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What can I do now that can help my future?
What is something I can do now that will help me in the future? Anything from massages to learning advanced skills from an early age, whatever applies to my future.
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12 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
742
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Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Open up a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) with a financial institution.
If you open up an IRA and contribute to it each year, you can deduct the contribution from your taxes, and it is a great way to save for the future.
Ten thousand dollars from these accounts can also be used to put a down payment on a future home.
If you open up an IRA and contribute to it each year, you can deduct the contribution from your taxes, and it is a great way to save for the future.
Ten thousand dollars from these accounts can also be used to put a down payment on a future home.
Updated
Dhimant’s Answer
Keep on learning! Absorb knowledge like a sponge!
The journey to success is paved with constant learning. So, sharpen your skills and dive into books that cover a variety of topics. For instance, explore how to attain success, balance work and life, foster growth and sustainability, and stay healthy. Be mindful of the things that are crucial for success.
Every bit of knowledge you gain is a valuable asset. It may come in handy in unexpected ways. Never forget, knowledge is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. It's never wasted, but always beneficial. So, keep feeding your mind and watch as your world expands!
The journey to success is paved with constant learning. So, sharpen your skills and dive into books that cover a variety of topics. For instance, explore how to attain success, balance work and life, foster growth and sustainability, and stay healthy. Be mindful of the things that are crucial for success.
Every bit of knowledge you gain is a valuable asset. It may come in handy in unexpected ways. Never forget, knowledge is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. It's never wasted, but always beneficial. So, keep feeding your mind and watch as your world expands!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Jack
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Hello Jack,
The most valuable advice I can offer you is to concentrate on what truly matters to you in life. Prioritize the things that hold significant importance over those that don't. Direct your attention towards the positive aspects of your life, rather than dwelling on the negatives. It may not be a popular opinion, but I firmly believe that taking care of oneself is of utmost importance. It's also crucial to be mindful of the people in your life, distinguishing between those who positively impact you and those who don't.
Immerse yourself in as many books as possible. The knowledge and perspectives they offer can be incredibly enriching. Embrace the opportunity to travel in any way you can. Every journey, no matter how small, can offer new insights and experiences that can refresh your outlook on life. Never stop learning and continue to move forward on your life's journey.
The most valuable advice I can offer you is to concentrate on what truly matters to you in life. Prioritize the things that hold significant importance over those that don't. Direct your attention towards the positive aspects of your life, rather than dwelling on the negatives. It may not be a popular opinion, but I firmly believe that taking care of oneself is of utmost importance. It's also crucial to be mindful of the people in your life, distinguishing between those who positively impact you and those who don't.
Immerse yourself in as many books as possible. The knowledge and perspectives they offer can be incredibly enriching. Embrace the opportunity to travel in any way you can. Every journey, no matter how small, can offer new insights and experiences that can refresh your outlook on life. Never stop learning and continue to move forward on your life's journey.
Updated
Lilia’s Answer
Hi Jack,
Learning a new skill, taking a certification course, signing up for online classes, etc. are all ways in which you can prepare for your future. By doing these things far in advance, when the time comes to apply the said skill / course / online class, you will already feel ahead of schedule and won't feel stressed about rushing to complete these achievements.
Another idea is to take some time to contemplate exactly what career path you'd like to take for the future. By putting in the time to think about this topic in great detail, when it is time to take next steps in your career, the decision-making will be easier because you thought about these difficult topics in advance.
I hope the above is helpful, and best of luck!
Learning a new skill, taking a certification course, signing up for online classes, etc. are all ways in which you can prepare for your future. By doing these things far in advance, when the time comes to apply the said skill / course / online class, you will already feel ahead of schedule and won't feel stressed about rushing to complete these achievements.
Another idea is to take some time to contemplate exactly what career path you'd like to take for the future. By putting in the time to think about this topic in great detail, when it is time to take next steps in your career, the decision-making will be easier because you thought about these difficult topics in advance.
I hope the above is helpful, and best of luck!
Updated
Marika Elena’s Answer
The advice above provides several valuable steps to take action. Here's an additional tip I wish I had implemented earlier in my career:
Building strong and beneficial relationships, whether with colleagues in your profession, students at your educational institution, mentors, or even casual acquaintances, is an essential activity to start as early as possible. This will significantly enhance your network. Participating in networking events can be beneficial, but it's equally important to remember these individuals and connections. I recently began maintaining a digital contact list, noting the time and context of meeting specific contacts. This not only helps me remember these individuals but also provides useful reminders when I encounter them at other industry events.
This strategy becomes especially useful when you delve further into a specific industry and start interviewing for new positions at various companies. It can be quite embarrassing to enter a job interview and find the interviewer remembers you from a networking event or professional connection, but you don't recognize them. Maintaining a digital contact list can help prevent such awkward situations and also keep you alert about the connections you've made.
Building strong and beneficial relationships, whether with colleagues in your profession, students at your educational institution, mentors, or even casual acquaintances, is an essential activity to start as early as possible. This will significantly enhance your network. Participating in networking events can be beneficial, but it's equally important to remember these individuals and connections. I recently began maintaining a digital contact list, noting the time and context of meeting specific contacts. This not only helps me remember these individuals but also provides useful reminders when I encounter them at other industry events.
This strategy becomes especially useful when you delve further into a specific industry and start interviewing for new positions at various companies. It can be quite embarrassing to enter a job interview and find the interviewer remembers you from a networking event or professional connection, but you don't recognize them. Maintaining a digital contact list can help prevent such awkward situations and also keep you alert about the connections you've made.
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Nick’s Answer
Think of going to school as if its going to the gym for your brain. No matter what career you choose it will be better if you've trained yourself to learn. Ask questions and do your homework and you will discover the satisfaction of accomplishment. Do your best in all subjects even if you don't see their value. Some subjects may not interest you but its like using all the workout machines in the gym, you need to develop a strong mind and good working habits that will support you for life. Some topics may be challenging but there's no topic in school that a good student can't do well in or even excel in. Best Wishes!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you may need to think about what you want to do in the future before you can prepare.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical actor, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working on these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria on relevant subjects in the college
6. Review the material on relevant subjects and think about your career plan in the future
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical actor, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working on these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria on relevant subjects in the college
6. Review the material on relevant subjects and think about your career plan in the future
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Love this question. I wish I would’ve started networking earlier in my career. Two out of the three main jobs I have had in my life were a result from referrals and connections.
Keep in mind that the way you treat people matters. I once worked for someone for six months, and then got a promotion where I ended up being their boss. They were always kind to me, so it was an easy transition, but could have been bad for them had they not been.
Remember to have fun. Focus on the positives and don’t dwell on the things you can’t control.
Keep in mind that the way you treat people matters. I once worked for someone for six months, and then got a promotion where I ended up being their boss. They were always kind to me, so it was an easy transition, but could have been bad for them had they not been.
Remember to have fun. Focus on the positives and don’t dwell on the things you can’t control.
Updated
Roel’s Answer
I strongly suggest discovering your deepest passions and exploring which clubs, groups, or jobs align with them. Start today, and you'll be amazed at how much knowledge you can gain in your chosen field. Being versatile and knowledgeable in various areas makes you incredibly appealing to colleges and future employers. So, dive deep, uncover your passions, and get involved in as many relevant groups as possible. This will not only allow you to meet like-minded people but also help you develop new skills that will be beneficial throughout your life. Embrace the journey, it's all part of your unique path to success.
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
You should first decide what you want to be in the future. Then it will be easier to take activities which are related to positively contributing to your future. It will be good to make a decision about your college major and get prepared for application requirements. You can also make time for self-improtement, language learning, interesting events, and so on.
Updated
Mulin’s Answer
Hi Jack, based on the tags you selected, I assume you are in a state of confusion, which you are undecided your goal or career. For my humble opinion, there are 2 things you can do to help you find your goal. First, go outside to know more people, which can start at a small place like a friends' gathering, or can be a bigger event that is hosted by school or public. It may help to inspire you what you are interested in. Becasue you didn't mention what your future will be look like or what you want it to be like. Therefore, I can't present you specific ways to boost your career. Secondly, working on your resume. As you are exploring a goal, you can gradually add your experiences and skills into a resume template. It will help you to learn what you are lack of and what your advantages are. Finally, don't worry about too much, clear your mind, start to work on these things. I believe you will find your career and future!
Updated
Jing’s Answer
Hey there! It might be helpful to start by picking a field that sparks your interest. Then, try to identify the industries related to that field and understand what they're looking for in a candidate. Remember, it's okay to tweak and refine your goals as you go along, especially as you learn more about the relevant subjects.