8 answers
Anna
Student
Sugar Hill, Georgia
8
Questions
Asked
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How do you find opportunities for what you’re passionate about?
How can I find and get involved with volunteer organizations and research programs near me or virtually? How do you find a career you are passionate about?
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8 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I normally check some of the public institutions.
Organizations like libraries and the court system offer opportunities for volunteerism. I worked in housing justice projects, and there are always openings in public defenders organizations, parks and recreation, YMCA's, and local food banks.
Basically try to find something that you love to do so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still come every day and work the opportunity anyway. A deep love and passion for what you are doing in life.
Organizations like libraries and the court system offer opportunities for volunteerism. I worked in housing justice projects, and there are always openings in public defenders organizations, parks and recreation, YMCA's, and local food banks.
Basically try to find something that you love to do so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still come every day and work the opportunity anyway. A deep love and passion for what you are doing in life.
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Finding what you're passionate about might not happen overnight. For me, it was about exploring different interests and hobbies. To get involved with volunteer organizations or research programs, you could check local community centers, online platforms, or even ask friends. And as for a career you're passionate about, sometimes life surprises you – like how I found my role managing the facility maintenance company. Just stay curious and open to new experiences.
DaSabria Dunbar, RPT
60
Answers
Updated
DaSabria’s Answer
Volunteering is a fantastic way to discover your true passion. It's a journey of self-discovery that allows you to develop new skills and pinpoint your interests. Begin with your hobbies, and see where they lead you. For example, if you enjoy spending time with children and aiding their development, why not volunteer at a local daycare center? You can help nurture the children during after-school hours.
Your interests could be as diverse as faith, community service, music, or outdoor activities. There's a place for every passion, whether it's a church, a food drive, a local band, or a community garden. By exploring these various avenues, you're not just volunteering; you're testing potential career paths. This hands-on approach can help you uncover your true passion. So, go ahead and embark on this exciting journey of self-discovery. Best of luck!
Your interests could be as diverse as faith, community service, music, or outdoor activities. There's a place for every passion, whether it's a church, a food drive, a local band, or a community garden. By exploring these various avenues, you're not just volunteering; you're testing potential career paths. This hands-on approach can help you uncover your true passion. So, go ahead and embark on this exciting journey of self-discovery. Best of luck!
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hi Anandita,
Thank you for your message and your excellent question. It's clear to see you're already brimming with enthusiasm to make a difference and prepare for a larger role in the world.
The most effective way to begin your journey in volunteer work is right in your own backyard - your local community. Start by exploring opportunities at your closest public office, such as the Mayor's office or other public institutions.
It's also important to align your volunteer work with your personal interests and future aspirations. For instance, if you see yourself serving the public in the future, you might want to consider what career path would best suit this goal. Many individuals who aspire to work in public governance often pursue studies in Public Administration in college.
Another great way to find volunteer opportunities is to search for organizations online. Visit their websites, learn about their mission and reach out to them via email about potential volunteering opportunities, especially those tailored for students like you.
Remember, the key to truly enjoying your volunteer work is to ensure it aligns with your interests. This way, every moment you spend volunteering will be both fulfilling and enjoyable.
Thank you for your message and your excellent question. It's clear to see you're already brimming with enthusiasm to make a difference and prepare for a larger role in the world.
The most effective way to begin your journey in volunteer work is right in your own backyard - your local community. Start by exploring opportunities at your closest public office, such as the Mayor's office or other public institutions.
It's also important to align your volunteer work with your personal interests and future aspirations. For instance, if you see yourself serving the public in the future, you might want to consider what career path would best suit this goal. Many individuals who aspire to work in public governance often pursue studies in Public Administration in college.
Another great way to find volunteer opportunities is to search for organizations online. Visit their websites, learn about their mission and reach out to them via email about potential volunteering opportunities, especially those tailored for students like you.
Remember, the key to truly enjoying your volunteer work is to ensure it aligns with your interests. This way, every moment you spend volunteering will be both fulfilling and enjoyable.
Emmanuel M'bra
English and French Tutor, Screenwriter, Evangelist
17
Answers
Abidjan, Lagunes Region, Côte d'Ivoire
Updated
Emmanuel’s Answer
Hi Anandita,
To find opportunities, me, I started joining some communities, organisations, NGOs, or even some departments at school. And later, the relationship with these organizations has been broadened and opened other opportunities for me.
Thus, the secret is to make the first step, join something and through it you will learn more and enhance your chance of gaining other opportunities.
Find something you love, it may be online or in person, no matter about the field, make the first step, join something, love it and opportunities will come.
God bless you dear Anandita, have a wonderful career!
To find opportunities, me, I started joining some communities, organisations, NGOs, or even some departments at school. And later, the relationship with these organizations has been broadened and opened other opportunities for me.
Thus, the secret is to make the first step, join something and through it you will learn more and enhance your chance of gaining other opportunities.
Find something you love, it may be online or in person, no matter about the field, make the first step, join something, love it and opportunities will come.
God bless you dear Anandita, have a wonderful career!
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
476
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
It would be beneficial to know what sparks your interest, as it can aid in providing more personalized advice. However, assuming you're a high school student exploring potential career paths, you can begin by identifying what you genuinely enjoy (excluding passive activities like watching TV) or the subjects you excel in.
If you have a natural inclination towards helping others, numerous professions align with this passion, such as teaching, counseling, or working for a non-profit organization.
