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How do you know what to do as a career?
How does someone know what they want to do or what they want to be after high school? The only thing that I have a somewhat decent grasp of is math, but other than that how do I find what's best for me?
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5 answers
Sophie Clissold-Lesser
project manager in Sales Enablement
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Sophie’s Answer
Embrace this chance to be inquisitive. Engage people about their professions, inquire about their daily routines, and ask about the highs and lows of their work. Reflect on your preferences - do you thrive as a planner, an investigator, or a hands-on participant? When you collaborate with others, do you naturally take the lead, assist others, generate strategic ideas, or support by encouraging those lagging behind?
It's perfectly fine to be uncertain about your career path. Until you figure it out, it's advisable to opt for courses that offer solid foundational skills, which will broaden your future possibilities.
I was in your shoes, without a clear career direction. I chose to study Managerial and Administrative Studies at university and naturally progressed into a job from there. Fast forward 31 years, and I've experienced a variety of roles, predominantly centered around project management and teamwork.
Relish this time of exploration and don't stress about not having a specific job in mind. There's plenty of time ahead.
It's perfectly fine to be uncertain about your career path. Until you figure it out, it's advisable to opt for courses that offer solid foundational skills, which will broaden your future possibilities.
I was in your shoes, without a clear career direction. I chose to study Managerial and Administrative Studies at university and naturally progressed into a job from there. Fast forward 31 years, and I've experienced a variety of roles, predominantly centered around project management and teamwork.
Relish this time of exploration and don't stress about not having a specific job in mind. There's plenty of time ahead.
Updated
Harvey’s Answer
Almost everyone will tell you to follow what you are interested in, which is natural. But people almost never mention that you should also ask yourself what kind of lifestyle you want to live.
Remember that while your job is a large part of your life, beyond your 9-5 is a majority of your time, so what do you want to do with it? What kind of house do you want to live in? What do you need if you want to travel often or if your hobbies are expensive? Would you value working from home or being in the office, or being outside?
You may have a burning desire to do a particular job, but perhaps if you are not as set on a particular line of work, think about what type of job will facilitate the lifestyle that you want, and you will be surprised at what you find!
Remember that while your job is a large part of your life, beyond your 9-5 is a majority of your time, so what do you want to do with it? What kind of house do you want to live in? What do you need if you want to travel often or if your hobbies are expensive? Would you value working from home or being in the office, or being outside?
You may have a burning desire to do a particular job, but perhaps if you are not as set on a particular line of work, think about what type of job will facilitate the lifestyle that you want, and you will be surprised at what you find!
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
Frank,
It’s a hard question but if you are good at Math, there are definitely some potential jobs you might consider looking at such as accounting or finance, engineering, teaching math but those might require college. The other thing that is really important is to do informational interviews, internships and shadow people in roles that seem interesting to you. I don’t know if your school has any resources to support you but that could be an option and they might be able to help you work on some of these.
It’s a hard question but if you are good at Math, there are definitely some potential jobs you might consider looking at such as accounting or finance, engineering, teaching math but those might require college. The other thing that is really important is to do informational interviews, internships and shadow people in roles that seem interesting to you. I don’t know if your school has any resources to support you but that could be an option and they might be able to help you work on some of these.
Updated
Mack’s Answer
Remember to consult your school counselor. They usually have knowledge about assessments often referred to as "career aptitude tests". These tests can serve as useful tools to guide you, but don't rely on them to provide the ultimate answer to your career path.
Updated
Mary’s Answer
At M.I.T., students aren't allowed to pick a major for the first two years. One is encouraged to keep options open and feel free to explore.
Knowing you like math opens many roads to you. It's ok to just look at where the map might take you for now. Best wishes!
Knowing you like math opens many roads to you. It's ok to just look at where the map might take you for now. Best wishes!