7 answers
Karis
Student
Bellevue, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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Lots of options but unsure of which to choose?
Hi I'm a senior in high who's interested in a variety of fields but I don't know which one to choose. I took an accounting class at my school and really enjoyed but I also like the idea of going into library science. Another field I've been looking into is law but I've heard a lot of conflicting advice on that. Lastly I'm semi interested in computer science and game development but I don't know much about that at the moment. I'd love any advice that I could get!
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7 answers
Orain McLeggon
PwC Cyber, Risk and Regulatory Manager
29
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Orain’s Answer
Hello Karis,
I hope all is well with you.
I have been in the same scenario when I was in high school as well. I would recommend the following:
1. Do some additional research on the areas that interest you currently. For example: Accounting has a lot of career paths (auditor, financial accountant, tax accountant, government accountant, private sector accountant etc)
2. If you are able to network and connect with a professional in the fields you are interested in to gain information on "What a day looks like in that profession?" will also assist with your decision
3. Connect with teachers at your school currently who can either give you more details on the areas that interest you or able to connect you with professionals to give you more information. For the information I would recommend knowining:
a. What level of education it will take for you to be a successful professional in that career path. For example if you want to perform audits you may need to get a bachelor in Accounting and a CPA license
b. Understand the work life balance of that career path to see if it align with you plan. For example: Would you like working from home or at an office
c. Know what a typical day at the career is and what a busy day at the career is
d. Understand what the compensation package (benefits,pay, vacation days etc) is and if it aligns with your future plan
e. Understand what are the potential companies in your area you plan to live in future and if those companies align with you goals, morale, values etc
I hope this helps
Thanks
O.M
I hope all is well with you.
I have been in the same scenario when I was in high school as well. I would recommend the following:
1. Do some additional research on the areas that interest you currently. For example: Accounting has a lot of career paths (auditor, financial accountant, tax accountant, government accountant, private sector accountant etc)
2. If you are able to network and connect with a professional in the fields you are interested in to gain information on "What a day looks like in that profession?" will also assist with your decision
3. Connect with teachers at your school currently who can either give you more details on the areas that interest you or able to connect you with professionals to give you more information. For the information I would recommend knowining:
a. What level of education it will take for you to be a successful professional in that career path. For example if you want to perform audits you may need to get a bachelor in Accounting and a CPA license
b. Understand the work life balance of that career path to see if it align with you plan. For example: Would you like working from home or at an office
c. Know what a typical day at the career is and what a busy day at the career is
d. Understand what the compensation package (benefits,pay, vacation days etc) is and if it aligns with your future plan
e. Understand what are the potential companies in your area you plan to live in future and if those companies align with you goals, morale, values etc
I hope this helps
Thanks
O.M
Thank you so much I'll definitely look in to all of these options!
Karis
Daaniyaal Hussain
Consulting
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Daaniyaal’s Answer
Hi,
This is a common situation students run into in high school. I remember I had a similar dilemma when deciding which majors to select. I personally would take some time reaching out to professionals in the career fields that you are interested in pursuing (accounting, law, cs, etc.) Most professionals will have different day-to-day experiences and levels of education they need to pursue in order to be successful in their line of work. It's helpful to do your own research as well to gain clarity on these topics. A personal bit of advice I would share is to pursue something you have a passion in. It's kind of cliche, but if you want to pursue something for years to come, I would make sure you have some level of enjoyment.
This is a common situation students run into in high school. I remember I had a similar dilemma when deciding which majors to select. I personally would take some time reaching out to professionals in the career fields that you are interested in pursuing (accounting, law, cs, etc.) Most professionals will have different day-to-day experiences and levels of education they need to pursue in order to be successful in their line of work. It's helpful to do your own research as well to gain clarity on these topics. A personal bit of advice I would share is to pursue something you have a passion in. It's kind of cliche, but if you want to pursue something for years to come, I would make sure you have some level of enjoyment.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
477
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
One of the easiest way to find out what you want to study is to know what subjects you enjoy in high school.
I enjoyed Math in school so I pursued Computer Science field.
Initially, I took Accounting 101 course to realize that I could not stand crunching numbers.
You have to enjoy what you do otherwise you will be miserable all your life.
Use method of elimination of what you do not want to do (study) which will help you decide what is left and select from that field.
I enjoyed Math in school so I pursued Computer Science field.
Initially, I took Accounting 101 course to realize that I could not stand crunching numbers.
You have to enjoy what you do otherwise you will be miserable all your life.
Use method of elimination of what you do not want to do (study) which will help you decide what is left and select from that field.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Karis
Baljit Gill
Lawyer paralegal
127
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Karis,
I totally understand the confusion you have with career and course choice. I was in the same predicament as you when I was younger. Now I'm nearly turning 50 years old I am glad I took the route I took based on research and networking.
Firstly the research involved me reading career books that specialized in accounting and business, art, therapist work, medicine and law. I took the classes in all of these areas and I ended up doing a law degree after I had completed the other classes. After working in the legal field I am now a tutor.
Secondly, networking. I asked friends, relatives, career advisors at school, HR at the companies I was working at while at school, I asked lead advisors at school (i.e. administration) on what route I would be good at and if they had any work available in those particular fields. I now see myself as a jack of all trades- having expertise in medicine, law, teaching, art and business.
