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When did you know you were going to stick to your career?
I am currently in high school and don’t know what to do after. i want to go to college but don’t know what major to take and the career path i should follow
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14 answers
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Michelle’s Answer
Keep in mind that careers evolve over time, and the reason it’s called a “path” is because it’s a journey. Don’t be afraid of making the wrong decision and get stuck in analysis paralysis. Your college major is important, but it does not define what you will do for the rest of your life. College should be a time to explore interests as well as harden your strengths. If you like solving problems, Engineering is a great major to pursue! Internships during college are a great time to try out different companies and opportunities. Your first job out of college will not be your last. The important thing is to keep moving forward and trying new things.
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Harry’s Answer
I have switched careers no less than 4 times. Please do not stress too much over your first career choice. Try something and go from there.
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Linda’s Answer
A career lasts a long time and often has many jobs along the way.. It's not necessary for you to map out exactly what your career path should be. I suggest you start with areas of interest... what are your hobbies? where do you volunteer? what activities do you enjoy; e.g., creating things, organizing, writing, working alone, being part of a team, nature, technology, sharing ideas, etc. All of these provide clues about your talents and interests. You'll know if they are a good fit when thinking about them brings you joy... move in that direction... take small steps... go through a few different doors to opportunities; e.g., a part-time job, speaking with folks who are in different jobs, etc. Remember it's a journey... enjoy each step along the way and you'll find you have created just the right career path for you!
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Erin’s Answer
It took me until I was out of college a few years to realize exactly what I wanted to do! Don't stress, most people don't know what they want to do when they leave high school. That's what college, or skills schools, or even going directly into work experience is for - to help you explore, while getting some experience! I thought I knew what I wanted to do when i went to college (political science) and quickly realized that wasn't the right fit. So, I spent the next 2 semesters taking required, basic, courses, and when I hit the middle of my sophomore year I focused on Communications, and in Junior year focused even more on Advertising & Public Relations. Internships helped me figure out what I really loved, and now I've built a career in corporate social impact, working for a global corporate Foundation!
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Mercedes’s Answer
Would do you really enjoy doing? Do you need find a job right after college or do you have time for advanced studies? Or perhaps, what are professions or things you really want to avoid? Your answers to these questions might help you narrow down the choices. I got my Bachelor's Degree Accounting and Finance because I needed employment as soon as I graduated. I found many, many opportunities in the field of Accounting and Finance. It was when I was well into my career did I see the many, many good opportunities in Accounting and Finance. Also, I faint at the site of blood, so I knew a career in Medicine would not be a good choice! :) I had friends in college who were uncertain of their career goals and studied English as a solid degree; solid writing, reading and communication skills are a great basis for jobs. Finally, college is a time for you to explore your ideas, develop as a human being, if you take a little longer to finally seek a gratifying career, that is fine. Also, the subject you graduate in college will not define your career. You will have many opportunities to try new things as an adult with a college degree and experience.
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Mindy’s Answer
Is there anything you wanted to be when you were little? Anything you are passionate about now?I know many people have had ideas at a very young age, and if it's something that's stuck with you this far, it's definitely worth going in that direction. When you do figure out your major and go on to college, your major may change. You may find that it's not exactly what you thought it was. But you have the ability to change your major. Not everyone gets it right on the first try. Keep that in mind.
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Adrian’s Answer
Choosing whether or not to pursue a job may be tough and typically takes introspection and investigation. Here are some indicators that you may be on the right route to maintaining a career:
You are more likely to continue with a profession over the long run if you are enthusiastic about your work. When you like your job, it does not seem like drudgery, and you are more likely to feel pleased and content with your career decision.
If your job provides you with a feeling of purpose or meaning, you are more inclined to pursue a career. Even during difficult circumstances, having a strong sense of purpose may help you remain motivated and devoted to your job.
If you perceive prospects for progress and improvement in your chosen job, you are more likely to remain in it. Having a clearly defined route for development and progress might make you feel more confident and motivated at work.
If you are always learning and extending your abilities in your chosen profession, you are more likely to remain in it. Long-term engagement and enthusiasm in your job may be maintained through acquiring new skills and tackling new problems.
If you feel respected and recognized for your contributions to your chosen profession, you are more likely to remain in it. Feeling appreciated might make you feel more engaged with your job and driven to continue making an impact.
Eventually, maintaining a profession needs a mix of passion, purpose, development, learning, and a sense of worth. If these components are present in your profession, you are more likely to achieve long-term success and satisfaction.
You are more likely to continue with a profession over the long run if you are enthusiastic about your work. When you like your job, it does not seem like drudgery, and you are more likely to feel pleased and content with your career decision.
If your job provides you with a feeling of purpose or meaning, you are more inclined to pursue a career. Even during difficult circumstances, having a strong sense of purpose may help you remain motivated and devoted to your job.
