7 answers
Nikolet
Student
Village of Pelham, New York
5
Questions
Asked
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Do I really know what I want to do?
I’m scared I might change my decision last minute in the later future. #nervous
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7 answers
Tania R
Social Media Manager
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tania’s Answer
As kids, some of us wanted to grow up to become Olympic divers. Inventors. Journalists. We watched our parents run small businesses, teach, attend school while parenting – and we were eager to do as they did.
If you think you know what you want to do as a career right now, that’s great. And if you don’t? That’s perfectly okay too – because that’s life.
Often, you’ll find that what you think you want to do as an adult tends to change when you get to that point, because YOU’RE evolving as a human being. Life is a journey, and the dynamics in the world are changing. As such, the ideas you have about yourself will change.
So as you get older, you’ll meet new people, learn new ideas, understand your preferences, and will cultivate skills that you'll learn to apply in different areas of life. It’s almost a given that you will change your mind, so try new things – and don’t be afraid to pivot.
–This answer combines input from a group of marketers with more than 12 years’ experience - all currently working at a global tech company. We hope you find it helpful and wish you the best in all of your endeavors.
If you think you know what you want to do as a career right now, that’s great. And if you don’t? That’s perfectly okay too – because that’s life.
Often, you’ll find that what you think you want to do as an adult tends to change when you get to that point, because YOU’RE evolving as a human being. Life is a journey, and the dynamics in the world are changing. As such, the ideas you have about yourself will change.
So as you get older, you’ll meet new people, learn new ideas, understand your preferences, and will cultivate skills that you'll learn to apply in different areas of life. It’s almost a given that you will change your mind, so try new things – and don’t be afraid to pivot.
–This answer combines input from a group of marketers with more than 12 years’ experience - all currently working at a global tech company. We hope you find it helpful and wish you the best in all of your endeavors.
Nick Conte
Sr. Recruiter
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Hi Nikolet,
Finding the right career for you doesn't always come easy and it's not also in the linear order such as High School - > College -> Career you love. As a recruiter with 15 years experience I review thousands of resumes a year as well as talk to hundreds upon hundreds and often a resume will show some kind of detour on their way to finding what makes them happy. I work exclusively with in the technology field and often come across people who went to college for something in medical field, business or something completely different. It wasn't until they got hands-on they realized it wasn't for them and explored other options which is why finding a great company should be priority as some will let you explore these options depending on their needs. We're fortunate enough to live in a time when people can go to school online while working or do "bootcamp" style trainings that will fast track them to a field they want.
Some people won't truly know until they land a role with a company as there are so many different positions out there you won't know what each does until working in the field.
I personally had no idea what I wanted to do after graduating with a business degree until I got a call from a company looking to hire recruiters and 15 years later I'm still very happy, it just happens that way sometimes.
Good luck and don't stress too much, things happen and people fall into jobs they love. Stay focused and really concentrate on the things that make you happy.
Finding the right career for you doesn't always come easy and it's not also in the linear order such as High School - > College -> Career you love. As a recruiter with 15 years experience I review thousands of resumes a year as well as talk to hundreds upon hundreds and often a resume will show some kind of detour on their way to finding what makes them happy. I work exclusively with in the technology field and often come across people who went to college for something in medical field, business or something completely different. It wasn't until they got hands-on they realized it wasn't for them and explored other options which is why finding a great company should be priority as some will let you explore these options depending on their needs. We're fortunate enough to live in a time when people can go to school online while working or do "bootcamp" style trainings that will fast track them to a field they want.
Some people won't truly know until they land a role with a company as there are so many different positions out there you won't know what each does until working in the field.
I personally had no idea what I wanted to do after graduating with a business degree until I got a call from a company looking to hire recruiters and 15 years later I'm still very happy, it just happens that way sometimes.
Good luck and don't stress too much, things happen and people fall into jobs they love. Stay focused and really concentrate on the things that make you happy.
Ashley Garcia, MPH
MPH Epidemiology/Medical Student
23
Answers
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Nikolet,
Making decisions towards your future can be a scary thing, but it is always helpful to stay positive. Your happiness is the most important thing when considering making decisions. If you are unsure of what to decide, a helpful tip is create a pros and cons list of each decision. See the value and impact each decision will have on your life and go from there. Seek professionals in the field and don't be shy to reach out and ask them questions of any doubts you might have. You will never know if something is right for you unless you take the risk to pursue it. If in the case you do change your mind, that is perfectly normal, and instead of feeling bad that you changed your views, look at what that experience taught you and see how you can apply the skills learned towards your new goal. Every opportunity is a learning experience and yes it may make you nervous, but in the end it will only allow you to grow and become the best version of yourself. Best of luck with all your endeavors.
