9 answers
Angel
Student
California City, California
3
Questions
Asked
1662 views
What made you choose your current career
I'm a senior in high school planning to go to college #future I was just wondering what made you choose your career? #careers #career-options #career-choice
Login to comment
9 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Angel!
Choosing a Career: Factors and Considerations
When considering a career choice, individuals often reflect on various factors that influence their decision. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key elements that typically guide someone in selecting their career path:
1. Personal Interests and Passions
One of the primary reasons individuals choose a particular career is their personal interests and passions. Engaging in activities that one enjoys can lead to greater job satisfaction and motivation. For instance, if someone has a passion for technology, they might pursue a career in computer science or engineering. Identifying what excites you can be pivotal in making an informed decision about your future.
2. Skills and Strengths
Another significant factor is an individual’s skills and strengths. People often gravitate towards careers where they can leverage their natural abilities or acquired skills. For example, someone who excels in mathematics may consider careers in finance or engineering, while those with strong communication skills might explore roles in marketing or education.
3. Educational Background
The level of education required for various careers also plays a crucial role in decision-making. Some professions necessitate advanced degrees (e.g., medicine, law), while others may require vocational training or certifications (e.g., trades). Understanding the educational requirements can help students align their academic pursuits with their career aspirations.
4. Job Market Trends
Current job market trends can significantly influence career choices as well. Students often research fields that are growing and have high demand for workers, such as healthcare, technology, and renewable energy sectors. This consideration helps ensure job security and opportunities for advancement after graduation.
5. Financial Considerations
Financial stability is another critical aspect when choosing a career. Potential earnings associated with different professions can impact decisions significantly; many students consider the return on investment of their education relative to potential salaries in their chosen field.
6. Work-Life Balance
The desired work-life balance also affects career choices. Some individuals prioritize jobs that offer flexible hours or remote work options, while others may be willing to commit to more demanding positions for higher pay or prestige.
7. Influence from Role Models and Mentors
Influence from family members, teachers, mentors, or industry professionals can shape one’s perspective on potential careers. Positive experiences shared by these figures can inspire students to follow similar paths.
8. Societal Impact and Values
Finally, many individuals consider how their work contributes to society or aligns with their values. Careers in non-profit organizations, environmental conservation, or social justice may appeal to those who wish to make a positive impact on the world.
In conclusion, choosing a career is a multifaceted process influenced by personal interests, skills, educational background, job market trends, financial considerations, work-life balance preferences, mentorship influences, and societal values.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends across various industries which helps inform students about job prospects.
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): NCES offers insights into educational pathways and requirements for different careers which aids students in aligning their studies with future job markets.
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this resource provides tools for exploring careers based on interests and skills along with information about salary expectations and job outlooks.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Choosing a Career: Factors and Considerations
When considering a career choice, individuals often reflect on various factors that influence their decision. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key elements that typically guide someone in selecting their career path:
1. Personal Interests and Passions
One of the primary reasons individuals choose a particular career is their personal interests and passions. Engaging in activities that one enjoys can lead to greater job satisfaction and motivation. For instance, if someone has a passion for technology, they might pursue a career in computer science or engineering. Identifying what excites you can be pivotal in making an informed decision about your future.
2. Skills and Strengths
Another significant factor is an individual’s skills and strengths. People often gravitate towards careers where they can leverage their natural abilities or acquired skills. For example, someone who excels in mathematics may consider careers in finance or engineering, while those with strong communication skills might explore roles in marketing or education.
3. Educational Background
The level of education required for various careers also plays a crucial role in decision-making. Some professions necessitate advanced degrees (e.g., medicine, law), while others may require vocational training or certifications (e.g., trades). Understanding the educational requirements can help students align their academic pursuits with their career aspirations.
4. Job Market Trends
Current job market trends can significantly influence career choices as well. Students often research fields that are growing and have high demand for workers, such as healthcare, technology, and renewable energy sectors. This consideration helps ensure job security and opportunities for advancement after graduation.
5. Financial Considerations
Financial stability is another critical aspect when choosing a career. Potential earnings associated with different professions can impact decisions significantly; many students consider the return on investment of their education relative to potential salaries in their chosen field.
6. Work-Life Balance
The desired work-life balance also affects career choices. Some individuals prioritize jobs that offer flexible hours or remote work options, while others may be willing to commit to more demanding positions for higher pay or prestige.
7. Influence from Role Models and Mentors
Influence from family members, teachers, mentors, or industry professionals can shape one’s perspective on potential careers. Positive experiences shared by these figures can inspire students to follow similar paths.
8. Societal Impact and Values
Finally, many individuals consider how their work contributes to society or aligns with their values. Careers in non-profit organizations, environmental conservation, or social justice may appeal to those who wish to make a positive impact on the world.
In conclusion, choosing a career is a multifaceted process influenced by personal interests, skills, educational background, job market trends, financial considerations, work-life balance preferences, mentorship influences, and societal values.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends across various industries which helps inform students about job prospects.
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): NCES offers insights into educational pathways and requirements for different careers which aids students in aligning their studies with future job markets.
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this resource provides tools for exploring careers based on interests and skills along with information about salary expectations and job outlooks.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I chose my job because of the opportunities it presented, the skills that I would learn from the position, being able to convert my business degree into actual job experience, and the ability to provide well for my family.
Decker Hinckley
Supportability Specialist
10
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Decker’s Answer
I liked the company, did my research on it and really set my mind on the company. I just wanted to get my foot in the door at the company and it turned into finding my career through that.
Another teammate of mine, was really looking for a new switch and through a friend they joined a new company with the mindset to explore and grow. They were able to be supported by leadership who helped them develop into a role they really enjoyed.
The key is to be open to try new things, and be honest when you don't like something. Be willing to fail so you have room to grow.
Another teammate of mine, was really looking for a new switch and through a friend they joined a new company with the mindset to explore and grow. They were able to be supported by leadership who helped them develop into a role they really enjoyed.
The key is to be open to try new things, and be honest when you don't like something. Be willing to fail so you have room to grow.
Bill Pollifrone
Software Engineer
3
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Bill’s Answer
I actually did not choose my current career. I majored in another field and worked in it successfully for 10 years. After that I switched to another career and found that I like it much more than by first choice. Be open to any opportunities.
Shreya Anand
Student
2
Answers
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Updated
Shreya’s Answer
Hey Angel,
My career choice came from the experiences I had from extracurriculars in college. I was an active DECA competitor and it was the main inspiration for my business degree and the majors I chose (marketing and information systems). In addition to this networking with others also helped me gain a better understanding of industries. If you are a senior I would start with identifying your key strengths and beliefs. I'm a people person who is really good with working with teams and innovating. I'm also a more liberal person so I want to be a part of evolving companies that put an emphasis on diversity and other things. Knowing these things can help you better understand where you want to go into. Also figure out how you work/think. I am a more creative person (this is where my marketing degree comes in) and I am also interested in technology but I'm not inherently analytical (where the information systems major comes in. I can be involved in technology efforts without sitting down to code). Take some time to think about these efforts and it should help you narrow down your options!
My career choice came from the experiences I had from extracurriculars in college. I was an active DECA competitor and it was the main inspiration for my business degree and the majors I chose (marketing and information systems). In addition to this networking with others also helped me gain a better understanding of industries. If you are a senior I would start with identifying your key strengths and beliefs. I'm a people person who is really good with working with teams and innovating. I'm also a more liberal person so I want to be a part of evolving companies that put an emphasis on diversity and other things. Knowing these things can help you better understand where you want to go into. Also figure out how you work/think. I am a more creative person (this is where my marketing degree comes in) and I am also interested in technology but I'm not inherently analytical (where the information systems major comes in. I can be involved in technology efforts without sitting down to code). Take some time to think about these efforts and it should help you narrow down your options!
Cosmina Backs
Commercial Account Manager
11
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Cosmina’s Answer
Hi Angel,
When I was in high school, I had a completely different career in mind compared to now (I am a 22-year-old who just graduated college in their first job). In high school, I wanted to be a social worker because I loved talking to people and hearing their problems in hopes of helping. However, when I went to college, I started taking a few classes and realized that was not for me. You will know the feeling when you take a course in a major and realize it's not for you!
I then went into Management and wanted to do Human Resources. I wanted to do Human Resources because lots of people in my family did HR, so it was like an easy route for me to take. However, when I started taking HR classes, I realized that also was not for me. Then I switched to Marketing because I loved one of my professors but realized over time that marketing was not precisely what I was looking for. I was looking for a job where I could be, outgoing, organized, talked to people, helped solve problems, and wanted to be around others with an outgoing personality.
In one of my business classes, my teacher told me I should look into a career in Sales. I knew that was the right choice for me because as soon as I started taking sales classes, I fell in love and realized it was like "home" for me! Comparing back to first wanting to be a school counselor to now working in sales, I think you should find a career that really fits your personality and interests and not be afraid to do a little digging or change! You should be open to taking multiple classes that you are interested in! Some you may like and others not so much, but that's all part of the process! You can also take a career test online by typing in "career personality test" or potentially through your university!
When I was in high school, I had a completely different career in mind compared to now (I am a 22-year-old who just graduated college in their first job). In high school, I wanted to be a social worker because I loved talking to people and hearing their problems in hopes of helping. However, when I went to college, I started taking a few classes and realized that was not for me. You will know the feeling when you take a course in a major and realize it's not for you!
I then went into Management and wanted to do Human Resources. I wanted to do Human Resources because lots of people in my family did HR, so it was like an easy route for me to take. However, when I started taking HR classes, I realized that also was not for me. Then I switched to Marketing because I loved one of my professors but realized over time that marketing was not precisely what I was looking for. I was looking for a job where I could be, outgoing, organized, talked to people, helped solve problems, and wanted to be around others with an outgoing personality.
In one of my business classes, my teacher told me I should look into a career in Sales. I knew that was the right choice for me because as soon as I started taking sales classes, I fell in love and realized it was like "home" for me! Comparing back to first wanting to be a school counselor to now working in sales, I think you should find a career that really fits your personality and interests and not be afraid to do a little digging or change! You should be open to taking multiple classes that you are interested in! Some you may like and others not so much, but that's all part of the process! You can also take a career test online by typing in "career personality test" or potentially through your university!
Sara Daily
Executive Team Leader - Human Resources
2
Answers
Florence, South Carolina
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Such an important and relevant question! I decided to go to a business school after high school, because I honestly felt like it was the "safe" choice. I didn't know what I wanted to major in, but I knew that business was an option that could apply to many future careers. After I started taking more business classes, I realized what subjects I enjoyed and were good at. I quickly learned that finance and accounting did not interest me, and started really enjoying the "human" side of business. I found out that I liked training and development, as well as recruitment and selection in Human Resources. I also learned that I liked marketing and really valued marketing research, as well as the organizational psychology aspects of how people are in the workplace. After taking classes in business and intro courses (like psych!), I chose to double major in Human Resources and Marketing, with a minor in Psychology. I loved all of these subjects, and wanted to be versatile when looking for jobs after college. Since I've graduated, I've been a District Manager and Executive Team Leader - Human Resources. Both of these jobs relate to what I learned in college, but I've honestly learned so much more in my career by learning hands on rather than sitting in classes. It's very beneficial to be in your job day-to-day and learn more about business. Don't get me wrong - I'm very grateful I went to college, but it's just a stepping stone to getting to your career. You will develop so much more once you get into your career and learn what your strengths are!
But the main thing I learned is that even if you choose a major, that doesn't always mean you'll be doing that career forever. So many people have a major they studied, and then completely change their career halfway down the road once they graduate. Employers look at your education, but at the end of the day, they care much more about your experience and the skills you've developed rather than your major and what you specifically studied in college. Overall, choose a major you enjoy, learn skills, and experience life to the fullest! That's how you'll make a good career choice.
But the main thing I learned is that even if you choose a major, that doesn't always mean you'll be doing that career forever. So many people have a major they studied, and then completely change their career halfway down the road once they graduate. Employers look at your education, but at the end of the day, they care much more about your experience and the skills you've developed rather than your major and what you specifically studied in college. Overall, choose a major you enjoy, learn skills, and experience life to the fullest! That's how you'll make a good career choice.
Donald Spaulding
Business Consultant
4
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Donald’s Answer
One of the things I like to share with young people who are embarking upon college/career decisions is that I, like many others have had many different careers during my professional life. As an example I went to college to be an architect and through a series of twist became a school psychologist and then an administrator and I am now a consultant in the information technology world. My path led me to many different professions but in each I always chose to pursue jobs that gave me a chance to do the things I like to do.
My suggestion is to focus on the things you like to do. The things that you feel that you are successful at and the job will define itself. When in college take course that interest you. Talk to people who are interesting to you. Learn about the things that you are interested in. If the career you choose affords you the opportunity to do things you like, the profession is not necessarily as important as doing the things you like.
Hope this helps to relieve the pressure of picking the "right" career. :)
My suggestion is to focus on the things you like to do. The things that you feel that you are successful at and the job will define itself. When in college take course that interest you. Talk to people who are interesting to you. Learn about the things that you are interested in. If the career you choose affords you the opportunity to do things you like, the profession is not necessarily as important as doing the things you like.
Hope this helps to relieve the pressure of picking the "right" career. :)
Micayla Strickland, CPA
Risk Assurance Senior Associate at PwC
23
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Micayla’s Answer
Hi Angel,
When I first started college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I ended up switching around quite a bit the first year and into my second year of college, but ultimately landed in accounting. I took a lot of core classes (classes that all students are required to take regardless of their major) and, from there, narrowed down my classes based on the ones I enjoyed most.
I started with core business classes, which I enjoyed, and then moved into accounting and management information systems (MIS) courses from there. Once I decided on accounting, I joined the school's accounting club (BAP), which gave me the opportunity to connect with other accounting professionals. It was super helpful to talk professionals in the job, who were able to give me more insight into what "a day in the life" was like for that career.
When I first started college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I ended up switching around quite a bit the first year and into my second year of college, but ultimately landed in accounting. I took a lot of core classes (classes that all students are required to take regardless of their major) and, from there, narrowed down my classes based on the ones I enjoyed most.
I started with core business classes, which I enjoyed, and then moved into accounting and management information systems (MIS) courses from there. Once I decided on accounting, I joined the school's accounting club (BAP), which gave me the opportunity to connect with other accounting professionals. It was super helpful to talk professionals in the job, who were able to give me more insight into what "a day in the life" was like for that career.