6 answers
Jaelarae
Student
4
Questions
Asked
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How did you guys know what your dream career is?
I'm 18 and I dont know what I want to do long term.
#work #career
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6 answers
Arvind Busam
Sales
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Arvind’s Answer
Hi Jaelarae - I personally believe not a lot of us know what our dream career is. A very few may have figured it out at a young age but being 18, if you don't know what your long term goal is, my recommendation primarily is to not worry about it. It is definitely good to think about it however. I would concentrate on what you are doing, learning as much as you can, as you grow. Personally I did not know what I wanted to do and from everything I did - I took things that have helped me as I grow. As you grow and do things and learn more, you will figure out your dream career.
Thanks for answering my question
Jaelarae
Jennifer Voisine
Manager, Presales
3
Answers
South Portland, Maine
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
This is a fantastic question. There is a lot of pressure to "know" the answer to this and I think for many (most) people the answer is a journey. I was certain when I started college that I wanted to be a nurse; a few classes into the major and I was just as certain that it wasn't going to be my passion. I went on a bit of a meandering path of trying different classes and seeing what sparked my interest. Once graduated, I approached my career in a similar way. To start, I focused on finding a job that required skills I knew I already had and could apply well. Once I got started, I've regularly taken a mental pause to think about what I enjoy about my job, what doesn't bring me energy, and what things I enjoy so much that they don't feel like work. Then, I spend time trying to figure out what job would allow me to do more of that third category. Each step in my career has been an evolution from the previous one as a result.
So, the bottom line for me is that it is absolutely fine to not know what your dream JOB is right now (or even a few years from now). You can reflect on the types of things you like doing, which make you feel energized, and then look around to see what kinds of jobs might allow you to do more of that. If you aren't sure what jobs might use those skills, you can start by using a LinkedIn search for the skills you're passionate about and then check out the variety of jobs that are returned to see what catches your eye. You can also get really curious with people when they talk about their own jobs. Don't just ask them what they do - ask them what they like about their jobs, what they don't like about them etc. You can learn a lot!
So, the bottom line for me is that it is absolutely fine to not know what your dream JOB is right now (or even a few years from now). You can reflect on the types of things you like doing, which make you feel energized, and then look around to see what kinds of jobs might allow you to do more of that. If you aren't sure what jobs might use those skills, you can start by using a LinkedIn search for the skills you're passionate about and then check out the variety of jobs that are returned to see what catches your eye. You can also get really curious with people when they talk about their own jobs. Don't just ask them what they do - ask them what they like about their jobs, what they don't like about them etc. You can learn a lot!
Thanks for answering my question.
Jaelarae
Sunny H
Accountant
48
Answers
United States
Updated
Sunny’s Answer
Hi Jaelarae,
I think most students would not know what they want to be in the future when they are 18. So I want to say it's totally ok not knowing what to do long term at your age. Considering that, one hint about your future career would come from observing which subject you like studying the most. When I was in middle and high school, I enjoyed learning about foreign languages so I had spent more time studying on that subject than others. So when I applied for colleges, I chose a foreign language for my major and took a path to be in the international business field for a while. While working, I noticed I like managing financial data and changed my career to become an accountant since then.
As you can see how I chose my career, I was mostly focused on what I liked doing even with all the obstacles I encountered. And it's okay if the choice that you made is not what you want long term. You can always change your route to where your stronger interest leads. I hope all the best for your future journey!
I think most students would not know what they want to be in the future when they are 18. So I want to say it's totally ok not knowing what to do long term at your age. Considering that, one hint about your future career would come from observing which subject you like studying the most. When I was in middle and high school, I enjoyed learning about foreign languages so I had spent more time studying on that subject than others. So when I applied for colleges, I chose a foreign language for my major and took a path to be in the international business field for a while. While working, I noticed I like managing financial data and changed my career to become an accountant since then.
As you can see how I chose my career, I was mostly focused on what I liked doing even with all the obstacles I encountered. And it's okay if the choice that you made is not what you want long term. You can always change your route to where your stronger interest leads. I hope all the best for your future journey!
Thanks for answering my question.
Jaelarae
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
It's great seeing everyone else saying it's okay to not know where you are going! We put too much stress on today's young people to have this all figured out! How are you supposed to know what you like if you haven't tried it? However, being that you are 18, we do need to get you started on this journey! I recommend you do some skills/interests surveys to help you narrow it down. There are many free ones on-line. Here is one offered by the State of Texas: https://texascareercheck.com/ExploreCareer/InterestProfiler
The good news is, unlike the past, people nowadays change employers/careers every 2-5 years sometimes! Each career change that you make builds on the previous job that you had. I knew a geologist who became a banker, specializing in dealing with Oil and Gas Companies. See how that works? It's called transferrable job skills. You are always free to come back to us with more questions as you embark upon your schooling and career choices - we don't stop answering questions just because you are an adult!
