7 answers
Alan
Student
Richmond, MA
1
Question
7 answers
Michael Anne Wade
Sales
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Michael Anne’s Answer
What a wonderful question!
I would start with … it’s completely ok to not know exactly what you want to do with your career at this point. There is plenty of time to learn, gain experience, and figure it out. I would also say that what I thought I wanted to do is not at all what I ended up doing!
Think about the things that give you energy in life and things you are really good at! Find something that interests you or gets you excited and let that guide you.
Good luck and know that you are awesome and loved!
I would start with … it’s completely ok to not know exactly what you want to do with your career at this point. There is plenty of time to learn, gain experience, and figure it out. I would also say that what I thought I wanted to do is not at all what I ended up doing!
Think about the things that give you energy in life and things you are really good at! Find something that interests you or gets you excited and let that guide you.
Good luck and know that you are awesome and loved!
Kayla Schilling
Manager/Consultant
2
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
I would start by asking yourself what activities bring you the most fulfillment and joy. That can guide you in the direction of what career path to pursue.
Once you determine the path, I would research what type of education is required and where you can attain that education. Also, look into any available assistance for tuition fees or companies in your chosen field that offer entry-level positions with tuition reimbursement.
Please keep in mind that not all careers require a Bachelors or higher degree. Technical and trade schools can also lead to well-paying careers. Another alternative is to explore apprenticeships.
Important questions to consider include: What are my passions, how much education am I willing to pursue for my career, and where would I like to live when I begin working?
One final thought, most people change their careers 3-7 times throughout their life so don't be afraid to get started. If it doesn't work out, there are many options that await you.
Once you determine the path, I would research what type of education is required and where you can attain that education. Also, look into any available assistance for tuition fees or companies in your chosen field that offer entry-level positions with tuition reimbursement.
Please keep in mind that not all careers require a Bachelors or higher degree. Technical and trade schools can also lead to well-paying careers. Another alternative is to explore apprenticeships.
Important questions to consider include: What are my passions, how much education am I willing to pursue for my career, and where would I like to live when I begin working?
One final thought, most people change their careers 3-7 times throughout their life so don't be afraid to get started. If it doesn't work out, there are many options that await you.
Katharine Sobotka
Project Manager
18
Answers
Ellicott City, Maryland
Updated
Katharine’s Answer
This is a really great question, and it can feel really daunting when you're just starting to think about it. I want to assure you, first and foremost, that there are so many careers you will learn about through your life and many of them you may not have heard of yet. And that's OK! I say that just to let you know that if something hasn't caught your eye yet, there's a whole world of opportunity out there.
I also want to let you know that, if you're looking at college, often it feels like deciding your career is required in order to pick your college. It does not need to be that way. I believe that all experiences are relevant experiences and all degrees have value and benefits.
To answer your question: Look around you first, see what jobs the people close to you do, and don't be afraid to ask them about it. Then think about what kind of activities you like to do. Do you like to write? Technical writing is a great career, as is medical transcription. Do you like to talk to people? Reception, project management, and even career counseling are all wonderful ideas.
Just remember that you are never stuck. You can change your mind and pivot at any time.
Good luck!
Google search for "jobs for people who X" where X is something you like to do
Ask people you know what careers they've pursued
I also want to let you know that, if you're looking at college, often it feels like deciding your career is required in order to pick your college. It does not need to be that way. I believe that all experiences are relevant experiences and all degrees have value and benefits.
To answer your question: Look around you first, see what jobs the people close to you do, and don't be afraid to ask them about it. Then think about what kind of activities you like to do. Do you like to write? Technical writing is a great career, as is medical transcription. Do you like to talk to people? Reception, project management, and even career counseling are all wonderful ideas.
Just remember that you are never stuck. You can change your mind and pivot at any time.
Good luck!
Katharine recommends the following next steps:
Ernesto Fabela
Tax Advisor
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Ernesto’s Answer
Hi Alan,
I think at some point many people ask this very question and the answer isn't always straightforward considering the various factors that influence this decision. I would focus on your past experiences first, and of those past experiences focus on the experiences where you formulated solutions to problems that were effective. The past experiences don't necessarily have to be from a prior job, but could be experiences where you were tasked to get something done, like communicate in front of 100's of people to convince them of XYZ. Once you have the list of experiences you can then relate that skill set to a list of career paths, for instance relating the experience of being a great communicator to career paths that requires great communication skills (examples: lawyer, sales, news reporter, etc.). I would then create a list describing your lifestyle (ex. ideal time to sleep, doesn't like sit at a desk, need to be outside 75% of day, etc.) and use this list to narrow down career paths. This is just one idea for a train of thoughts to get you an answer that isn't necessarily easy to formulate but it's definitely worth implementing a process to help you get closer to a plan to execute on that will hopefully get you the career path you won't end up second guessing.
I think at some point many people ask this very question and the answer isn't always straightforward considering the various factors that influence this decision. I would focus on your past experiences first, and of those past experiences focus on the experiences where you formulated solutions to problems that were effective. The past experiences don't necessarily have to be from a prior job, but could be experiences where you were tasked to get something done, like communicate in front of 100's of people to convince them of XYZ. Once you have the list of experiences you can then relate that skill set to a list of career paths, for instance relating the experience of being a great communicator to career paths that requires great communication skills (examples: lawyer, sales, news reporter, etc.). I would then create a list describing your lifestyle (ex. ideal time to sleep, doesn't like sit at a desk, need to be outside 75% of day, etc.) and use this list to narrow down career paths. This is just one idea for a train of thoughts to get you an answer that isn't necessarily easy to formulate but it's definitely worth implementing a process to help you get closer to a plan to execute on that will hopefully get you the career path you won't end up second guessing.
Leah Simon
Employee & Workplace Culture Experience Consultant
3
Answers
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Updated
Leah’s Answer
Consider the kind of work that brings you happiness and a sense of fulfillment. Next, reflect on your strengths and talents (note: these may not always align!). The perfect career would combine these aspects - a job that utilizes your skills while making you happy. Additionally, think about the positive impact your chosen career has on others, as this will influence its demand and desirability.
Marisa Potter
Executive Operations Assistant
3
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
I would say ask yourself what you love to do or are passionate about, and start looking for jobs that relate. For example, if you love fashion but do not have the skillset to become a designer (don't worry, not many do!), you can still look for jobs that support that role and allow you to work for a designer company - personal shopper or assistant, marketing, web design, accounting.
They say if you love what you do, it will never feel like work.
They say if you love what you do, it will never feel like work.
Ashley Fredsell
Data Migration Consultant
1
Answer
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Just like all the previous answers before me emphasized, finding a career is very intimidating at first. It can feel overwhelming to feel the need to decide at such a young age what you'll be doing for the rest of your life! However, the average person will change careers multiple times during their working years, so there is no need to put any stress on figuring it all out now.
With that being said, it's never to early to start thinking and even eliminating career choices that you once thought were perfect for you. Who knows, maybe along the way you'll find something you will be passionate enough about to make into a career.
These are the steps that helped me at a young age to get a head start on figuring out where I belong!
Start young! Experience those different jobs, volunteer opportunities, and shadow different occupations
Pay close attention to the things that make you happy and make you want to go back and do the same thing tomorrow.
Start thinking about what your strengths are and what you're good at
Don't be scared to step out of your comfort zone, there are so many jobs out there that many of us have never heard of!
Know that you're never stuck, trying a job and being strong enough to realize you're not going to thrive in that position takes GUTS! Be proud of knowing when something may not be the right fit for you!
With that being said, it's never to early to start thinking and even eliminating career choices that you once thought were perfect for you. Who knows, maybe along the way you'll find something you will be passionate enough about to make into a career.
These are the steps that helped me at a young age to get a head start on figuring out where I belong!
Ashley recommends the following next steps:
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