7 answers
Arianna
Student
Lincoln City, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
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How do i start?
I'm not sure how to start my college career
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7 answers
Samantha Hamilton
User Experience and Interface Design
1
Answer
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Arianna,
As someone who also struggled initially to find my passion/career I understand how you feel. I think the best approach is take something you love, whether that be reading, writing or art, and look at roles that could relate to those interest.
For example, someone who loves to read or write could enjoy being a copywriter, a journalist, or a marketer. You could pursue a degree in English Literature, Human Centered Studies, Advertising, Marketing, or any career that would include those interest.
In the beginning it can be hard as we often over look aspects of ourselves that can really be the driving force in deciding what education/career path to take. Looking for mentors, or peers that may also be in the same boat as you can, not only give insight into how other are approaching these education/career paths, but also show you that you are not alone and have support.
Self reflect on your interest
Look into career/education pathways that are relevant to those interest
Find support
Be gentle with yourself, its not a race but a crawl and time is on your side
As someone who also struggled initially to find my passion/career I understand how you feel. I think the best approach is take something you love, whether that be reading, writing or art, and look at roles that could relate to those interest.
For example, someone who loves to read or write could enjoy being a copywriter, a journalist, or a marketer. You could pursue a degree in English Literature, Human Centered Studies, Advertising, Marketing, or any career that would include those interest.
In the beginning it can be hard as we often over look aspects of ourselves that can really be the driving force in deciding what education/career path to take. Looking for mentors, or peers that may also be in the same boat as you can, not only give insight into how other are approaching these education/career paths, but also show you that you are not alone and have support.
Samantha recommends the following next steps:
Praveen Prabhakar
Program Manager
54
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
Embarking on your college journey might seem daunting, but with thoughtful planning and attention, you can pave the way for success. Here are some friendly steps to guide you:
Identify your objectives: Think about your hobbies, passions, and long-term dreams. Contemplate what you want to accomplish through your college education, such as acquiring specific expertise, building versatile skills, or following a certain career path.
Investigate colleges and programs: Discover various colleges and universities that match your objectives and interests. Examine the programs they provide, the curriculum, faculty, campus atmosphere, and available resources. Take into account aspects like location, size, reputation, and support services.
Join college fairs and info sessions: Engage in college fairs and attend information sessions held by colleges and universities. These events can offer valuable insights into programs, admission criteria, campus life, and financial aid possibilities. Use this chance to ask questions and collect information.
Evaluate your financial status: Review your financial means and look into scholarships, grants, and loans. Research the expenses of tuition, housing, and other costs related to attending college. Consider any financial aid packages or assistance that might be accessible to you.
Consult with a college advisor: Arrange a meeting with a college advisor or guidance counselor who can offer direction and help you through the college application process. They can give advice on selecting a major, picking courses, and developing an academic plan that matches your objectives.
Assemble your application materials: After identifying the colleges and programs you're interested in, collect the required application materials. This might include transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and standardized test scores. Follow the application deadlines and criteria for each institution.
Discover extracurricular activities: College isn't just about academics; it's also a chance to participate in extracurricular activities. Look into clubs, organizations, and sports teams that match your interests. These activities can offer valuable experiences, personal development, and networking opportunities.
Visit campuses and attend orientations: If feasible, tour the campuses of the colleges you're considering. Participate in campus tours and orientations to get a sense of the environment and campus life. This can help you make an informed choice about the right college for you.
Connect with current students and alumni: Reach out to current students or alumni from the colleges you're interested in. They can offer firsthand insights into their experiences, academic programs, and career outcomes. Connect through online forums, social media groups, or alumni networks.
Stay organized and handle deadlines: Use a calendar or planner to keep track of application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and other important dates. Maintain organization throughout the college application process to ensure you submit all necessary materials on time.
Keep in mind, starting college is an exciting period, and it's natural to feel a blend of eagerness and uncertainty. Tackle it step by step, seek help when needed, and have faith in your ability to make informed choices. College is a time for growth, discovery, and learning, so enjoy the journey and make the most of your college experience.
Identify your objectives: Think about your hobbies, passions, and long-term dreams. Contemplate what you want to accomplish through your college education, such as acquiring specific expertise, building versatile skills, or following a certain career path.
Investigate colleges and programs: Discover various colleges and universities that match your objectives and interests. Examine the programs they provide, the curriculum, faculty, campus atmosphere, and available resources. Take into account aspects like location, size, reputation, and support services.
Join college fairs and info sessions: Engage in college fairs and attend information sessions held by colleges and universities. These events can offer valuable insights into programs, admission criteria, campus life, and financial aid possibilities. Use this chance to ask questions and collect information.
