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How can I start looking for careers that intrest me?
University, courses, and other helpful resources.
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11 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
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Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would look for resources that would assist me.
This might include the college or university job and career center.
You can usually find help with career and job research, internship searches, resume and cover letter help, and meet with potential employers, who come to visit the college to do interviews.
So, the job and career center might be an option to consider.
This might include the college or university job and career center.
You can usually find help with career and job research, internship searches, resume and cover letter help, and meet with potential employers, who come to visit the college to do interviews.
So, the job and career center might be an option to consider.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestion :
1. Think about what interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, 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 careers. There are plenty of information online. Determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, 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 suggestion :
1. Think about what interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, 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 careers. There are plenty of information online. Determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, 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!
Updated
Julia’s Answer
The best way to start something is to just start. I know this is easier said than done, but instead on focusing how to start looking for a career you may be interested in, just start. Talk to friends who are studying different majors, older family members in different careers, try your university career center, talk to professors, attend internship/career fairs, etc. The more you can speak to people and ask questions the better. Also its important to note that most of the time you may not know what you like (or don't like) until you try it. Internships are a great way to test your interests.
Updated
Thiago’s Answer
Hello Anely,
Embarking on the journey of choosing a career path can be thrilling! Here's a guide to help you navigate:
1. Self-Exploration: Start by identifying your passions, talents, values, and personality. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or StrengthsFinder can be incredibly useful.
2. Career Exploration: Dive into the world of different careers. Use the internet to learn, watch related videos, and speak with professionals in various fields for a deeper understanding.
3. Networking: Forge professional connections by attending career fairs, seminars, and workshops. LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for this purpose.
4. Internships and Volunteering: Acquire real-world experience through internships or volunteering in areas you find fascinating. Such experiences can be enlightening.
5. Online Career Assessment Tools: Harness the power of online resources like career assessment quizzes and tools like O*NET OnLine to align your interests and skills with potential careers.
6. University Resources: If you're in university, make the most of career counseling services. They can provide guidance and resources specific to your institution.
7. Courses and Majors: Try out various introductory courses to explore different fields before deciding on a major. Check your university's course catalog for options.
8. Informational Interviews: Connect with professionals in fields you're curious about. Request informational interviews to learn more about their career journeys.
9. Shadowing: Spend a day shadowing professionals to get a first-hand view of a career. Look for opportunities to shadow individuals in your preferred field.
Choosing the Right University and Courses:
1. University Research: Search for universities that offer programs in your desired field. Consider aspects like location, reputation, and resources available.
2. Degree Programs: Select a degree program that resonates with your career aspirations. Some careers may demand specific degrees, while others offer more flexibility.
3. Curriculum: Examine the curriculum and course offerings of your chosen program. Ensure they encompass the topics and skills you aspire to master.
4. Faculty and Research: Investigate the faculty's expertise and research interests. Professors can significantly influence your academic and career growth.
5. Internship Opportunities: Verify if the university offers internships, co-op programs, or industry partnerships for practical experience.
Other Useful Resources:
1. Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity provide a plethora of courses, both free and paid, to boost your skills.
2. Career Websites: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can aid in job hunting, company reviews, and professional networking.
3. Professional Associations: Membership in industry-specific associations can offer invaluable networking opportunities and industry knowledge.
4. Mentorship Programs: Look for mentorship programs within your university or industry associations to connect with seasoned professionals.
5. Library and Books: Never overlook the power of books and library resources. Numerous career-related books provide guidance and advice.
Remember, career exploration is a journey, not a destination. It's perfectly fine to change directions as your interests evolve. Regularly reassess your goals and adjust your education and experiences to suit. Building a diverse skill set and network will benefit you in any career you pursue.
Best of luck on your career journey, and remember, guidance from mentors and career counselors is always available to you!
Embarking on the journey of choosing a career path can be thrilling! Here's a guide to help you navigate:
1. Self-Exploration: Start by identifying your passions, talents, values, and personality. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or StrengthsFinder can be incredibly useful.
2. Career Exploration: Dive into the world of different careers. Use the internet to learn, watch related videos, and speak with professionals in various fields for a deeper understanding.
3. Networking: Forge professional connections by attending career fairs, seminars, and workshops. LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for this purpose.
4. Internships and Volunteering: Acquire real-world experience through internships or volunteering in areas you find fascinating. Such experiences can be enlightening.