Complicating the career choice picture is the difference between "occupation" and "industry." Let's say you want to do something working with animals. That is a broad industry. As a career, you could be working hands-on as an animal trainer or veterinarian, a professional fundraising person, an administrative assistant, in the warehouse at the zoo, etc. Or, let's say you know you want to be a bookkeeper, and you don't have any preferences what kind of company you work for - just about everybody needs a bookkeeper!
Try to start narrowing down things you like and don't like. One of the most basic questions often asked is do you want to work with people? Or do you prefer working with "things?" Things includes data (such as an accountant), warehousing (such as order fulfillment for on-line merchandisers), gardener, architect, etc. How much human interaction do you need in the course of your day? Can you see yourself working at a computer all day? Do you need to be outside?
I recommend getting that first job, committing to it for 2 years ( that looks good on your resume) and then re-evaluating where you are at that time. Does that company offer opportunity for growth and advancement? Do they offer tuition assistance (some companies do - very important if you want to go to school). Are you satisfied with the job?
If you are thinking of going to school, I would recommend either trade school if you are interested in such things (electronics, plumbing, automechanics, etc) or a general 2 year degree. Don't spend money on a 4 year degree if you don't need it!
Another option to consider is going in the military. It's not for everyone, but, it's a great way to get training. Even if you don't want to go in the military, you might want to consider talking to a recruiter and taking the entrance exam. It is called the ASVAB, and it is a VERY good test for determining what occupations you would be good at! There is no charge. Just tell them you want to enlist, and they will be happy to test you.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
The good news is, unlike the past, people nowadays change employers/careers every 2-5 years sometimes! Each career change that you make builds on the previous job that you had. I knew a geologist who became a banker, specializing in dealing with Oil and Gas Companies. See how that works? It's called transferrable job skills. You are always free to come back to us with more questions as you embark upon your schooling and career choices - we don't stop answering questions just because you are an adult!
Complicating the career choice picture is the difference between "occupation" and "industry." Let's say you want to do something working with animals. That is a broad industry. As a career, you could be working hands-on as an animal trainer or veterinarian, a professional fundraising person, an administrative assistant, in the warehouse at the zoo, etc. Or, let's say you know you want to be a bookkeeper, and you don't have any preferences what kind of company you work for - just about everybody needs a bookkeeper!
Try to start narrowing down things you like and don't like. One of the most basic questions often asked is do you want to work with people? Or do you prefer working with "things?" Things includes data (such as an accountant), warehousing (such as order fulfillment for on-line merchandisers), gardener, architect, etc. How much human interaction do you need in the course of your day? Can you see yourself working at a computer all day? Do you need to be outside?
I recommend getting that first job, committing to it for 2 years ( that looks good on your resume) and then re-evaluating where you are at that time. Does that company offer opportunity for growth and advancement? Do they offer tuition assistance (some companies do - very important if you want to go to school). Are you satisfied with the job?
If you are thinking of going to school, I would recommend either trade school if you are interested in such things (electronics, plumbing, automechanics, etc) or a general 2 year degree. Don't spend money on a 4 year degree if you don't need it!
Another option to consider is going in the military. It's not for everyone, but, it's a great way to get training. Even if you don't want to go in the military, you might want to consider talking to a recruiter and taking the entrance exam. It is called the ASVAB, and it is a VERY good test for determining what occupations you would be good at! There is no charge. Just tell them you want to enlist, and they will be happy to test you.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Richard Green
Client Insights Consultant
1
Answer
Alexandria, Virginia
Updated
Richard’s Answer
When I was 18 I had no idea what my career path would be. I went to college with an open mind. I went to Boston College and you had until your junior year to declare a major, but you had to pick a school. I enrolled in the business school at BC. But had no idea what I wanted to major in until I took all the core courses. It wasn't until I took some computer science classes that I found what I really enjoyed. Hope this helps and good luck.
Tori Dumas
Talent Development Associate
6
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Tori’s Answer
Hi Jaelarae!
It is totally normal for you not to know what you want to do long term. I also felt the same way when I was 18. My advice to you is to not think so far ahead when it comes to your career but to explore and experience your interest and it will come to you. Even when you may think you know what you want to do, with experience, you will guide yourself in the right direction based on your interest.
Also, if you dont know where to start, take some career test like 16 Personalities, Holland Code Career Test, and O*NET Interest Profiler. I found these helpful.
It is totally normal for you not to know what you want to do long term. I also felt the same way when I was 18. My advice to you is to not think so far ahead when it comes to your career but to explore and experience your interest and it will come to you. Even when you may think you know what you want to do, with experience, you will guide yourself in the right direction based on your interest.
Also, if you dont know where to start, take some career test like 16 Personalities, Holland Code Career Test, and O*NET Interest Profiler. I found these helpful.