8 answers
Debbie
Student
Federal Way, Washington
1
Question
Asked
730 views
I don't know how to start looking for fields i want to explore.
I have a great interpersonal skills; I love to help others and I love the feeling that I inspire them. I also hate pressures; like if someone's life is in my hands. I am very indecisive but genuine. #buisness #flightattending #entrepreneurship
8 answers
Kelli E. Jones, MBA, CSPO, CSM
Product Owner
7
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Kelli E.’s Answer
Hi Debbie! I like that you hashtagged flight attending as it shows you like meeting new people, making them feel comfortable and that you have a sense of adventure. However, you said you love to help others and inspire them too which makes me think you may want to make a deeper or a longer-lasting connection with people. Maybe that is something yet to discover?
My advice would be to start paying close attention to what specifically makes you happy when you help someone (ex: did you teach a person a skill and a lightbulb went on? Then maybe education is a field you would love; did you have a conversation with a senior person about their life and they felt young and alive again? Then maybe working as an activity director for a Senior citizens home might be for you).
You may want to start evaluating these experiences (like rating them on a scale of 1 to 10) and identify what you specifically liked about them and also what you didn't. You may start seeing patterns arise from your experiences that highlight what 'it' is that will make you happy.
Another thing you can do is go to volunteer sites like https://www.volunteermatch.org/ and click through things that interest you (examples include Advocacy, Education, Faith-based, Homeless, Immigrants, Seniors, Vets, etc.) and read the description of what you could do as a volunteer and then also find those companies on their own websites or on places like LinkedIn.com and see what the company is all about and what jobs they provide and then read those job descriptions. If you can believe it, I am currently doing the same thing that I am advising you to do because I am in a career transition myself and your description of yourself is similar to me! :)
If you start narrowing down what you think would make you happy and you can volunteer or job-shadow then you can ask people what they like (and don't like) about the job. I think it is a good idea to get several opinions from people in the field you may look into because some days people are in bad moods or are burned out, or they are too new so they have not experienced some of the hard things yet. The people you volunteer with can be great connections for jobs in the future.
I also think company culture could be important to you, where they care about people's work-life balance, or they do something that you find purposeful, or maybe they allow a dog in the office, or they have flexible vacation days. Sometimes we do not realize how much working for a company that you believe in can energize you.
Of course, every job isn't 100% awesome 100% of the time...but you want to find a job that is deeply fulfilling and where the unfulfilling things are at a minimum.
Best of luck!!
Find out what makes you happy about helping others (and what doesn't) and keep a journal (log/spreadsheet) of those experiences and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10
Over time, look for patterns to emerge that indicate you are most fulfilled/happy helping others when it looks like "this" (whatever that is)
Find volunteer websites like https://www.volunteermatch.org/ and select areas of interest to you and read what you could do at a company to help them
Research the companies that look interesting to you by going to their website or go to Linkedin.com and look at the jobs they are currently posting for to see if you would like to do that (note that not all jobs will be listed)
Volunteer at a place where you think you would and interview people and make networking connections for future employment
My advice would be to start paying close attention to what specifically makes you happy when you help someone (ex: did you teach a person a skill and a lightbulb went on? Then maybe education is a field you would love; did you have a conversation with a senior person about their life and they felt young and alive again? Then maybe working as an activity director for a Senior citizens home might be for you).
You may want to start evaluating these experiences (like rating them on a scale of 1 to 10) and identify what you specifically liked about them and also what you didn't. You may start seeing patterns arise from your experiences that highlight what 'it' is that will make you happy.
Another thing you can do is go to volunteer sites like https://www.volunteermatch.org/ and click through things that interest you (examples include Advocacy, Education, Faith-based, Homeless, Immigrants, Seniors, Vets, etc.) and read the description of what you could do as a volunteer and then also find those companies on their own websites or on places like LinkedIn.com and see what the company is all about and what jobs they provide and then read those job descriptions. If you can believe it, I am currently doing the same thing that I am advising you to do because I am in a career transition myself and your description of yourself is similar to me! :)
If you start narrowing down what you think would make you happy and you can volunteer or job-shadow then you can ask people what they like (and don't like) about the job. I think it is a good idea to get several opinions from people in the field you may look into because some days people are in bad moods or are burned out, or they are too new so they have not experienced some of the hard things yet. The people you volunteer with can be great connections for jobs in the future.