5. Online Career Assessment Tools: Harness the power of online resources like career assessment quizzes and tools like O*NET OnLine to align your interests and skills with potential careers.
6. University Resources: If you're in university, make the most of career counseling services. They can provide guidance and resources specific to your institution.
7. Courses and Majors: Try out various introductory courses to explore different fields before deciding on a major. Check your university's course catalog for options.
8. Informational Interviews: Connect with professionals in fields you're curious about. Request informational interviews to learn more about their career journeys.
9. Shadowing: Spend a day shadowing professionals to get a first-hand view of a career. Look for opportunities to shadow individuals in your preferred field.
Choosing the Right University and Courses:
1. University Research: Search for universities that offer programs in your desired field. Consider aspects like location, reputation, and resources available.
2. Degree Programs: Select a degree program that resonates with your career aspirations. Some careers may demand specific degrees, while others offer more flexibility.
3. Curriculum: Examine the curriculum and course offerings of your chosen program. Ensure they encompass the topics and skills you aspire to master.
4. Faculty and Research: Investigate the faculty's expertise and research interests. Professors can significantly influence your academic and career growth.
5. Internship Opportunities: Verify if the university offers internships, co-op programs, or industry partnerships for practical experience.
Other Useful Resources:
1. Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity provide a plethora of courses, both free and paid, to boost your skills.
2. Career Websites: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can aid in job hunting, company reviews, and professional networking.
3. Professional Associations: Membership in industry-specific associations can offer invaluable networking opportunities and industry knowledge.
4. Mentorship Programs: Look for mentorship programs within your university or industry associations to connect with seasoned professionals.
5. Library and Books: Never overlook the power of books and library resources. Numerous career-related books provide guidance and advice.
Remember, career exploration is a journey, not a destination. It's perfectly fine to change directions as your interests evolve. Regularly reassess your goals and adjust your education and experiences to suit. Building a diverse skill set and network will benefit you in any career you pursue.
Best of luck on your career journey, and remember, guidance from mentors and career counselors is always available to you!
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Anely, thank you for reaching out to us! That's a fantastic question. The most reliable answer to your query is within you. It's all about what you truly desire to pursue. Picture where you want to be 5-10 years from now. It's a vital question because it relates to your future. Your answer will be shaped by your interests, values, skills, personality traits, and intellectual abilities. You'll discover your passions once you ponder on your future. What job would make you happy? What work would you love to do? Imagine having a job that you do without any stress or worries. You manage stress and pressure with a full heart and an immense motivation to complete your tasks.
Have time to visit your career counselor and ask some assistance regarding your career exploration.
Do some reading about occupational handbook and find out your top 3 career interests.
Dino recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Ridhima’s Answer
Hello Anely,
Embarking on a career path is a significant decision, and it's crucial to give it the thoughtful consideration it deserves. Learning to pinpoint your career aspirations independently empowers you to discover a role that fulfills all your expectations. Here are a few steps to help you identify your career interests:
Start by identifying what you love. Reflect on your hobbies and what activities bring you joy during your leisure time. These interests can often point you towards your ideal career.
Next, take a look at your unique abilities. Recognize what you excel at. Choosing a career that aligns with your skills can lead to a sense of achievement and satisfaction at work. Hence, it's beneficial to opt for roles that utilize your distinct talents.
Reflect on your past work experiences. Consider the aspects you enjoyed and those you didn't in your previous roles. This introspection can provide valuable insights.
Compile a list of potential careers that intersect with your interests and skills. This will give you a clearer picture of the possibilities.
Once you have a list of potential careers, delve deeper into each one. Narrow down your options by researching the typical job requirements, responsibilities, and work environments.
Finally, decide on your career interests. With a comprehensive understanding of each career on your list, you can refine your choices. You may discover that you have multiple career interests. Keeping a concise list not only assists in finding your ideal career but also streamlines your job search.
Remember, this is an exciting journey, and I wish you all the best as you navigate it.
Embarking on a career path is a significant decision, and it's crucial to give it the thoughtful consideration it deserves. Learning to pinpoint your career aspirations independently empowers you to discover a role that fulfills all your expectations. Here are a few steps to help you identify your career interests:
Start by identifying what you love. Reflect on your hobbies and what activities bring you joy during your leisure time. These interests can often point you towards your ideal career.
