10 answers
Chloe
Student
San Luis Obispo, California
1
Question
Asked
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What should I do if I don't have an idea of a career direction?
What should I do if I don't have an idea of a career direction?
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10 answers
Jennifer Warren, PMP®
2
Answers
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Great question! Here's my suggestion to considering and determining a career path:
Start with spending time in self-reflection
Identify your interests, passions, hobbies, your core values and strengths/weaknesses.
Take a personality assessment
Find time and ways to volunteer aligned to your skills, interests, passion, core values to gain real world experience
Find a mentor
Research different career paths and roles (read job descriptions) to help clarify which paths align with your core strengths, abilities and interests
Last I would advise answering these three questions: "What's important to me?" "What do I want next?" "What should I do now?"
Start with spending time in self-reflection
Identify your interests, passions, hobbies, your core values and strengths/weaknesses.
Take a personality assessment
Find time and ways to volunteer aligned to your skills, interests, passion, core values to gain real world experience
Find a mentor
Research different career paths and roles (read job descriptions) to help clarify which paths align with your core strengths, abilities and interests
Last I would advise answering these three questions: "What's important to me?" "What do I want next?" "What should I do now?"
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1796
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a very common question that students have.
Below is my suggestion:
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, your favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
e.g. If you are interested in music, would you like to be a singer, a composer, musician, a music teacher, etc. If you are interested in maths, would you like to be a accountant, finance analyst, banker, maths teacher, engineer, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and identify the careers you have interest on
3. Speak to someone who are working in these career if possible, seek advice from your mentor, school career counsel, your parents, etc.
4. Find out the entry of entry criteria of the relevant subjects in the college
5. Attend information session of the subjects in the college. Speak to the professors to acquire better understanding.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below is my suggestion:
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, your favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
e.g. If you are interested in music, would you like to be a singer, a composer, musician, a music teacher, etc. If you are interested in maths, would you like to be a accountant, finance analyst, banker, maths teacher, engineer, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and identify the careers you have interest on
3. Speak to someone who are working in these career if possible, seek advice from your mentor, school career counsel, your parents, etc.
4. Find out the entry of entry criteria of the relevant subjects in the college
5. Attend information session of the subjects in the college. Speak to the professors to acquire better understanding.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Christopher Bell
Software Engineering
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Cloe,
I'd recommend taking some time to explore what you're passionate about!
Think about what interests you, possibly what hobbies you enjoy, things of that nature. If you're in high school and about to enter college, something to consider might be taking a gap year to explore these passions to see what direction you would want to go in. Although, you can change your career direction at any point it life! Don't be afraid to make a change and do what makes you happy.
I'd recommend taking some time to explore what you're passionate about!
Think about what interests you, possibly what hobbies you enjoy, things of that nature. If you're in high school and about to enter college, something to consider might be taking a gap year to explore these passions to see what direction you would want to go in. Although, you can change your career direction at any point it life! Don't be afraid to make a change and do what makes you happy.
Keri Padgett
Project Manager
2
Answers
Wake Forest
Updated
Keri’s Answer
Some things to consider:
What brings you joy?
What are you curious about?
Try volunteering in these areas and engage with professionals in these spaces
What quality of life do you want? What about a family? What does that look like? For instance, I knew I wanted children and did not want them in a daycare and I was able to achieve this objective within the initial career path I took.
Also, you can re-create yourself at any time- you may start out on one career path that may open up so many other opportunities or decide to do something completely different but choose to go after what feeds your passion.
What brings you joy?
What are you curious about?
Try volunteering in these areas and engage with professionals in these spaces
What quality of life do you want? What about a family? What does that look like? For instance, I knew I wanted children and did not want them in a daycare and I was able to achieve this objective within the initial career path I took.
Also, you can re-create yourself at any time- you may start out on one career path that may open up so many other opportunities or decide to do something completely different but choose to go after what feeds your passion.
Kathy Chan
Videographer/Photographer
23
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
Hi Chloe,
This is a great question! Here are a few things that you may want to consider when considering a career path for yourself:
1. Do you have any hobbies or extracurricular activities? These can be great starting places when considering which career you might see yourself in.
