12 answers
Asked
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How do explore or find a career path for you?
I know I have some time to figure that out but I get a little overwhelm to have to "figure" out what i want to do in my life from my peers and family. I have some plans but I am terrified of not liking it or not being suitable for the career.
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12 answers
Updated
Mukuka’s Answer
Hi Nusrat choosing a career is a critical and tricky decision but asking and answering a few questions helps such as:
1. Understand your interests, values, and skills. Make a list of the activities, subjects, and tasks that you enjoy, what values are important to you, and what skills you have.
2. Research different career options. Look into different career paths and explore what kinds of jobs are available in each field.
3. Consider the job market. Research the job market in your area to see what kinds of jobs are in demand and what kind of job security they offer.
4. Talk to people in the field. Reach out to people in the field you're interested in and ask them about their experiences.
5. Take a career assessment. Take a career assessment test to get a better understanding of your skills and interests.
6. Get experience. Get some experience in the field you're interested in by taking an internship or volunteer position.
7. Make a plan. Once you've narrowed down your options, make a plan for how you're going to get to where you want to be.
8. Get help. Seek out career counselors or mentors to help guide you through the process.
1. Understand your interests, values, and skills. Make a list of the activities, subjects, and tasks that you enjoy, what values are important to you, and what skills you have.
2. Research different career options. Look into different career paths and explore what kinds of jobs are available in each field.
3. Consider the job market. Research the job market in your area to see what kinds of jobs are in demand and what kind of job security they offer.
4. Talk to people in the field. Reach out to people in the field you're interested in and ask them about their experiences.
5. Take a career assessment. Take a career assessment test to get a better understanding of your skills and interests.
6. Get experience. Get some experience in the field you're interested in by taking an internship or volunteer position.
7. Make a plan. Once you've narrowed down your options, make a plan for how you're going to get to where you want to be.
8. Get help. Seek out career counselors or mentors to help guide you through the process.
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Sometime answers to your questions lies around you but you may not be aware of it.
What subjects you enjoy? I enjoyed Math in school, pursued my career in a software industry and had no regrets. I am living an American dream.
You need to answer some of the questions yourself.
Do you want to pursue business degree based on people’s skills or good with numbers to pursue finance/accounting or if you like biology or chemistry- you can pursue pharmaceutical or medicine or if you have a good analytical skills you can pursue software industry.
Nothing is easy. If you do not have student loan debt you will sleep well unless you get scholarships. Take AP courses in the areas that you want to pursue further.
Studying in a state univ is best way to avoid debt. They are as good as others.
What subjects you enjoy? I enjoyed Math in school, pursued my career in a software industry and had no regrets. I am living an American dream.
You need to answer some of the questions yourself.
Do you want to pursue business degree based on people’s skills or good with numbers to pursue finance/accounting or if you like biology or chemistry- you can pursue pharmaceutical or medicine or if you have a good analytical skills you can pursue software industry.
Nothing is easy. If you do not have student loan debt you will sleep well unless you get scholarships. Take AP courses in the areas that you want to pursue further.
Studying in a state univ is best way to avoid debt. They are as good as others.
Updated
Sounak’s Answer
Hi Nusrat, follow your dream! Strive hard and earn the laurels. The world is extremely competitive and survival is for the fittest and smartest. Earning a let for the future is an outcome. However the journey to get to that outcome is what you are referring to as the "job". This journey, Nusrat, is full of ups and downs, filled with gravels and at times boulders, strewn with thorns, and for sure not a bed of roses. However, in order to achieve the outcome all these have to seem sweet to you (name it satisfaction).
It would be ideal as a student answer certain questions:
(1) What makes you most happy?
(2) What do you want in life? (Not money!)
(3) What is the best that you can do?
Think of the journey that you have to go through to reach your destination. If you follow your passion you would enjoy the journey.
It would be ideal as a student answer certain questions:
(1) What makes you most happy?
(2) What do you want in life? (Not money!)
(3) What is the best that you can do?
Think of the journey that you have to go through to reach your destination. If you follow your passion you would enjoy the journey.
Your advice was so helpful!
Nusrat
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
I'll propose my answer by asking you this question. Look at your self from 5 years ago (and not yourself), what did that person envision becoming and what did that version of you feel was important and would definitely be your future?
