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Why did you choose the profession you are in right now?

A student looking for a guide as to what to pursue as a career path.

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Subject: Career question for you

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Nicholas’s Answer

Hey Anna, this is a really good question and it is not easy at all to figure out what you want to do. I personally looked into the things that I did well, problem-solving and data analytics, as well as the things that I enjoy, talking to people, and I looked for profession where I could do those things as much as possible. So far, it seems that consulting is the right thing for me to do as I get to interact with lots of people on a daily basis while also getting to apply the data and econ skills I learned in college. Figuring out the things you like to do in college or just in general, and then looking for careers with as much of those things as you can find is the advice I have for you. It is still not going to be easy to figure it out, but changing careers getting increasingly easier so don't worry if you are not loving what you are doing right from the beginning.
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Claire’s Answer

I took a few online career tests. I spent timing thinking about what I prefer to work with - ideas? More tactile work? Etc. and landed on working with people. I fell in love with psych in a 101 class and started exploring what I could do with a degree in psychology. I determined I would need to go to graduate school and needed to narrow down options beforehand. I job shadowed a marriage and family therapist and decided I wanted to pursue counseling so I minored in counselor education. I also started working with children with disabilities and realized direct behavioral care was not the route I wanted. I was rejected for an MFT track in graduate school TWICE. Failure is part of any journey but at that time I was so discouraged. Someone pointed out to me that I worked so well with adolescents at the time (I worked in an alternative education/correctional facility for a time) and that school counselors get more time off that marriage and family therapists. I researched more and pursued a school counseling track in graduate school and was accepted the first time, like fate. I now love what I do and there is no shortage of work in my field at the moment so I also feel like I have options if we decide to move etc.

Claire recommends the following next steps:

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any further questions and best of luck in your journey!
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Anette’s Answer

Hey!

I chose my career path in engineering for a couple of things, I enjoyed math and analytics. I specifically chose mechanical engineering as it is an engineering field that is very broad. With my degree I've been able to discover different concentrations such as product management, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, tech, etc. Mechanical engineering offers you many careers paths and challenges you to new forms of thinking therefore, I wanted to choose a career that would allow for some sort of change further in the future. I recommend to always follow what truly makes you happy but always have a plan for growth in your career.
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Dom’s Answer

Hi Anna, what a great question I would say sales choose me believe it or not. Sales suits me well. It's a field that aligns well with my skills, interests, and disposition. I have excellent interpersonal skills, and I'm passionate about relationship-building and customer service. Those traits have made me an effective salesperson — and simply put, I enjoy doing things I do well.
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Timothy’s Answer

I am currently an Associate Director of Training for AT&T. I want to say it chose me rather than me choosing it. I think most people have multiple careers throughout thier life. For example, I earned a Bachelor's Degree in History but my first job out of college was in radio broadcasting as a producer and on-air personality. Due to some personal life circumstances I transitioned to sales. Making money became my #1 goal at that time. I went from sales to being a retail store manager. I then used that experience to become a sales trainer. That's where I discovered my love for teaching and pouring into people. That is when my career truly blossomed. From being a trainer I gained so many meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime. My success in this role led to me being a supervisor of trainers. I went from managing small teams to very large teams and supporting Executives across AT&T. I've been in training now for 14 years and stayed because I absolutely love what I do. Overall point being, your life and experiences will sometimes lead you to something that you love.
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Atul’s Answer

I spent my professional career (30+ years) in the software industry. Initially in software development to product mngt to sales.
Why I chose this field? I was good in Math and had good analytical skills.
My nature of perseverance and persistence made me successful to live the American dream.
Learning new software languages is very easy but applying is very hard.
Know what you know and know what you do not know. Be honest about it when you need help. Know your limits. This will serve you well.
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Harmeet’s Answer

Anna, I have worked in information security/cybersecurity for 15+ years. I chose this career as I was really passionate about computers. So far it's been full of challenges and there has not been a dull movement. I believe in continuous learning and I enjoy learning about new technology as it evolves.
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Connie’s Answer

Great question Anna! As I was going through college, I changed majors probably 4 times because i couldn't find a major that held my interest. I started out as a computer programmer -- hot area of business. I figured out real quickly that i couldn't sit still or pay attention long enough to write code. I switched to accounting which I really liked but knew the long-term career path would require sitting for the CPA which intimidated me so i switched again to Behavior Science/Organizational Management which absolutely thrilled me. I loved the study of people. Working at AT&T, I've actually been able to use all my studies as we have so many different job opportunities. Life is about continuous learning. Don't be afraid to try new things as you grow in your career. Just remember to find something that excites you, gets you out of bed every day, and makes you want to be the best at it. If you are miserable, it's not the right career choice!
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Danusa’s Answer

Hello Anna!!! very good question, I am a Public Relations and I made the decision to study this career based on my personal tastes, where I felt I had strengths and skills and also in the economic part being a stable career, give yourself some time to know yourself and define your preferences.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Anna!

