13 answers
leslie
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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what career should i do
i dont know what i want to study collage is almost her only 3 more years i dont know what career i should do im scared if i pick the wrong path . #career
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13 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Choosing a career is not a simple decision Leslie. In fact, it’s an ongoing process that changes as you learn more about yourself, the world of work, and the new skills you gain—even while you’re in the workforce. While you can expect your plans to evolve throughout time, there are four steps you can take right now to get you started on the right track.
ASSESS YOURSELF
Thinking about the future can be intimidating, but a great way to start narrowing down your focus is to think about your personal interests and preferences. What are your passions and curiosities? Are you passionate about social justice? Are you curious about how the body works? Are you interested in how video games are made? Identifying these interests will help you find a career that will continue to motivate and inspire you. Next, think about how you want your day-to-day to look. Do you want to work in an office, or would you prefer to remotely and/or travel? A fulfilling career is not only about the field in which you work, but also the daily schedule that comes with it.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Now it’s time to explore the areas that reflect your interests and skills. If you are interested in the world of medicine, for instance, you could take a health sciences class. Likewise, a physics class would be a nice introduction to a future in engineering. Beyond academics, you could learn so much about a topic by getting involved with volunteer organizations that do work related to your field of interest. Talk to your parents, teachers, and counselors about other ways to explore. Just like the tools mentioned above, these people can help you think outside the box and make the most of your exploration.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Once you have settled on one or more fields of interest, conduct some research. This process will give you an idea of what you need to do to get to where you want to be. Talk to an adult working in your potential field and ask them about what they do and don’t like about their career. How do you feel about both the perks and drawbacks they describe? Then pick their brain about the process it took to get them where they are. They can help you figure out the education and training you will need to get a similar job. Not sure who to talk to? If you’re interested in a career with a specific job title, look it up on LinkedIn. You can find professionals working in your field and get an idea of how their education and experience brought them to their current position. Keep in mind that most professions lack an exact formula to get a job, so never feel the need to follow a professional’s life story. Instead, figure out what’s similar about those who succeeded.
IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS
Once you’ve settled on a few different career options, it’s wise to think about the general plan for how to head in the right direction. Establish a tentative timeline to give you an idea of how long it will take to achieve your goals. Also consider the time and financial commitments you will need to make. You can even get that timeline started today by enrolling in relevant courses during your junior and senior years of high school. Your career and life will inevitably be intertwined, so it is important to consider how they will impact one another both during your career as well as throughout your journey to get there. Future earning potential is worth considering—college is a big investment, and while college can pay you back in many ways beyond salary, this can be a major factor for students who are paying their own way or taking out loans. According to PayScale.com, the majors that lead to the highest salaries include just about any type of engineering, actuarial mathematics, computer science, physics, statistics, government, and economics. Keep your quality of life in mind, too—that six figure salary may not be worth it if you're not happy at the office. Think about what you want your life to look like: What kind of house do you want to live in? Do you want to have a family? Is traveling important to you? It’s crucial to ensure that your career can support your lifestyle goals while providing the security and financial freedom you want.
STILL UNDECIDED
If you truly have no idea what you want to study, that's okay—many colleges don't require students to declare a major until your sophomore year. That gives you four semesters to play the field. Make the most of any required general education courses—choose ones that interest you. Talk to professors, advisors, department heads, and other students. Find an internship off campus. Exploring your interests will help you find your best fit major—and maybe even your ideal career. Before you declare, take a class or two in the relevant discipline, check out the syllabus for an advanced seminar, and talk to students in the department of your choice. Make sure you’re ready for the coursework required for the career of your dreams. If one field of study doesn't satisfy your intellectual appetite, consider a minor. A minor is similar to a major in that it's an area of academic concentration. The only difference is that a minor does not require as many classes.
