3 answers
Yairelisse
Student
Athol, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Asked
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What should someone take into consideration when choosing a career path?
I'm a sophomore in high school and I'm still stuck on what career path I want to take. I don't want to choose to be something, put so much effort to become that for the rest of my life and then not end up liking it.
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3 answers
Lindsay Drenning - ACP, PMP
Senior Manager Finance Operations & Project Management
6
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Hello Yairelisse!
First, let's think about what you're interested in. When you imagine yourself 5-10 years from now, what type of job do you imagine yourself doing? How does it feel to be in that role? What types of things would you be doing? It's also important to think about the things that you would certainly not enjoy doing. Once you identify what interests you (ie. technology, medicine, teaching, etc) you can look for job postings in these areas and identify key criteria hiring managers are looking for. Example - if you want to be a Technical Project Manager, these job requirements might include a B.S. in computer science and/or a project management certification. These are great ways to start exploring what you are interested in.
Second, don't be afraid to change your mind! When I was in undergrad I picked a pretty general major - Mass Communications. I found that much of what I learned I could apply to many different career opportunities. Once I got into a full-time job I was able to leverage my company's tuition assistance program to earn a second bachelors degree in Marketing.
Thank you so much for reaching out and asking your question. I wish you all the luck in your pursuits.
First, let's think about what you're interested in. When you imagine yourself 5-10 years from now, what type of job do you imagine yourself doing? How does it feel to be in that role? What types of things would you be doing? It's also important to think about the things that you would certainly not enjoy doing. Once you identify what interests you (ie. technology, medicine, teaching, etc) you can look for job postings in these areas and identify key criteria hiring managers are looking for. Example - if you want to be a Technical Project Manager, these job requirements might include a B.S. in computer science and/or a project management certification. These are great ways to start exploring what you are interested in.
Second, don't be afraid to change your mind! When I was in undergrad I picked a pretty general major - Mass Communications. I found that much of what I learned I could apply to many different career opportunities. Once I got into a full-time job I was able to leverage my company's tuition assistance program to earn a second bachelors degree in Marketing.
Thank you so much for reaching out and asking your question. I wish you all the luck in your pursuits.
Omari Walker
Caregiver
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Omari’s Answer
Hello Yairelisse,
It is ok not to know what career path you want to take, essentially when you are so young. You never want to rush into a career path without taking a long look into it. Ask yourself questions such as: Can I seeing myself doing this on a daily basis? I'm I willing to go down the academic path required to reach my career goals? Once you come up with some ideas research them, be sure to looking into the academic requirements, possible experiences needed to qualify, the job demand for the positions in the career path. Don't be afraid to change your mind either, it better be to be certain, than be sorry later. Lastly during the mean time while still deciding make sure to build up core skills most careers find valuable. Build up social skills and connections, volunteer for various causing or internships that, also if you have any interest in anything in the computer field, I recommend familiarizing yourselves with Microsoft office and the various programs it has to offer as most companies look for that particular skill in most computer related field.
It is ok not to know what career path you want to take, essentially when you are so young. You never want to rush into a career path without taking a long look into it. Ask yourself questions such as: Can I seeing myself doing this on a daily basis? I'm I willing to go down the academic path required to reach my career goals? Once you come up with some ideas research them, be sure to looking into the academic requirements, possible experiences needed to qualify, the job demand for the positions in the career path. Don't be afraid to change your mind either, it better be to be certain, than be sorry later. Lastly during the mean time while still deciding make sure to build up core skills most careers find valuable. Build up social skills and connections, volunteer for various causing or internships that, also if you have any interest in anything in the computer field, I recommend familiarizing yourselves with Microsoft office and the various programs it has to offer as most companies look for that particular skill in most computer related field.
Gabrielle Kohlmeier
Lawyer
2
Answers
Bethesda, Maryland
Updated
Gabrielle’s Answer
One of the best things I've ever learned was about growth mindset and lifelong learning, which has shifted the way I think from being worried about finding exactly the right thing that I will love and be passionate about forever, to trying different things and learning things from every experience - and not being afraid to change classes/majors/jobs and grow. That doesn't mean giving up when it is hard, but it means going in with energy, enthusiasm and curiousity, and learning as much as you can. I have learned so much from jobs that don't seem to have anything to do with what I do know (and love),l but taught me how to be persuasive, get resources for teams, problem solve, deal with difficult people, be resilient. I highly recommend checking out Mindset by Carol Dweck, Grit Factor by Shannon Huffman Polson, and the 21 Day Grit and Growth Mindset Challenge by the American Bar Association Commission on Women (applicable to all people!) to grow your growth mindset and help you find what feels purposeful and meaningful to you. And get to know as many people in areas you think will be of interest along the way, to learn more about their day-to-day and path!