ME:-

In 1966 as a boy of 9 years-old I lived for 3 months with my grandparents. It was a seaside resort country town. I started consuming large quantities of the richest food source of zinc in the shellfish oysters. Suddenly within a few months my academic performance increased! I started public speaking, getting borrowed by other teachers and giving lectures to their classes. Usually the topic was science.

My parents bought me small telescopes as presents, so I wanted to be an astronomer. That necessitated studying physics and mathematics. Fortunately the physics teacher taught us to program computers. Two years later my Uncle died of a massive coronary at 38 years-of-age. I was 17 years old, and this deeply affected me. Another 2 years passes, and my late uncle's old academic supervisor from 1960, Professor Colin Masters, comes to our university to lecture in biochemistry.

I changed my subject concentration majors to biochemistry. I started learning about nutrition too. When my father followed suit and died at 50 years of age I decided to study dietetics. In 1994 I commenced writing nutrition education software. Within 30 years I authored four nutrition platforms.

AI:-

Understanding Career Choice: Factors Influencing Profession Selection

Choosing a profession is a significant decision that can shape an individual’s life trajectory. The reasons behind selecting a particular career can vary widely among individuals, influenced by personal interests, skills, values, and external factors such as job market trends and economic conditions. Below are some key factors that often play a role in this decision-making process.

1. Personal Interests and Passions

One of the primary reasons individuals choose their professions is their personal interests and passions. When someone is genuinely interested in a subject or activity, they are more likely to pursue it as a career. For instance, someone who enjoys working with technology may gravitate towards careers in computer science or engineering. Identifying what you love to do can guide you toward a fulfilling career path.

2. Skills and Strengths

Another critical factor is an individual’s skills and strengths. People often choose careers that align with their natural abilities or skills they have developed over time. For example, someone with strong analytical skills might pursue a career in finance or data analysis, while those with excellent communication skills may find success in fields like marketing or education.

3. Values and Goals

Values play an essential role in career choice as well. Individuals often seek professions that resonate with their personal values—such as helping others, creativity, stability, or financial success. For instance, someone who values social impact might choose to work in non-profit organizations or healthcare.

4. Job Market Trends

External factors such as job market trends also significantly influence career choices. Economic conditions can dictate which industries are growing or declining, affecting job availability and security. Researching current job market trends can provide insight into which fields are expanding and where opportunities may exist.

5. Education and Training Opportunities

The availability of education and training programs can also affect career decisions. Some individuals may choose careers based on the accessibility of relevant educational resources or vocational training programs that prepare them for specific roles.

6. Influence of Family and Peers

Family expectations and peer influences can also shape career choices. Many individuals consider the opinions of family members or friends when deciding on their professional paths, sometimes leading them to pursue careers aligned with familial traditions or societal expectations.

7. Work-Life Balance Considerations

Finally, considerations regarding work-life balance increasingly influence career choices today. Many individuals prioritize jobs that offer flexibility, remote work options, or reasonable hours to maintain a healthy balance between their professional responsibilities and personal lives.

In conclusion, the decision to choose a particular profession is multifaceted and deeply personal. It involves evaluating one’s interests, skills, values, external influences like job market trends, educational opportunities available, family expectations, and desired work-life balance.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This government agency provides comprehensive data on employment trends across various industries which helps individuals understand job market dynamics.

National Career Development Association (NCDA): This organization offers resources related to career development theories and practices that assist individuals in making informed career choices.

American Psychological Association (APA): The APA publishes research on psychological aspects influencing career choice including personality traits and motivations that guide individuals toward specific professions.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

God Bless You!
JC.
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Linda’s Answer

I am a Interior Designer and artist form early childhood, I am blessed to have had my future and career path outlined in my head. This made thing less complicated but much work was needed to identify the scope of the impact my energy and needs required. In other words how would I participate and how much of myself would show up to complete this picture in my head. 40 years I am happy to say and all of me showed up and created the passion driven result. This is why it is so important to find your passion because when you do all the parts of you will be there ready to work.
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