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How do you start planning your career?
How do you prepare yourself both financially and academically?
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6 answers
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Patrick!
Looking at this question and the other questions you wrote, it looks like you are a mathy, bisuinessy, finance kind of guy yes? And you are trying to figure out what careers might fit you and what majors fit those careers? Coming from that perspective, I think you are already on the right track and asking the right questions.
The good thing about math in business is there is a great deal of flexibility. When you think of who employs people businesses employ more people than any other sector (like government or non-profits). People who understand what the numbers mean, people who can create the numbers, and people who can make decisions based on numbers are always in demand. Exactly which numbers they look at could have an engineering focus, could be marketing, or could be valuing something or evaluating something. There are so many options for people who can do math to make money! Math=Money.
So, what's a young person to do when you can do so many things? To start with, take your time. The first couple of years of college are mostly consumed with core classes that everyone needs regardless of career direction and major. So, there is no rush to really lock in on something for a couple of years. Next look outside of math to understand yourself better. With all the potential math-based careers out there, looking outside of math and looking at everything else may help you think about what you would like to do as a career. Next look deeper into math. What kinds of math and math problems you enjoy? If you are into probability and statistics more than say calculus that might suggest different careers. Take all the math classes you love/enjoy. You are likely to land in a career you love if the work you do in that career you enjoy. Take the hardest math you can do. The harder the math, the fewer the people can do it and more options you have. Finally, there are two other topics that you may find important in your career they are 1.) Learn to communicate both in writing and verbally like business writing and public speaking. 2.) Learn to code. Many of the best jobs of the future you will need to be able to communicate with people AND computers. Coding is the language that will let you talk to computers. (CompSci minor for example...) These will help you greatly in any future modern job.
Once you settle on a career then the major will become more obvious. But also, as your course selections suggest a major, the career choices will become more obvious.
Have fun! You are lucky in the sense of the way your brain works with math. You have a ton of options. Enjoy exploring what you could do in the future. Over time move yourself into a direction then over time you'll probably fall into something that works for you.
Work hard and work a little bit smart,
-John
PS if you want to discuss this further, feel free to leave a comment below! I'm happy to respond.
Take your time no need to rush to make a final desision
Look outside of math to find what you'd like to do then add math to it.
Look inside of math to find the types of math you enjoy which will suggest careers you may also enjoy.
Take the hardest math you can to limit the competition and have the most options.
Learn to communicate well with people and computers, business writing, public speaking and computer programing.
Looking at this question and the other questions you wrote, it looks like you are a mathy, bisuinessy, finance kind of guy yes? And you are trying to figure out what careers might fit you and what majors fit those careers? Coming from that perspective, I think you are already on the right track and asking the right questions.
The good thing about math in business is there is a great deal of flexibility. When you think of who employs people businesses employ more people than any other sector (like government or non-profits). People who understand what the numbers mean, people who can create the numbers, and people who can make decisions based on numbers are always in demand. Exactly which numbers they look at could have an engineering focus, could be marketing, or could be valuing something or evaluating something. There are so many options for people who can do math to make money! Math=Money.
So, what's a young person to do when you can do so many things? To start with, take your time. The first couple of years of college are mostly consumed with core classes that everyone needs regardless of career direction and major. So, there is no rush to really lock in on something for a couple of years. Next look outside of math to understand yourself better. With all the potential math-based careers out there, looking outside of math and looking at everything else may help you think about what you would like to do as a career. Next look deeper into math. What kinds of math and math problems you enjoy? If you are into probability and statistics more than say calculus that might suggest different careers. Take all the math classes you love/enjoy. You are likely to land in a career you love if the work you do in that career you enjoy. Take the hardest math you can do. The harder the math, the fewer the people can do it and more options you have. Finally, there are two other topics that you may find important in your career they are 1.) Learn to communicate both in writing and verbally like business writing and public speaking. 2.) Learn to code. Many of the best jobs of the future you will need to be able to communicate with people AND computers. Coding is the language that will let you talk to computers. (CompSci minor for example...) These will help you greatly in any future modern job.
Once you settle on a career then the major will become more obvious. But also, as your course selections suggest a major, the career choices will become more obvious.
Have fun! You are lucky in the sense of the way your brain works with math. You have a ton of options. Enjoy exploring what you could do in the future. Over time move yourself into a direction then over time you'll probably fall into something that works for you.
Work hard and work a little bit smart,
-John
PS if you want to discuss this further, feel free to leave a comment below! I'm happy to respond.
John recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Tanuj’s Answer
Few simple and straightforward steps for you to start your journey -
Step 1: Understand what role you want to be in, as your first job.
Step 2: Find a Company which is either a leader in the field of your interest or is a startup with great leaders. Make sure you believe in the company's values, mission and goals.
Step 3: Start building skills that are critical to succeed in the role of your choice.
Step 4: Showcase your skills in the form of a small projects, videos, presentations etc.
Step 5: Network with people on LinkedIn who are in similar roles, talk to them about your interests, show your projects and resume to them and get their feedback. Ask for referrals or assistance in job search.
Tanuj recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Tanuj for the advice.
