5 answers
Asked
755 views
As someone in high school, I was wondering how did others determine what they were interested in and apply that to the major/job they wanted to do?
I am a sophomore in high school and my counselor is going to ask me about what I am thinking on majoring in, but I have no idea. I have too many interests that are sort of sporadic. For instance, I like certain aspects of biology, but I'm interested in computers and psychology. However, I am passionate about art but I know I do not want to pursue a career in art.
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Han-Bee’s Answer
Hello Eshita! Firstly, it's fantastic to see how passionate you are about so many things!
I appreciate you bringing up a question that's crossed most of our minds at some point - "What's my calling, and how do I find it?"
While I was figuring out my career path, I discovered that it's not a straight road, but rather a winding journey with many unexpected detours. Remember, you're not tied down to the first thing you choose to pursue. I, for instance, switched my Major five times and am still exploring career possibilities even after college.
My guiding light throughout this journey has been my mission and purpose. I'm driven by a desire to make people feel cherished, supported, and valued. I chose to study communications because I thought that effective communication and connection were the keys to helping people.
I initially started working in marketing to fulfill my mission, but it didn't quite match my expectations. So now, I'm looking into careers that will enable me to assist individuals more directly.
Your method of fulfilling your lifelong mission may evolve over time, but the essence will stay the same. I strongly suggest that you discover your mission by asking yourself:
- What values are important to me?
- What motivates me?
- What matters most to me?
I also advise you to invest time in understanding yourself better. Taking personality tests like the Myers Briggs Assessments can be an excellent first step. You can take it for free at:
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
If you're seeking career inspiration, www.truity.com is a wonderful resource to help you shortlist career options that suit your personality type.
I hope this guidance helps you identify the major or career path you'd like to explore first.
Best of luck, Eshita!
I appreciate you bringing up a question that's crossed most of our minds at some point - "What's my calling, and how do I find it?"
While I was figuring out my career path, I discovered that it's not a straight road, but rather a winding journey with many unexpected detours. Remember, you're not tied down to the first thing you choose to pursue. I, for instance, switched my Major five times and am still exploring career possibilities even after college.
My guiding light throughout this journey has been my mission and purpose. I'm driven by a desire to make people feel cherished, supported, and valued. I chose to study communications because I thought that effective communication and connection were the keys to helping people.
I initially started working in marketing to fulfill my mission, but it didn't quite match my expectations. So now, I'm looking into careers that will enable me to assist individuals more directly.
Your method of fulfilling your lifelong mission may evolve over time, but the essence will stay the same. I strongly suggest that you discover your mission by asking yourself:
- What values are important to me?
- What motivates me?
- What matters most to me?
I also advise you to invest time in understanding yourself better. Taking personality tests like the Myers Briggs Assessments can be an excellent first step. You can take it for free at:
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
If you're seeking career inspiration, www.truity.com is a wonderful resource to help you shortlist career options that suit your personality type.
I hope this guidance helps you identify the major or career path you'd like to explore first.
Best of luck, Eshita!
Thank you for the advice!
Eshita
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Once you are out of high school the options are endless for what you can do for a career/ college major. My best advice would be to try to reflect on your interests, hobbies, and talents and then what you would like to do based off those. Once you have a few career paths in mind you can research through Google searches, glassdoor.com, and many other job sites to see if the career description is a good fit for what you would like to do. If it is keep it on the list if not mark it out and move on to the next. Just remember even in this process, if you try something out and you do not enjoy it or it is not what you expected you always have the option to change it later; saying aloud what you want to do does not set it in stone and colleges allow for changes in major if you find out it is not a good fit.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Eshita
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Hey there, I totally get where you're coming from. Back when I was in high school, I was in the same boat – had varied interests and no clear direction. What helped me was exploring those interests outside of school, like trying out DIY projects, fixing things, and being there for my friends. Eventually, I found my way into facility maintenance and became a supervisor, supporting my wife's business. So, my advice is to embrace those interests, maybe try part-time jobs or internships in different fields, and don't stress too much about having it all figured out. Life has a way of surprising you, just like it did for me.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have a wide variety of interest. However, you may need shortlist your interest to 1-2 the your major and minor in the college.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Identity the related careers of your interest
Eg if you are interested in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical actor, music producer, music composer, etc
If you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, financial analyst, engineer, maths teacher, etc
2. Explore more in 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. Identity the related careers of your interest
Eg if you are interested in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical actor, music producer, music composer, etc
If you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, financial analyst, engineer, maths teacher, etc
2. Explore more in 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!
Thank you for the suggestions!
Eshita
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Simply tell your counselor what you told us and see what they suggest -- that is their role and you don't need to have a specific answer.
I tried a variety of positions and found I liked them all. One gave me an opportunity to travel and another a flexible schedule. Feeling like I was helping others was a big motivator for me. So, in addition to thinking about jobs, consider your values and what might be important to you in the future. Meanwhile, take advantage of any volunteer opportunities to gain experience and skills. Also remember to enjoy every day.
With every good wish!
I tried a variety of positions and found I liked them all. One gave me an opportunity to travel and another a flexible schedule. Feeling like I was helping others was a big motivator for me. So, in addition to thinking about jobs, consider your values and what might be important to you in the future. Meanwhile, take advantage of any volunteer opportunities to gain experience and skills. Also remember to enjoy every day.
With every good wish!
Thank you for the advice, Karen.
Eshita