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When is the best time for me to start looking into a good career?
I don't know when i should start looking, especially if you're in high school.
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6 answers
Updated
Leah’s Answer
I fell into my career path my Junior year of college. I work in Property Management and Technology and the sky is the limit in those industries. I think always keep your eyes open to opportunities and do your internship in something that you LOVE, it's a good time to test how much you actually love it. I interned at ABC thinking I would love it but actually hated it after realizing on-air personalities don't make nearly as much as sales does.
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Aaliyah J.’s Answer
Hi Ashley! Thank you for your question. I suggest being open to diverse opportunities early and often. This will help you learn what environments work or don’t work for you. These experiences will help you find what “good career” means to you. All in all, start now and try new things. There is a learning opportunity in every situation!
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Bhavana’s Answer
Such a good question, such a hard answer! I fell into my career - Human Resources. I was a working Mom and got hired as an Administrative Assistant at a Manufacturing facility for a large beverage company - this is where I got exposure to the world of work and started helping out the Human Resource department with various projects - I was inspired and returned to school to finish my education (online) and then I was promoted into HR! Explore or find a job while you are in school to give you exposure to professions.
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Melissa’s Answer
In my experience, it is never too early to begin actively exploring what career may be best for you, but you don't need to feel pressured to make a final decision right away. If you’re still in high school, you can take steps to explore future careers and figure out what interests you and what may be a good fit. You can complete a summer internship in a field that interests you, take career interest tests to discover potential career paths that you may have never considered in the past, research the academic and professional requirements related to your current dream job(s), or get a part-time job to begin to develop your professional and/or people skills. If you are choosing to attend college and haven't decided on a career path when you start, that's okay! It is normal to start college by studying a variety of subjects before you decide firmly on a major or path to a certain field.
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Jonathan G.’s Answer
The earlier the better, ideally it is great if you can have an idea what major you want to study when you are in high school, so when you get into college you can be focused, then in college I recommend doing internships each summer so you are essentially starting to look and gain experience for your career after your graduate college.
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Bob’s Answer
In my experience, while in high school, I began to research and profile the background of successful CEO's leading large, medium or smaller sized companies. I discovered, at that time, that CEO's came from Marketing, Legal, Financial, Engineering or Manufacturing educational backgrounds.
I then thought through what subjects in school that I liked as well as what hobbies I enjoyed. Math was not a strong point for me, nor did I see myself engrossed in studying the law. At the same time, my hobby included creating and making lawn ornaments, then selling them to neighbors and friends. So, Marketing, Sales and Engineering seemed to fit. I then focused upon courses in college in the Business College, with Marketing as a major and Industrial Engeneering as a minor. Industrial Engineering allowed me to develop knowledge in creation of products as well as efficient manufacturing.
After graduating from college, I sought out companies who were known as excellent in marketing and sales as well as had a training program for new hires.
Then, employing the knowledge and skills developed in that first company, I leveraged it in other businesses to build a career in marketing, sales and product management.
Eventually, I became the Chairman and CEO of several a high technology businesses.
As indicated by other responses, pursue what you have a passion for; something you love to do.
Ask your Librarian to point out articles featuring profiles of successful business leaders
Think through what it is you love to do, what you have a passion for.
Be open to job changes that will help you to better understand the areas of business you like to work within
I then thought through what subjects in school that I liked as well as what hobbies I enjoyed. Math was not a strong point for me, nor did I see myself engrossed in studying the law. At the same time, my hobby included creating and making lawn ornaments, then selling them to neighbors and friends. So, Marketing, Sales and Engineering seemed to fit. I then focused upon courses in college in the Business College, with Marketing as a major and Industrial Engeneering as a minor. Industrial Engineering allowed me to develop knowledge in creation of products as well as efficient manufacturing.
After graduating from college, I sought out companies who were known as excellent in marketing and sales as well as had a training program for new hires.
Then, employing the knowledge and skills developed in that first company, I leveraged it in other businesses to build a career in marketing, sales and product management.
Eventually, I became the Chairman and CEO of several a high technology businesses.
As indicated by other responses, pursue what you have a passion for; something you love to do.
Bob recommends the following next steps: