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What is an essential thing to consider before choosing a career path?
As an upcoming senior, I'm still unsure of what to pursue so having an idea would get me brainstorming at least.
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10 answers
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Nandini’s Answer
Hello Evelyn,
Hope you are doing well!
This framework helped me identify where my interests lie with regards to my future education. Hope it helps you as well.
1. What are you fields of interests? I would go back to a year or two and think about what still interests you. Whatever you choose for your college, you will be stuck studying that subject for a couple years - so I would pick something that you are genuinely interested in
2. Do you envision a future in that field - Take a reality check. Do you see yourself getting a job in your field of interest and supporting yourself and your family with that income?
3. Affordability - Are there good colleges that can offer your field of study with affordable tuition?
Lastly, talk to some of your teachers and guidance counselors. Sometimes, they see things that we don't and might have more options for you.
Best of luck!
Hope you are doing well!
This framework helped me identify where my interests lie with regards to my future education. Hope it helps you as well.
1. What are you fields of interests? I would go back to a year or two and think about what still interests you. Whatever you choose for your college, you will be stuck studying that subject for a couple years - so I would pick something that you are genuinely interested in
2. Do you envision a future in that field - Take a reality check. Do you see yourself getting a job in your field of interest and supporting yourself and your family with that income?
3. Affordability - Are there good colleges that can offer your field of study with affordable tuition?
Lastly, talk to some of your teachers and guidance counselors. Sometimes, they see things that we don't and might have more options for you.
Best of luck!
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Choosing a career path is a big decision that can have a significant impact on your future. Think about what you enjoy doing and what you're passionate about. Consider what subjects and activities you excel in and what you find fulfilling. Your career path should align with your interests and passions to ensure that you'll be happy and engaged in your work. Identify your strengths and weaknesses to help you determine what careers would be a good fit for you. Consider what skills you've developed through your education, extracurricular activities, and work experiences. Research the job market and identify which industries and careers are in demand and likely to grow in the future. It's important to choose a career that has a promising future, with opportunities for growth and development. Consider the salary and benefits offered in your desired field. While salary shouldn't be the only factor in your decision, it's important to consider how your career choice will impact your financial future.
Updated
Alex’s Answer
It depends on your priorities. Do you want to do something you love? Do you want to serve a certain purpose? Do you want a large salary? Are you really good at something in particular.
Unfortunately, those things don't always go together. Pick the priority to you and then your career planning and search can proceed. Sometimes, there are tools that your school counselor or career advisor will have that will help you to make a determination. Once you narrow down the area you'd like to focus in, sometimes there are internships or other volunteering opportunities available that will give you exposure to career.
Lastly, if you know anyone who you think has an interesting job/career, ask them about it. Find out what it takes to get involved, what schooling, salary range (that's a sensitive question), and how they like it. Good luck!
Unfortunately, those things don't always go together. Pick the priority to you and then your career planning and search can proceed. Sometimes, there are tools that your school counselor or career advisor will have that will help you to make a determination. Once you narrow down the area you'd like to focus in, sometimes there are internships or other volunteering opportunities available that will give you exposure to career.
Lastly, if you know anyone who you think has an interesting job/career, ask them about it. Find out what it takes to get involved, what schooling, salary range (that's a sensitive question), and how they like it. Good luck!
Updated
Michel’s Answer
College is really the time where you are going to start seeing the things you like and dislike. High school gives you a very vague view of the different majors. In college you are going to be exposed to a lot of things that high school just can’t expose you to. You are going to see fired up history majors who are so passionate about world history. The professors in college ended up going to school for an extra 2-4 years because they loved the subjects that they were teaching. If you are not sure of exactly you want to do the first couple years of college are a good time to figure it out. If you are dead set on declaring a major make sure it is near a field that you have enjoyed up to this point. If you liked science in college pick a degree that is part of the science degrees. Don’t declare a major in music if you hate everything about music. Most of your classes in the first two years are going to be pretty standardized and they will give you credit in any major that you declare, but there will be some classes that wont which is why I say find a grouping that is pretty standard like science and staying in a major that correlates. If you want you can start to look at careers that you would like to work in and start discovering what degrees would be required and that can help you make a decision. Just know that it is okay to have doubts and to change your mind find what makes you happy.
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Roel’s Answer
I suggest having a heart-to-heart chat with your family. They might offer valuable insights that could assist you in making this decision. However, the key lies within you. Take some time for introspection. Discover your passions, identify what truly matters to you. Once you've pinpointed your interests and values, you'll be in a better position to make a well-informed decision about your career path or major. Remember, the best choices are often those that align with your personal interests and values.
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Peter’s Answer
The first thing that's hard to understand at such a young age is that you will likely not know what you want to do or who you want to be. The best advice I have is to see if you have skills that you can lend to a lucrative career that you can be passionate about. If that changes, don't try to fight against something that isn't in your nature. Always be human.
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Frances’s Answer
I can suggest joining some clubs at school or other after school activities before you graduate. In my experience, I joined a science club where I studied different science and engineering topics and applied that knowledge into small projects at local competitions. Before that, I didn’t know which career I wanted to go into, but this opportunity sparked my interest in the STEM field. Now, I’m working as an engineer where I can use that knowledge everyday to solve real-world problems and improve local infrastructure.
Again, find yourself an activity that you can be involved in and maybe that will help you find what you’re looking for in a career. (:
Again, find yourself an activity that you can be involved in and maybe that will help you find what you’re looking for in a career. (:
Updated
Carlos’s Answer
Choosing a career path is never easy to do. A few things I would consider before making a decision like this is think about what are your passions in life that you would like to work in. Narrow down your choices to your Top 3. Then think about what are the pros and cons for each career and think about every aspect such as (career/industry growth outlook, hours worked, travel time, salary, etc.). Once you have that, I would reach out to industry professionals on what their day to day looks like to get a holistic picture on what it looks like to be in that career.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
Good luck and I hope this helps!
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Vamshee’s Answer
Consider the following things to choose the career in general. Write down what's important for you in life in next 5-10 yrs..
Your Passion and interests/Skills
Your Personality
Carrer Growth and Stability
Salary / grow richer.
Cost of Education and training
Your Personal Values and Goals
...also you can try the following tool to guide you choose the career path
Explore your interests, envision your future. Use the me3 tool i came across below developed by ASU.
me3® is a simple interactive tool that helps you find a career that fits your interests. me3 guides you through a series of visual choices that reflect your levels of interest in data, things, people and ideas.
https://me3.careers/asu/onboarding/education
Hope this helps!
Good luck for all your future endeavors.
Updated
James’s Answer
The most essential thing is to make sure you don't watch the clock. If your career has you looking at the clock, thinking about when you're getting off, thinking about when you can take your next break, then it's not for you. If you get lost in your work and it gives you a sense of purpose, so much so that time flies by, then that's a great fit for you.