7 answers
Finley
Student
Mesa, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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How do you know what you should do as a career?
I’ve always been interested in helium children and working with them but wouldn’t want to be a teacher or go through long years of schooling.
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7 answers
Teresa Brzozowski
Workplace Experience
28
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Teresa’s Answer
Hi Finley,
I think you are asking about how to help children and that you're interested in roles other than being a teacher or jobs that require a lot of training. I hope this was your question.
I suspect that many roles will require some level of training and there are typically regulations and compliance courses that are needed to work with children in the interest of their safety.
Some ideas that come to mind: are a high school career counsellor, a sports coach, working for a sports, arts, theatre or music organization that offer programs for kids, a social worker, working at a library, working at a daycare, or working at a museum. I will admit that babysitting was one of my first jobs and that also gave me a window into what it's like to spend many hours with kids.
I would encourage you to think about where your interests lie and see if there's a way to share your passion with children.
Best of luck!
I think you are asking about how to help children and that you're interested in roles other than being a teacher or jobs that require a lot of training. I hope this was your question.
I suspect that many roles will require some level of training and there are typically regulations and compliance courses that are needed to work with children in the interest of their safety.
Some ideas that come to mind: are a high school career counsellor, a sports coach, working for a sports, arts, theatre or music organization that offer programs for kids, a social worker, working at a library, working at a daycare, or working at a museum. I will admit that babysitting was one of my first jobs and that also gave me a window into what it's like to spend many hours with kids.
I would encourage you to think about where your interests lie and see if there's a way to share your passion with children.
Best of luck!
Gabriela Borthwick
Tax
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gabriela’s Answer
Hey Finley! It's so awesome that you're asking this question at such a young age! Believe it or not, many people go through life uncertain about what they want to do. The key to discovering your passion is to keep moving forward with enthusiasm and determination. Embrace new experiences and dive into different fields, because you never know where you might find your true calling. Trust your instincts and immerse yourself in your work. When your work feels less like a job and more like a genuine, fulfilling contribution, you'll know you've found your purpose! Wishing you all the best on your exciting journey! Keep shining!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Finley,
Exploring Career Options
Choosing a career path can be a significant decision, and it’s essential to consider various factors before making a choice. Here are some steps you can take to explore potential career options:
Self-Assessment: Start by evaluating your interests, strengths, and values. Consider what activities you enjoy doing and what subjects or topics fascinate you. Reflect on your skills and talents, as well as the type of work environment that suits you best.
Research Career Paths: Look into different career options that align with your interests. Explore industries and professions that involve working with children, such as child development, pediatric healthcare, counseling, or social work. Research the responsibilities, qualifications, and potential growth opportunities in these fields.
Networking and Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals who work with children in various capacities. Conduct informational interviews to gain insights into their roles, daily responsibilities, and career paths. Networking can provide valuable connections and firsthand knowledge about different career options.
Volunteer or Intern: Consider volunteering or interning in settings that involve working with children. This hands-on experience can help you understand the day-to-day realities of specific roles and confirm whether they align with your interests and skills.
Alternative Education Paths: If you’re hesitant about pursuing traditional teaching or lengthy academic programs, explore alternative education paths. Some careers working with children may require certifications, vocational training, or specialized programs that are shorter than traditional degree programs.
Consideration of Work-Life Balance: Think about the work-life balance you desire in a career. Some roles working with children may offer flexibility in scheduling or part-time opportunities that accommodate personal preferences.
Seeking Mentorship: Find a mentor who has experience in a field related to working with children. A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career exploration process.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP provides authoritative information on pediatric healthcare and child development, offering insights into careers related to working with children.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): NAEYC is a reputable source for information on early childhood education and development, which can be valuable for exploring careers involving young children.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive data on various occupations, including those related to child care, education, and social services. It provides insights into job outlooks, educational requirements, and median pay for different professions.
These sources were utilized to gather accurate and reliable information on career paths involving working with children while considering alternative education options and industry insights.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.
