What was most helpful in helping you choose a career path?

First of all - your college major does not necessarily determine your career or job, What is you get an undergraduate in Communications? English? History? Business? etc. A college major doesn't make a career. And many adults today switch careers multiple times throughout their lives. That's much more common than staying with the same company or job for 30 years. It didn't used to be that way - but now...? You should consider the need to adapt... not knowing what the future might bring. One of the best ways to experience different fields is internships or/volunteering. While some majors include an internship as part of the degree plan - most don't. So go out there and talk to people who work in fields you think you might be interested in. Volunteer at different places to get a feel for what's it's like to work in different settings. Not just different jobs - but different SETTINGS. Being a nurse at a large public hospital is very different from being a nurse at a small private pediatric office. Go experience the places and business/industries/settings you think you might be interested in. And as others suggest, think about what's important to YOU. Money? Lifestyle? 9-5? (which is increasingly rare), being creative? feeling important and valued? Being internally motivated or needing reassurance and validation or recognition? etc. I chose a field I knew I would be good at - but that I also knew would not make me wealthy. And while I have worked in Education my entire life, I have worked in many different settings with all ages. I also recommend doing your homework in terms of occupational outlook. There are simply some jobs that won't be around as we move into the future. It would be silly not to consider that fact as well.

It really helped me to take generals. I was able to complete graduation requirements, but I chose classes based on what sounded interesting. The classes I enjoyed the most helped guide me towards my eventual major. I also spent time talking with my academic advisor about what I enjoyed and what options were available. You just need to try anything and everything to find out what you enjoy doing/learning.

Collegeboard.org is a great resource for this! I poured through the pages of universities all over the U.S. when I was a senior in high school. Collegeboard was my go-to site! They put all of the information in one place and it is very easy to use. They even have various filters you can apply to see only colleges that have programs you are interested. To determine academic rigor, look at the admissions requirements, G.P.A. of past admitted applicants, SAT/ACT scores, class rank etc. This will give you an idea of what scores and grades you need to be accepted. However, don't be discouraged your application will be reviewed based on the full picture! College-board will help you get an idea of what is most important to the specific school you are applying to.</span>

This professional recommends the following next steps:

• Chat with your Guidance Counselor
• Create a Collegeboard.org account
• Start using CollegeBoard as a resource to look up schools.