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I haven't quite figured out what my interests are. Advice needed.
I have been looking at a wide range of possible careers, but nothing interests me. What would be the best way to develop my interest? Through more research or through first hand experience? #college #career #jobs #college-advice
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11 answers
Updated
Veli’s Answer
I would recommend that you you make a bucket list of things you enjoy doing at school and outside of school. As an example, if you love to build intricate lego sets then you might be interested in becoming a designer engineer. There are many different types of design engineers, but your hobby or current interests can help you figure out what careers you can explore. Once you have your bucket list of things you love to do, post again and I bet other professionals will help provide you with even more ideas.
Once you've gotten advice on what careers align with your bucket list of interests, then you should explore what types of hands on experience is available or you can create it yourself.
I hope this helps!
Ryan Bonaparte
Manager at Samsung Pay; Author of Crazy Enough To Try
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Ryan’s Answer
This can be a hard decision for you, but I would advise looking more closely at some of the careers that might interest you, even if just slightly. This may include reaching out to professionals in the industry to find out more about what their daily lives look like, what some of the other opportunities in the field are, and what possible future careers might look like as technology and society evolve.
Also by talking to more people, you may come across careers that you haven't heard of before. I spoke with a few people in high school, but I had no idea all of the different varieties "engineering" offered until I was in college. I've learned even more about them as I've progressed in my professional life, and that's just in one field.
Good luck in your search.
Thank you for the in depth advice. I definitely want to explore all the different options before I completely set my mind on one. In terms of looking more closely, do you recommend online research or more hands-on experience? Any follow-up response would be appreciated but your initial advice definitely helped a lot.
Ignacio
I recommend both. Online can be great because you get to learn about a lot of different fields and careers very quickly from a variety of sources. But hands-on and meeting with people, and even working as an intern can allow you to get the real feel of how that industry operates. Sometimes online forums just don't discuss something that you might feel is really important.
Ryan Bonaparte
Thank you so much for your responses. I greatly appreciate it.
Ignacio
Thank you for the info
Andrea
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
I think this is something that people struggle with throughout their life!
I find that the things I am interested in are often the things I like doing the most, or things I day dream about or things I wish I could be doing (instead of whatever I'm doing right now). Often, whatever you do in your spare time outside of school or work tends to be where your interests are aligned!
I'll keep that in mind now that I'm choosing a major, but it still seems difficult choosing something that will define me for the rest of my life. But I still appreciate your response and will think about my interests outside of school when time comes to decide.
Ignacio
Hi Ignacio - My best advice is that you can change your career throughout your life, many times! I changed my major in college three times, and have since changed my professional career after starting in marketing 5 years ago. My passions and interests changed, and I allowed my career to follow. Your career doesn't have to be limited to one path, in my opinion. Be open to multiple paths and know that if you have to change later down the road, doing so is anything BUT failure. It's growth!
Alicia Curley
Thank you so much or the insight! I guess I was just unsure about what I would go into college interested to and tried to avoid changing, but hearing stories from people that did and are now on their own path definitely relieves me. Thanks again.
Ignacio
Thanks for the info!
Andrea
Thank for the advice. It really helps take some of the weight off
Teal
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
You could do some research, like using the department of labor website to see fast growing careers or YouTube to see people's honest opinions, but you usually end up needing to take a few classes in any given major to get a good feel for if the career/major is a good fit for you. You could also try talking to upperclassmen who have taken some of the classes you're considering and see what they say the classes were like.
Updated
Marylou’s Answer
I had that same question when I was young. I had the great good fortune of meeting the great philosopher, Charles Brenner.
His bottom line was this. Follow your bliss.
I believe that. And I did that and I ended up with an amazing wonderful, lifelong career.
Dig into yourself and ask yourself. What makes you happy. And then go there. You won’t be sorry.
His bottom line was this. Follow your bliss.
I believe that. And I did that and I ended up with an amazing wonderful, lifelong career.
Dig into yourself and ask yourself. What makes you happy. And then go there. You won’t be sorry.
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
What do you do in your free time? Do you like working individually or be in a team? Make a list of what you enjoy and then a list of what you don't. Ask family or friends where they see your strengths and then go from there.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Try to get first hand experience. If you are already in college then try to get internships. If you haven't started college then get some work experience first and figure out what you want to do before picking an undergraduate major.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6181
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Ignacio,
Unveiling Your Passions: Investigating vs. Direct Exposure
The journey of uncovering and nurturing your passions is a pivotal phase in shaping your professional trajectory. If you're surrounded by a multitude of career options and yet uncertain about where your true passion lies, it can be daunting to determine your starting point. There are two key strategies to cultivate your interests: through investigation and direct exposure.
Investigation:
Expanding Outlooks: A comprehensive investigation into diverse fields, industries, and professions can equip you with a deeper comprehension of what each entails. Delve into various job profiles, necessary skills, potential advancement prospects, and work atmospheres to identify what truly aligns with your preferences.
Digital Tools: Leverage digital tools such as career evaluation instruments, industry analyses, professional networking platforms, and job shadowing opportunities to accumulate insights into diverse career routes. These tools can offer invaluable data to assist you in refining your choices.
Learning Programs: Signing up for online classes or participating in workshops related to various subjects can offer a glimpse into what working in those fields might entail. This can assist you in assessing your interest level and proficiency in specific study areas.
Direct Exposure:
Internships and Volunteer Work: Engaging in internships or volunteer work within different organizations enables you to acquire practical experience in various roles. This hands-on experience can offer a tangible perspective on the daily duties of different professions.
Professional Connections: Establishing connections with professionals in industries that pique your interest via informational interviews or networking events can offer valuable insights into their career journeys. Building relationships with individuals working in areas you're intrigued by can provide mentorship and guidance.
Job Shadowing: Observing professionals in their work setting for a day or a week can offer a direct view of their daily tasks, challenges, and triumphs. Watching someone in their professional environment can assist you in evaluating whether that specific career aligns with your interests and objectives.
Conclusion:
Both investigation and direct exposure are crucial in nurturing your interests and identifying a career path that truly resonates with you. While investigation offers valuable data about various industries and professions, direct exposure provides practical insights into the daily realities of specific roles. Integrating these strategies can assist you in making well-informed decisions about your future career direction.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review
The Balance Careers
Forbes
James Constantine Frangos.
Unveiling Your Passions: Investigating vs. Direct Exposure
The journey of uncovering and nurturing your passions is a pivotal phase in shaping your professional trajectory. If you're surrounded by a multitude of career options and yet uncertain about where your true passion lies, it can be daunting to determine your starting point. There are two key strategies to cultivate your interests: through investigation and direct exposure.
Investigation:
Expanding Outlooks: A comprehensive investigation into diverse fields, industries, and professions can equip you with a deeper comprehension of what each entails. Delve into various job profiles, necessary skills, potential advancement prospects, and work atmospheres to identify what truly aligns with your preferences.
Digital Tools: Leverage digital tools such as career evaluation instruments, industry analyses, professional networking platforms, and job shadowing opportunities to accumulate insights into diverse career routes. These tools can offer invaluable data to assist you in refining your choices.
Learning Programs: Signing up for online classes or participating in workshops related to various subjects can offer a glimpse into what working in those fields might entail. This can assist you in assessing your interest level and proficiency in specific study areas.
Direct Exposure:
Internships and Volunteer Work: Engaging in internships or volunteer work within different organizations enables you to acquire practical experience in various roles. This hands-on experience can offer a tangible perspective on the daily duties of different professions.
Professional Connections: Establishing connections with professionals in industries that pique your interest via informational interviews or networking events can offer valuable insights into their career journeys. Building relationships with individuals working in areas you're intrigued by can provide mentorship and guidance.
Job Shadowing: Observing professionals in their work setting for a day or a week can offer a direct view of their daily tasks, challenges, and triumphs. Watching someone in their professional environment can assist you in evaluating whether that specific career aligns with your interests and objectives.
Conclusion:
Both investigation and direct exposure are crucial in nurturing your interests and identifying a career path that truly resonates with you. While investigation offers valuable data about various industries and professions, direct exposure provides practical insights into the daily realities of specific roles. Integrating these strategies can assist you in making well-informed decisions about your future career direction.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review
The Balance Careers
Forbes
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
I recommend shadowing different people at their work place. You can learn so much about an occupation this way. Also, consider whether you want to interact with people regularly (like in real estate or banking) or work in a quiet office (engineering for example.)
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6181
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ignacio,
PERSONAL EXPERENCE
My problem was that I was too easily influenced so people said. So 50 years ago I was in the same boat. I hadn't decided on a career. I was so uncertain that when my parents brought me telescopes as presents in 1970, I decided to be an astronomer! That year it all went by the wayside with the death of my uncle from a heart attack at 38 years of age. I was also an assistant first-aid officer in a surf lifesaving club. I had my fair share of failed resuscitation attempts too, when patients died. This affected me enough to prompt me to become a dietitian. I wanted to prevent those nutrition-related illnesses in people. That might stop them dying. It satisfied my helping and concerned personality.
ASK AI
According to www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Questions Search Engine:
Developing Interests in Careers: Research vs. First-Hand Experience
When it comes to developing your interests in potential careers, both research and first-hand experience play crucial roles in helping you identify what truly excites and motivates you. Here is a breakdown of how each method can contribute to discovering your passions:
Research:
Exploration: Conducting thorough research on various industries, job roles, and career paths can expose you to a wide array of options that you may not have previously considered. Utilize online resources, career assessment tools, informational interviews, and job shadowing opportunities to gather insights into different fields.
Self-Reflection: Engage in introspection to assess your skills, values, personality traits, and interests. Understanding your strengths and preferences can guide you towards careers that align with who you are and what you enjoy doing.
Networking: Connect with professionals working in fields that intrigue you. Networking allows you to gain valuable perspectives on different industries, learn about the day-to-day realities of specific roles, and potentially find mentors who can offer guidance as you navigate your career exploration journey.