I also think company culture could be important to you, where they care about people's work-life balance, or they do something that you find purposeful, or maybe they allow a dog in the office, or they have flexible vacation days. Sometimes we do not realize how much working for a company that you believe in can energize you.
Of course, every job isn't 100% awesome 100% of the time...but you want to find a job that is deeply fulfilling and where the unfulfilling things are at a minimum.
Best of luck!!
Kelli E. recommends the following next steps:
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Debbie!
This is an interesting dilemma to be in. It sounds like you like teaching, guiding, inspiring, and mentoring. There are so many opportunities for that! While some might mean working with clients who are economically disadvantaged with lots of hurdles to overcome, or have mental health issues, prison records, etc., there are many other opportunities as well that aren't quite as (potentially) emotionally-taxing.
Some examples: A trainer, in any job. Many companies have gone to Computer Based Training, but there's still a need for that one-on-one training as well. Or, perhaps a classroom instructor for those that still give classes. If you want to be a flight attendant, perhaps you can have a goal of becoming a trainer??? It's great to be able to give an answer like that to the question "Where do you see yourself in five years?" I once applied with an Electric Company and knew that they did a lot of community outreach on electrical safety, so that was my answer to that question.
Or, perhaps a physical therapist? Or a social worker in a hospital, that provides support for organ transplant recipients, etc?
I was a police officer. I quickly got into the role of FTO (field training officer), and also trained new dispatchers. I avoided teaching classes because I feared public speaking. When I left that job, I went to work at the state workforce office, where I was required to teach classes. It took me a while to "loosen up," but, once I did, I really started to enjoy it. I also enjoyed helping people who were "down" after losing their jobs - boosting their sense of self-confidence, and getting them back to work!
Also remember that a "career" is no longer a situation of working for one company for 25 years. Many people change employers, and occupations, every 2-5 years. Each job serves as a stepping stone to the next. You will learn to write a resume highlighting your "transferable job skills" - those that you got in previous jobs that are applicable to the job you are currently applying for. You don't have to decide what you will do for the rest of your life right now! It's nice to have a general path, but, if opportunity knocks and it's not what you had planned on, you still want to take the time to evaluate that opportunity.
In closing, a good background in customer service is a good starting point for this career path. Don't minimalize those HS/college retail/restaurant jobs!
best of luck!
Kim
This is an interesting dilemma to be in. It sounds like you like teaching, guiding, inspiring, and mentoring. There are so many opportunities for that! While some might mean working with clients who are economically disadvantaged with lots of hurdles to overcome, or have mental health issues, prison records, etc., there are many other opportunities as well that aren't quite as (potentially) emotionally-taxing.
Some examples: A trainer, in any job. Many companies have gone to Computer Based Training, but there's still a need for that one-on-one training as well. Or, perhaps a classroom instructor for those that still give classes. If you want to be a flight attendant, perhaps you can have a goal of becoming a trainer??? It's great to be able to give an answer like that to the question "Where do you see yourself in five years?" I once applied with an Electric Company and knew that they did a lot of community outreach on electrical safety, so that was my answer to that question.
Or, perhaps a physical therapist? Or a social worker in a hospital, that provides support for organ transplant recipients, etc?
I was a police officer. I quickly got into the role of FTO (field training officer), and also trained new dispatchers. I avoided teaching classes because I feared public speaking. When I left that job, I went to work at the state workforce office, where I was required to teach classes. It took me a while to "loosen up," but, once I did, I really started to enjoy it. I also enjoyed helping people who were "down" after losing their jobs - boosting their sense of self-confidence, and getting them back to work!