Leslie the major you choose will neither predict nor guarantee your future. Many graduates find jobs that have nothing to do with what they studied in college. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average twenty-something switches jobs once every three years and the average person changes career fields two or three times in their lifetime. Enjoy the ride.
INTERNSHIPS – Leslie not only will you gain experience in their field, but you'll also meet with people who can serve as references for you. Although high school students may not be able to land a paid internship, the experience that you will gain will be priceless. Not only can internships help you to gain references for the future, it will also help you to learn about networking, and having a position within their chosen field at a young age will definitely put you above your competition.
CAREER DAYS – Many colleges and businesses offer career days for potential students and employees. This would be a good time for high school students to visit these events and get an idea of the many careers that are offered. There is an endless supply of information at job fairs and career days, and most likely professionals available to give you some first hand advice.
ASSESS YOURSELF
Thinking about the future can be intimidating, but a great way to start narrowing down your focus is to think about your personal interests and preferences. What are your passions and curiosities? Are you passionate about social justice? Are you curious about how the body works? Are you interested in how video games are made? Identifying these interests will help you find a career that will continue to motivate and inspire you. Next, think about how you want your day-to-day to look. Do you want to work in an office, or would you prefer to remotely and/or travel? A fulfilling career is not only about the field in which you work, but also the daily schedule that comes with it.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Now it’s time to explore the areas that reflect your interests and skills. If you are interested in the world of medicine, for instance, you could take a health sciences class. Likewise, a physics class would be a nice introduction to a future in engineering. Beyond academics, you could learn so much about a topic by getting involved with volunteer organizations that do work related to your field of interest. Talk to your parents, teachers, and counselors about other ways to explore. Just like the tools mentioned above, these people can help you think outside the box and make the most of your exploration.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Once you have settled on one or more fields of interest, conduct some research. This process will give you an idea of what you need to do to get to where you want to be. Talk to an adult working in your potential field and ask them about what they do and don’t like about their career. How do you feel about both the perks and drawbacks they describe? Then pick their brain about the process it took to get them where they are. They can help you figure out the education and training you will need to get a similar job. Not sure who to talk to? If you’re interested in a career with a specific job title, look it up on LinkedIn. You can find professionals working in your field and get an idea of how their education and experience brought them to their current position. Keep in mind that most professions lack an exact formula to get a job, so never feel the need to follow a professional’s life story. Instead, figure out what’s similar about those who succeeded.
IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS
Once you’ve settled on a few different career options, it’s wise to think about the general plan for how to head in the right direction. Establish a tentative timeline to give you an idea of how long it will take to achieve your goals. Also consider the time and financial commitments you will need to make. You can even get that timeline started today by enrolling in relevant courses during your junior and senior years of high school. Your career and life will inevitably be intertwined, so it is important to consider how they will impact one another both during your career as well as throughout your journey to get there. Future earning potential is worth considering—college is a big investment, and while college can pay you back in many ways beyond salary, this can be a major factor for students who are paying their own way or taking out loans. According to PayScale.com, the majors that lead to the highest salaries include just about any type of engineering, actuarial mathematics, computer science, physics, statistics, government, and economics. Keep your quality of life in mind, too—that six figure salary may not be worth it if you're not happy at the office. Think about what you want your life to look like: What kind of house do you want to live in? Do you want to have a family? Is traveling important to you? It’s crucial to ensure that your career can support your lifestyle goals while providing the security and financial freedom you want.
STILL UNDECIDED
If you truly have no idea what you want to study, that's okay—many colleges don't require students to declare a major until your sophomore year. That gives you four semesters to play the field. Make the most of any required general education courses—choose ones that interest you. Talk to professors, advisors, department heads, and other students. Find an internship off campus. Exploring your interests will help you find your best fit major—and maybe even your ideal career. Before you declare, take a class or two in the relevant discipline, check out the syllabus for an advanced seminar, and talk to students in the department of your choice. Make sure you’re ready for the coursework required for the career of your dreams. If one field of study doesn't satisfy your intellectual appetite, consider a minor. A minor is similar to a major in that it's an area of academic concentration. The only difference is that a minor does not require as many classes.
Leslie the major you choose will neither predict nor guarantee your future. Many graduates find jobs that have nothing to do with what they studied in college. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average twenty-something switches jobs once every three years and the average person changes career fields two or three times in their lifetime. Enjoy the ride.
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Jamie. “Our generation has the ability and the responsibility to make our ever-more connected world a more hopeful, stable and peaceful place.” — Natalie Portman
Doc Frick
thank you John Frick
MV
Nothing is impossible MV, the word itself says “I’m possible”
Doc Frick
Helped me understand what I need to do and to choose wisely .
Aphile
Your Welcome Aphile. Change your thoughts Awhile and you will change your world.
Doc Frick
Thank You Tanvi. “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
Doc Frick
Darin Munnell
3rd Shift Custodial
74
Answers
El Monte, California
Updated
Darin’s Answer
It's ok to go into college not knowing what you want to pursue. That was me. It took talking to my school guidance counselors and taking a career and life planning course before I settled on my path. It sounds like you are still in high school so what I'd recommend for you is reach out to your high school counselors and make a list of things that interest you and research what it takes to do those careers and then research some schools for those interests
Tiffany Rodriguez
Regulatory Compliance Consultant
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Reflect on your passions, then determine what career path will allow you to pursue those passions. That will ultimately make you the most fulfilled.
Denise Manchester
Sales
1
Answer
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Hi Leslie,
What a great question. What a great time to ask this question. Very wise.
I can relate to all the answers above. To find your passion, to find your direction sometimes one can consider a mentor. Not unlike here. Do you or your parents have a special someone in life that is successful and likes to help? If so, please reach out to them. Consider multiple mentors. Getting wise counsel about big decisions is the smartest move you can make.
I know in high school there are tests that where you will discover your strengths. Pay close attention to those results.
There are ebooks on line that you can read to help find your strengths.
Two of my recommendations would be:
1. Who moved my cheese? by Spencer Johnson
2. Strengths Finder by Tom Rath
These books may seem like a lot but they are easy reads and you can certainly handle them.
I would suggest you talk to your counselor at school and ask for internship programs. Try a few internships at different companies in different markets.
I would suggest that you take a round approach to classes. If you don't know your direction get your basics out of the way.
I would suggest that you talk to people , any people. Always ask what is your name? Where are you from? Where are your parents from? Are you doing what you wanted to do at 15 years old? Why or why not? You will find that people love to talk about themselves and you learn.
Speak to your elderly, they have so much knowledge stored in their "computer" brains. It's amazing what you will learn just by listening. Remember you have two ears and one mouth. Listen.
Take notes. Alway
What a great question. What a great time to ask this question. Very wise.
I can relate to all the answers above. To find your passion, to find your direction sometimes one can consider a mentor. Not unlike here. Do you or your parents have a special someone in life that is successful and likes to help? If so, please reach out to them. Consider multiple mentors. Getting wise counsel about big decisions is the smartest move you can make.
I know in high school there are tests that where you will discover your strengths. Pay close attention to those results.
There are ebooks on line that you can read to help find your strengths.
Two of my recommendations would be:
1. Who moved my cheese? by Spencer Johnson
2. Strengths Finder by Tom Rath
These books may seem like a lot but they are easy reads and you can certainly handle them.
Denise recommends the following next steps:
Benedicta Ogundele
Teacher
2
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Benedicta’s Answer
I wish I had ask this question years ago like you are doing right now. However, it is never too late to choose a career path.
There is no hard and fast rule in choosing a career, though the first guide that comes to mind is what "you are passionate about", what drives you? What do you enjoy doing? Choosing a career that you are passionate about gives you a drive to do better and most importantly enjoy what you are doing.