For those who find joy in Math and Science, the Software Industry, Accounting/Finance, or Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, etc.) could be rewarding career paths. If Geography is your strength, the travel industry might be a perfect fit.
Understanding what skills are in demand in the corporate world can guide your career choices. After all, it's essential to find a job that not only fulfills you but also provides a comfortable living. I've observed individuals with degrees in Liberal Arts struggling to find employment in their field and resorting to jobs in industries like restaurants to cover daily expenses and student loans. It's crucial to steer clear of such situations.
The subjects you choose to study and the way you push your limits, such as taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and achieving high scores, can pave the way to a fulfilling career that you'll enjoy for a lifetime.
If you have a natural inclination towards helping others, numerous professions align with this passion, such as teaching, counseling, or working for a non-profit organization.
For those who find joy in Math and Science, the Software Industry, Accounting/Finance, or Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, etc.) could be rewarding career paths. If Geography is your strength, the travel industry might be a perfect fit.
Understanding what skills are in demand in the corporate world can guide your career choices. After all, it's essential to find a job that not only fulfills you but also provides a comfortable living. I've observed individuals with degrees in Liberal Arts struggling to find employment in their field and resorting to jobs in industries like restaurants to cover daily expenses and student loans. It's crucial to steer clear of such situations.
The subjects you choose to study and the way you push your limits, such as taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and achieving high scores, can pave the way to a fulfilling career that you'll enjoy for a lifetime.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Anandita !
Everyone discovers their Likes and Dislikes as they move along in life and it is a different experience for everyone. This is the time now for your own personal discoveries.
What I like to say is that finding out what you like starts out with reading. One of your interests just may inspire you to go on to a career in it. Find out which of your friends or family has either a passion or a career already in something you find interesting and engage in activities that bring you closer to that subject. There are so many things you may find a growing passion for but this takes time and lived experience.
Once you find something to pursue, practice it or read about it daily. Let your friends know about your new interest and see if they may want to somehow be a part of it, for example dancing, singing, art, something you can do with other people and get feedback on. Than, to branch out, look around for clubs, workshops, shadowing opportunities, part time jobs and envision the steps you want to take. The more people that know what you're interested in the better chances you will have for opportunities.
Sometimes when we are younger, we have no idea what our life will be like in the future, but we can take steps towards realizing it by pacing ourselves and trying things we like as well as new things. We all end up loving some type of work and in time you will find the work you can be passionate about. We also must realize that even doing work that you love can have drawbacks and down times in the work. Work is like life - it has it's ups and downs and when you really love something, you develop patience, see it as a learning experience and become better at being tenacious and resilient.
I wish you all the best in finding opportunities for whatever you want to pursue !
Everyone discovers their Likes and Dislikes as they move along in life and it is a different experience for everyone. This is the time now for your own personal discoveries.
What I like to say is that finding out what you like starts out with reading. One of your interests just may inspire you to go on to a career in it. Find out which of your friends or family has either a passion or a career already in something you find interesting and engage in activities that bring you closer to that subject. There are so many things you may find a growing passion for but this takes time and lived experience.
Once you find something to pursue, practice it or read about it daily. Let your friends know about your new interest and see if they may want to somehow be a part of it, for example dancing, singing, art, something you can do with other people and get feedback on. Than, to branch out, look around for clubs, workshops, shadowing opportunities, part time jobs and envision the steps you want to take. The more people that know what you're interested in the better chances you will have for opportunities.
Sometimes when we are younger, we have no idea what our life will be like in the future, but we can take steps towards realizing it by pacing ourselves and trying things we like as well as new things. We all end up loving some type of work and in time you will find the work you can be passionate about. We also must realize that even doing work that you love can have drawbacks and down times in the work. Work is like life - it has it's ups and downs and when you really love something, you develop patience, see it as a learning experience and become better at being tenacious and resilient.
I wish you all the best in finding opportunities for whatever you want to pursue !
Adam McNeill
2
Answers
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hi Anandita!
This is a question that is a struggle for most people before they find their perfect career, including myself. However, luckily for you there are some many resources these days such as Indeed, Linkedin, etc., where you can search for specific job fields or just browse their sites and see if anything peaks your interest. Another amazing resource can be ChatGPT. It is an app that uses artificial intelligence to gather information for you at the click of a button! You can simply download the app, type in the question and BOOM! ChatGPT has the answer for you or at the very least it can and will guide you in the right direction. Although websites and apps are excellent resources I found that people can be the best resource of all. Start talking to people about your interests more and more and eventually someone will know someone else who can give you even more advice or maybe even something better! I wish you well in your endeavors!
Research
Network
Find Hobbies
Find a career counselor
Follow your passion
This is a question that is a struggle for most people before they find their perfect career, including myself. However, luckily for you there are some many resources these days such as Indeed, Linkedin, etc., where you can search for specific job fields or just browse their sites and see if anything peaks your interest. Another amazing resource can be ChatGPT. It is an app that uses artificial intelligence to gather information for you at the click of a button! You can simply download the app, type in the question and BOOM! ChatGPT has the answer for you or at the very least it can and will guide you in the right direction. Although websites and apps are excellent resources I found that people can be the best resource of all. Start talking to people about your interests more and more and eventually someone will know someone else who can give you even more advice or maybe even something better! I wish you well in your endeavors!
Adam recommends the following next steps: