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What are tips to finding out what you want to do for a profession.
I'm a freshman in high school and I have no idea what I want to do for a profession. I know I have time but I want to know tips used to figure out what you want to do for a profession. (I do consider going to college also. )
21 answers
Updated
Erin’s Answer
DeArmon, I'd suggest you take the time to explore your interests, hobbies, etc. as others have also mentioned. This can usually get you close to a profession that you would be happy with. Keep in mind, even though you'll initially be selecting a profession to pursue, your career will consistently evolve over time as you narrow in on your skills, strengths, and interests. I would encourage you to try different things and remember that it's okay to change paths as you go. Over the years, I have explored several professions and career choices and through trying out different things, I've finally landed in a career that I feel fulfilled in every day. I learned that two very important things for me are 1. I need a career where I feel like I'm constantly learning new things and 2. I need a career that has variety and challenge so I'm not stuck in my comfort zone.
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Cameryn’s Answer
Hi DeArmon,
Here's a tip that's pretty simple to do and can get you thinking about different careers! Think about something you're really interested in like gaming, music, sports, fashion, whatever the case may be. Find a business that does something related to what you're interested in and look through their open jobs.
When you read through the job postings, take note of things in the job that might interest you and what the educational requirements are. From there you can do more research on that specific career such as salary, certification, experience needed, etc.
Hope that helps!
Here's a tip that's pretty simple to do and can get you thinking about different careers! Think about something you're really interested in like gaming, music, sports, fashion, whatever the case may be. Find a business that does something related to what you're interested in and look through their open jobs.
When you read through the job postings, take note of things in the job that might interest you and what the educational requirements are. From there you can do more research on that specific career such as salary, certification, experience needed, etc.
Hope that helps!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. It's a good time for your to think about your future career and determine the major you would take in the college.
There are many different careers/professions. I suggest you can consider approach below :
1. Think about your hobbies, interest and your favourite subjects. Identify any industry careers that are related to these.
2. Put down the career you have interest on. Find out more details on these careers.
3. Shortlist a few careers. You can speak to someone who are working in these careers. Alternatively, you can seek advice from your school career counselor, your parents, mentors, etc.
4. Finalize 1-2 careers you would like to pursue.
5. Find out the entry criteria of the relevant subjects of these careers.
Hope this works! Good Luck!
There are many different careers/professions. I suggest you can consider approach below :
1. Think about your hobbies, interest and your favourite subjects. Identify any industry careers that are related to these.
2. Put down the career you have interest on. Find out more details on these careers.
3. Shortlist a few careers. You can speak to someone who are working in these careers. Alternatively, you can seek advice from your school career counselor, your parents, mentors, etc.
4. Finalize 1-2 careers you would like to pursue.
5. Find out the entry criteria of the relevant subjects of these careers.
Hope this works! Good Luck!
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Rhaven’s Answer
Hi DeArmon,
This is a great question and I am glad this is something you are already thinking about! My advice would be to take the time to explore while you are still in high school and school is still your main responsibility. Try as many things as you want, such as different elective classes, programs, clubs, sports, internships, volunteer opportunities, and even part time jobs. You will begin to learn about what you do and don't like, and what things you may want to explore further. Don't feel rushed to figure it all out at once; you still have plenty of time to make a decision, and even once that decision is made, you can always pivot as your interests change. As a freshman in high school, enjoy the time you have there and take advantage of various opportunities until you land on 1-2 things you like enough to dive into. The world is your playground, so get out there and explore; you will figure it out in time!
This is a great question and I am glad this is something you are already thinking about! My advice would be to take the time to explore while you are still in high school and school is still your main responsibility. Try as many things as you want, such as different elective classes, programs, clubs, sports, internships, volunteer opportunities, and even part time jobs. You will begin to learn about what you do and don't like, and what things you may want to explore further. Don't feel rushed to figure it all out at once; you still have plenty of time to make a decision, and even once that decision is made, you can always pivot as your interests change. As a freshman in high school, enjoy the time you have there and take advantage of various opportunities until you land on 1-2 things you like enough to dive into. The world is your playground, so get out there and explore; you will figure it out in time!
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Gloria’s Answer
Hi DeArmon,
Looking back at my life, I wish that I had taken a lot of the advice that you have been given. I would say that you think about what you love to do - what you would do whether or not you were paid to do it. I have been a writer since I learned how to write. Originally I had decided to be a journalism student in high school and it was fun. I did go to college where I learned that Journalism is a very competitive program and I am not as competitive as I needed to be. After that, I thought that I would not be able to write for a living. I didn't feel made to be a journalist or a published author. What I didn't know is that verbal and written communication skills are in high demand in fields like Education and Marketing.
So what does my experience mean for you? Two things. 1 - Think about what you would do even if you did not get paid to do it. I write all the time, no matter what. It is my favorite creative outlet. If I do not write in my personal life, I don't feel good. Other things that I love are travelling, learning languages, volunteering to help people. These may also be called hobbies for me. 2 - Look for and ask about types of jobs or careers that use the areas where you have natural skills or interest. I have found that doing what you love makes the hard times better in a job.
Gloria
Looking back at my life, I wish that I had taken a lot of the advice that you have been given. I would say that you think about what you love to do - what you would do whether or not you were paid to do it. I have been a writer since I learned how to write. Originally I had decided to be a journalism student in high school and it was fun. I did go to college where I learned that Journalism is a very competitive program and I am not as competitive as I needed to be. After that, I thought that I would not be able to write for a living. I didn't feel made to be a journalist or a published author. What I didn't know is that verbal and written communication skills are in high demand in fields like Education and Marketing.
So what does my experience mean for you? Two things. 1 - Think about what you would do even if you did not get paid to do it. I write all the time, no matter what. It is my favorite creative outlet. If I do not write in my personal life, I don't feel good. Other things that I love are travelling, learning languages, volunteering to help people. These may also be called hobbies for me. 2 - Look for and ask about types of jobs or careers that use the areas where you have natural skills or interest. I have found that doing what you love makes the hard times better in a job.
Gloria
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Priya’s Answer
Hi DeArmon,
Think about what classes interest you and what you enjoy doing. That is a great place to start. You don't need to solidify the specific career right now, but knowing the general topics you enjoy can help you make a list of options :). Once you create a list of topics you can ask your school counselor or check online for jobs that fit in those categories! Good luck!
Think about what classes interest you and what you enjoy doing. That is a great place to start. You don't need to solidify the specific career right now, but knowing the general topics you enjoy can help you make a list of options :). Once you create a list of topics you can ask your school counselor or check online for jobs that fit in those categories! Good luck!
Updated
Albert’s Answer
Hi DeArmon,
For me it came from trying a bunch of different things. In my opinion, it is sometimes easier to figure out what you don't like to do -- i.e. financial planning.
If you are able to do some research in specific areas and then try them out - you can see what aspects you do like and what aspects you don't. I think that will help give you direction into what you want to do in the future and what you don't.
tldr: take on a bunch of opportunities and see what about them you like and don't like! keep going until you find something that combines a lot of things you do like :)
For me it came from trying a bunch of different things. In my opinion, it is sometimes easier to figure out what you don't like to do -- i.e. financial planning.
If you are able to do some research in specific areas and then try them out - you can see what aspects you do like and what aspects you don't. I think that will help give you direction into what you want to do in the future and what you don't.
tldr: take on a bunch of opportunities and see what about them you like and don't like! keep going until you find something that combines a lot of things you do like :)
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Subhash’s Answer
Choose the career based on interest/hobbies. personal preference and above the things that will feel happy and satisfaction.
If you like travel and love to talk and care for support then traveling like pilot, hostess, cruise you will love.
If you like computers and technology , play games you came go gaming industry or security consultant.