Exploring Career Options
Choosing a career path can be a significant decision, and it’s essential to consider various factors before making a choice. Here are some steps you can take to explore potential career options:
Self-Assessment: Start by evaluating your interests, strengths, and values. Consider what activities you enjoy doing and what subjects or topics fascinate you. Reflect on your skills and talents, as well as the type of work environment that suits you best.
Research Career Paths: Look into different career options that align with your interests. Explore industries and professions that involve working with children, such as child development, pediatric healthcare, counseling, or social work. Research the responsibilities, qualifications, and potential growth opportunities in these fields.
Networking and Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals who work with children in various capacities. Conduct informational interviews to gain insights into their roles, daily responsibilities, and career paths. Networking can provide valuable connections and firsthand knowledge about different career options.
Volunteer or Intern: Consider volunteering or interning in settings that involve working with children. This hands-on experience can help you understand the day-to-day realities of specific roles and confirm whether they align with your interests and skills.
Alternative Education Paths: If you’re hesitant about pursuing traditional teaching or lengthy academic programs, explore alternative education paths. Some careers working with children may require certifications, vocational training, or specialized programs that are shorter than traditional degree programs.
Consideration of Work-Life Balance: Think about the work-life balance you desire in a career. Some roles working with children may offer flexibility in scheduling or part-time opportunities that accommodate personal preferences.
Seeking Mentorship: Find a mentor who has experience in a field related to working with children. A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career exploration process.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP provides authoritative information on pediatric healthcare and child development, offering insights into careers related to working with children.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): NAEYC is a reputable source for information on early childhood education and development, which can be valuable for exploring careers involving young children.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive data on various occupations, including those related to child care, education, and social services. It provides insights into job outlooks, educational requirements, and median pay for different professions.
These sources were utilized to gather accurate and reliable information on career paths involving working with children while considering alternative education options and industry insights.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.
Katie Callahan
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Finley!
I worked with some colleagues on the answer below, wishing you the best of luck on your future endeavors!
If you haven't already, we'd suggest connecting with a school counselor to see if they might have recommendations regarding some type of career interest/strengths assessment. CareerVillage is a great place to start with research, and we encourage you to continue doing your own research and reaching out to professionals who work with children in child-centered jobs/careers to learn about their experiences. This will also be helpful for you to start networking and building connections.
Next, you can start building practical experience with children to ensure that's definitely the path you'd like to take. An important factor to consider is also the age of children you'd like to work with. You also may want to consider First Aid training and/or CPR certification. Below are some options we came up with that might be a good starting point working with kids:
- Nannying/au pair/babysitter child care
- Tutoring
- Daycare
- Local park district that might offer programming such as summer camps
- YMCA or Community Center kids programming
- Sports Coach
- Working at a theme park, water park, etc.
- Temporary childcare or the "Kids Area" at (local) businesses or organizations such as: a gym, churches, trampoline park, helping out at kids parties, pet shops, Chuck E. Cheese, etc.
- There are also career opportunities working with children that don't require higher ed such as: Kids Activity Director on a cruise ship!
- You could also turn some of these opportunities into a business that might not require as much additional education.
Below are some additional options if you are interested in higher education which opens up more job opportunities:
- Child Psychology
- Social Worker
- School Counselor
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Pathology
- School Librarian
- Literacy Specialist
Best of luck! :)
I worked with some colleagues on the answer below, wishing you the best of luck on your future endeavors!
If you haven't already, we'd suggest connecting with a school counselor to see if they might have recommendations regarding some type of career interest/strengths assessment. CareerVillage is a great place to start with research, and we encourage you to continue doing your own research and reaching out to professionals who work with children in child-centered jobs/careers to learn about their experiences. This will also be helpful for you to start networking and building connections.
Next, you can start building practical experience with children to ensure that's definitely the path you'd like to take. An important factor to consider is also the age of children you'd like to work with. You also may want to consider First Aid training and/or CPR certification. Below are some options we came up with that might be a good starting point working with kids:
- Nannying/au pair/babysitter child care
- Tutoring
- Daycare
- Local park district that might offer programming such as summer camps
- YMCA or Community Center kids programming
- Sports Coach
- Working at a theme park, water park, etc.