Also remember that a "career" is no longer a situation of working for one company for 25 years. Many people change employers, and occupations, every 2-5 years. Each job serves as a stepping stone to the next. You will learn to write a resume highlighting your "transferable job skills" - those that you got in previous jobs that are applicable to the job you are currently applying for. You don't have to decide what you will do for the rest of your life right now! It's nice to have a general path, but, if opportunity knocks and it's not what you had planned on, you still want to take the time to evaluate that opportunity.
In closing, a good background in customer service is a good starting point for this career path. Don't minimalize those HS/college retail/restaurant jobs!
best of luck!
Kim
Michelle H.
Business Associate
38
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Debbie!
You've been given some awesome advice about finding a career, so I'm going to focus in on some of your hashtags, particularly business and entrepreneurship :)
Business is a GREAT place to be for people with strong interpersonal abilities. Having a drive to help people might also lead you to businesses or non-profits with a social mission. You also mention you don't think you'll thrive in a high-pressure environment. You may find this changes as you get comfortable in a career, so stay open to new possibilities. With that said, a lot of business careers fall into what most people would consider "high pressure": the key will be finding an organization with a healthy culture and a good work-life balance.
Here are some potential business and business-adjacent careers to consider:
- Non-profit administration (Great for your love of working with people and helping others!)
- Project management (Are you organized? Good at meeting deadlines? A project manager with good people skills is worth her weight in gold!)
- Administrative assistant (Again, strong organization is key. You're helping nature will quickly make you the favorite admin of everyone in the office!)
- Marketing communications (Are you creative? A good listener? Working on an internal mark comms team may be a great fit)
- Corporate events planning (Want to help people ensure their meetings and events go off without a hitch? Giving your clients exactly what they want--with a smile--can help you go far!)
This isn't a complete list by any means, but looking into these careers might help spark some new ideas for some people-centered opportunities in business that might be a good fit for you. Best of luck!
You've been given some awesome advice about finding a career, so I'm going to focus in on some of your hashtags, particularly business and entrepreneurship :)
Business is a GREAT place to be for people with strong interpersonal abilities. Having a drive to help people might also lead you to businesses or non-profits with a social mission. You also mention you don't think you'll thrive in a high-pressure environment. You may find this changes as you get comfortable in a career, so stay open to new possibilities. With that said, a lot of business careers fall into what most people would consider "high pressure": the key will be finding an organization with a healthy culture and a good work-life balance.
Here are some potential business and business-adjacent careers to consider:
- Non-profit administration (Great for your love of working with people and helping others!)
- Project management (Are you organized? Good at meeting deadlines? A project manager with good people skills is worth her weight in gold!)
- Administrative assistant (Again, strong organization is key. You're helping nature will quickly make you the favorite admin of everyone in the office!)
- Marketing communications (Are you creative? A good listener? Working on an internal mark comms team may be a great fit)
- Corporate events planning (Want to help people ensure their meetings and events go off without a hitch? Giving your clients exactly what they want--with a smile--can help you go far!)
This isn't a complete list by any means, but looking into these careers might help spark some new ideas for some people-centered opportunities in business that might be a good fit for you. Best of luck!
★Phillip Alvarado★
Director
2
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
★Phillip’s Answer
I went into sales after college where I studied German History and Political Science. It was the best decision I ever made. Doing sales is like being your own entrepreneur. You run your own business and can dictate how much money you make. You decide what kind of business person you will be and how you deliver service, advice and a great product. Doing sales also teaches you about highs and lows, you won't know a low until you have a high. You'll learn resiliency and grit. It's a great way to make a great living, work for something every day that you love and learn about yourself! Yelp.com was my first job out of college and a great sales training program.
Rachel T.
Attorney/International Tax Associate
21
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Debbie!
You are not alone in finding ways to explore career interests, many people struggle with this. Everyone has some solid advice, so I will just add on to their advice. First and foremost, you really need to figure out what makes you happy. But while you are figuring that out, please don't for get about the practicality of your career choice (i.e. will it make a decent income to live by? Is it a long-term career?).