I totally understand the confusion you have with career and course choice. I was in the same predicament as you when I was younger. Now I'm nearly turning 50 years old I am glad I took the route I took based on research and networking.
Firstly the research involved me reading career books that specialized in accounting and business, art, therapist work, medicine and law. I took the classes in all of these areas and I ended up doing a law degree after I had completed the other classes. After working in the legal field I am now a tutor.
Secondly, networking. I asked friends, relatives, career advisors at school, HR at the companies I was working at while at school, I asked lead advisors at school (i.e. administration) on what route I would be good at and if they had any work available in those particular fields. I now see myself as a jack of all trades- having expertise in medicine, law, teaching, art and business.
Lilly Vang
7
Answers
Marinette, Wisconsin
Updated
Lilly’s Answer
Hello! What really helped me as a freshman was taking some career planning quizzes. I would get in touch with a career advisor at your school or if you are accepted to a college, look at what services they can help you with. As a freshman, I took as many "fun" courses as I could to see what would work out best! I took an introduction to computer science and after that class, I knew I couldn't major in game development. Start off learning more about the subject you are interested in. Also, don't be afraid to fail. Sometimes things don't work out! I changed my major in my head about 20 times before I even graduated. Breathe and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Explore the majors offered at local colleges and see if the classes required for the major are interesting to you.
Talk to a career or guidance counselor and ask for resources about different career paths
Take some personality and career quizzes to discover more about yourself and what kind of work would work best for you
Lilly recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Lilly!
Karis
Fidelis Muuka
CPA & Internal Auditor
2
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Fidelis’s Answer
Hi @Karis,
You are not the only one with such a dilemma as I often hear the same issue from other students. As most people have noted, take some time to research more or talk to others who are already successful in your interested fields. Here are my suggestions for you to consider based on your original write-up.
1) Accounting: I never took accounting in high school, but I graduated with a degree in accounting. I started out taking general required classes while at the same time, I was interacting with upper-level accounting students, accounting/finance professors and attending some accounting groups/societies on campus. This allowed me to learn more about the accounting program, classes, and also met some professionals who came on campus during our group events. Our guests included big four accounting firms and other local CPA firms and corporations. You will learn so much by being involved in such interactions. I would also encourage you to subscribe to free magazines including Accounting Today, as they have valuable information regarding endless opportunities in accounting.
2) Library Science: I do not know much about this industry, but I suspect you could go by your local country library or any local public university and ask for an appointment with the Library Director for a meet and greet to learn about their background. People love to talk about their professions.
3) Computer Science: I took many classes while in this field. You could take a similar approach as #1 above. Another option would be to study Accounting as a major and minor in Computer Information Systems. This would allow you to have both #1 and 3 field experience. Relative to game development, I have limited knowledge but I can tell you that Fullsail University (Orlando, FL) has a great program for this. I do believe that they also work with one of the best game development companies based in Orlando as well, EA Sports.
I hope the above helps and if you have any additional questions, let me know.
To your success!
You are not the only one with such a dilemma as I often hear the same issue from other students. As most people have noted, take some time to research more or talk to others who are already successful in your interested fields. Here are my suggestions for you to consider based on your original write-up.
1) Accounting: I never took accounting in high school, but I graduated with a degree in accounting. I started out taking general required classes while at the same time, I was interacting with upper-level accounting students, accounting/finance professors and attending some accounting groups/societies on campus. This allowed me to learn more about the accounting program, classes, and also met some professionals who came on campus during our group events. Our guests included big four accounting firms and other local CPA firms and corporations. You will learn so much by being involved in such interactions. I would also encourage you to subscribe to free magazines including Accounting Today, as they have valuable information regarding endless opportunities in accounting.
2) Library Science: I do not know much about this industry, but I suspect you could go by your local country library or any local public university and ask for an appointment with the Library Director for a meet and greet to learn about their background. People love to talk about their professions.
3) Computer Science: I took many classes while in this field. You could take a similar approach as #1 above. Another option would be to study Accounting as a major and minor in Computer Information Systems. This would allow you to have both #1 and 3 field experience. Relative to game development, I have limited knowledge but I can tell you that Fullsail University (Orlando, FL) has a great program for this. I do believe that they also work with one of the best game development companies based in Orlando as well, EA Sports.
I hope the above helps and if you have any additional questions, let me know.
To your success!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1858
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a common question many high school students have.
Below is my suggestions :
1. Find out more on daily work on these careers
2. Speak to someone who are working in these industries, eg librarian in the school
3. Seek advice from your mentor, alumni studying or working in these industries, to our parents, etc.
4. Attend the relevant subjects information session hosts by college. Discuss with the professors if possible
5. Find out the entry criteria of the relevant subjects
Hops this helps! Good Luck!
Below is my suggestions :
1. Find out more on daily work on these careers
2. Speak to someone who are working in these industries, eg librarian in the school
3. Seek advice from your mentor, alumni studying or working in these industries, to our parents, etc.
4. Attend the relevant subjects information session hosts by college. Discuss with the professors if possible
5. Find out the entry criteria of the relevant subjects
Hops this helps! Good Luck!