- Temporary childcare or the "Kids Area" at (local) businesses or organizations such as: a gym, churches, trampoline park, helping out at kids parties, pet shops, Chuck E. Cheese, etc.
- There are also career opportunities working with children that don't require higher ed such as: Kids Activity Director on a cruise ship!
- You could also turn some of these opportunities into a business that might not require as much additional education.
Below are some additional options if you are interested in higher education which opens up more job opportunities:
- Child Psychology
- Social Worker
- School Counselor
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Pathology
- School Librarian
- Literacy Specialist
Best of luck! :)
Mrinalini Singh
Project Manager
125
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hi Finley! I must say, it's incredibly heartwarming to see someone your age with such a strong interest in socializing and helping Helium children. Whether you have a personal connection or have simply developed a deep empathy for them, your compassion is inspiring and will surely have a positive impact on these children.
Remember, you don't have to be a teacher to make a difference in their lives. Even just spending small moments with them can bring joy and happiness. Consider visiting during special occasions like birthdays or holidays, and create some wonderful shared memories together. These meaningful connections can lay the foundation for a lifelong bond.
As you grow older and start your own career, think about how you might contribute to their organization and provide even more support. Planning trips, organizing events, or finding other unique ways to help is a fantastic way to channel your passion for their well-being.
I can't wait to hear about your experiences and see the beautiful memories you create with them. Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey, and always remember that your kindness and dedication can truly make a world of difference!
Remember, you don't have to be a teacher to make a difference in their lives. Even just spending small moments with them can bring joy and happiness. Consider visiting during special occasions like birthdays or holidays, and create some wonderful shared memories together. These meaningful connections can lay the foundation for a lifelong bond.
As you grow older and start your own career, think about how you might contribute to their organization and provide even more support. Planning trips, organizing events, or finding other unique ways to help is a fantastic way to channel your passion for their well-being.
I can't wait to hear about your experiences and see the beautiful memories you create with them. Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey, and always remember that your kindness and dedication can truly make a world of difference!
Jon. Restani
Account Manager
18
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Jon.’s Answer
Hey there Finley! Firstly, I want to say, you're doing a fantastic job by wanting to help children and young students. A great way to start is by volunteering for an organization that focuses on their development. I've personally been part of Junior Achievement for years, and it's such an amazing experience!
Yes, indeed, you get to go into the classroom, and it’s the perfect opportunity to discover what other possibilities might be available for supporting children. Sometimes, you have to take a leap, test the waters, and explore new ways of making a positive impact. Once you have a taste of that, you can then zero in on that perfect role that aligns with your vision for the future.
Best of luck in your journey to making a difference, and remember that the sky's the limit! Keep shining and creating opportunities for others! 😊
Yes, indeed, you get to go into the classroom, and it’s the perfect opportunity to discover what other possibilities might be available for supporting children. Sometimes, you have to take a leap, test the waters, and explore new ways of making a positive impact. Once you have a taste of that, you can then zero in on that perfect role that aligns with your vision for the future.
Best of luck in your journey to making a difference, and remember that the sky's the limit! Keep shining and creating opportunities for others! 😊
Nathaniel Swan
chiropractor
33
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Nathaniel’s Answer
You might have an adult introduce you to their friends who at least seem happy with their jobs. A mentor shared this with me: "Work" isn't work unless you wished you were somewhere else. Try your hand at different jobs, I mowed lawns, sold clothes at department stores, and taught sailing (at summer camp) All taught me something that I carried forward. I am now a doctor and have a blast at the office. My patients for the most part are people I have known for 20 years and I feel a part of their respective families. Knowing what you really don't like is very helpful as well. Standing 8 hours folding clothes was pretty boring and so was mowing lawns, but I was outside and got a great tan while becoming more conditioned. Running my own lawn-mowing business was helpful as I needed to look for someone 3 x's my age that who owed me money was way uncomfortable at first but I also learned that my time was important and as valuable as what they did. I didn't like a lot of my initial jobs but it kept me focused on my future and kept me looking. You got this!!