Based on your description, I personally feel like you could really find a nice career as a teacher, counselor, psychologist, therapist, etc. These careers lead to a fulfilling life of inspiring others. Assuming you are in or will be in college, I would suggest that you not choose a major in your first two years of college. Use this time to complete your required general education (GE) and take classes that really interest you. During this process, you can really weed out the interesting classes to the non-interesting classes. It is also really important you get some hands-on experience. Find an individual in the career of your choice and ask to shadow them for a few days out of the year, maybe even once a month. This will give you real insight on how this profession is in real life.
My suggestions would be as follow:
1. Reading and Researching
First, I strongly recommend that you take the self assessment/self interest assessment in order to guide you to the career of interest ( https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/what-is-assessment.aspx). Next I would suggest to list your top ten career choices. This will prepare you for the researching of each career. Then do some online digging and organize the requirements for the career: (1) what is the educational requirement; (2) do I need to take specific courses in undergrad to apply for a masters/professional program in this career; (3) are there any state exams I need to pass - if so, what are the requirements to take that exam; (4) what is the income of this career - will I be able to support myself on this income; (5) what is the realistic longevity of this career; etc. etc.
2. Networking, Informational Interviews, and Hands-On Experience
Extensive networking, informational interviewing, and hands-on experience is required. What you learn from informational interviews with family, friends, colleagues, alumni and professionals will either confirm or contradict what was discovered by your reading and researching. Try and set up an informational interview with someone that is already in the industry. Their path to get to where they are and their day-to-day work will give you honest insight of what is involved in that particular career that might not be able to find during your research. You can ask them real and hard questions about the nature of the work, a typical work day, compensation, job security, long range job prospects and the qualifications for breaking in. I also suggest you get involved in one of the local chambers of commerce, civic organizations, and business leads groups and professional associations. Develop your LinkedIn.com connections and start connecting with people on there. Ask your connections or your interviewers the following three questions: 1) How can I best prepare to break into this field?, 2) Do you know of any opportunities that I should consider?, and 3) Are there three people that I can talk to that could be helpful. Also, this would be a great time to ask your interviewer or your LinkedIn connect if you could shadow or intern with them, or if they know someone you can shadow or intern with. Being on the job will show you everything you need to know about your interest in the field.
4. Evaluating and Decision-Making
Finally, it is time to put everything together and really analyze the research, interviews, hands-on experience, etc. Then create a list of the pros and cons. You can then analyze and compare one job to another in a logical manner. You should aim to make an effective and rational career choice this way. Next, you will want to narrow down your choices and rank them: 1) First Choice/Ideal Career, 2) Realistic Choice/Back-up Plan and 3) Safety/Last Resort. You can then begin the last stage of the career development process, putting your plan into action!
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Reading and Researching (use this link https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/what-is-assessment.aspx for a self assessment)
Networking, Informational Interviewing, and Hands-On Experience
Evaluating and Decision-Making
You are not alone in finding ways to explore career interests, many people struggle with this. Everyone has some solid advice, so I will just add on to their advice. First and foremost, you really need to figure out what makes you happy. But while you are figuring that out, please don't for get about the practicality of your career choice (i.e. will it make a decent income to live by? Is it a long-term career?).
Based on your description, I personally feel like you could really find a nice career as a teacher, counselor, psychologist, therapist, etc. These careers lead to a fulfilling life of inspiring others. Assuming you are in or will be in college, I would suggest that you not choose a major in your first two years of college. Use this time to complete your required general education (GE) and take classes that really interest you. During this process, you can really weed out the interesting classes to the non-interesting classes. It is also really important you get some hands-on experience. Find an individual in the career of your choice and ask to shadow them for a few days out of the year, maybe even once a month. This will give you real insight on how this profession is in real life.
