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What is the hardest part about choosing a career? Do you have any regrets?
I am in the 8th grade and have been exposed to topics like college. I like math and science and I'm worried about making the wrong decision for a career path.
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12 answers
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Jill’s Answer
One challenging aspect for me was being unaware of the vast possibilities. I enjoyed math and science as well, but upon entering college, I discovered exciting courses such as neuroscience, pathology, and even sensory marketing! As time goes on, you'll uncover your specific passions and goals. For now, embrace your curiosity and explore what captivates you - there's plenty of time ahead, and it's perfectly okay to change your mind!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Giselle
Updated
Becky’s Answer
A fantastic starting point in your life journey is to explore ways to recognize your characteristics, preferences, and dislikes. Sometimes, it can be challenging to think about all these aspects while striving to achieve your goals. Utilizing online resources, such as skills, personality, and career tests, can help you stay focused. As a former middle school career technology instructor, I use to recommend this website for my students: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test. Answer the questions as truthfully as possible. Once you receive your results, the website provides career suggestions that have brought satisfaction to others with similar personality types.
There are also numerous other assessment tools available online and through your classroom teachers, particularly career technology educators, that can assist you in discovering your passions, skills, and potential interests based on your personality.
As others have pointed out, your initial career choice may not be something you do for the rest of your life. Learning methods to evaluate what you enjoy doing, the skills you've acquired and find happiness in, and what new opportunities exist is a valuable skill that will serve you well from the beginning of your working life until retirement.
If your school doesn't have a career technology teacher to provide more direct assistance, consult your school counselor. They can also help you develop techniques to use throughout your life in determining the best career for you at any given moment.
There are also numerous other assessment tools available online and through your classroom teachers, particularly career technology educators, that can assist you in discovering your passions, skills, and potential interests based on your personality.
As others have pointed out, your initial career choice may not be something you do for the rest of your life. Learning methods to evaluate what you enjoy doing, the skills you've acquired and find happiness in, and what new opportunities exist is a valuable skill that will serve you well from the beginning of your working life until retirement.
If your school doesn't have a career technology teacher to provide more direct assistance, consult your school counselor. They can also help you develop techniques to use throughout your life in determining the best career for you at any given moment.
Your advice was so helpful!
Giselle
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Giselle!
I believe the hardest part about choosing a career is the belief - and fear - that you're only capable of following one path.
Many people are scared of choosing a major, choosing a job, choosing a career, because they think once they make a decision, they cannot change.
I struggled with this 𝘈 𝘓𝘰𝘵.
A good way to approach careers is to know that it is not set in stone.
You will constantly evolve & grow as a person. That evolution process is a great thing!
If you notice that a major or a job isn't great, there's nothing wrong with switching. You need to give yourself permission to grow & learn.
Give yourself time to look at various careers.
You mentioned an interest in math and science. Some fields you may want to check out are Data science, Biotechnology, Manufacturing engineering, & Chemical engineering. Here's some more career paths in math & science: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/math-and-science-careers
Select 2-3 that you want to explore online (YouTube vlogs) or in real life. Then...
Do what's best for you. Take action according to your values, needs, and wants.
Sending you encouragement as you start your career journey :)
I believe the hardest part about choosing a career is the belief - and fear - that you're only capable of following one path.
Many people are scared of choosing a major, choosing a job, choosing a career, because they think once they make a decision, they cannot change.
I struggled with this 𝘈 𝘓𝘰𝘵.
A good way to approach careers is to know that it is not set in stone.
You will constantly evolve & grow as a person. That evolution process is a great thing!
If you notice that a major or a job isn't great, there's nothing wrong with switching. You need to give yourself permission to grow & learn.
Give yourself time to look at various careers.
You mentioned an interest in math and science. Some fields you may want to check out are Data science, Biotechnology, Manufacturing engineering, & Chemical engineering. Here's some more career paths in math & science: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/math-and-science-careers
Select 2-3 that you want to explore online (YouTube vlogs) or in real life. Then...
Do what's best for you. Take action according to your values, needs, and wants.
Sending you encouragement as you start your career journey :)
Thank you for all the great tips and websites I will definitely be using!
Giselle
You're welcome!
T.J. Worthy
Updated
Terrie’s Answer
Hi Giselle,
Choosing the career that works for you simply starts with figuring out what you enjoy doing the most and if it is something that can provide a source of income for you. For example, if you enjoy coding or writing apps for others, or creating web pages, maybe you will enjoy a career as an application developer, or web technologist. As you increase in age, you will start to really develop a sense of what it is you are most passionate about and really find an activity or technology or practice that speaks to your passion and skills. Great question!
Choosing the career that works for you simply starts with figuring out what you enjoy doing the most and if it is something that can provide a source of income for you. For example, if you enjoy coding or writing apps for others, or creating web pages, maybe you will enjoy a career as an application developer, or web technologist. As you increase in age, you will start to really develop a sense of what it is you are most passionate about and really find an activity or technology or practice that speaks to your passion and skills. Great question!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Giselle
Updated
Sandi’s Answer
Hi Giselle,
Thinking about what career path you want to follow at this stage in your life is great!
1. Consider what you are passionate about?
2. Research jobs related to your passion.
3. Look for opportunities to volunteer in a position that is related to your passion.
4. Remember that as you get older and gain a better vision of who you are and what contributions you want to make, you should give yourself permission to re-evaluate yourself and your passions.
Every step you make forward is something you will learn from, and you will build on your life experiences throughout your life.
Thinking about what career path you want to follow at this stage in your life is great!
1. Consider what you are passionate about?
2. Research jobs related to your passion.
3. Look for opportunities to volunteer in a position that is related to your passion.
4. Remember that as you get older and gain a better vision of who you are and what contributions you want to make, you should give yourself permission to re-evaluate yourself and your passions.
Every step you make forward is something you will learn from, and you will build on your life experiences throughout your life.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Giselle
Updated
Jo Ann’s Answer
Hello Giselle, you're doing well by asking for help and showing curiosity! Keep discovering different areas that catch your attention. Whatever job you choose in the end, you'll be fine as long as you keep learning.
Specifically, regarding your passion for math and science, these abilities can be applied in all fields to some extent, so don't hesitate to pursue them!
Specifically, regarding your passion for math and science, these abilities can be applied in all fields to some extent, so don't hesitate to pursue them!
I appreciate your support, Jo Ann
Giselle
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Start thinking about what you enjoy doing with math and science. Which of these subjects correlate to a profession that you find fascinating? Is there a related college degree? Today, there are so many different field of studies versus 30 years ago. You may want to broaden your experiences by joining different math and science clubs to see what interest you more. You do not need to make a definitive decision about your career path now. Your interest may start you on one path, but the journey may have you changing your paths. For instance, I have an accounting degree and elected to work in cost accounting for a computer firm versus becoming an accountant. My career has been enriched with the many different opportunities I have been given. I may not use my accounting skills per se, but I still review sales numbers to see which areas are excelling and which areas need help.
Thank you, Shelia!
Giselle
Updated
Keith’s Answer
During my early high school years, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do. A TV show about an advertising agency sparked my interest, and since I always enjoyed writing and had a passion for journalism, I decided that pursuing a degree in Journalism with a focus on Advertising would be the perfect match for me. Throughout high school, I excelled as both a student and an athlete, eventually earning a scholarship to play at a Division-1 program.
The same school also offered my desired major and was known for its outstanding reputation. I eagerly immersed myself in the program, but as I neared my junior year, I realized that my dreams of working in an advertising agency had evolved; it was no longer what I wanted. I began to consider that an in-house agency might be a better fit for me. During college, I interned at a creative and specialty product Fortune 500 company, but this experience also shifted my passions away from agency work and towards creating content purely for enjoyment.
Now, more than 25 years after graduating from college, I have built a career in financial services, where I lead the business in supporting our consumer economy. However, I still apply the knowledge I gained from my degree to communicate my message effectively. It's important to remember that the average adult undergoes 7 career changes in their lifetime, so always follow your passions and welcome change with open arms.
The same school also offered my desired major and was known for its outstanding reputation. I eagerly immersed myself in the program, but as I neared my junior year, I realized that my dreams of working in an advertising agency had evolved; it was no longer what I wanted. I began to consider that an in-house agency might be a better fit for me. During college, I interned at a creative and specialty product Fortune 500 company, but this experience also shifted my passions away from agency work and towards creating content purely for enjoyment.
Now, more than 25 years after graduating from college, I have built a career in financial services, where I lead the business in supporting our consumer economy. However, I still apply the knowledge I gained from my degree to communicate my message effectively. It's important to remember that the average adult undergoes 7 career changes in their lifetime, so always follow your passions and welcome change with open arms.
This means a lot to me and has given me great tips, thank you!
Giselle
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Giselle!
The beautiful thing is you are young - and my advice to you is you DO NOT have to have it 'all figured out' by the time you go to college. You see, even when you reach the age of 21, you have about 40 years of work/career life ahead of you. You don't have to know exactly what you plan to do at that age, because many of us didn't know either at that time. Don't stress out about finding a profession at this time. Enjoy your life. Play. Have fun. But as you play and have fun, think about what interests you, think about the things that make you happy (example: maybe its making TikTok videos and you are really in your happy place when you do that). It could be something to pursue as you get older - cinematography (movie production).
The beautiful thing is you are young - and my advice to you is you DO NOT have to have it 'all figured out' by the time you go to college. You see, even when you reach the age of 21, you have about 40 years of work/career life ahead of you. You don't have to know exactly what you plan to do at that age, because many of us didn't know either at that time. Don't stress out about finding a profession at this time. Enjoy your life. Play. Have fun. But as you play and have fun, think about what interests you, think about the things that make you happy (example: maybe its making TikTok videos and you are really in your happy place when you do that). It could be something to pursue as you get older - cinematography (movie production).
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Giselle
Updated
rashmi’s Answer
Hi Giselle
Its wonderful to hear that you are interested in math and science. Those interests give you so many options. Like you can be an engineer, scientist, pharmacist, teacher, doctor. I would say the world is your oyster and there's no wrong decision in your career. You make the best possible decision based on the choices that are available to you. But always be open minded to make a change or what is known as "pivot" when you feel aren't happy with your choices. However, I would highly recommend you to keep updating on your skills. Learning is always constant.
Good luck!!
Its wonderful to hear that you are interested in math and science. Those interests give you so many options. Like you can be an engineer, scientist, pharmacist, teacher, doctor. I would say the world is your oyster and there's no wrong decision in your career. You make the best possible decision based on the choices that are available to you. But always be open minded to make a change or what is known as "pivot" when you feel aren't happy with your choices. However, I would highly recommend you to keep updating on your skills. Learning is always constant.
Good luck!!
Thank you, rashmi!
Giselle
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Great question! I agree with others, embrace curiosity and know that there is always time to re-invent your career - there are so many different learning platforms out there, so if you choose one career initially, give it your all and build up your network, and if you decide that one path isn't for you, dive into a new certification or micro-learning platform. Best of luck!
Thank you!
Giselle
Updated
Dani’s Answer
The best advice I could give someone who is in the early stages of picking their career path would be to really get to know themself and what they’re interested in! A career is going to be 40+ hours of your life every week until you’re at retiring age, I would recommend putting that into perspective because you want to do something that gives you a sense of fulfillment! Another way that you could go about analyzing your options would be to think about your natural talents, and what you’re really good at organically!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Giselle