So make a list of you interests, passions, and goals and map to various careers and then give them ranking and choose the careers that meet most you looking for
If you like travel and love to talk and care for support then traveling like pilot, hostess, cruise you will love.
If you like computers and technology , play games you came go gaming industry or security consultant.
So make a list of you interests, passions, and goals and map to various careers and then give them ranking and choose the careers that meet most you looking for
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Milena’s Answer
Hey,
From personal experience I would say that club activities in my high school helped me get a better perspective of my interests and meet people alike. Those same people became my friends outside of school environment and I was able to, along with them, further explore my interests. All in all, I suggest trying to meet people alike and don't be afraid to be brave and try something unexpected. It may surprise you like sales development astounded me! :D
From personal experience I would say that club activities in my high school helped me get a better perspective of my interests and meet people alike. Those same people became my friends outside of school environment and I was able to, along with them, further explore my interests. All in all, I suggest trying to meet people alike and don't be afraid to be brave and try something unexpected. It may surprise you like sales development astounded me! :D
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Andrew’s Answer
Think about your needs, your values, your gifts and your skills. It’s also helpful to get internships or entry level positions in different fields. Don’t be afraid to shift if you’re not feeling it. Think about looking into a side hustle. Don’t panic!
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Alejandro’s Answer
Think about what you like and enjoy in life. Create a list of 10 things you have passion for, and explore those areas. Try to find people who work in those areas and seek more information. Your list of interests and passions will change over time, and that is ok. Evolve with them.
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Angela’s Answer
Hello! As a freshman in highschool, keep in mind that you do have time to figure this out and also know that people shift and change careers throughout their lives. It may be helpful to talk to friends and family about what you enjoy doing and what you do not enjoy doing. From there, you can search for a part time job local to your home. This will give you the opportunity to try something out. Since you're just starting out, you'll have the opportunity to potentially hold several different part time jobs in highschool. I hope this helps!
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Pooja’s Answer
You can start with deep learning of a few topics which are of your interest. Then you should learn to understand two points:
1. Knowing when to draw a line that you have enough information to start with it
2. Noticing that things are not going in the direction you had planned out and working on new strategy to fall back.
1. Knowing when to draw a line that you have enough information to start with it
2. Noticing that things are not going in the direction you had planned out and working on new strategy to fall back.
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Gloria’s Answer
Career select is a fluid process and it's ok if you are not sure when you first start on your journey. Narrow your choice down to a few options based on interest and curiosity, and allow yourself to change your mind. You are likely to find a function that you like before you find a position that suits you. That's ok! Move around as much as you can until you find something that is enjoyable, has meaning but also challenges you. Some days will be great and others not so much, and that's normal even when you find the perfect career.
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Ashley’s Answer
Try new things, join different organizations, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice with people in industries your interesting in! 😇
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John’s Answer
If you have the luxury to choose, optimize for job opportunities where you can learn a lot.
Understand your strengths and weaknesses. You can either try to play to your strengths or work in a field where you can learn to improve on your weaknesses while getting paid for it.
Understand your strengths and weaknesses. You can either try to play to your strengths or work in a field where you can learn to improve on your weaknesses while getting paid for it.
Lou Briollet
Giving advices about professional orientation
1
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Lou’s Answer
Hi !
If you have difficulties to make a decision by yourself for your future career for many reasons, first of all it completely normal. You can absolutely ask for help because some people are here specifically to help you with your career. They are not here to judge you and they have a degree for that. They gave advice and they know a lot of things that can help you. They listen to what you want (values,passions,time you want to spend in your studies…)and gave you some keys to achieve your goals.
If you have difficulties to make a decision by yourself for your future career for many reasons, first of all it completely normal. You can absolutely ask for help because some people are here specifically to help you with your career. They are not here to judge you and they have a degree for that. They gave advice and they know a lot of things that can help you. They listen to what you want (values,passions,time you want to spend in your studies…)and gave you some keys to achieve your goals.