2. What type of lifestyle would you want to have? Do you want to travel for work, work remotely, work-abroad, etc. These are all great considerations that may change depending on your career choice.
3. What does your ideal salary look like? This may be difficult to know starting out, especially if you've never had a full-time job before, but it is worth considering where you may want to live, what your spending habits may look like, and more as this is all, more than likely, dependent on your salary. Considering a target salary will allow you to rule out particular jobs and will allow you think more future-bound.
4. Are you open to freelancing, project-based working, 9-5 work schedule, or are you interested in self-employment/entrepreneurship? These are all considerations that will help you understand what may work for you and what may not. There are many jobs where freelancing is exclusively how you pay the bills, but other professions - freelancing may not even be an option.
This is a great question! Here are a few things that you may want to consider when considering a career path for yourself:
1. Do you have any hobbies or extracurricular activities? These can be great starting places when considering which career you might see yourself in.
2. What type of lifestyle would you want to have? Do you want to travel for work, work remotely, work-abroad, etc. These are all great considerations that may change depending on your career choice.
3. What does your ideal salary look like? This may be difficult to know starting out, especially if you've never had a full-time job before, but it is worth considering where you may want to live, what your spending habits may look like, and more as this is all, more than likely, dependent on your salary. Considering a target salary will allow you to rule out particular jobs and will allow you think more future-bound.
4. Are you open to freelancing, project-based working, 9-5 work schedule, or are you interested in self-employment/entrepreneurship? These are all considerations that will help you understand what may work for you and what may not. There are many jobs where freelancing is exclusively how you pay the bills, but other professions - freelancing may not even be an option.
Amal Yusuf
Business Strategy
4
Answers
Decatur, Georgia
Updated
Amal’s Answer
The best careers are the ones that you have passion for so think about what subjects you enjoy at school. What makes you happy? What’s something you can do without being paid? - based on your passion, you can see what jobs offer you the opportunity to do the things you are passionate about and remember sometimes, if that job doesn’t exist. You create it for yourself - write the business plan and make your dream
come true by becoming an entrepreneur.
come true by becoming an entrepreneur.
Ka Ng
Product Manager
29
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ka’s Answer
Since you are in school, you can experiment by taking different classes that interest you. Your interest can guide you into your career path. Beyond subject matter, please be mindful of how you like to work. Are you an introvert or extravert? Do you like to lead a team? etc.
After selecting your career path, you can conduct informational interviews. Use your network - your parents, your friends' parents, guidance counselors, teachers and coaches - to find people in those careers. At the last, get an entry level position and try it out. A lot of this is trial and error. Don't be afraid to make a mistake. If you find that you don't like the career path, you can always choose another one.
After selecting your career path, you can conduct informational interviews. Use your network - your parents, your friends' parents, guidance counselors, teachers and coaches - to find people in those careers. At the last, get an entry level position and try it out. A lot of this is trial and error. Don't be afraid to make a mistake. If you find that you don't like the career path, you can always choose another one.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Chloe!
Just in case you're feeling a bit lost about your career direction, remember, you're not the only one. It's totally normal to have moments of doubt when deciding on a career. The great thing is, there are several steps you can follow to help you find a career path that matches your interests, skills, and values.
1. Time for some self-reflection: Start by taking a moment to think about what you really enjoy and what you're good at. What values matter to you in a job? Reflecting on these points can give you some great hints about careers that might be a perfect fit for you.
You can also use self-assessment tools like personality tests or career aptitude tests to help you figure out your strengths and preferences. Some well-known tests include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory, and Holland's RIASEC model. These can give you a clearer picture of careers that might suit your personality and skills.
2. Look into different industries and jobs: Once you've got some ideas about your interests and strengths, start researching different industries and jobs that line up with them. Look up careers that grab your attention to learn more about what they involve, what skills or qualifications you need, how much they pay, and what the future prospects are.
A fantastic place to start is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It has loads of information on hundreds of jobs, including what they pay and what education you need. Another helpful site is O*NET OnLine, which has detailed information on the skills needed for specific jobs. Websites for professional associations in industries you're interested in can also be really useful.
3. Get some real-world experience: Sometimes, the best way to figure out if a career is right for you is to try it out. Look for internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs in areas you're interested in. This can give you a real feel for what the job involves day-to-day and help you make connections with professionals in the field.
Don't forget about networking, too. Try reaching out to professionals in industries you're interested in for informational interviews or job shadowing. This can give you the chance to ask questions, learn more about their career paths, and get advice from people who are already working in the field.
Remember, figuring out the right career path can take time and exploration. It's okay to feel unsure or overwhelmed sometimes. But by following these steps and keeping an open mind, you're increasing your chances of finding a career you'll love.
Top 3 Reference Publications or Websites Used:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
2. Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) - www.bls.gov/ooh
3. O*NET OnLine - www.onetonline.org
Just in case you're feeling a bit lost about your career direction, remember, you're not the only one. It's totally normal to have moments of doubt when deciding on a career. The great thing is, there are several steps you can follow to help you find a career path that matches your interests, skills, and values.
1. Time for some self-reflection: Start by taking a moment to think about what you really enjoy and what you're good at. What values matter to you in a job? Reflecting on these points can give you some great hints about careers that might be a perfect fit for you.
You can also use self-assessment tools like personality tests or career aptitude tests to help you figure out your strengths and preferences. Some well-known tests include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory, and Holland's RIASEC model. These can give you a clearer picture of careers that might suit your personality and skills.
2. Look into different industries and jobs: Once you've got some ideas about your interests and strengths, start researching different industries and jobs that line up with them. Look up careers that grab your attention to learn more about what they involve, what skills or qualifications you need, how much they pay, and what the future prospects are.
A fantastic place to start is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It has loads of information on hundreds of jobs, including what they pay and what education you need. Another helpful site is O*NET OnLine, which has detailed information on the skills needed for specific jobs. Websites for professional associations in industries you're interested in can also be really useful.
3. Get some real-world experience: Sometimes, the best way to figure out if a career is right for you is to try it out. Look for internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs in areas you're interested in. This can give you a real feel for what the job involves day-to-day and help you make connections with professionals in the field.
Don't forget about networking, too. Try reaching out to professionals in industries you're interested in for informational interviews or job shadowing. This can give you the chance to ask questions, learn more about their career paths, and get advice from people who are already working in the field.
Remember, figuring out the right career path can take time and exploration. It's okay to feel unsure or overwhelmed sometimes. But by following these steps and keeping an open mind, you're increasing your chances of finding a career you'll love.
Top 3 Reference Publications or Websites Used:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
2. Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) - www.bls.gov/ooh
3. O*NET OnLine - www.onetonline.org
Nicole Tekula
1
Answer
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
It is always a good idea to try and connect with those who are in the field you might have an interest in and reach out for a meeting or a mentor/shadow opportunity to see what a "day in the life of ...." is like. One thing that I did my senior year of high school was applied for a contingent worker agency (a temp agency or a company that other companies use for temporary workers). This is a nice way to take short term work assignments at various businesses within your local area. In this way, you get to see what it is like in "an office" and some workplace dynamics. I remember that as being my first true window of experience of "corporations" which was very interesting and insightful.
Joana Vargas
5
Answers
Updated
Joana’s Answer
Hi Chloe,
Start by asking yourself:
What are your core values?
What are your skills?
What types of tasks make you be in a state of flow?
What tasks give you energy?
Do you like solving problems?
Do you like teaching people?
Do you like advocating for others?
Then do a lot of research, talk to people in the fields you identified, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't make a decision based on others; also, be brave enough to pursue what feels good for you. Don't be afraid to rethink your decision before diving in; you might find there are several options for you. Trust yourself and go after what makes you happy.
Start by asking yourself:
What are your core values?
What are your skills?
What types of tasks make you be in a state of flow?
What tasks give you energy?
Do you like solving problems?
Do you like teaching people?
Do you like advocating for others?
Then do a lot of research, talk to people in the fields you identified, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't make a decision based on others; also, be brave enough to pursue what feels good for you. Don't be afraid to rethink your decision before diving in; you might find there are several options for you. Trust yourself and go after what makes you happy.