My suggestions would be as follow:
1. Reading and Researching
First, I strongly recommend that you take the self assessment/self interest assessment in order to guide you to the career of interest ( https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/what-is-assessment.aspx). Next I would suggest to list your top ten career choices. This will prepare you for the researching of each career. Then do some online digging and organize the requirements for the career: (1) what is the educational requirement; (2) do I need to take specific courses in undergrad to apply for a masters/professional program in this career; (3) are there any state exams I need to pass - if so, what are the requirements to take that exam; (4) what is the income of this career - will I be able to support myself on this income; (5) what is the realistic longevity of this career; etc. etc.
2. Networking, Informational Interviews, and Hands-On Experience
Extensive networking, informational interviewing, and hands-on experience is required. What you learn from informational interviews with family, friends, colleagues, alumni and professionals will either confirm or contradict what was discovered by your reading and researching. Try and set up an informational interview with someone that is already in the industry. Their path to get to where they are and their day-to-day work will give you honest insight of what is involved in that particular career that might not be able to find during your research. You can ask them real and hard questions about the nature of the work, a typical work day, compensation, job security, long range job prospects and the qualifications for breaking in. I also suggest you get involved in one of the local chambers of commerce, civic organizations, and business leads groups and professional associations. Develop your LinkedIn.com connections and start connecting with people on there. Ask your connections or your interviewers the following three questions: 1) How can I best prepare to break into this field?, 2) Do you know of any opportunities that I should consider?, and 3) Are there three people that I can talk to that could be helpful. Also, this would be a great time to ask your interviewer or your LinkedIn connect if you could shadow or intern with them, or if they know someone you can shadow or intern with. Being on the job will show you everything you need to know about your interest in the field.
4. Evaluating and Decision-Making
Finally, it is time to put everything together and really analyze the research, interviews, hands-on experience, etc. Then create a list of the pros and cons. You can then analyze and compare one job to another in a logical manner. You should aim to make an effective and rational career choice this way. Next, you will want to narrow down your choices and rank them: 1) First Choice/Ideal Career, 2) Realistic Choice/Back-up Plan and 3) Safety/Last Resort. You can then begin the last stage of the career development process, putting your plan into action!
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Rachel recommends the following next steps:
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
845
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Debbie,
From the way that you described yourself, I feel like you would be a great teacher. And when I say teacher, I don't just mean public education although that is an incredible honor to teach the future generations. You can also do training in corporate environments as well. That is the job that I do. I enjoy my job as an Instructional Designer but I started as a trainer. It is a wonderful way to positively impact people's lives, by helping them to do well in their jobs.
Gloria
From the way that you described yourself, I feel like you would be a great teacher. And when I say teacher, I don't just mean public education although that is an incredible honor to teach the future generations. You can also do training in corporate environments as well. That is the job that I do. I enjoy my job as an Instructional Designer but I started as a trainer. It is a wonderful way to positively impact people's lives, by helping them to do well in their jobs.
Gloria
Dr. James Zavala
Lieutenant Colonel
133
Answers
Lorton, Virginia
Updated
Dr. James’s Answer
That is a question every college aged individual asks themselves. What should I major in? What do I want to do in life? Will I be happy with my job/career? One good way to answer that is to see your school counselor. They do have a test that can give you a list of possible careers based on your skills and interests. Another way is to just look into yourself and see what you like to do. What are your hobbies? You can turn that into a career. Do you like watching the stars, for example. You can pursue astronomy. Do you like shopping? You can study marketing and business. Whatever it is you do, make sure it is something that you will enjoy doing.
Samantha Pena
Senior Project Manager
3
Answers
Hove, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Thanks for posting your question. We think this is a very common dilemma for young people thinking about the their future careers. There are a couple things you could try. Firstly try and find your local careers advice service through your school, college or community. Also, sit down and write down your strengths and weaknesses. Think about what you have enjoyed doing in the past, or try some new things you don't know what you like until you try. Build your confidence and experience now that will help build your future plans.
Don't put too much pressure on yourself to figure out a career path right now, that will come as you move forward. It is a step-by-step process.
Look for a part-time job around your school work - builds experience and confidence
Get out and about and do new things
Don't put too much pressure on yourself to figure out a career path right now, that will come as you move forward. It is a step-by-step process.
Samantha recommends the following next steps:
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