However, passion should not be the only thing you consider. Realistically, you must also consider what works in the today's world. Choose a career that provides you the opportunity to get a good job and be useful in your community.
There is no hard and fast rule in choosing a career, though the first guide that comes to mind is what "you are passionate about", what drives you? What do you enjoy doing? Choosing a career that you are passionate about gives you a drive to do better and most importantly enjoy what you are doing.
However, passion should not be the only thing you consider. Realistically, you must also consider what works in the today's world. Choose a career that provides you the opportunity to get a good job and be useful in your community.
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
229
Answers
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hi Leslie. Not knowing what you want to study in college may have its advantages and is quite normal. I changed my major while I was at college and it was a great decision for me.
Here are some tips:
What are you passionate about? How could you spend four years at college studying a field that does not even interest you? So, if you are not sure what it is that you’re interested in or passionate about, I suggest you take a look back at the courses you like in high school and the clubs and activities you spent your time doing. Sit down and think seriously about your learning goals and interests.
What subject are you good at? Your skill in the subject should not necessarily be the main determining factor on whether you pursue a major in that field, but it is a relevant piece of information to consider when making your decision. For example, if you decide to become, say, a Creative Writing major, but you are not a strong writer and do not receive positive feedback in class or high grades on stories you write with multiple professors, then it might mean that you should try your hand at a different subject.
If you have no idea what it is you want to study or even if you think you know what your passion is, exploring your options is crucial to making the right choice when it comes to picking a major. Most high schools still allow students to choose their electives or select from multiple classes to satisfy a single requirement. Use courses to sample different fields. Use this opportunity to explore various subjects and see what clicks.
Another option for checking out possible majors is to shadow professionals working in various fields.
Another option for checking out possible majors is to shadow professionals working in various fields. For example, if you are interested in a career in nursing volunteer, you may want to consider volunteering at a hospital and shadow a nurse if possible.
Learn what it's like to love learning. You may be a great student, but if your attitude is more "grin and bear it" than "I love what I do," start paying attention to moments when it is actually fun to learn something. That may be a huge hint as to your future major.
Good luck!
Here are some tips:
What are you passionate about? How could you spend four years at college studying a field that does not even interest you? So, if you are not sure what it is that you’re interested in or passionate about, I suggest you take a look back at the courses you like in high school and the clubs and activities you spent your time doing. Sit down and think seriously about your learning goals and interests.
What subject are you good at? Your skill in the subject should not necessarily be the main determining factor on whether you pursue a major in that field, but it is a relevant piece of information to consider when making your decision. For example, if you decide to become, say, a Creative Writing major, but you are not a strong writer and do not receive positive feedback in class or high grades on stories you write with multiple professors, then it might mean that you should try your hand at a different subject.
If you have no idea what it is you want to study or even if you think you know what your passion is, exploring your options is crucial to making the right choice when it comes to picking a major. Most high schools still allow students to choose their electives or select from multiple classes to satisfy a single requirement. Use courses to sample different fields. Use this opportunity to explore various subjects and see what clicks.
Another option for checking out possible majors is to shadow professionals working in various fields.
Another option for checking out possible majors is to shadow professionals working in various fields. For example, if you are interested in a career in nursing volunteer, you may want to consider volunteering at a hospital and shadow a nurse if possible.
Learn what it's like to love learning. You may be a great student, but if your attitude is more "grin and bear it" than "I love what I do," start paying attention to moments when it is actually fun to learn something. That may be a huge hint as to your future major.
Good luck!