If you perceive prospects for progress and improvement in your chosen job, you are more likely to remain in it. Having a clearly defined route for development and progress might make you feel more confident and motivated at work.
If you are always learning and extending your abilities in your chosen profession, you are more likely to remain in it. Long-term engagement and enthusiasm in your job may be maintained through acquiring new skills and tackling new problems.
If you feel respected and recognized for your contributions to your chosen profession, you are more likely to remain in it. Feeling appreciated might make you feel more engaged with your job and driven to continue making an impact.
Eventually, maintaining a profession needs a mix of passion, purpose, development, learning, and a sense of worth. If these components are present in your profession, you are more likely to achieve long-term success and satisfaction.
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Claudia’s Answer
When you decide a career you are very young, along the way you mind find that something else is interesting for you - just dont be afraid of switching if its the time to. Sometimes it wont be a big change, maybe something on the same field but applied differently. What I'm trying to say is that you can always choose, change, adapt and the most important thing is that you can always learn and lerning new things is wonderful specially if that new thing is something you enjoy :)
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Lloyd’s Answer
I have switched careers many times. Started into construction management in 1999 from a home remodeling career. Never looked back. Now I’m running dozens of teams performing modifications on hundreds of cell sites a month.
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Pam’s Answer
It took me a long time to figure that out, so don't put a lot of pressure on yourself. If you have no idea, pick a major that will serve you in life even if that's not what you end up doing (i.e. Business). Then you can minor in something totally different that also interests you (Psychology?). One of the most dynamic leaders I have ever worked for in the business world was once asked what his major in college was and I was shocked to learn he had a Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts. He wanted to be a chef, but ended up working for Verizon and working his way to a top leadership position. He was able to get in the door with a degree that had nothing to do with business. I was always envious of those kids in school who knew exactly what they wanted to do because I was not one of them. I bet a lot of them are doing something totally different now! Even the people that are sure of what they want to do might get a job in their field and realize it's not for them. That's okay! You will figure it out eventually! If your school as a career or guidance counselor, they may be able to help point you in one direction or another too. Good luck!
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Raul’s Answer
It has taken me years to figure out what to do out of my career. A great help has always been trial and error. The more areas you try the better picture you will get for your future decisions. Exploring different options can give you a lot of insights of which could be your next step, what you like better and moreover, what you do not like.
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Roxana’s Answer
Hi Chloe!!!
Do not stress too much over your first career choice, I am on IT world and I am still here, but as you may know even in IT world you have many areas where you can be specialized, I also know a lot of people (friend of mine) than even when then studied an IT career they decided to focus on something totally different (like Product Engineers in Manufacturing company, Material Managers in manufacturing companies, Buyers, some others like DBAs specifically, some other like Quality manager in a Manufacturing company), and me, I started as a developer and now I am acting as a Business Analyst in the Tax World. You will never stop learning even when you already have a job.
Do not stress too much over your first career choice, I am on IT world and I am still here, but as you may know even in IT world you have many areas where you can be specialized, I also know a lot of people (friend of mine) than even when then studied an IT career they decided to focus on something totally different (like Product Engineers in Manufacturing company, Material Managers in manufacturing companies, Buyers, some others like DBAs specifically, some other like Quality manager in a Manufacturing company), and me, I started as a developer and now I am acting as a Business Analyst in the Tax World. You will never stop learning even when you already have a job.
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Sieffedin’s Answer
Well its different for everyone but for most of the times its:
"Honestly no one knows. You will end up choosing something and following through/changing it but you will never be sure if this is the one. You just have to accept it and try your best with whatever you chose."
"Honestly no one knows. You will end up choosing something and following through/changing it but you will never be sure if this is the one. You just have to accept it and try your best with whatever you chose."
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Zach’s Answer
Much like everyone else, I think we have seasons of life and interests will change over time. I am in my "dream job" right now, but who knows what that will look like in a few years as I discover more things.
As for how I know I'm in my "dream job" now:
- I am exhausted at the end of my day but in a very fulfilled way.
- Things I naturally talk about and read about are helping me in my day to day work.
- I work with a team of people who support my ambitions and push me to do my best work - even when it means providing critical feedback.
Doesn't always align with a career, but what news articles or non-fiction books do you find yourself getting lost in? Could that be your passion area?
Do you want a career or a job? Both are okay outlooks. If you want a job that pays the bills but then have a hobby that takes up most of the time, don't think yourself "less than" for not wanting a career that takes your whole focus.
At this stage (high school), what classes do you enjoy taking? Look at a list of electives at a college and see what would be "fun" to you.
As for how I know I'm in my "dream job" now:
- I am exhausted at the end of my day but in a very fulfilled way.
- Things I naturally talk about and read about are helping me in my day to day work.
- I work with a team of people who support my ambitions and push me to do my best work - even when it means providing critical feedback.
Zach recommends the following next steps: