aptitude test see if they give you insight in to your interest and potential career interest
Malisa’s Answer
Racheal’s Answer
I think it is great to be thinking about possible directions you could go in with your future career but I don't think it is critical to get it all figured out just yet! Figure out what interests you and start looking into careers that involve those things. It is never too early to start researching. If it is closer to time for you to go to college and you still don't know what career path is right for you that is OK too. Find a college with a broad array of majors and take the first year or two to get your core classes done and see if anything in those interests you. Even if you do decide on a major at the beginning, don't be afraid to change it if it isn't feeling right! Everyone's path is different so do what works for you and you will figure out in the end.
javier’s Answer
First advise will be if you are passionate about a specific subject or activity, that is a first sign of where to go. If you do not have yet something that you are passionate, identify other things you are good at, things that move you and make you feel good.
Be patient, life will always present an opportunity and the "aha" or 'wow" moment will emerge.
Explore options, talk with people that just finished their studies, ask as many questions as you can.
What motivated them? why they like it? how they enoy it as part of their day to day life?.
In today's world and with technology advances, many carrers will be created, new jobs that do not exist now, will emerge.
Many adults who thought their careers were going to be done forever, have been forced to reinvent or with the new advances found their "aha" moment, and made the switch for better opportunities.
Life is a delicate balance, career, studies, family, personal time, travel, etc., but always adapt.
Mac’s Answer
Trent’s Answer
Right now you have plenty of time to decide what you want to do. Many people I knew I grew up with did not have any idea what they wanted to be until we were juniors in high school. At this time you should be focusing on what you enjoy whether it be a subject in school, or a hobby or sport. Dig deeper into what you like and that should give you some ideas what career to eventually choose.
Demetrio’s Answer
What makes all of us interesting is our personalities, the way we do things and the way we think, while being respectful of others. This also makes us different so that we can share ideas and work and play with others. If we were all the same and liked the same things, life would be a little boring. The most important outlook is to understand your parents as they care about you and your well-being. They want the best for you.
To start thinking about what you might want to be, what you might study and what college to go to, is not a bad thing. It actually brings up your interests. People, Parents, friends all ask, so, "What are you going to do for work, what College will you attend." Yes. It does seem overwhelming. Listen to it and understand it is part of everything.
A resolution is as simple as observing certain professions and tying your interests with those professions. Keep in mind that the way things have been done or the way work has been planned out is changing. You are already part of many changes, today. You are learning how to adapt to change and this is really important. Have fun and, at same time, explore your interests whether it is you like to read or figure things out. You might like to paint or, even, work with the computer. Advertising, marketing or customer service. A really important phrase I grew up with stated," If you do what you love, you'll never consider it Work." Make sure you enjoy exploring your interests ad observe how other people do things and, most of all, have fun and ask your parents questions about certain interests.
Devron’s Answer
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Jason’s Answer
Mark’s Answer
I'm sure your Dad has good intentions, but it is way too early for you to be concerned about selecting a career. Learn as much as you can in school and your other activities. You will develop interests and skills that over time may direct you toward careers you will find enjoyable and rewarding.
Best wishes!
Mark
Aloy’s Answer
Pro’s Answer
Camellia’s Answer
They say that we go through on average 6 different careers.
One way is to try work experience, in year 10 at high school, this is something we go through in Australia/New Zealand.
You spend 3 weeks shadowing someone in a job. It allows you to see what their daily work routine is like.
Perhaps you can ask around and see if a company will take you on for even just a few days now.
Kanika’s Answer
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Gary’s Answer
Katherine’s Answer
The fact that you're even thinking about planning out your career choice and college means you're so far ahead I can't even begin to explain. Congrats on that already. I can't wait to see what you do in this world.
To the point of parents pressuring you, that is something that is so real especially when you are as young as you are (im 23 and live on my own i still feel it sometimes!) Something that's been helping me recently when confronted with decisions is writing down what i like and what i don't like, so that when you do make a decision you can point to the reasons why and they will be YOUR reasons, not your dad's reasons for example. And then even if you decide later you made the wrong decision, you will know it was an educated decision, you will learn from it, and you will make an even better decision next time. Just make sure you always come back to your own reasons.
I'm so impressed with you already, hope this helps!
Idikula’s Answer
If you want a high paying job then specific areas may be targeted and of course you can expand knowledge in other areas as well easily these days with dual degrees, certifications and so on.
Its best if the area you pick is of your best interest and has a good pay potential too. In the days ahead its good to know computational thinking and programming as a base skill so you can invest into them soon. and then if Bio Science interests you there are huge possibilities in those areas as well.
pranab’s Answer
You can start by understanding what you are good at .Try giving some aptitude test to know your strengths and weaknesses .
Check with your parents and other resuces like your school what you want to become and what are your interests
Read some books about what is required to get into the job, visit the places to get a better view of it.-Get habituated to it
Once you have made up your mind what you love becoming ,set your goal what your need to acheive,
This will help you choose the right career path
Regards,
Pranab
iwork4dell
Jeremy’s Answer
My son is older than you, graduated from community college, and is still unsure as to what he wants to do long term. In my opinion, that's okay. He's a hard worker, has a job, doesn't despise it, but doesn't love it either. Each person figures it out as they go through life. Some people figure it out before "adult-hood", others it takes longer. Both are okay. Long term, you want to enjoy what you are doing. I've known people that have gone to school for one thing, and their career is something totally different from that. That's okay. Even once you are in school, you can pick a different major down the road. I imagine it is difficult trying to please your parents, while unsure what is right for you. Talk to them about that, explain that you are mature enough that you have time to figure that out. Even do some research on Google about what industry leaders went to school for. For instance, the head of Amazon.com went to college for physics! Marvin Ellison, the CEO of Lowes Home Improvement went to college for marketing. People change career paths all the time, and that's perfectly fine! I wish you the best of luck!
