4 answers
Jo
Student
Seekonk, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
1828 views
I'm not too sure what I want to be when I'm older, how can I find out?
I'm going into my sophomore year of high school, and I am thinking that I need to start deciding what I want to do, or what I want to be when I'm older. I need some help deciding, or some new ideas.
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4 answers
Srinivas Prabhu N V
Technical Product Manager
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Srinivas Prabhu’s Answer
Hey there! You've brought up a fantastic question. First off, I want to reassure you that it's completely normal for many students to feel unsure about their future career paths. The fact that you're actively thinking about this issue is already an encouraging start!
To gain a clearer idea of what you'd like to do, it's helpful to start by getting a wide understanding of the options out there. You can gain this knowledge by connecting with people who work in various professions. As a student, you might already know what your parents, older siblings, and teachers do for a living. But you can still take steps to broaden your perspective. Here are a few ideas:
1. Discover your passions and hobbies. While this might seem overwhelming, try to make it simpler. Think about five things you're good at and genuinely enjoy doing. Usually, when you focus on tasks that match your strengths, you develop a natural liking for them.
2. Sign up for LinkedIn, a social media platform for professionals. Browse the profiles of people in your local area, those with similar educational backgrounds, or even alumni from your college or school. Learn about their professional journeys. If you find something that catches your interest, don't be shy to contact them for more information. You'll discover that people are often happy to help when you ask for it. In fact, Steve Jobs highlighted the importance of reaching out in this insightful video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJok9DrDGEA]
3. Think about internships or part-time jobs. This is a great way to explore different fields and get a better sense of what you like. There are several fascinating TED Talks featuring people who tried many jobs before finding their true passion. I recommend watching this motivating talk: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Swu8iiuFx4]
Lastly, don't feel discouraged if you don't gain instant clarity. Uncovering your perfect career path takes time, and it's crucial to remember that great things often need patience and determination.
I hope these ideas are useful to you!
To gain a clearer idea of what you'd like to do, it's helpful to start by getting a wide understanding of the options out there. You can gain this knowledge by connecting with people who work in various professions. As a student, you might already know what your parents, older siblings, and teachers do for a living. But you can still take steps to broaden your perspective. Here are a few ideas:
1. Discover your passions and hobbies. While this might seem overwhelming, try to make it simpler. Think about five things you're good at and genuinely enjoy doing. Usually, when you focus on tasks that match your strengths, you develop a natural liking for them.
2. Sign up for LinkedIn, a social media platform for professionals. Browse the profiles of people in your local area, those with similar educational backgrounds, or even alumni from your college or school. Learn about their professional journeys. If you find something that catches your interest, don't be shy to contact them for more information. You'll discover that people are often happy to help when you ask for it. In fact, Steve Jobs highlighted the importance of reaching out in this insightful video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJok9DrDGEA]
3. Think about internships or part-time jobs. This is a great way to explore different fields and get a better sense of what you like. There are several fascinating TED Talks featuring people who tried many jobs before finding their true passion. I recommend watching this motivating talk: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Swu8iiuFx4]
Lastly, don't feel discouraged if you don't gain instant clarity. Uncovering your perfect career path takes time, and it's crucial to remember that great things often need patience and determination.
I hope these ideas are useful to you!
William Nguyen
Writer
1
Answer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
William’s Answer
Hey there! I'm glad you asked this question, as it's an interesting and important topic for many high school and college students. When figuring out what you'd like to do in the future, there are quite a few factors to consider. To help you with this, there are some key questions you should ask yourself and research about the career you're interested in: Do I enjoy it, will it support me financially, and can I keep enjoying it while I work?
These are questions all students should think about when choosing a career path. It might seem a bit sad that money plays a role in your decision, especially since we often hear "money doesn't buy happiness." While that's true, having a stable income is still important for achieving happiness in the long run. So, while you shouldn't pick a job solely based on the highest salary, make sure your choice can bring you satisfaction and cover your basic needs. After all, nobody wants to be unhappy, but everyone needs to get by in life.
Keep in mind that your career choice isn't set in stone. Many people change careers, so being open to new interests and staying flexible can take some pressure off.
Consider these thoughts:
1. Whatever you are interested in (Stories, you want to become a writer. Novelist, Publisher, editor, screen writers, etc.)
Speak to your counselor or someone who is in the field about the options you may have, and keep a plan on the ballpark you need to be hitting in school to achieve it
Intern or speak to someone in any fields of interests, find out how they work, and if you will enjoy it
Be flexible and do not be afraid if you change options, it is natural
These are questions all students should think about when choosing a career path. It might seem a bit sad that money plays a role in your decision, especially since we often hear "money doesn't buy happiness." While that's true, having a stable income is still important for achieving happiness in the long run. So, while you shouldn't pick a job solely based on the highest salary, make sure your choice can bring you satisfaction and cover your basic needs. After all, nobody wants to be unhappy, but everyone needs to get by in life.
Keep in mind that your career choice isn't set in stone. Many people change careers, so being open to new interests and staying flexible can take some pressure off.
Consider these thoughts:
William recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so so much! This helped a lot. I am thankful for you!
Jo
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi, thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. It is right time for you to consider this. The most important question Avto find out what you have interest to do in the future.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, your favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you are interested I. Music, would you like to be a musician, musician, musical actor, music producer, music composer, etc
If you are interested in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers . Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, your favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you are interested I. Music, would you like to be a musician, musician, musical actor, music producer, music composer, etc
If you are interested in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers . Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
You rock Rebecca! Thank you so much for your help!
Jo
Estefania Ortega Hinojosa
Project Manager
3
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Estefania’s Answer
This is probably one of the hardest questions we need to answer to ourselves in a moment in our life in which we are still too young.
The answer to this question will definitely define the course our life will take. Although there is not a "set in stone" answer there are several facts that you can review that may help you take the decision.
First you can start by taking an aptitude test which will help you understand better the set of skills that are ingrown in you, there are several of this tests that you can even take online for free; some schools offer them as well.
You could also try to identify which careers you feel attracted to, and do some research, dig deep into what´s the professional life like in that specific area and if that´s something you feel attracted to. If you happen to know someone working on that area you could also ask for help with the doubts you have.
The answer to this question will definitely define the course our life will take. Although there is not a "set in stone" answer there are several facts that you can review that may help you take the decision.
First you can start by taking an aptitude test which will help you understand better the set of skills that are ingrown in you, there are several of this tests that you can even take online for free; some schools offer them as well.
You could also try to identify which careers you feel attracted to, and do some research, dig deep into what´s the professional life like in that specific area and if that´s something you feel attracted to. If you happen to know someone working on that area you could also ask for help with the doubts you have.