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How did you decide which career to pursue when you have so many interests?
I’m a 25 year old woman that has too many interests to count. I’m currently a science major, but I constantly doubt if that’s what I want my degree in. I’m interested in pursuing vet school, law, and I’ll be starting a coding boot camp in December! #career-choice #forensic #veterinarian #law #tech
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Veronica’s Answer
When I was in high school, I so badly wanted to be a surgeon. Or an artist. Or a professional soccer player. Or a lawyer. Or a writer. Or someone who travels the world volunteering… I had, and probably always will have, many dreams.
This probably isn’t the answer you want to hear, but the phrase “life is what happens while you’re making other plans” is how many of us find our footing.
I went to school for business and minored in finance. I’m now a software tester and I have no idea how I ended up here. Someone saw something in me and here I am. I’m good at what I do and sometimes things just happen the way they’re supposed to.
I will say, though, that nothing in this world is completely permanent. Anything you do can be undone if you think you’ve gone down the wrong path. It’s never too late to change course and it’s never too late to go back to school if you decide one of your dreams seems more meant to be. You’re never too old to dream.
Everyone has a quarter-life crisis at 25, though, so don’t worry. It’ll all work out.
This probably isn’t the answer you want to hear, but the phrase “life is what happens while you’re making other plans” is how many of us find our footing.
I went to school for business and minored in finance. I’m now a software tester and I have no idea how I ended up here. Someone saw something in me and here I am. I’m good at what I do and sometimes things just happen the way they’re supposed to.
I will say, though, that nothing in this world is completely permanent. Anything you do can be undone if you think you’ve gone down the wrong path. It’s never too late to change course and it’s never too late to go back to school if you decide one of your dreams seems more meant to be. You’re never too old to dream.
Everyone has a quarter-life crisis at 25, though, so don’t worry. It’ll all work out.
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Kim’s Answer
Ashanti,
This problem is not as difficult as it may sound! All you need to do is look for the intersection of these interests! I'm going to leave coding out of the equation for a minute. Ask yourself, how can I do both law and veterinary work?
Answer: well, you could become a veterinary consultant to attorneys who handle animal cases: veterinary malpractice, aggressive dogs at the dog park, etc. Or, an attorney who handles veterinary cases. Or an attorney who provides legal services to animal-focused groups - the local rescue groups, SPCA, PETA, racetracks, FFA, etc.
I don't know how to apply coding to your situation, but, I imagine there are things such as creating training programs for vets or attorneys who specialize in veterinary law. As you continue to try to narrow down if you want to go more towards vet or law, keep searching for the intersection of the two fields. Or, the intersection of coding and law, or, coding and veterinary. . .
Normally, I would tell someone they can do both, as a lifetime of work is plenty long enough to have two careers. But, because of the amount of schooling involved for both fields, that may not be advisable. However, you could perhaps spend a few years as a vet tech before going to law school. That would give you some first-hand knowledge should you pursue a legal career in veterinary law.
It's awesome to have some idea of where you are heading! Good luck to you!
This problem is not as difficult as it may sound! All you need to do is look for the intersection of these interests! I'm going to leave coding out of the equation for a minute. Ask yourself, how can I do both law and veterinary work?
Answer: well, you could become a veterinary consultant to attorneys who handle animal cases: veterinary malpractice, aggressive dogs at the dog park, etc. Or, an attorney who handles veterinary cases. Or an attorney who provides legal services to animal-focused groups - the local rescue groups, SPCA, PETA, racetracks, FFA, etc.
I don't know how to apply coding to your situation, but, I imagine there are things such as creating training programs for vets or attorneys who specialize in veterinary law. As you continue to try to narrow down if you want to go more towards vet or law, keep searching for the intersection of the two fields. Or, the intersection of coding and law, or, coding and veterinary. . .
Normally, I would tell someone they can do both, as a lifetime of work is plenty long enough to have two careers. But, because of the amount of schooling involved for both fields, that may not be advisable. However, you could perhaps spend a few years as a vet tech before going to law school. That would give you some first-hand knowledge should you pursue a legal career in veterinary law.
It's awesome to have some idea of where you are heading! Good luck to you!
Thank you Kim. I never considered any of these options. I appreciate the new insights you’ve given me !
Ashanti
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
There is not always a clear path to determine what your 'career' should be. What I thought my career was going to be in my 20s is not what it is now. I found that I loved being creative and ended up in a technology field that allows me to find creative technical solutions to problems. Start by thinking of what you are passionate about & what you are good at. What fields intersect those?
Bob Moore
Supply Chain, Energy. Oil & Gas, Leadership, Management, Careers Overseas
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Bob’s Answer
How did you decide which career to pursue when you have so many interests?