Neysa’s Answer
Rachel’s Answer
Brian’s Answer
Good for you for thinking ahead. Might be a little early to completely lock in a career.
You may find that you have to try a few things before you find out two magic things to be really successful. 1. You have to be good at it. 2. You really have to like it. One without the other can be difficult.
I would look to your school's outside activities and other resources to start answering those questions. And don't worry about having to know that right away. Many of us in business and other careers started out doing something very different that we are doing today.
Good luck!
Lisa’s Answer
Dan’s Answer
Morgan’s Answer
Eric’s Answer
Great question! I'm sure your Dad is very proud of you and wants nothing but the best for you and your life. The best advice I can give it to try and explore a few different subjects as you go through schooling. Also, think about what some of your most favorite subjects are in school, whether it's math, science, arts. In my career, I changed my job and career 3 times before I settled on my job now as a Computer IT professional. Always do your best in school, study hard, strive for the best grades so you can get in the best schools. You will find your true calling as you go through school.
Raffaele Davide’s Answer
If you have not found what you'd like to do for a living, I'd suggest you start working where your passions are.
If you like make-up, I'd suggest you start working for any store related to it and see if you can see yourself working in the field for the rest of your life.
I hope it makes sense!
Good luck.
Raffa
Deanna’s Answer
The great news is that you still have plenty of time to explore and decide what careers you may be interested in and what college may be right for you. It's not too early to begin thinking about this and kudos to you for getting an early start!
My best advice to you is to think about what interests you and what you are passionate about. For example, do you love animals, helping people, working with children, problem solving, etc. Exploring potential careers in areas where you have a strong interest could be a great first step. Once you've narrowed down your interests, you can then look at colleges that offer programs in those specific areas. Once you enter high school, you'll begin going on college visits and meeting with guidance counselors at your school who will also assist you with this process.
Choosing a career path in a field that you are truly interested in and motivates you to get up in the morning and get the day started is important, so spending some time truly exploring your interests and careers that align with your interests is a great first step in the process.
I hope this was helpful to you and best of luck to you as you begin the college and career search!
Deanna Markham
Britt’s Answer
Many students don't figure out what they want to do before they enter college. And many of them change majors during college, like me. And that is ok. At this stage in your education, think about what you look forward to during your school day. Do you love going to the library with the class? You could major in library sciences, or history, or English. Is art your favorite class? There are a number of creative majors. Maybe your favorite part of the day is lunch or study hall when you can chat with friends. You might find that courses in psychology or sociology interest you later in life. Do you love animals? You could major in veterinary sciences, agricultural sciences, or biology! Maybe science or math is your thing - there are so many possibilities in the STEM fields. If P.E. is your favorite, you could study sport medicine, education, or management!
As for finding a college - if you aren't sure of the major, your best bet would be to find a college that offers a variety. But you can also narrow your choices based on their location. Perhaps you really love the city; luckily most cities have great higher education options available. Maybe you like the country - there's also plenty of colleges out here in the middle of nowhere where I live!
But don't feel like you are locked into the decision that you make today. I started my educational trip in fashion. Luckily, I went to a big college with lots of majors, because when I discovered I really didn't like the major, it was easy to switch to something that I loved - history and literature. And also know that you could tell your dad today that you really want to be an accountant - but in 25 years, you may find yourself doing something completely different, and loving it!
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Charting Your Ideal Career Journey
Transitioning from fifth to sixth grade can be a time of uncertainty, especially when it comes to thinking about your future career. Don't worry, it's completely normal. Remember, you have ample time to delve into various interests and options before settling on a final choice. Here's a helpful guide to assist you in uncovering a career that complements your interests and strengths:
1. Uncover Your Passions: Dedicate time to delve into diverse subjects and activities that pique your interest. Experiment with new hobbies, sign up for clubs, or engage in extracurricular activities to help unearth what truly excites you.
2. Engage in Conversations: Connect with adults in your life, like teachers, family friends, or professionals from different sectors, and inquire about their careers. Listening to their experiences can offer you a wealth of insight into various professions.
3. Undertake Career Tests: Think about taking career tests or aptitude assessments that can help pinpoint your strengths, interests, and abilities. These tests can offer guidance on potential career paths that could be a great match for you.
4. Investigate Various Careers: Allocate time to investigate careers that capture your interest. Get to know the job duties, required education, potential earnings, and advancement opportunities for each profession.
5. Acquire Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in sectors that fascinate you. This could involve volunteering, internships, job shadowing, or part-time work in relevant industries.
6. Maintain an Open Mind: Stay receptive as you navigate through different career choices. Your interests and objectives may evolve over time, so it's crucial to stay flexible and ready to embrace new opportunities.
Remember, selecting a career is a journey that takes time, and it's perfectly fine not to have all the answers right now. By investigating your passions, engaging in conversations, and acquiring experience in various sectors, you can gradually whittle down your options and discover a career path that is both fulfilling and rewarding.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
The Balance Careers
CareerOneStop
Education Corner
These resources were employed to offer accurate and trustworthy information on career exploration and decision-making suitable for students at your educational level.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
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Diane’s Answer
You have a lot of time before you need to figure out what career path to pursue. I found volunteering and interning (when you are old enough) can help you to determine areas of interest and even areas you do not wish to pursue. For now I would say it is most important to focus on grades, sports, activities, and community. Eventually you will figure out the right career for you. Good luck!
Diane
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