How did you figure out what you wanted your career to be?
I know a lot of students struggle with what they are going to do in life, I know I sure do. It would help to have direction on how to find your passion or inspiration #teaching #law #management #accounting #law-enforcement #government #arts #cooking
12 answers
Peter Van Dyck
Peter’s Answer
Well you have to see it like this, figuring out things is actually life.
Try to find out your inner passions, what gets your attention:
Are you someone who likes to works with his hands or with his mind?
Are you creative?
To get some guidance in your passions I could recommend you the Myers-Briggs test, a funny one is the Simpsons one which you can do online http://www.slideshare.net/lntrullin/the-simpsons-myersbriggs-test
Write down a letter from each of the first 4 slides (as per your answer), this will get you a four letter word like “ENTJ”. Use this code to help you find your Simpsons character & on the second slide some Career Matches
Lionel’s Answer
Great question Anna. I think there is a myth that inspiration, fully formed hits. For most of us, we put ourselves in motion, choosing a first or second job based on a vague sense, or perhaps aided by data like the Myers-Briggs, or friends or something done as a hobby or a mentor. We work for a while, we observe what we like, what we don't, we learn about related positions, we gradually move. If we're lucky (and smart) we get a mentor or two. We learn about the dimensions of work... @peter mentions some. There is also, govt vs. corporate vs. start-up, young companies vs. older, passion for a mission vs. a skill set (programming). We blend all with other life happenings (marriage, kids, financial imperatives), stir and repeat. I encourage you to think of this as a journey, rather than a once in a lifetime answer. Hope that helps. Best, Lionel
Ary’s Answer
Dear Anna
There is never a perfect plan to follow, but you can always be open to the opportunities and be courageous to accept new challenges. No matter what you do be happy and make friends on the way to your goals.
Best,
Ary
Sallie’s Answer
Personally, I would start with a personality assessment similar to the HBDI test. These tests often help you better understand how you function and where your strengths/weaknesses lie. Tests like this can help you avoid picking a career that does not tailor to your strengths and allow you more opportunities for growth.
If you paired something like a personality test with a list of your current interests, you very well may be able to narrow down careers to ones that both speak to your passions and your skill sets. I believe finding a career that balances with the two could help an individual with finding a career they are passionate about but also have the skills to accomplish. This in turn could potentially help you better understand the path you want to stay on while avoiding burnout from putting effort into a career that is not benefiting both the mind and spirit.
Another word of advice is to remember that life can be unpredictable. I know that what im doing now is not the career path I would have chosen at 16,17, or even well into my early 20s. However, I find that im in a career field I enjoy while working for a company I love and it took many various jobs for me to get here. Some people find what they want to do at a very young age and are able pursue that same career for the rest of their professional lives, while others are still figuring out what they really want to do well into their 30s. Be sure to show yourself compassion and have a little patience as you work through this decision.
Makayla’s Answer
This question was asked during a session with AMAZING professionals from programmatic marketing partner, MiQ! Our panel had individuals who work in sales, data analysis, account management, HR, and more. We hope our answers can provide guidance as you continue on your career journey. They have been summarized and shared below:
- I first had to realize what I didn’t like, shifted around that, and knew it should somewhat align with your personality. So it also takes some looking at who you are to find what you like to do.
- It helps to consider what you like to do and find people you like to do it with.
- On your first few jobs, just focus on getting experience because your first job does not have to be your dream job.
- Most important thing for me was finding what my purpose was, and then finding roles that align with it.
- It is important to know that different jobs within the same industry are completely different, it is important to just get yourself out there.
- I am still finding that "adult career"! I grew up being told I could only be one thing-- doctor, lawyer, etc. Now that I'm older, I realized I can do whatever I want. Most important thing for me is knowing what my purpose is, and finding roles that align with that.
Edward’s Answer
I thought about what I like to do, hoping that if I chose to do that for a living, work would always seem like fun.
I knew early on that I like to read, write and talk, so I chose lawyer. Thankfully, I was right and have been having fun "working" as a lawyer for more than 47 years now!
Please do two additional things I failed to do: speak to people doing what you think you would enjoy (ask for both the good and the bad); and find out on the web whether or not your job produces enough money to allow you to choose what else to do with your life, such as especially supporting a family.
Happy researching!!
Jordan’s Answer
Hi Anna-
For me it was trial and error. I believe I had changed my major four different times before I decided to be "undeclared". Life is all about learning about ourselves. We may think we know exactly what we want, only to chase it and realize we may have been wrong.
Don't give up, don't settle, and do not be afraid of failure. It is the times when we think we cannot get back up that we realize just how strong we are. You will find what is right for you, do not be discouraged if you are not right on the first guess!
Margaret’s Answer
Sometimes we start out pursuing one career and end up in another career. During my summer recesses from college l I would go to a temp agency for a job and they would place me with different companies. This enabled me to get a sense of what it was like to work in a business environment and if it was something I wanted to pursue.
Scott D.’s Answer
I went to college and switched majors a number of times until I found one I liked. You could also try volunteering and short internships as well.
Shubha Florence’s Answer
Find out your interests, network with seniors and students of your class and then pursue your career. At any point of time you may change your career plans and do something that you are interested in.
All the Best.
Rebecca’s Answer
Below is my suggestions :
1. Think about your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. Identify any career that related to these.
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in drawing, would you like to be designer, artist, art teacher, etc.
2. Explore more on these careers and choose a number of these you have interest on
3. Speak to someone who works in these careers or seek advice from your mentor, career counsellor in your school, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue.
5. Find out the entry criteria on the relevant subjects in the college.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
