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Why don't know what I want to do yet?
I am a 10th grader at a really famous school and I don't know what I want to do for a career yet. I have lots of interest but not a particular thing and don't know what I'm truly passionate about. #casstechnician #casstech #career #undecided #career-choice #college
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Carter’s Answer
It's totally okay and normal to not know what you want to do for your career in 10th grade. I would focus on doing well in school and continuing to explore your interests. I would write down things you want to do in a future career and see which career(s) might be a good fit for you. For example, if you like working with people and you like science, you could consider going into healthcare. If you are more introverted and like math, you could consider a career in data analytics or research. If you like problem solving and working on teams, you could consider a career in business.
You've got plenty of time to explore your career options, and it's always okay to change your mind later on. Good luck!
You've got plenty of time to explore your career options, and it's always okay to change your mind later on. Good luck!
Updated
Sethu’s Answer
HI CarRyn, That is nothing wrong about not knowing what you want to do. Based on my own personal experience, continue to study what interests you most and try to get exposure in every field you can. In my own case, I mastered in Physics but have been working in Software Industry for the last 30 years.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Updated
Antonio’s Answer
Hi CarRyn,
This type of decisions takes more time than the one we think, but you are in a perfect position to start looking for new options and experience new areas. You should start by making a list of the things you love to do, then start matching this activities with majors where you can do them; and when you are done just start looking for the complete set of possible activities you would have to do if you go to each major, so you will know if there are things you don't like of it and if you imagine yourself doing them or not.
Hope this helps, good luck!
This type of decisions takes more time than the one we think, but you are in a perfect position to start looking for new options and experience new areas. You should start by making a list of the things you love to do, then start matching this activities with majors where you can do them; and when you are done just start looking for the complete set of possible activities you would have to do if you go to each major, so you will know if there are things you don't like of it and if you imagine yourself doing them or not.
Hope this helps, good luck!
Robin Larkin
Communications manager of Medicare Advantage member materials
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Robin’s Answer
Hi CarRyn and fellow Technician (Class of '81)!
I was in the Chemical Biological curriculum at Cass Tech and thought I wanted to be a chemical engineer. I ended up being admitted to U of M in the Liberal Arts & Sciences College, (not in the College of Engineering). I didn't know what I wanted to do but I knew I liked writing and English and being creative so I majored in Communications.
After college, I worked as a writer and editor at a local weekly newspaper in Detroit (but I really wanted a job in advertising because I thought that would be more creative), as a writer at a large nonprofit, as a copy editor for an online start-up, and as a contractor in a communications department for a large Michigan-based health plan. Eleven years later, I'm now a manager at that health plan with a team of 10 talented people who collectively produce, review or edit over 1,300 member materials annually.
Had you asked me when I was a student at CT (in the old building with eight floors, not the new one you attend), I would not have had an answer or I might have said a news anchor. I was hoping college would help me decide. I had to really examine my skills and my interests. I started at that newspaper in sales to get my foot in the door. I eventually was moved to the editorial department (sales was not really my thing). I simply pursued jobs in areas that I liked and enjoyed. I was not the avid writer who dreamed of being an editor at some large daily newspaper or of being a best-selling author or anything like that. Things just fell into place by me sticking in the areas I knew.
Don't be discouraged because at 15 or 16, you don't know what you want to pursue. I am married with three grown children and they didn't know what they wanted to be at your age either. They had ideas but they weren't sure. They all have college degrees but their careers now are not what they initially thought they would be.
At Cass, many of my classmates were in the same boat: many interests but unsure which direction to pursue. Others knew exactly what they wanted to do and are doing just that. Try getting involved in some of the clubs and extracurricular groups offered through the school (I know it might be challenging to do that now in the middle of a pandemic). Ask people in your circle and their parents what they do and what education and skills are needed. Most importantly, don't go through your high school career at the famed Cass Tech feeling less than because you don't know what you want to do yet. You're just getting started and you have time to figure it out. Be proactive and seek out things that interest you. It will all come together.
I was in the Chemical Biological curriculum at Cass Tech and thought I wanted to be a chemical engineer. I ended up being admitted to U of M in the Liberal Arts & Sciences College, (not in the College of Engineering). I didn't know what I wanted to do but I knew I liked writing and English and being creative so I majored in Communications.
After college, I worked as a writer and editor at a local weekly newspaper in Detroit (but I really wanted a job in advertising because I thought that would be more creative), as a writer at a large nonprofit, as a copy editor for an online start-up, and as a contractor in a communications department for a large Michigan-based health plan. Eleven years later, I'm now a manager at that health plan with a team of 10 talented people who collectively produce, review or edit over 1,300 member materials annually.
Had you asked me when I was a student at CT (in the old building with eight floors, not the new one you attend), I would not have had an answer or I might have said a news anchor. I was hoping college would help me decide. I had to really examine my skills and my interests. I started at that newspaper in sales to get my foot in the door. I eventually was moved to the editorial department (sales was not really my thing). I simply pursued jobs in areas that I liked and enjoyed. I was not the avid writer who dreamed of being an editor at some large daily newspaper or of being a best-selling author or anything like that. Things just fell into place by me sticking in the areas I knew.
Don't be discouraged because at 15 or 16, you don't know what you want to pursue. I am married with three grown children and they didn't know what they wanted to be at your age either. They had ideas but they weren't sure. They all have college degrees but their careers now are not what they initially thought they would be.
At Cass, many of my classmates were in the same boat: many interests but unsure which direction to pursue. Others knew exactly what they wanted to do and are doing just that. Try getting involved in some of the clubs and extracurricular groups offered through the school (I know it might be challenging to do that now in the middle of a pandemic). Ask people in your circle and their parents what they do and what education and skills are needed. Most importantly, don't go through your high school career at the famed Cass Tech feeling less than because you don't know what you want to do yet. You're just getting started and you have time to figure it out. Be proactive and seek out things that interest you. It will all come together.
Updated
JJ’s Answer
I struggled with this as well in high school. Some people know from like middle school what they want to do when they grow up, but I personally had lots of interests but didn’t really know where I wanted to take them or where I saw myself in the future. This is totally fine, and when I got to college I realized that a TON of people are in the same boat. So don’t worry, you’re not at all behind and you have plenty of time to explore things further.
My additional advice would be to really explore your interests. Find things that you think maybe you’d enjoy doing long term. Just note that down in your head, and maybe explore it a little further. Sometimes, it can be helpful to think about your life goals as a start point. Do you want to help people, build things, how important is a high salary to you, etc. These can give you a great starting point as well to think about what sort of positions you may be interested in. Overall, it’s important to be true to yourself. Take the next few years to really explore what excites you and what kind of person you want to be :)
My additional advice would be to really explore your interests. Find things that you think maybe you’d enjoy doing long term. Just note that down in your head, and maybe explore it a little further. Sometimes, it can be helpful to think about your life goals as a start point. Do you want to help people, build things, how important is a high salary to you, etc. These can give you a great starting point as well to think about what sort of positions you may be interested in. Overall, it’s important to be true to yourself. Take the next few years to really explore what excites you and what kind of person you want to be :)
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi CarRyn,
I didn't know what I really wanted to do until my late 20's. I had dreams about what I wanted to do, but I didn't know what it really took. I actually didn't really know what I wanted to do until I started working. When I moved toward college, I wanted to be a journalist. When I went to college, it was a more competitive program than I expected. At my core, all I wanted to do was write. I love writing. I write when I have nothing to do. I write stories, songs, poems. I would say that you may not want to focus on a specific career. I would focus on what skills and talents that you are already have or want to grow. Looking back, I wish that I had been an English major in school. While it is not a job role, it pointed me into the skill that I wanted to be able to use whatever job that I had. I could be a teacher, a writer, a marketing person, a journalist, a court reporter, all kinds of jobs are available to me.
What is your greatest skill or talent? How would you use that?
Gloria
I didn't know what I really wanted to do until my late 20's. I had dreams about what I wanted to do, but I didn't know what it really took. I actually didn't really know what I wanted to do until I started working. When I moved toward college, I wanted to be a journalist. When I went to college, it was a more competitive program than I expected. At my core, all I wanted to do was write. I love writing. I write when I have nothing to do. I write stories, songs, poems. I would say that you may not want to focus on a specific career. I would focus on what skills and talents that you are already have or want to grow. Looking back, I wish that I had been an English major in school. While it is not a job role, it pointed me into the skill that I wanted to be able to use whatever job that I had. I could be a teacher, a writer, a marketing person, a journalist, a court reporter, all kinds of jobs are available to me.
What is your greatest skill or talent? How would you use that?
Gloria
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello CarRyn! It isn't a big deal to not know exactly what you want to do for a career yet as a 10th grader. I would say to focus more on getting exposure to multiple areas that interest you now so you can see what you do or do not like. If you are specifically worried about college, most schools have resources to help determine possible paths to go down. I didn't choose my college major until I was a Junior in college and had a good sample size or general classes to help me make my decision. Good luck!
Updated
Fred’s Answer
I wouldn't stress about not knowing your career path in the 10th grade! Statistically, you won't know this in college either. Nearly 3/4 of people with a Bachelor's degree wind up working in a field that's different from their major:
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/08/02/new-data-track-graduates-six-popular-majors-through-their-first-three-jobs
The path won't be a rigid, straight line. For now, focus on what excites/interests you. These are the things you'll be good at. Hard work will come easier ... you'll stand out, add value, and solve problems.
If you work hard + surround yourself with good people that you admire - things will usually fall into place!
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/08/02/new-data-track-graduates-six-popular-majors-through-their-first-three-jobs
The path won't be a rigid, straight line. For now, focus on what excites/interests you. These are the things you'll be good at. Hard work will come easier ... you'll stand out, add value, and solve problems.
If you work hard + surround yourself with good people that you admire - things will usually fall into place!
Updated
Pro’s Answer
Think about what it is you love and enjoy most in your life... animals? Helping other people? And make a career out of it. Think about HOW you'd most like to help them. Conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, habitat management, teaching, counseling, etc.?
L recommends the following next steps:
*Decide what your passion/calling in life is
*Figure out what kinds of work you can do in that area
*Do some Internet research and find out what kinds of job duties, education, and experience it would require
*Volunteer or intern in that area while getting an education
*Be happy with the rest of your life doing what you love!
L recommends the following next steps:
*Decide what your passion/calling in life is
*Figure out what kinds of work you can do in that area
*Do some Internet research and find out what kinds of job duties, education, and experience it would require
*Volunteer or intern in that area while getting an education
*Be happy with the rest of your life doing what you love!
Updated
Pro’s Answer
Think about what it is you love and enjoy most in your life... animals? Helping other people? And make a career out of it. Think about HOW you'd most like to help them. Conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, habitat management, teaching, counseling, etc.?
L recommends the following next steps:
Decide what your passion/calling in life is
Figure out what kinds of work you can do in that area
Do some Internet research and find out what kinds of job duties, education, and experience it would require
Volunteer or intern in that area while getting an education
Be happy with the rest of your life doing what you love!
L recommends the following next steps:
Decide what your passion/calling in life is
Figure out what kinds of work you can do in that area
Do some Internet research and find out what kinds of job duties, education, and experience it would require
Volunteer or intern in that area while getting an education
Be happy with the rest of your life doing what you love!