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
850
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
The great thing about the times that you live in now is that in your lifetime you will probably do more than one job. It may be the same job in different forms. I have to agree with Tiffany when she said that you should start with your focus on your passions. What do you love to do without having to be paid for it? You should take one of those things and think about how you use that skill in a real world job? I grew up writing. It is what I have loved since I learned how to write my name. I knew early on, however, that I had very little desire to try to compete in the large publishing industry. I still think one day maybe I will write a book. I was able to channel my writing into my current career as an Instructional Designer. I get to write all of the time, even creatively for the creation of videos or case studies. There is power in storytelling beyond writing a book. Think about the great speeches that you have heard or the great commercials you enjoy. I like my job greatly because I have been able to use my writing for various industries such as Banking, Pharmaceuticals, technology, and hospitality. Whatever you passion is, I think that you will probably end up separating the passion you create for pleasure and that which you use for work. That helps me keep my passion for writing, because my bills do not depend on me writing books. However I do write every day, which is what I had always wanted.
Andrew Monge
Write
5
Answers
Woodside, NY
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
First off, you're doing a great job already thinking of a career three years before you get into college. You have more than plenty of time. One thing I would recommend is to use those three years to look at some options and do some research. There's so many specific professions to choose from so one thing I would recommend is to look at a college's subject list it provides on their website. For example, here's one from NYU. https://www.nyu.edu/academics/academic-programs.html. Most subjects even contain links to the syllabuses and you can try some assignments that may catch your interest. I know it's extra work but it's also something to your liking. If it isn't then go back to the subject list and pick something else. Its like you'r self teaching yourself whatever you want to learn as a hobby and you'll be much more than prepared for college. Your goal will be set and school will be a breeze.
jon hayes
manager
4
Answers
Richardson, Texas
Updated
jon’s Answer
A career in today's world usually means many changes in a career or jobs. I read a study at the average millennials can expect 5-6 job changes and several career paths.
There should be no reason to stress out if you are still looking. Finding careers that appeal to you should be a journey and you should enjoy it.
There should be no reason to stress out if you are still looking. Finding careers that appeal to you should be a journey and you should enjoy it.
Cathy Wingrove
Accountant
4
Answers
Rogers, Minnesota
Updated
Cathy’s Answer
Hello Leslie,
I would recommend taking a variety of elective courses while in high school to see if you really enjoy one of them. I would also recommend taking quizzes/self help books on getting to know yourself. Such as what are your strengths, what are you interests... This could help you narrow down on some careers that might work well for you. Once you narrow them down i would recommend talking to people that are doing those careers to find out what it entails and if it something that you might find interesting/rewarding. You could also try to obtain summer jobs/internships with companies performing some of the tasks involved with the career you are wanting to explore to help you see if that is something you might enjoy.
I would recommend taking a variety of elective courses while in high school to see if you really enjoy one of them. I would also recommend taking quizzes/self help books on getting to know yourself. Such as what are your strengths, what are you interests... This could help you narrow down on some careers that might work well for you. Once you narrow them down i would recommend talking to people that are doing those careers to find out what it entails and if it something that you might find interesting/rewarding. You could also try to obtain summer jobs/internships with companies performing some of the tasks involved with the career you are wanting to explore to help you see if that is something you might enjoy.
Dahyun Lee
cabin crew
11
Answers
Seoul, South Korea
Updated
Dahyun’s Answer
Good day! leslie D :)
I totally understand about your question because I also though like you.
First of all I would like to recomment "just do anything" befor you choice your major. it's okay to explore another filed or attend contest or go to forum and so on. Also go to book store and try to find anything you interest will be good for you. Because lots of experience can lead to you to bright future.
Second, wrote down about which part you are interested. For me, I am enjoying to read fashion magazine so from that time my dream always fashion designer. So I choose my major fashion design and work as fashion designer almost 2 years. So just write down what you want.
Lastly, When you are university student, try to do your own extra curricular. Anything is okay. I attended several fashion contest, went abroad alone, did lots of part time job and attended beauty contest. Don't be afraid what you do. Every experiences will helpful for your life.
Take care and keep your bright life :)
I totally understand about your question because I also though like you.
First of all I would like to recomment "just do anything" befor you choice your major. it's okay to explore another filed or attend contest or go to forum and so on. Also go to book store and try to find anything you interest will be good for you. Because lots of experience can lead to you to bright future.