Next, take a look at your unique abilities. Recognize what you excel at. Choosing a career that aligns with your skills can lead to a sense of achievement and satisfaction at work. Hence, it's beneficial to opt for roles that utilize your distinct talents.
Reflect on your past work experiences. Consider the aspects you enjoyed and those you didn't in your previous roles. This introspection can provide valuable insights.
Compile a list of potential careers that intersect with your interests and skills. This will give you a clearer picture of the possibilities.
Once you have a list of potential careers, delve deeper into each one. Narrow down your options by researching the typical job requirements, responsibilities, and work environments.
Finally, decide on your career interests. With a comprehensive understanding of each career on your list, you can refine your choices. You may discover that you have multiple career interests. Keeping a concise list not only assists in finding your ideal career but also streamlines your job search.
Remember, this is an exciting journey, and I wish you all the best as you navigate it.
Emmanuel M'bra
English and French Tutor, Screenwriter, Evangelist
17
Answers
Updated
Emmanuel’s Answer
Hello Anely,
When talking about your career, you have to be focused on what you are good in, what you love and find more interesting.
—There are many exceptional courses and very good universities in your state or out of, make deep researches and select one of them according to your preference. While there are a large list of courses, you have to join your short-term and long-term goals to the course or subject you aspire to study.
To be brief, you have to love what you do, search and select a course you are good in and start your career. Work hard, stay motivated.
Anely, have a wonderful career, and God bless you.
When talking about your career, you have to be focused on what you are good in, what you love and find more interesting.
—There are many exceptional courses and very good universities in your state or out of, make deep researches and select one of them according to your preference. While there are a large list of courses, you have to join your short-term and long-term goals to the course or subject you aspire to study.
To be brief, you have to love what you do, search and select a course you are good in and start your career. Work hard, stay motivated.
Anely, have a wonderful career, and God bless you.
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Choosing a career is like finding a job you love. It's like discovering your talents and passions. College can help you learn about different careers. You can take classes you like, get advice from counselors, and meet people who work in different fields. The internet and networking can also help you learn about careers and meet people who work in those fields.
Choosing a career is personal. There's no right or wrong way to do it. Just be curious and keep an open mind. With hard work, you can find a career you love.
Choosing a career is personal. There's no right or wrong way to do it. Just be curious and keep an open mind. With hard work, you can find a career you love.
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Your career choice should be based on your greatest interests and life aspirations. So try to decide what you want to achieve in life and what career option can make it achievable.
Jessica Montgomery
Youth Employment and Training Advisor | Helping Young Adults reach Personal Best
27
Answers
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
The above answer are GREAT! The only thing I would add is definitely do some interest exploration. There are a lot of great websites you can use that can narrow down career clusters you might be interested in doing. When it comes to a career, it can be daunting, but do not let that keep you from making the jump. Try different things and let that help you too. I am currently working in a completely different capacity I wanted to, but I love my career! Focusing on your interests will help you to do the same. One website we use in Indiana is www.indianacareerexplorer.com. It will focus on your interests, what you are looking for in a positions as well as the type of work you want to work within (outside/inside).
Good luck!
Good luck!
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Exploring and finding careers that interest you involves a combination of self-assessment, research, education, and networking. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. **Self-Assessment**:
- **Identify Interests and Passions**: Reflect on your interests, hobbies, and passions. Consider what activities and topics genuinely excite you.
- **Assess Skills and Strengths**: Evaluate your skills, both hard (technical) and soft (communication, problem-solving, leadership). What are you naturally good at?
- **Clarify Values**: Determine your core values and what matters most to you in a career. Values like work-life balance, helping others, or innovation can guide your choices.
2. **Research Careers**:
- **Online Resources**: Use websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerBuilder to explore job listings and read about various careers.
- **Occupational Outlook Handbook**: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers detailed information about a wide range of careers, including job outlook, salary, and education requirements.
- **Career Books**: Read books about careers, personal development, and success stories to gain insights and inspiration.
- **Talk to Professionals**: Conduct informational interviews with people in careers that interest you. Ask about their daily tasks, challenges, and advice for entering the field.
3. **Educational Paths**:
- **University Degrees**: Research which university degrees align with your chosen career. Consider bachelor's, master's, or even doctoral programs.