There are 6 lists to consider
- what do you excel at academically
- what activities do you really enjoy
- what careers type do you like if any - what careers have you discussed with friends, family, school
- how flexible are you to move away from your home, country, state and even country
- what careers have your family and friends chosen - parents, siblings, cousins, friend's - through natural conversation you will get insights into what they are doing and it will peak your interest or not
- industries in your area can influence your starting point
While your performance at school may not be the exact indicator of what you are good at, what you like - its a good indicator. Performance at school/college will expand or limit your options, and that's a fact - whether its entry to the college of your choice of career options. Most good paying jobs and careers and jobs today require a degree and even a master degree. Your grades will starts to filter or expand opportunities.
Working in a filed that you love is everyone's dream job - so while you are young and you have the chance write down the list and see what great careers are in this space.
What careers have you discussed with family and friends - directly or indirectly - what jobs and careers peak your interest?
Do you want to stay in your village, town, city, county or state - or are you flexible? If you are flexible you will have many more options. I was brought up in a small town in England but decided I wanted to travel and see the world as part of my job. I was lucky - after leaving college I got a job in oil and gas and worked in Colombia, Denmark, Morocco, France, UK, Greece, South Africa, Mexico, USA, Venezuela, Alaska and Angola - I got what I wanted as I was super flexible.
What are the industries in your area - its an easier route but they may have exactly what you need.
Lastly i would get the list of industries and jobs and find the ones you like
The take the outcomes of all of the above and streamline your list favorites - rank them - they start pushing into that area to learn more - see ho you can break into the field - and be persistent .
Hope this helps
There are 6 lists to consider
- what do you excel at academically
- what activities do you really enjoy
- what careers type do you like if any - what careers have you discussed with friends, family, school
- how flexible are you to move away from your home, country, state and even country
- what careers have your family and friends chosen - parents, siblings, cousins, friend's - through natural conversation you will get insights into what they are doing and it will peak your interest or not
- industries in your area can influence your starting point
While your performance at school may not be the exact indicator of what you are good at, what you like - its a good indicator. Performance at school/college will expand or limit your options, and that's a fact - whether its entry to the college of your choice of career options. Most good paying jobs and careers and jobs today require a degree and even a master degree. Your grades will starts to filter or expand opportunities.
Working in a filed that you love is everyone's dream job - so while you are young and you have the chance write down the list and see what great careers are in this space.
What careers have you discussed with family and friends - directly or indirectly - what jobs and careers peak your interest?
Do you want to stay in your village, town, city, county or state - or are you flexible? If you are flexible you will have many more options. I was brought up in a small town in England but decided I wanted to travel and see the world as part of my job. I was lucky - after leaving college I got a job in oil and gas and worked in Colombia, Denmark, Morocco, France, UK, Greece, South Africa, Mexico, USA, Venezuela, Alaska and Angola - I got what I wanted as I was super flexible.
What are the industries in your area - its an easier route but they may have exactly what you need.
Lastly i would get the list of industries and jobs and find the ones you like
The take the outcomes of all of the above and streamline your list favorites - rank them - they start pushing into that area to learn more - see ho you can break into the field - and be persistent .
Hope this helps
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Ahh.. fantastic question! As a professional that has changed roles, industries, and people wonder why/how I made those transitions - I used to describe myself as a jack of all trades and a master of none. What I've learned in just the past year is there is a term for people like us.. Multipotentialite. Yes.. it's a mouthful and no I didn't make up the term. There's even a TedTalk on this exact type of individual. Usually the strengths of these individuals include:
* Idea Synthesis. Maybe you'll do a coding class and decide to go to law school = LegalTech ; Huge Industry. Or maybe you'll become a legal activist for animals.. who knows! The path to a career are endless when you combine interest with experience.
* Rapid Learning. You may realize that you throw yourself into something because you are passionate about it. If you travel many paths, you'll be used to steep learning curves and know how to efficiently and effectively learn new things. Being a beginner won't scare you in the least and you actually get excited about the challenge.
*Adaptability. Being versatile in a given situation will allow for more possibilities. It also makes you a value add for any organization that has you on their team.
The point being, don't limit yourself. Open yourself to the possibilities. If you aren't sure what you are truly interested in yet, do an internship or shadow someone in those industries so you can better understand those specific fields. Read books or do research on the industries that interest you, understand where those industries and professions are headed. Most people will have more than one career path, so don't worry so much about it being "Right", whatever you choose there will always be skills that translate to the next position/job and sometimes that gives you a competitive edge that others don't offer.
Best of luck to you and all your future success(es)!
Watch the TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/emilie_wapnick_why_some_of_us_don_t_have_one_true_calling?language=en
Reach out to a local professional in those industries to shadow for a day or week.
Do research on the future of those industries. What will be the largest needs?
* Idea Synthesis. Maybe you'll do a coding class and decide to go to law school = LegalTech ; Huge Industry. Or maybe you'll become a legal activist for animals.. who knows! The path to a career are endless when you combine interest with experience.
