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WHo can I find a career for me when I can't even think of what I want to be?
How can I find a career for me when I can't even think of what I want to be? I am extremely clueless. I am interested in something in the medical field.
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8 answers
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Scott’s Answer
Hi Madilyn! First of all, you apparently are not "clueless" as you do have some notion of where your interests lie. I don't know what grade you are in but I suspect you are younger. Do not worry that you currently are not sure of what type of career you want in the future. You will have many experiences along the way which will help shape that decision. There will not likely be an "Aha!" moment, it will more likely be something you gradually grow into. Now, regarding "something in the medical field," the "medical field" is a very broad term. There are clinical pursuits (hands on care of patients), scientific, research oriented careers and business aspects of medical care. It can mean anything from being a medical technician (someone who performs tests or draws blood in a doctor's office) to being a brain surgeon or running a hospital and many other fields as well (physical therapy, occupational therapy radiology technician, etc...). Talking to people you know such as your doctor and the employees in their office (possibly nurses, medical technicians) would be a convenient source of information. If you know anyone else in a health-related field, they could be helpful as well. Perhaps you can speak to a guidance counselor to see if there are any vocational programs that can provide information. If you are planning to go to college you will have the opportunity to take classes that can give you a taste of many different fields and what they may be like. There you will have the opportunity to interact with professors who often have had real-life experience in their fields. So to repeat, I suspect you are still young so I encourage you to look around and explore different ideas to find where your interests truly lie. Best of luck!
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel clueless about your future career, especially when there are so many possibilities. Here are some steps to help you explore and discover a career, particularly in the medical field:
1. **Self-Reflection**: Begin by reflecting on your interests, values, strengths, and weaknesses. Think about the activities that genuinely excite you and the aspects of life that matter most to you.
2. **Research**: Explore different careers within the medical field. The medical field offers a wide range of options, from doctors and nurses to medical researchers, therapists, and healthcare administrators. Research each of these roles to gain a better understanding of what they entail.
3. **Talk to Professionals**: Reach out to professionals working in healthcare. Conduct informational interviews or shadowing experiences to get a firsthand look at various roles. Professionals can provide insights into the day-to-day realities of their jobs.
4. **Volunteer or Work**: Consider volunteering or working in a healthcare setting, even in a non-medical role. This can give you exposure to the healthcare environment and help you decide if it's the right path for you.
5. **Educational Path**: Think about your educational goals. Different medical careers have varying educational requirements. For example, becoming a doctor typically involves a longer and more intensive educational path compared to some other roles in healthcare.
6. **Online Resources**: Utilize online career assessment tools and resources. Websites like O*NET, MyNextMove, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide information about various careers and their requirements.
7. **Meet with a Career Counselor**: If you're in school or college, consider meeting with a career counselor. They can help you explore your options, identify potential career matches, and create a plan for achieving your goals.
8. **Short-Term Goals**: Focus on setting short-term goals and taking small steps. For example, if you're interested in nursing, you can start by enrolling in prerequisite courses or becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
9. **Networking**: Attend healthcare-related events, seminars, or conferences to network with professionals in the field. Networking can open doors to valuable insights and opportunities.
10. **Be Open to Change**: Keep in mind that career paths can evolve. It's okay to start in one role and transition to another as you gain more experience and clarity about your interests.
11. **Patience**: Finding the right career can take time. Be patient with yourself and embrace the journey of exploration. Many people try different paths before discovering their true calling.
Remember that it's okay not to have all the answers right away. The process of finding the right career is a journey of self-discovery. Be open to new experiences, keep learning, and trust that you will eventually find a career that aligns with your interests, values, and aspirations in the medical field.
1. **Self-Reflection**: Begin by reflecting on your interests, values, strengths, and weaknesses. Think about the activities that genuinely excite you and the aspects of life that matter most to you.
2. **Research**: Explore different careers within the medical field. The medical field offers a wide range of options, from doctors and nurses to medical researchers, therapists, and healthcare administrators. Research each of these roles to gain a better understanding of what they entail.
3. **Talk to Professionals**: Reach out to professionals working in healthcare. Conduct informational interviews or shadowing experiences to get a firsthand look at various roles. Professionals can provide insights into the day-to-day realities of their jobs.
4. **Volunteer or Work**: Consider volunteering or working in a healthcare setting, even in a non-medical role. This can give you exposure to the healthcare environment and help you decide if it's the right path for you.
5. **Educational Path**: Think about your educational goals. Different medical careers have varying educational requirements. For example, becoming a doctor typically involves a longer and more intensive educational path compared to some other roles in healthcare.
6. **Online Resources**: Utilize online career assessment tools and resources. Websites like O*NET, MyNextMove, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide information about various careers and their requirements.
7. **Meet with a Career Counselor**: If you're in school or college, consider meeting with a career counselor. They can help you explore your options, identify potential career matches, and create a plan for achieving your goals.