- **Online Courses**: Explore online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy for courses that can help you gain relevant skills or explore new interests.
- **Certifications**: Look into industry-specific certifications that can boost your qualifications and marketability in certain fields.
- **Community Colleges**: Consider starting with a community college to explore foundational courses at a lower cost before transferring to a university.
4. **Internships and Volunteering**:
- Seek internships or volunteer opportunities in fields that interest you. Hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and help you decide if a career is the right fit.
5. **Networking**:
- Attend career fairs, industry events, and conferences to connect with professionals in your desired field.
- Join professional organizations or online forums related to your interests. Engage in discussions and build relationships with like-minded individuals.
- Utilize LinkedIn to connect with professionals, alumni, and potential mentors in your field of interest.
6. **Career Counseling**:
- Consider meeting with a career counselor or advisor at your school or a private career counseling service. They can provide guidance, assessments, and personalized advice.
7. **Informational Interviews**:
- Reach out to professionals for informational interviews to learn more about their careers and industries. Be respectful of their time and come prepared with questions.
8. **Evaluate and Narrow Down**:
- Continually assess your findings. What careers resonate most with you after your research and experiences?
- Prioritize your top choices and consider factors like job availability, earning potential, and work-life balance.
9. **Create a Career Plan**:
- Develop a clear plan outlining the steps you need to take to enter your chosen career. This may include education, certifications, networking goals, and a timeline.
10. **Stay Open to Exploration**:
- Remember that career paths can change and evolve over time. Stay open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt your plan as needed.
Finding a career that genuinely interests and fulfills you may take time, but the journey is worth it. Be patient, persistent, and proactive in your pursuit of a meaningful career path.
1. **Self-Assessment**:
- **Identify Interests and Passions**: Reflect on your interests, hobbies, and passions. Consider what activities and topics genuinely excite you.
- **Assess Skills and Strengths**: Evaluate your skills, both hard (technical) and soft (communication, problem-solving, leadership). What are you naturally good at?
- **Clarify Values**: Determine your core values and what matters most to you in a career. Values like work-life balance, helping others, or innovation can guide your choices.
2. **Research Careers**:
- **Online Resources**: Use websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerBuilder to explore job listings and read about various careers.
- **Occupational Outlook Handbook**: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers detailed information about a wide range of careers, including job outlook, salary, and education requirements.
- **Career Books**: Read books about careers, personal development, and success stories to gain insights and inspiration.
- **Talk to Professionals**: Conduct informational interviews with people in careers that interest you. Ask about their daily tasks, challenges, and advice for entering the field.
3. **Educational Paths**:
- **University Degrees**: Research which university degrees align with your chosen career. Consider bachelor's, master's, or even doctoral programs.
- **Online Courses**: Explore online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy for courses that can help you gain relevant skills or explore new interests.
- **Certifications**: Look into industry-specific certifications that can boost your qualifications and marketability in certain fields.
- **Community Colleges**: Consider starting with a community college to explore foundational courses at a lower cost before transferring to a university.
4. **Internships and Volunteering**:
- Seek internships or volunteer opportunities in fields that interest you. Hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and help you decide if a career is the right fit.
5. **Networking**:
- Attend career fairs, industry events, and conferences to connect with professionals in your desired field.
- Join professional organizations or online forums related to your interests. Engage in discussions and build relationships with like-minded individuals.
- Utilize LinkedIn to connect with professionals, alumni, and potential mentors in your field of interest.
6. **Career Counseling**:
- Consider meeting with a career counselor or advisor at your school or a private career counseling service. They can provide guidance, assessments, and personalized advice.
7. **Informational Interviews**:
- Reach out to professionals for informational interviews to learn more about their careers and industries. Be respectful of their time and come prepared with questions.
8. **Evaluate and Narrow Down**:
- Continually assess your findings. What careers resonate most with you after your research and experiences?
- Prioritize your top choices and consider factors like job availability, earning potential, and work-life balance.
9. **Create a Career Plan**:
- Develop a clear plan outlining the steps you need to take to enter your chosen career. This may include education, certifications, networking goals, and a timeline.
10. **Stay Open to Exploration**:
- Remember that career paths can change and evolve over time. Stay open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt your plan as needed.
Finding a career that genuinely interests and fulfills you may take time, but the journey is worth it. Be patient, persistent, and proactive in your pursuit of a meaningful career path.