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Consider hobbies you enjoy doing yourself or with others and look for jobs that align with your interests. Definitely look for internships while in college. Don't be afraid to try new things! You will always have the option of a career change later in life!
Updated
Chiranjib’s Answer
Hi DeArmon
Let me ask you this. What do you like doing? What are your hobbies? Do you have a passion? If so which one!
Most of the time, we do well in careers where we are really passionate about our work. If work feels like work, then maybe that is not the right profession for us. That being said, at your level, you may not be aware of what it takes to do well in a profession.
So, try asking yourself some probing questions.
Do you like to write?
Do you like solving problems or puzzles?
Do you like music?
Do you have a penchant for mathematics?
Are you genuinely curious about how things work?
Do you love to paint?
[Feel free to add more questions]
These are sample questions. I would not expect all the answers to be "yes". Most of the answers could be "no" and that is okay! As long as there is at least one "yes" and then, we go from there. Then we figure out, that given your knack for a certain activity which profession could it map to.
Hope this makes sense! Best wishes!
Let me ask you this. What do you like doing? What are your hobbies? Do you have a passion? If so which one!
Most of the time, we do well in careers where we are really passionate about our work. If work feels like work, then maybe that is not the right profession for us. That being said, at your level, you may not be aware of what it takes to do well in a profession.
So, try asking yourself some probing questions.
Do you like to write?
Do you like solving problems or puzzles?
Do you like music?
Do you have a penchant for mathematics?
Are you genuinely curious about how things work?
Do you love to paint?
[Feel free to add more questions]
These are sample questions. I would not expect all the answers to be "yes". Most of the answers could be "no" and that is okay! As long as there is at least one "yes" and then, we go from there. Then we figure out, that given your knack for a certain activity which profession could it map to.
Hope this makes sense! Best wishes!
Updated
Daijah’s Answer
Hi DeArmon,
If you haven’t already, I would suggest volunteering. Volunteering gives individuals an opportunity to contribute to the community and explore possible career interests. Also, as a freshman in high school, you have time to explore interests by taking advantage of certain classes. If you have the option to choose, try taking electives that stand out to you or seem interesting.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
If you haven’t already, I would suggest volunteering. Volunteering gives individuals an opportunity to contribute to the community and explore possible career interests. Also, as a freshman in high school, you have time to explore interests by taking advantage of certain classes. If you have the option to choose, try taking electives that stand out to you or seem interesting.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Updated
Meredith’s Answer
Hi DeArmon,
Everyone has given some great suggestions, and I'd like to suggest one more- shadowing. Sometimes its hard to understand from a piece of paper what a job might be like, a better way to get a taste of it can be to shadow a professional. Take a look at the hobbies and interests you have, as well as the skills you excel at (do you like public speaking? drawing? bargaining? cooking? competition? sports? building things?), look at jobs that utilize those skills and then try to connect with someone in the industry and ask them questions, and if you can ask if you can shadow them. You can learn a lot about a job through observation. Be open and engaged.
And remember, you can always change course. I started out as a musician and teacher, but now am a lawyer. All the skills I acquired in each of my classes and employment have served me well as I've continued through my professional career.
Everyone has given some great suggestions, and I'd like to suggest one more- shadowing. Sometimes its hard to understand from a piece of paper what a job might be like, a better way to get a taste of it can be to shadow a professional. Take a look at the hobbies and interests you have, as well as the skills you excel at (do you like public speaking? drawing? bargaining? cooking? competition? sports? building things?), look at jobs that utilize those skills and then try to connect with someone in the industry and ask them questions, and if you can ask if you can shadow them. You can learn a lot about a job through observation. Be open and engaged.
And remember, you can always change course. I started out as a musician and teacher, but now am a lawyer. All the skills I acquired in each of my classes and employment have served me well as I've continued through my professional career.
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