Internships and Volunteering: Participating in internships or volunteering experiences related to fields of interest can provide hands-on exposure to various job functions. These opportunities allow you to test the waters, gain practical skills, and determine if a particular career path resonates with you.
First-Hand Experience:
Job Shadowing: Shadowing professionals in their workplaces gives you a firsthand glimpse into the daily responsibilities and challenges associated with specific roles. Observing professionals at work can help you gauge whether a certain career aligns with your expectations and interests.
Part-Time Jobs: Taking up part-time jobs or temporary positions in different industries enables you to gain real-world experience while earning income. These roles can offer insights into different work environments, team dynamics, and tasks involved in various professions.
Extracurricular Activities: Engaging in extracurricular activities such as clubs, organizations, or projects related to potential career fields allows you to develop relevant skills outside of the classroom setting. These activities can spark new interests and provide hands-on experiences that complement your academic learning.
In conclusion, a combination of research efforts and first-hand experiences is often the most effective approach to developing genuine interests in careers. By exploring diverse opportunities, reflecting on personal preferences, networking with professionals, and immersing yourself in practical experiences, you can gain clarity on the paths that resonate with your aspirations and strengths.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: Provides insights on career development strategies, self-assessment tools for identifying interests, and tips for effective networking.
The Balance Careers: Offers comprehensive resources on job shadowing techniques, internship best practices, and advice on exploring diverse career options through research.
Forbes: Publishes articles on experiential learning opportunities like volunteering, part-time jobs for students exploring careers, and the importance of hands-on experiences in shaping career interests.
God Bless,
JC.
PERSONAL EXPERENCE
My problem was that I was too easily influenced so people said. So 50 years ago I was in the same boat. I hadn't decided on a career. I was so uncertain that when my parents brought me telescopes as presents in 1970, I decided to be an astronomer! That year it all went by the wayside with the death of my uncle from a heart attack at 38 years of age. I was also an assistant first-aid officer in a surf lifesaving club. I had my fair share of failed resuscitation attempts too, when patients died. This affected me enough to prompt me to become a dietitian. I wanted to prevent those nutrition-related illnesses in people. That might stop them dying. It satisfied my helping and concerned personality.
ASK AI
According to www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Questions Search Engine:
Developing Interests in Careers: Research vs. First-Hand Experience
When it comes to developing your interests in potential careers, both research and first-hand experience play crucial roles in helping you identify what truly excites and motivates you. Here is a breakdown of how each method can contribute to discovering your passions:
Research:
Exploration: Conducting thorough research on various industries, job roles, and career paths can expose you to a wide array of options that you may not have previously considered. Utilize online resources, career assessment tools, informational interviews, and job shadowing opportunities to gather insights into different fields.
Self-Reflection: Engage in introspection to assess your skills, values, personality traits, and interests. Understanding your strengths and preferences can guide you towards careers that align with who you are and what you enjoy doing.
Networking: Connect with professionals working in fields that intrigue you. Networking allows you to gain valuable perspectives on different industries, learn about the day-to-day realities of specific roles, and potentially find mentors who can offer guidance as you navigate your career exploration journey.
Internships and Volunteering: Participating in internships or volunteering experiences related to fields of interest can provide hands-on exposure to various job functions. These opportunities allow you to test the waters, gain practical skills, and determine if a particular career path resonates with you.
First-Hand Experience:
Job Shadowing: Shadowing professionals in their workplaces gives you a firsthand glimpse into the daily responsibilities and challenges associated with specific roles. Observing professionals at work can help you gauge whether a certain career aligns with your expectations and interests.
Part-Time Jobs: Taking up part-time jobs or temporary positions in different industries enables you to gain real-world experience while earning income. These roles can offer insights into different work environments, team dynamics, and tasks involved in various professions.
Extracurricular Activities: Engaging in extracurricular activities such as clubs, organizations, or projects related to potential career fields allows you to develop relevant skills outside of the classroom setting. These activities can spark new interests and provide hands-on experiences that complement your academic learning.
In conclusion, a combination of research efforts and first-hand experiences is often the most effective approach to developing genuine interests in careers. By exploring diverse opportunities, reflecting on personal preferences, networking with professionals, and immersing yourself in practical experiences, you can gain clarity on the paths that resonate with your aspirations and strengths.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: Provides insights on career development strategies, self-assessment tools for identifying interests, and tips for effective networking.
The Balance Careers: Offers comprehensive resources on job shadowing techniques, internship best practices, and advice on exploring diverse career options through research.
Forbes: Publishes articles on experiential learning opportunities like volunteering, part-time jobs for students exploring careers, and the importance of hands-on experiences in shaping career interests.
God Bless,
JC.
Updated
Sean’s Answer
I've been in the workforce for about a decade and I'm still figuring out what I'm interested in. The best thing I think is to talk to people who actually do those things, and actually start to do certain things to get a feel. For a few positions I've been in, I likely would not have applied or figured out I actually liked it had I just looked at the description on paper. Instead a lot of times it is just a leap of faith.