Now compare that with who you are today. See many similarities? Any? The folks who have provided feedback all give good advice. Mine is do not get too stressed out that you don't know know if what you want to become X number of years from now or if your career choice today are right. It's a sign of maturity that you do think about those things. But know you're not done maturing and growing and what is important to you today may not be in the near future. Keep making good decisions and working hard.
Now compare that with who you are today. See many similarities? Any? The folks who have provided feedback all give good advice. Mine is do not get too stressed out that you don't know know if what you want to become X number of years from now or if your career choice today are right. It's a sign of maturity that you do think about those things. But know you're not done maturing and growing and what is important to you today may not be in the near future. Keep making good decisions and working hard.
Updated
Jada’s Answer
I absolutely love your question and concern!
I believe people forget that it takes time to figure out what you want to do in life. One minute you may have your major figured out and the next minute... life will take you down a totally different path. I started off as a nurse major, did some community college here and there and next thing you know I end up at AT&T... total change in major and now I am in school for my bachelors in business management focusing on project management.
My best advice is do not feel pressured to know what you are going to do and do not be scared to take chances and dive into different career paths to figure out what you enjoy doing. There is no one correct guide to life, everyone is on different paths. Take some time to plan a timeline of where you are hoping to be in the next 2+ years and take action from there. It is always however to make goals to be motivated.
Life is about making choices and trusting the path to guide you.
I believe people forget that it takes time to figure out what you want to do in life. One minute you may have your major figured out and the next minute... life will take you down a totally different path. I started off as a nurse major, did some community college here and there and next thing you know I end up at AT&T... total change in major and now I am in school for my bachelors in business management focusing on project management.
My best advice is do not feel pressured to know what you are going to do and do not be scared to take chances and dive into different career paths to figure out what you enjoy doing. There is no one correct guide to life, everyone is on different paths. Take some time to plan a timeline of where you are hoping to be in the next 2+ years and take action from there. It is always however to make goals to be motivated.
Life is about making choices and trusting the path to guide you.
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Nusrat,
I feel your pain. Like you, I had many comment from friends and family members on what I should do with my life. They all care and are anxious to be assured that you will pick a career area that they believe will be good for you. They mean well, but the decision is really yours, and the truth is that you won't know for several more years. I say that because it is unreasonable for anyone to know for certain what their career will be when finishing HS or early in college. I encourage you to do your own research, pursue areas that interest you, as sufficient earnings for a successful life will happen if you're doing what you like. Unfortunately, for you and the rest of us, society puts undue pressure on us to commit to a career early. Please don't get caught in that trap; finding your career is not a quick decision, but months (and often years) of adjusting your plans as you go. Just start. As you go forward, the windows of opportunity and interest will be there. All the best to you.
I feel your pain. Like you, I had many comment from friends and family members on what I should do with my life. They all care and are anxious to be assured that you will pick a career area that they believe will be good for you. They mean well, but the decision is really yours, and the truth is that you won't know for several more years. I say that because it is unreasonable for anyone to know for certain what their career will be when finishing HS or early in college. I encourage you to do your own research, pursue areas that interest you, as sufficient earnings for a successful life will happen if you're doing what you like. Unfortunately, for you and the rest of us, society puts undue pressure on us to commit to a career early. Please don't get caught in that trap; finding your career is not a quick decision, but months (and often years) of adjusting your plans as you go. Just start. As you go forward, the windows of opportunity and interest will be there. All the best to you.
Thank you for the advice.
Nusrat
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Nurat,
The good news is that you really can't make a mistake in choosing your career path. It is likely that your journey will have several forks in the road, and that you will change careers more than once - embrace that.
Many people try to engage in a career path that will earn them money (e.g., financial sector, marketing, business). Others, look for a career path that is personally fulfilling (e.g., teaching, caregiving, civil service). And still others look to make a big leap into those careers that are life-long pursuits (e.g., professional sports, acting, musical theatre, etc.).
What many people don't realize, is that you can often pivot at any time to a new path, when you find something that interests you, and is able to support your lifestyle.
I would encourage you to focus on building a strong foundation.
1. Make education a life-long pursuit.
2. Consistently visualize yourself in the future and make decisions that will support your vision.
3. Keep moving forward. Don't be paralyzed by indecision. Take small steps, they add up.
Best of luck!
Jeff
The good news is that you really can't make a mistake in choosing your career path. It is likely that your journey will have several forks in the road, and that you will change careers more than once - embrace that.
Many people try to engage in a career path that will earn them money (e.g., financial sector, marketing, business). Others, look for a career path that is personally fulfilling (e.g., teaching, caregiving, civil service). And still others look to make a big leap into those careers that are life-long pursuits (e.g., professional sports, acting, musical theatre, etc.).
What many people don't realize, is that you can often pivot at any time to a new path, when you find something that interests you, and is able to support your lifestyle.
I would encourage you to focus on building a strong foundation.
1. Make education a life-long pursuit.
2. Consistently visualize yourself in the future and make decisions that will support your vision.
3. Keep moving forward. Don't be paralyzed by indecision. Take small steps, they add up.
Best of luck!
Jeff
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. A lot of students have the same question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you interested to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you interested to be a singer, musician, music composer, music producer, music teacher, etc.
2. Explore on these careers and find out what you have interested
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you interested to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you interested to be a singer, musician, music composer, music producer, music teacher, etc.
2. Explore on these careers and find out what you have interested
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
When thinking about your career path, sometimes the best place to start is looking at what your hobbies are. Your hobbies are normally activities you are passionate about and that bring you joy. For instance, you may love content creation and that can definitely be a great foundation for someone that wants to be in a creative role such as graphic design or communications. You may enjoy party planning so that could be a foot in the door to becoming an event coordinator. Even if you start out with a career path, just know your interests may change and that's perfectly fine. People are always switching careers and learning more about what their interests are.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Nusrat
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Check into internships. This provides you the opportunity to walk the walk prior to graduating or even after graduation without committing to the job. Look for the different opportunities available for you. They are even available on Indeed.
Updated
Bob’s Answer
My advise is to focus for now on what you are food at.
If you are going onto college then look at the subjects you enjoyed the most on college and pick a track you are good at - college takes 4 years and your ideas if a career will crystalize as you work through your studies, start to specialize, swap ideas with your peers. The trick is to start with a. Broad set id studies to begin with and then narrow it down and switch as you find your groove.
If you are not going to college like ok at areas you are interested in and out a plan together to find jobs in that field -lean into it - with time you will find what works best for you - aim for where your passion is.
As your careers develops you should follow your passion and what driver you -with time you will find it.
Do not fear the future just do after it and no that failure is good -the most successful people in this world fail many times -and they will advocate that you go for it, fail fast, learn and start again
Good lick
If you are going onto college then look at the subjects you enjoyed the most on college and pick a track you are good at - college takes 4 years and your ideas if a career will crystalize as you work through your studies, start to specialize, swap ideas with your peers. The trick is to start with a. Broad set id studies to begin with and then narrow it down and switch as you find your groove.
If you are not going to college like ok at areas you are interested in and out a plan together to find jobs in that field -lean into it - with time you will find what works best for you - aim for where your passion is.
As your careers develops you should follow your passion and what driver you -with time you will find it.
Do not fear the future just do after it and no that failure is good -the most successful people in this world fail many times -and they will advocate that you go for it, fail fast, learn and start again
Good lick
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I would suggest you find out what you are good at first, then spend time getting better at it - repetition and hard work, put in the 10k hours to be great at it! I wouldn't follow a passion or something you 'enjoy' at first, I would stay the course on what your talent is.
In no particular order
1. You can take one of the many online career assessments and then match up to the talent you have.
2. Be prepared to pivot and change your career path - it will happen that another opportunity comes up and will open up something that will be different, don't be afraid to try it out
3. Continuously network
4. Find a Mentor
5. Work Hard
6. Work Hard
In no particular order
1. You can take one of the many online career assessments and then match up to the talent you have.
2. Be prepared to pivot and change your career path - it will happen that another opportunity comes up and will open up something that will be different, don't be afraid to try it out
3. Continuously network
4. Find a Mentor
5. Work Hard
6. Work Hard