8. **Short-Term Goals**: Focus on setting short-term goals and taking small steps. For example, if you're interested in nursing, you can start by enrolling in prerequisite courses or becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
9. **Networking**: Attend healthcare-related events, seminars, or conferences to network with professionals in the field. Networking can open doors to valuable insights and opportunities.
10. **Be Open to Change**: Keep in mind that career paths can evolve. It's okay to start in one role and transition to another as you gain more experience and clarity about your interests.
11. **Patience**: Finding the right career can take time. Be patient with yourself and embrace the journey of exploration. Many people try different paths before discovering their true calling.
Remember that it's okay not to have all the answers right away. The process of finding the right career is a journey of self-discovery. Be open to new experiences, keep learning, and trust that you will eventually find a career that aligns with your interests, values, and aspirations in the medical field.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you are interested in medical field. There are plenty of careers, eg Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacy, Physiotherapists, etc.
Below are my suggestions;
1. Find out the medical related careers
2. Explore more on these careers and 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 of the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions;
1. Find out the medical related careers
2. Explore more on these careers and 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 of the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Madilyn, I'm sure it's very early. Many, possibly most people enter college still unsure of their career direction. Some don't really get to the point of knowing "what they want to be" until well into adulthood, and often it's not too late even then. But let's start with you now. Think about your interests, your skills, your experiences and your values. Think about what you are passionate about. That's the start to narrowing things down. There are also quizzes online, like those on MyPlan.com, which can help further. But, again, I'm sure you have time. And if by chance you do enter college still unsure, during the first year you can take electives, talk to advisors, join clubs and do volunteer or part-time work that can all help spark a passion that could lead to a career.
Updated
Erika’s Answer
Madilyn,
You have a place to start! You said perhaps something in the medical field.
That is a good broad spectrum place to start but I also think you have time to figure it out!
I am not sure what grade you are currently in school but seek opportunities to find out what high schools offer trade training in your area. Many have health care curriculum.
Begin a self assessment about what aspect of the medical field you would like to pursue a career in and research the schooling for that path and the types of careers available in those areas.
You are not lost. You are growing, being, and becoming. The tree didn't get big enough to hold the swing overnight. It took time, resilience, and strong roots to sustain it long enough to become that giant tree.
Gift yourself a strong beginning education and grow with it!
Best,
Erika
You have a place to start! You said perhaps something in the medical field.
That is a good broad spectrum place to start but I also think you have time to figure it out!
I am not sure what grade you are currently in school but seek opportunities to find out what high schools offer trade training in your area. Many have health care curriculum.
Begin a self assessment about what aspect of the medical field you would like to pursue a career in and research the schooling for that path and the types of careers available in those areas.
You are not lost. You are growing, being, and becoming. The tree didn't get big enough to hold the swing overnight. It took time, resilience, and strong roots to sustain it long enough to become that giant tree.
Gift yourself a strong beginning education and grow with it!
Best,
Erika
Updated
Nivea’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel clueless about your career path, especially when you have a general interest but haven't pinpointed a specific role.
If you're interested in the medical field but unsure of your specific career path, start by self-assessing your interests and strengths. Research different medical professions, talk to professionals, and gain hands-on experience through volunteering or internships. Identify the required education and training, seek guidance from career counselors, and network with professionals. Gradually narrow down your options based on your experiences and preferences, and stay open to different roles within the medical field. It's okay not to have everything figured out immediately; taking proactive steps will help you find a suitable career in the medical field over time.
If you're interested in the medical field but unsure of your specific career path, start by self-assessing your interests and strengths. Research different medical professions, talk to professionals, and gain hands-on experience through volunteering or internships. Identify the required education and training, seek guidance from career counselors, and network with professionals. Gradually narrow down your options based on your experiences and preferences, and stay open to different roles within the medical field. It's okay not to have everything figured out immediately; taking proactive steps will help you find a suitable career in the medical field over time.
Updated
Raazon’s Answer
It is always a good thing to think about what you like to do. Your hobbies, your interests. You may find that your hobbies or interests are actually tied to career paths you can travel and classes you can take. Also, many community colleges offer classes to high school students. Many community colleges have affordable classes that you can take to get a feel of something that is tied to your hobbies or interests. Wishing you all the best.
Updated
Lilia’s Answer
Remember, it's okay to take your time. It seems like you're carrying a heavy burden of pressure. So, I'd like to gently remind you to be more forgiving towards yourself, even if you decide to change your course later.
Volunteering can be an incredible gateway to discovering different sectors.
If you find that a certain career or industry is shaking your mental peace, don't hesitate to step away!
Volunteering can be an incredible gateway to discovering different sectors.
If you find that a certain career or industry is shaking your mental peace, don't hesitate to step away!