Evaluate your financial status: Review your financial means and look into scholarships, grants, and loans. Research the expenses of tuition, housing, and other costs related to attending college. Consider any financial aid packages or assistance that might be accessible to you.
Consult with a college advisor: Arrange a meeting with a college advisor or guidance counselor who can offer direction and help you through the college application process. They can give advice on selecting a major, picking courses, and developing an academic plan that matches your objectives.
Assemble your application materials: After identifying the colleges and programs you're interested in, collect the required application materials. This might include transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and standardized test scores. Follow the application deadlines and criteria for each institution.
Discover extracurricular activities: College isn't just about academics; it's also a chance to participate in extracurricular activities. Look into clubs, organizations, and sports teams that match your interests. These activities can offer valuable experiences, personal development, and networking opportunities.
Visit campuses and attend orientations: If feasible, tour the campuses of the colleges you're considering. Participate in campus tours and orientations to get a sense of the environment and campus life. This can help you make an informed choice about the right college for you.
Connect with current students and alumni: Reach out to current students or alumni from the colleges you're interested in. They can offer firsthand insights into their experiences, academic programs, and career outcomes. Connect through online forums, social media groups, or alumni networks.
Stay organized and handle deadlines: Use a calendar or planner to keep track of application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and other important dates. Maintain organization throughout the college application process to ensure you submit all necessary materials on time.
Keep in mind, starting college is an exciting period, and it's natural to feel a blend of eagerness and uncertainty. Tackle it step by step, seek help when needed, and have faith in your ability to make informed choices. College is a time for growth, discovery, and learning, so enjoy the journey and make the most of your college experience.
Charlie Adams
Senior Human Resources Manager
37
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
I encourage you to begin your college adventure by performing a self-evaluation to better understand your passions, principles, and abilities. Also, inquire at your school if they provide a complimentary career aptitude test, which can assist you in determining the careers that best align with your interests and talents.
Investigate the potential career paths you're drawn to, and gain insight into the daily responsibilities of the position, as well as opportunities for future growth. Utilize online resources, career websites, job shadowing, internships, and informational interviews with professionals from diverse fields to gain further exposure, hands-on experience, and a realistic glimpse into various careers and industries.
Don't hesitate to consult with career advisors, educators, mentors, or family members for guidance and encouragement during your career exploration. They can offer valuable advice, share their personal experiences, and assist you in making sense of your interests and choices.
If you're uncertain about your career direction, consider following Daniel's suggestion to start your college adventure at a local community college. This approach allows you more time to contemplate your career aspirations while reducing your tuition costs.
Embarking on your college journey is a thrilling experience, so take ample time to discover the various career paths that appeal to you. Best of luck!
Investigate the potential career paths you're drawn to, and gain insight into the daily responsibilities of the position, as well as opportunities for future growth. Utilize online resources, career websites, job shadowing, internships, and informational interviews with professionals from diverse fields to gain further exposure, hands-on experience, and a realistic glimpse into various careers and industries.
Don't hesitate to consult with career advisors, educators, mentors, or family members for guidance and encouragement during your career exploration. They can offer valuable advice, share their personal experiences, and assist you in making sense of your interests and choices.
If you're uncertain about your career direction, consider following Daniel's suggestion to start your college adventure at a local community college. This approach allows you more time to contemplate your career aspirations while reducing your tuition costs.
Embarking on your college journey is a thrilling experience, so take ample time to discover the various career paths that appeal to you. Best of luck!
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
202
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Arianna!
Some questions you can ask yourself are:
- What is the end goal for my education?
-- How do I feel about starting a career in the workforce?
-- How do I feel about working within research, medicine, or education?
Depending on your answers to these two questions, you may:
- Pick a job that only requires a Bachelor's degree. Areas like Computer Science, Accounting, or Marketing are jobs/fields that primarily need a BA/BS/BBA degree and work experience.
- Pick a job that requires more than a Bachelor's degree. Areas like Epidemiology, Occupational Therapy, or College Professors are jobs/fields that requires a Master's.
I suggest finding careers that interests you, and then find a major that will help you reach the careers you want.
In other words: Having Careers that inform your major [Career -> major] v.s. having a Major that informs your career [Major -> career] could help you out in the long run.
When you have jobs in mind, you'll have a brighter picture of the steps you need to take after college.
You don't need to have 𝘢𝘯𝘺 plans set in stone. Your plans will change. But having something (or many things!) in mind can make the process easier.
Some lists you can read:
▶ Jobs with a degree | https://www.newsweek.com/75-highest-paying-jobs-that-require-bachelors-degree-1601993
▶ Jobs without a degree | https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-without-a-degree
▶ Jobs with a master's | https://www.gograd.org/resources/careers-that-require-a-graduate-degree/
▶ Indeed: Non 9-5 Jobs | https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-that-are-not-9-5
While looking at careers, be aware of your likes, your current skills, what you enjoy learning, and what type of lifestyle you might want.
Explore and expose yourself to different ideas and then create a 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘦 plan of areas to pursue. Take your goals one step at a time.
▶ Guide: Make a career plan | https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/careerplanningandsalary/make-a-career-plan/1/
▶ How to Set Short-Term Career Goals | https://builtin.com/career-development/short-term-goals
Sending you best wishes as you discover what you'd want to do :)
Some questions you can ask yourself are:
- What is the end goal for my education?
-- How do I feel about starting a career in the workforce?
-- How do I feel about working within research, medicine, or education?
Depending on your answers to these two questions, you may:
- Pick a job that only requires a Bachelor's degree. Areas like Computer Science, Accounting, or Marketing are jobs/fields that primarily need a BA/BS/BBA degree and work experience.
- Pick a job that requires more than a Bachelor's degree. Areas like Epidemiology, Occupational Therapy, or College Professors are jobs/fields that requires a Master's.
I suggest finding careers that interests you, and then find a major that will help you reach the careers you want.
In other words: Having Careers that inform your major [Career -> major] v.s. having a Major that informs your career [Major -> career] could help you out in the long run.
When you have jobs in mind, you'll have a brighter picture of the steps you need to take after college.
You don't need to have 𝘢𝘯𝘺 plans set in stone. Your plans will change. But having something (or many things!) in mind can make the process easier.
Some lists you can read:
▶ Jobs with a degree | https://www.newsweek.com/75-highest-paying-jobs-that-require-bachelors-degree-1601993
▶ Jobs without a degree | https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-without-a-degree
▶ Jobs with a master's | https://www.gograd.org/resources/careers-that-require-a-graduate-degree/
▶ Indeed: Non 9-5 Jobs | https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-that-are-not-9-5
While looking at careers, be aware of your likes, your current skills, what you enjoy learning, and what type of lifestyle you might want.
Explore and expose yourself to different ideas and then create a 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘦 plan of areas to pursue. Take your goals one step at a time.
▶ Guide: Make a career plan | https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/careerplanningandsalary/make-a-career-plan/1/
▶ How to Set Short-Term Career Goals | https://builtin.com/career-development/short-term-goals
Sending you best wishes as you discover what you'd want to do :)
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
187
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi Arianna!
I would seriously consider going to a community college. Not only does this save you money but gives you more time to think about where you want to end up. Also, basics are basics and it does not make sense to pay for those type of classes at a university. My first year and a half I took basics at a community college and lived at home to save up money. I was also able to work a part time job and this gave me time to discover that I love business (specially operations) If I had not been given that time to think/keep looking I think I may have gone down the wrong career path.
I know this can be a stressful time in your life. Please know that you are not alone. If I could only suggest one business book to read it would be the book below.
Read Dream Big by Bob Goff
I would seriously consider going to a community college. Not only does this save you money but gives you more time to think about where you want to end up. Also, basics are basics and it does not make sense to pay for those type of classes at a university. My first year and a half I took basics at a community college and lived at home to save up money. I was also able to work a part time job and this gave me time to discover that I love business (specially operations) If I had not been given that time to think/keep looking I think I may have gone down the wrong career path.
I know this can be a stressful time in your life. Please know that you are not alone. If I could only suggest one business book to read it would be the book below.
Daniel recommends the following next steps:
Richard Bruce
Singer/songwriter/guitar tech
9
Answers
Titusville, Florida
Updated
Richard’s Answer
If you're not sure what to study, or even if a college education is necessary to achieve your goals, I would suggest spending some time in service to others. Peace Corps, Armed Forces, or simply volunteering in an area of interest is a great way to get experience and decide if you want to pursue a career in that field.
Talk to a recruiter about getting a good education and job in the armed forces that will translate to civilian life or a gov't job afterwards. I did that.
Look into joining the Peace Corps. It's a great way to explore the world and some career choices.
Talk to a college recruiter and ask if they have any vocational aptitude testing. That's what I did.
Attend community college for a year or two and get your general ed requirements out of the way while you explore classes in your area(s) of interest.
Richard recommends the following next steps:
SaVetra Beaird
Customer support Coordinator
1
Answer
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
SaVetra’s Answer
Hi Arianna!
First, it's a great idea to figure out which career area you're interested in. After that, start exploring schools that have programs in that field. Take a look at all the schools and their programs, and then pick the ones you'd like to apply to. Finally, once you get accepted to some schools, choose the best one for you from those options.
First, it's a great idea to figure out which career area you're interested in. After that, start exploring schools that have programs in that field. Take a look at all the schools and their programs, and then pick the ones you'd like to apply to. Finally, once you get accepted to some schools, choose the best one for you from those options.