* Rapid Learning. You may realize that you throw yourself into something because you are passionate about it. If you travel many paths, you'll be used to steep learning curves and know how to efficiently and effectively learn new things. Being a beginner won't scare you in the least and you actually get excited about the challenge.
*Adaptability. Being versatile in a given situation will allow for more possibilities. It also makes you a value add for any organization that has you on their team.
The point being, don't limit yourself. Open yourself to the possibilities. If you aren't sure what you are truly interested in yet, do an internship or shadow someone in those industries so you can better understand those specific fields. Read books or do research on the industries that interest you, understand where those industries and professions are headed. Most people will have more than one career path, so don't worry so much about it being "Right", whatever you choose there will always be skills that translate to the next position/job and sometimes that gives you a competitive edge that others don't offer.
Best of luck to you and all your future success(es)!
Lauren recommends the following next steps:
I’ll definitely check out the TedTalk! Thank you so much.
Ashanti
Updated
Steven’s Answer
The guiding principle you should follow. Find something that 1) You are good at 2) Brings you Joy 3) People will pay you for.
The hard part at the stage of your career is probably figuring out what brings you joy because it's hard to tell if you haven't worked the job before. The best way to go about finding out what type of work brings you joy is to learn from people in the profession and learn from experience. So try to find folks in the various professions you're interested in and talk to them. Many people are more than happy to give advice to early career professionals, so don't be shy. Are they happy with their jobs? Other places you can go to talk to professionals might be in LinkedIn groups.
Another great way to find out if you like a job is to get an internship. You'll be able to get a sense of what type of work it is and what other type of people you'd be working with. When in doubt, try a career quiz to get you started: https://www.princetonreview.com/quiz/career-quiz
The hard part at the stage of your career is probably figuring out what brings you joy because it's hard to tell if you haven't worked the job before. The best way to go about finding out what type of work brings you joy is to learn from people in the profession and learn from experience. So try to find folks in the various professions you're interested in and talk to them. Many people are more than happy to give advice to early career professionals, so don't be shy. Are they happy with their jobs? Other places you can go to talk to professionals might be in LinkedIn groups.
Another great way to find out if you like a job is to get an internship. You'll be able to get a sense of what type of work it is and what other type of people you'd be working with. When in doubt, try a career quiz to get you started: https://www.princetonreview.com/quiz/career-quiz
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Kathleen’s Answer
My advice to you is to reach out to people in the career disciplines you're interested in to learn more about what they do. Potential questions you can ask them are:
- What is a day in your life like?
- What do you like about your job?
- What do you dislike about your job?
- What kinds of projects do you get to work on?
- What is your team like?
My last piece of advice to you is not to stress too much about your first job / career path choice. You can always make a career change later in life and you should always do what makes you the most happy!
- What is a day in your life like?
- What do you like about your job?
- What do you dislike about your job?
- What kinds of projects do you get to work on?
- What is your team like?
My last piece of advice to you is not to stress too much about your first job / career path choice. You can always make a career change later in life and you should always do what makes you the most happy!
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Greg’s Answer
Finding a good mentor is always a good strategy to help you navigate the wonderful world of work. This person could be a current co-worker, a former co-worker, a leader in the community our even a family member.
Growing up as a recruiter I was exposed to many different career types, and like you, I wanted to try them all. Unfortunately, time and job requirements don't always allow for that type of experimentation.
Other things to consider include: what are you passionate about that will get you out of bed each day? Does the job choice meet your personal needs (salary, schedule, work/life balance, etc.)? How much education or training is necessary to get your foot in the door?
While not easy, this is an exciting time for you to explore and learn.
Growing up as a recruiter I was exposed to many different career types, and like you, I wanted to try them all. Unfortunately, time and job requirements don't always allow for that type of experimentation.
Other things to consider include: what are you passionate about that will get you out of bed each day? Does the job choice meet your personal needs (salary, schedule, work/life balance, etc.)? How much education or training is necessary to get your foot in the door?
While not easy, this is an exciting time for you to explore and learn.
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Ashanti, this is not at all a bad thing. Quite frankly this could definitely work in your favor but with a little extra added finessing on your part. I think the first step is to consider, is to list in order those interest that you are most passionate about. There could very well be a career path will allow you to incorporate or integrate several of your top identified interest. Once you've ranked them from top to bottom, list out the plus's and negatives for a much broader view. Some of those things to look for could be growth, longevity, benefits, salary etc. Consider taking a career or skills aptitude test to see how you score there in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Talk to others like family, friends or colleagues that have similar interest to see what they found worked or didn't work for them. Lastly, try visiting a job fair that might expose you to several of those listed top pics so that you are front facing with those working within the same or similar interest in order to ask the right questions. At the end of the day, the idea is to do what you love so that you will ultimately love what you do~