6 answers
6 answers
Updated
Beata’s Answer
Most people at your point in life don’t know exactly what they want to do professionally however there are many ways to find what you may enjoy. Since we spend a large portion of our lives at work you want to choose a career that aligns with your interests and ambitions. Think about the classes that are offered in a college, talk to your guidance counselor and.nArrow down some choices based on your curiosity. I would then seek out opportunities to shadow people in those roles to understand what a day in a life of that professional looks like. Get a feel for what the job is and imagine yourself in the various roles. There’s no exact science to it but you need to do some research and do not take it lightly. Figure out a direction that interests you and over the next few years you may find yourself able to more easily identify what you’d be passionate about. Good luck!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
aiden
Updated
John H.’s Answer
Hey, Aiden! Glad to hear from you! I used to work at Williams College in the career services office so I know Pittsfield well. My wife worked at the Berkshire Music School in Pittsfield, too. You've gotten some good advice already . . . so mine will be a little more specific. I would suggest you visit the admissions offices at Berkshire Community College in town, MCLA in North Adams, and of course, Williams College. They will probably help you with some info about their own alumni career paths and they might even suggest you speak with their own career counseling staff (that might work if it's during the summer and their career folks are less busy. Also, Williams College is always interested in hearing from local high school students because they feel obliged to admit at least a few local students.)
Thank you for taking the time to write this and to give me specific advise for where I could go and what this could do.
aiden
Updated
Abhishek’s Answer
In my opinion if you don't have any idea about your liking then try most of the things which are available to you.
See you have 2 options, firstly you can sit comfortably and wait for the nature to give you an opportunity or exposure of the thing which you want from your life and secondly you can try things on your own to see which is the right one for you.
Second way takes efforts and time investment but this way will surely lead you to that thing rather than just waiting for a miracle to happen.
See you have 2 options, firstly you can sit comfortably and wait for the nature to give you an opportunity or exposure of the thing which you want from your life and secondly you can try things on your own to see which is the right one for you.
Second way takes efforts and time investment but this way will surely lead you to that thing rather than just waiting for a miracle to happen.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
aiden
Updated
Richard J (Rich)’s Answer
The best advice I give to folks is think about what it is you want to do when you wake up every morning. What you are going through is the most common feelings about moving on after high school. I tried one path in college when I first got out - and picked the totally wrong path - but I tried it and realized not for me. Just out of high school you have the opportunity to adjust. The I picked another path (joined the US Air Force) and found my way. Even within the USAF I went many paths.
A lot of what you will choose to do will depend on - your passion (what is it you think you would love to do), your opportunities (what is available for me to achieve), and your luck (I call this "seize the opportunity" - what presents itself to me that I can seize and use to my betterment)
My view is pick a path, learn from it and other things you are exposed to outside of high school, and keep shaping your path - it is not a path that is obvious, typcially, right out of school. But, you need to pick something that is in your gut and heart to do as a starting point, if you can. Hope this helps
A lot of what you will choose to do will depend on - your passion (what is it you think you would love to do), your opportunities (what is available for me to achieve), and your luck (I call this "seize the opportunity" - what presents itself to me that I can seize and use to my betterment)
My view is pick a path, learn from it and other things you are exposed to outside of high school, and keep shaping your path - it is not a path that is obvious, typcially, right out of school. But, you need to pick something that is in your gut and heart to do as a starting point, if you can. Hope this helps
Thank you for taking the time to help.
aiden
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I was in the same position. I took classes at a local community college and found a lot of joy in Psychology and how I could potentially help people with a focus in that area.
You can continue to progress in your education, take general study classes in multiple disciples and see what excites you.
You can also network in young professional groups and be open and honest. “My name is Jerome, I’m really trying to figure out what I want to do in life and I’d love to hear about your profession.” You might just stumble upon something amazing.
You can continue to progress in your education, take general study classes in multiple disciples and see what excites you.
You can also network in young professional groups and be open and honest. “My name is Jerome, I’m really trying to figure out what I want to do in life and I’d love to hear about your profession.” You might just stumble upon something amazing.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
aiden
Updated
Amy’s Answer
At this point, most people don't know what they want to do. You are not alone. I would recommend reaching out to the community college in your area. The have career counselors and different tests that can do that will help you think about what you want to do.
I always suggest starting out at the community college. The first 2 years are the same ones you would take at a more expensive school, and will give you time to think about what you want to do.
Think about what your interests are. What are you passionate about? Research what types of jobs are available in that field. Then look at what the qualifications are to obtain the level you would like to reach. College is not for everyone. Trade schools are a great option. Also, some careers, such as culinary, you do not have to go to school. Working by doing is the best way to learn. If you think you have an interest in something, is there a place near you, that you could go and shadow the job? Or do a short term internship? Even for a week or two?
Just remember! Not everyone knows what they want by the age of 18. I didn't know until I was 27. And I am still trying new things within my field, many years later.
Reach out to community college near you for a career counselor
Make a list of your interests and passions
Research those fields that interest you
Dont get frustrated. This is a process!
I always suggest starting out at the community college. The first 2 years are the same ones you would take at a more expensive school, and will give you time to think about what you want to do.
Think about what your interests are. What are you passionate about? Research what types of jobs are available in that field. Then look at what the qualifications are to obtain the level you would like to reach. College is not for everyone. Trade schools are a great option. Also, some careers, such as culinary, you do not have to go to school. Working by doing is the best way to learn. If you think you have an interest in something, is there a place near you, that you could go and shadow the job? Or do a short term internship? Even for a week or two?
Just remember! Not everyone knows what they want by the age of 18. I didn't know until I was 27. And I am still trying new things within my field, many years later.
Amy recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
aiden