Making decisions towards your future can be a scary thing, but it is always helpful to stay positive. Your happiness is the most important thing when considering making decisions. If you are unsure of what to decide, a helpful tip is create a pros and cons list of each decision. See the value and impact each decision will have on your life and go from there. Seek professionals in the field and don't be shy to reach out and ask them questions of any doubts you might have. You will never know if something is right for you unless you take the risk to pursue it. If in the case you do change your mind, that is perfectly normal, and instead of feeling bad that you changed your views, look at what that experience taught you and see how you can apply the skills learned towards your new goal. Every opportunity is a learning experience and yes it may make you nervous, but in the end it will only allow you to grow and become the best version of yourself. Best of luck with all your endeavors.
Deijana Lebron
Executive Asssistant
31
Answers
Fishkill, New York
Updated
Deijana’s Answer
It can be difficult and scary to feel like you have to stick to whatever decision you make. But that's just not true. You can change your mind about what you want to do and still get there it is never too late. What you can do is leave yourself some wiggle room to switch paths if you may decide to do so. In college and a minor in something different your interested in. That gives you 2 fields.
Maya Ibelaidene
42
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Maya’s Answer
Hi Nikolet!
This is a real conversation you need to have with yourself. I think the best way to start figuring this out is to sit yourself down and ask what are my goals in life? What do I want to do and spend time doing? What is going to support me financially and mentally? Am I doing this for me or someone else? Once you answer these questions that can help you narrow down what is important to you in life and what you want to do in life. This conversation can be daunting but once you know what you want to do college just becomes a stepping stone in getting to that point. It is also important to understand what you want because sometimes things people want to do does not require college education so figure out what you want to do and make sure you are doing it because you want to and not because you are being told to and you will be successful.
For me , I really decided what I wanted to do after volunteering at different places and learning what it was like to be in those places so I would suggest try that if possible. Hope this helped!
This is a real conversation you need to have with yourself. I think the best way to start figuring this out is to sit yourself down and ask what are my goals in life? What do I want to do and spend time doing? What is going to support me financially and mentally? Am I doing this for me or someone else? Once you answer these questions that can help you narrow down what is important to you in life and what you want to do in life. This conversation can be daunting but once you know what you want to do college just becomes a stepping stone in getting to that point. It is also important to understand what you want because sometimes things people want to do does not require college education so figure out what you want to do and make sure you are doing it because you want to and not because you are being told to and you will be successful.
For me , I really decided what I wanted to do after volunteering at different places and learning what it was like to be in those places so I would suggest try that if possible. Hope this helped!
Mark Tschetter
Project and Portfolio Management
26
Answers
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Realize that there is not only one correct choice, and most people make multiple career changes during their lifetime. Your first career or major in college should be viewed as a stepping stone, a first step in your career that will lead to other opportunities and interests.
The people that "love what they do, all day every day" and "feel like it's not even work" are rare and lucky. For most people they find a good enough fit to where they often find joy at working at something they are good at.
I found that a career aptitude test helped me when I was trying to decide on an area of focus. The tests take your strengths and personality into account to match you up with fields. It will at least give you ideas to explore.
The people that "love what they do, all day every day" and "feel like it's not even work" are rare and lucky. For most people they find a good enough fit to where they often find joy at working at something they are good at.
I found that a career aptitude test helped me when I was trying to decide on an area of focus. The tests take your strengths and personality into account to match you up with fields. It will at least give you ideas to explore.
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Nikolet! Wow this question really speaks to me because before college I was debating whether I wanted to become a physician or not. I would have to decide this before enrolling in premed courses; I think I definitely was scared too in if I would be able to do well but I am so glad I decided on the premed route. It's okay to feel fear or uncertainty, some of my classmates did change majors in college and ended up being happier so that's also an option. If you have a major or plan in mind begin to carry it out because it will let you be more decisive of your choices; I think it's hard to know exactly of what you'd like to do or be 100% certain until you are in it. If you aren't happy with your choice then that will be a sign that you do need to change it up. Give yourself time but don't be fearful as well- you never know what the future holds! Be confident in yourself and work hard and you will get to where you'd like to be!
I hope this helps! Best of luck!
I hope this helps! Best of luck!