3 answers
Nikolet
Student
Village of Pelham, New York
5
Questions
Asked
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What can you do to help find what you wanna do in the future?
Go through things that you do and don’t want to do. #figureitout
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3 answers
Alicia Kabiri
Attorney
1
Answer
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
You should experiment and be prepared to be flexible. It's OK to change your mind. You will gain knowledge and experience in anything that you do, so don't be afraid to try.
You can first look at companies and products that you see or buy every day. What brand do you think is cool and what services do you really like? What company do you admire? Research the company and see what types of jobs people do there.
Some ways you can learn: (1) Volunteer in an area you are interested in. For example, if you like marketing, volunteer to help with marketing at a non-profit. If you might want to be a lawyer, volunteer at a legal aid organization. (2) Apply for internships at companies you think are interesting, (3) find a person on LinkedIn or through your contacts that does something you think is interesting and ask them questions or ask to have a "coffee" with them, (4) read, read, read--find articles online or books to explore areas you are interested in or people you think are interesting and read how they started their careers, (5) take introductory classes in an area you are interested in.
Go to LinkedIn and research companies that you like. Look at the people who work there and how they describe their jobs
Google local non profit/volunteer organizations in your area. Call them and see how you can help.
Check out universities or colleges in your area and see what classes you can take (whether or not you are enrolled)
Research online what companies offer summer internships. Now is a good time to start looking and applying (beginning of year)
You can first look at companies and products that you see or buy every day. What brand do you think is cool and what services do you really like? What company do you admire? Research the company and see what types of jobs people do there.
Some ways you can learn: (1) Volunteer in an area you are interested in. For example, if you like marketing, volunteer to help with marketing at a non-profit. If you might want to be a lawyer, volunteer at a legal aid organization. (2) Apply for internships at companies you think are interesting, (3) find a person on LinkedIn or through your contacts that does something you think is interesting and ask them questions or ask to have a "coffee" with them, (4) read, read, read--find articles online or books to explore areas you are interested in or people you think are interesting and read how they started their careers, (5) take introductory classes in an area you are interested in.
Alicia recommends the following next steps:
Kiirsten Suomu
Sales Representative at Universal Orlando Resort
96
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kiirsten’s Answer
Hello Nikolet!
I see you are a student which is great that you're already thinking about what you want for the future. The other advice provided has been wonderful, I would just add a personal suggestion to not compare yourself to others. Finding what you want to do is an individual journey, where each journey is different... I have family members for example in their 50's who still are looking for their career and passion, while I have some friends in their 20's who have already landed their dream jobs. Definitely think about what interests you and read up on it, this might help you weed out some iffy careers that you're on the fence about. Once you have a nice handful of options, start volunteering or get a part time job if possible (so you still have time to focus on school of course). Definitely try different things, I have been working for 14 years now and have worked in retail, restaurants, resorts, sales, theme parks, and a little marketing!
Good luck!
I see you are a student which is great that you're already thinking about what you want for the future. The other advice provided has been wonderful, I would just add a personal suggestion to not compare yourself to others. Finding what you want to do is an individual journey, where each journey is different... I have family members for example in their 50's who still are looking for their career and passion, while I have some friends in their 20's who have already landed their dream jobs. Definitely think about what interests you and read up on it, this might help you weed out some iffy careers that you're on the fence about. Once you have a nice handful of options, start volunteering or get a part time job if possible (so you still have time to focus on school of course). Definitely try different things, I have been working for 14 years now and have worked in retail, restaurants, resorts, sales, theme parks, and a little marketing!
Good luck!
Mark Wilets
Director Enterprise Contracting
3
Answers
Randolph, New Jersey
Updated
Mark’s Answer
I think that you should evaluate what your interests and strengths are as an initial step. Once you do that I would look at products and industries that interest you. So , as a example, if you determine that you are interested in technology and you like Consumer products, it may lead you to work in Artificial Intelligence to track end users buying decisions/patterns. Then you can research this field online to determine the requirements for entry into this industry. You can also leverage LinkedIn to meet professionals in that field that can provide advice on how to accomplish your goals.
Once you focus in on your interests, you can determine the education you need to enter those fields. You can also look for internships to provide practical experience. I think it is very important to study and work in an area that you are passionate about. You are going to be working for may years so it is important that you enjoy what you do. Your passion will also allow you to advance in your chosen profession and provide you fulfillment.
Finally, I would identify multiple interests. While you are young it is important to experiment in different roles. If you think you like a role and then find out it is not for you, make a move. You will have your education, which cannot be taken away from you. You will have many jobs in your working career. Make the job moves when you are young to land in a career that interests you keeps you energized and allows you to make contributions in your chosen field.
Once you focus in on your interests, you can determine the education you need to enter those fields. You can also look for internships to provide practical experience. I think it is very important to study and work in an area that you are passionate about. You are going to be working for may years so it is important that you enjoy what you do. Your passion will also allow you to advance in your chosen profession and provide you fulfillment.
Finally, I would identify multiple interests. While you are young it is important to experiment in different roles. If you think you like a role and then find out it is not for you, make a move. You will have your education, which cannot be taken away from you. You will have many jobs in your working career. Make the job moves when you are young to land in a career that interests you keeps you energized and allows you to make contributions in your chosen field.