Second, wrote down about which part you are interested. For me, I am enjoying to read fashion magazine so from that time my dream always fashion designer. So I choose my major fashion design and work as fashion designer almost 2 years. So just write down what you want.
Lastly, When you are university student, try to do your own extra curricular. Anything is okay. I attended several fashion contest, went abroad alone, did lots of part time job and attended beauty contest. Don't be afraid what you do. Every experiences will helpful for your life.
Take care and keep your bright life :)
Carl Holdren
Mechanical Engineer
5
Answers
Hamilton, Ohio
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Leslie, I think there are a lot of good comments mentioned above, but the ones that meant the most to my decision to be a Mechanical Engineer were not just the courses I liked, but rather the subjects covered by those courses. Math was always a favorite subject, but I liked geometry the most. Drafting classes were interesting, but I liked the times when we were asked to create a solution not just draw what was asked. Physics class was OK, but it was the mechanism we studied that really spiked my interest.
In addition, I was also into doing the maintenance work on my car which included not only oil changes but replacing shock absorbers, spark plugs and doing some work on clutches and transmissions. It wasn't that I loved doing the mechanical work rather is was that I loved to see how things worked so that I could figure out how to fix what went wrong. It took me a while to know that it was Mechanical Engineering that I wanted to pursue, and it did help getting work in fields that exposed me to what an Engineer would be doing and the skills needed.
Summers were spent working as an Engineering assistant, a machinist apprentice and a draftsman which all helped me really zero in that I wanted to design solutions more than I wanted to calculate stresses, design tooling fixtures or work in a machine shop.
As I implied above even once you have picked a field of study and you have graduated there are usually a multitude of options in a company to apply your learning. For example, in Engineering there are jobs like Hardware Design, Computer modeling, Stress Calculations, Tooling Design and Quality Control. Furthermore, with experience, you can progress from an Individual Contributor to Project Manager, Specialist, or Section Manager etc. based on your comfort level and newfound interests.
In Summary, think about which features in the school courses you look forward to learning about, combine your outside interests, think of a job that would allow you to combine as much of that as possible, pursue courses that give you the basics in that field and finally get some hands-on experience in that field.
In addition, I was also into doing the maintenance work on my car which included not only oil changes but replacing shock absorbers, spark plugs and doing some work on clutches and transmissions. It wasn't that I loved doing the mechanical work rather is was that I loved to see how things worked so that I could figure out how to fix what went wrong. It took me a while to know that it was Mechanical Engineering that I wanted to pursue, and it did help getting work in fields that exposed me to what an Engineer would be doing and the skills needed.
Summers were spent working as an Engineering assistant, a machinist apprentice and a draftsman which all helped me really zero in that I wanted to design solutions more than I wanted to calculate stresses, design tooling fixtures or work in a machine shop.
As I implied above even once you have picked a field of study and you have graduated there are usually a multitude of options in a company to apply your learning. For example, in Engineering there are jobs like Hardware Design, Computer modeling, Stress Calculations, Tooling Design and Quality Control. Furthermore, with experience, you can progress from an Individual Contributor to Project Manager, Specialist, or Section Manager etc. based on your comfort level and newfound interests.
In Summary, think about which features in the school courses you look forward to learning about, combine your outside interests, think of a job that would allow you to combine as much of that as possible, pursue courses that give you the basics in that field and finally get some hands-on experience in that field.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Generally, if you don't have a specific goal for a college degree, it is often better to see if you can build a career path without one rather than take on a mountain of debt only to come out capable of finding minimum wage work. I'd recommend either looking at trade jobs (i.e. welding, plumbing, electrician), looking at the department of labor's website for interesting career ideas, or considering one of the business degrees (especially marketing, finance, and accounting). For the business degrees, these are degrees with which it'll be much easier to get a job, but are broad enough that you can consider work within a variety of different industries.