Patrick
Updated
SUNDAY FOLORUNSHO’s Answer
It is more advisable to rather work and gather enough money for schooling rather than working and studying. Working and studying work for some people but it is no go area for some. The important thing is know yourself. If you find it difficult doing two things at the same time, why not work and gather enough money then study for the purpose of academic excellence.
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Patrick,
Start as early as you can when deciding your career path. When you have decided then comes the finances. It all depends on where you want to study and for how long. Being accepted out of state can sometimes hike the cost up a notch or two. But with a good financial aid package (if that's your route) would help you out tremendously.
Try applying for internships and summer jobs especially ones in your area of interest. This will kill two birds with one stone: money could be earned and experience will be gained.
Apply for volunteering where possible. This could also lead into a full or part-time position. Again it would look good on your resume.
Also there are subsidized and unsubsidized loans that you can apply for too though the school that you attend. They are both somewhat similar in that subsidized loans have better terms.
Start as early as you can when deciding your career path. When you have decided then comes the finances. It all depends on where you want to study and for how long. Being accepted out of state can sometimes hike the cost up a notch or two. But with a good financial aid package (if that's your route) would help you out tremendously.
Try applying for internships and summer jobs especially ones in your area of interest. This will kill two birds with one stone: money could be earned and experience will be gained.
Apply for volunteering where possible. This could also lead into a full or part-time position. Again it would look good on your resume.
Also there are subsidized and unsubsidized loans that you can apply for too though the school that you attend. They are both somewhat similar in that subsidized loans have better terms.
Updated
Jon’s Answer
I would focus on strong habits early on in your career financially. Practice saving in little ways and it will manifest into a good habit. Academically do not be afraid to pursue a well-rounded education. Limiting yourself to one field might not allow you to build a diverse skillset required in most areas.
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Patrick, as I am sure that you are aware, college and vocational schools are expensive. The path you take to gain your education and career training with the least impact financially will depend on how committed or decided that you are on a career choice. If you are uncertain what career that you want to pursue, then I recommend starting at a community college where you can take some exploratory courses to see what you like but without as much of a financial burden. Don't stress over the fact that you don't know what to pursue; just enjoy the journey of exploration. And, don't limit your exploration to academic pursuits. You might try learning a new hobby or join a club in a subject of interest to you, such as rock climbing or backpacking. Your association with other peers and your participation in those activities will enlighten you about your interests, passions and talents.
If you are certain of your desired career choice, then I suggest learning the best path forward to obtain the needed education and training. If that career requires a university education then I suggest that you find out whether you can enter that career successfully with a bachelors degree or whether a masters degree or other graduate studies are preferred or required. You may not know that answer before you begin your university studies but you should try and answer that by the end of your sophomore year in college. This will help you know what courses to take as an upper classman which is when most of the courses specific to your field of study are taken. If you plan ahead then you can take many graduate level classes while pursuing your bachelors degree. This may allow you to gain a portion of a graduate level education while only having to pay for your undergraduate studies. To help in the endeavor, I recommend talking to your professors during your sophomore year about your desired career path and have them help you plan your courses of study. I also recommend joining a local professional society in your field, if there is one, and networking with working professionals. Asking them questions about what courses to study will be a huge benefit. In fact, working professionals often will help you prepare better for your career than professors, most of whom have only, or mostly, academic experience. If you are able to find internship opportunities this will also expose you to opportunities to gain advice from working professionals.
Finally, you might consider ways to reduce costs while in college and ways to pay your way as you study. I was able to work during the summer break to earn enough to pay my tuition and then I held part-time jobs and even started a small business venture while in college to pay my monthly expenses while in college. You don't want to jeopardize your studies by working too much but, with planning you can balance your studies and work so that you can avoid, as much as possible, burdensome debt.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Eric
If you are certain of your desired career choice, then I suggest learning the best path forward to obtain the needed education and training. If that career requires a university education then I suggest that you find out whether you can enter that career successfully with a bachelors degree or whether a masters degree or other graduate studies are preferred or required. You may not know that answer before you begin your university studies but you should try and answer that by the end of your sophomore year in college. This will help you know what courses to take as an upper classman which is when most of the courses specific to your field of study are taken. If you plan ahead then you can take many graduate level classes while pursuing your bachelors degree. This may allow you to gain a portion of a graduate level education while only having to pay for your undergraduate studies. To help in the endeavor, I recommend talking to your professors during your sophomore year about your desired career path and have them help you plan your courses of study. I also recommend joining a local professional society in your field, if there is one, and networking with working professionals. Asking them questions about what courses to study will be a huge benefit. In fact, working professionals often will help you prepare better for your career than professors, most of whom have only, or mostly, academic experience. If you are able to find internship opportunities this will also expose you to opportunities to gain advice from working professionals.
Finally, you might consider ways to reduce costs while in college and ways to pay your way as you study. I was able to work during the summer break to earn enough to pay my tuition and then I held part-time jobs and even started a small business venture while in college to pay my monthly expenses while in college. You don't want to jeopardize your studies by working too much but, with planning you can balance your studies and work so that you can avoid, as much as possible, burdensome debt.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Eric