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What do you choose if you are deciding between multiple career paths?
I do not know what I want to go to college for, but I know I like math and science. I am deciding between pharmacy, engineering, and architecture. I do not know which one to choose.
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7 answers
Updated
Len’s Answer
Jackson,
The single most important factor in selecting a career, is to pick something you are passionate about. What gives you energy when you do it, vs feeling exhausted?
Speak to people that do these jobs and ask them to describe a typical week. Are the activities things you will enjoy or dread?
Seek out internships in each field while you are in school. This gives you first hand experience to see what it is like. And btw, that experience will also help you land your first job after you graduate. I wouldn't be concerned if it is paid or not, but paid is always nice. :)
If you struggle with understanding your passions, take some online personality tests. They can help. There is also a book called "what color is your parachute" that could help.
I am happy to speak with you if that would be helpful.
The single most important factor in selecting a career, is to pick something you are passionate about. What gives you energy when you do it, vs feeling exhausted?
Speak to people that do these jobs and ask them to describe a typical week. Are the activities things you will enjoy or dread?
Seek out internships in each field while you are in school. This gives you first hand experience to see what it is like. And btw, that experience will also help you land your first job after you graduate. I wouldn't be concerned if it is paid or not, but paid is always nice. :)
If you struggle with understanding your passions, take some online personality tests. They can help. There is also a book called "what color is your parachute" that could help.
I am happy to speak with you if that would be helpful.
Updated
Susan’s Answer
I would seek out feedback from
Students who are in their last year of the subject matter your interested in. They will give you the low down on the learning experience, requirements for what needs to be done after graduation to be able to practice and the job market outlook.
For example for Pharmacy there are two tests that you share required to take. The NAPLEX and the individual states law test. Each state other then Idaho has their own law test to pass in order to be licensed in that particular state. Details that schools may leave out.
Students who are in their last year of the subject matter your interested in. They will give you the low down on the learning experience, requirements for what needs to be done after graduation to be able to practice and the job market outlook.
For example for Pharmacy there are two tests that you share required to take. The NAPLEX and the individual states law test. Each state other then Idaho has their own law test to pass in order to be licensed in that particular state. Details that schools may leave out.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Though you like pharmacy, engineering, and architecture, these are excellent career choices. Majoring in Math and Science will fit you into any of the 3 but pharmacy differs from engineering and architecture. If you like challenges and possibly travel engineering and architecture. Pharmacy will keep u in one place and may not offer much in the way of challenges.
Updated
Jolese’s Answer
Hey Jackson! Kudos to you for asking such an insightful question! I know firsthand how challenging it can be to choose a career path right out of high school. But, guess what? Good news for you – two of the three paths you mentioned can actually go hand-in-hand! Agriculture and math are deeply interconnected, so pursuing one as your major and the other as your minor could be an excellent choice. I'm confident that you'll excel no matter which path you take. Trust yourself and embrace the exciting college journey ahead! Best of luck!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear you have multiple interest. When choosing the subjects in the colleges, you can choose the one you are have most interest as your major and the 2nd one would be your minor.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find more information on the career you have interest
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers
3. Explore any intern opportunities in these careers
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, parents, etc.
5. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
6. Attend the information session of relevant subjects in the college and find the the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find more information on the career you have interest
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers
3. Explore any intern opportunities in these careers
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, parents, etc.
5. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
6. Attend the information session of relevant subjects in the college and find the the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Sugumar’s Answer
Hey Jackson! It's totally normal to feel unsure about your next big step in life, and you're definitely not alone in this. It's great that you're considering pharmacy, engineering, and architecture - they're all fantastic fields to work in! The good news is that with so many advancements in technology, some of the more repetitive and mundane jobs will be taken over by computers. But don't worry, fields like architecture, engineering, and healthcare still really need human intelligence and creativity! So, my friendly advice is to follow your passions and choose a field that'll keep you excited and motivated throughout your career. Best of luck, and remember to have fun with whatever you choose!
Updated
ANDI’s Answer
I'd start with a Career Aptitude Test... a test that helps you hone in on your areas of skill and/or interest. A test like this can show you which fields may best suit you and may begin to steer you in the right direction.
A second step would be to take the "year off" after graduation to explore a few entry level jobs before deciding which field to jump into college or trade school for, or before going straight into the "real" work force or military.
If you are truly lost, a third option may to be to speak with a military recruiter and/or to take the ASVAB which is just a Career Aptitude Test for the military that helps them decide which jobs you qualify for before enlistment. The military has a plethora of options ranging from aircraft and vehicle maintenance, to dental hygenists, to cooks, to cryptologists, to xray techs. A simple 4-yr contract may give you the aid you need to attend college afterwards or drive you towards a career field you choose.
A second step would be to take the "year off" after graduation to explore a few entry level jobs before deciding which field to jump into college or trade school for, or before going straight into the "real" work force or military.
If you are truly lost, a third option may to be to speak with a military recruiter and/or to take the ASVAB which is just a Career Aptitude Test for the military that helps them decide which jobs you qualify for before enlistment. The military has a plethora of options ranging from aircraft and vehicle maintenance, to dental hygenists, to cooks, to cryptologists, to xray techs. A simple 4-yr contract may give you the aid you need to attend college afterwards or drive you towards a career field you choose.