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How did you realize this was the career for you?
Was there anything that helped you decide in high school or in college?
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13 answers
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Many people find their career direction through a combination of self-discovery, exploration, and learning. Here’s how you might realize your career path:
1. Self-Reflection: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and values. Consider what activities or subjects genuinely excite you and make you feel fulfilled.
2. High School Exploration: High school is an excellent time to explore various subjects and extracurricular activities. Join clubs, take elective courses, and participate in internships or volunteer work to gain exposure to different fields.
3. Talk to Professionals: Reach out to professionals in careers you find intriguing. Conduct informational interviews to learn more about their day-to-day work and career paths. This can provide valuable insights.
4. Career Assessments: Consider taking career assessments or aptitude tests to identify potential career matches based on your personality and interests. While these tests are not definitive, they can offer helpful suggestions.
5. College Courses: In college, take a diverse range of courses during your freshman and sophomore years. This can help you discover new interests and potential career paths.
6. Internships and Co-op Programs: Participate in internships or cooperative education programs related to your field of interest. Hands-on experience can solidify your career choice or lead you in a new direction.
7. Mentorship: Seek mentorship from professors, advisors, or professionals in your field of interest. They can provide guidance, answer questions, and help you navigate your career path.
8. Networking: Attend career fairs, conferences, and networking events to connect with individuals in your chosen field. Networking can open doors to opportunities and insights.
9. Research: Stay informed about industry trends and developments. Read books, articles, and watch documentaries related to your field to deepen your understanding.
10. Passion and Purpose: Ultimately, your career choice should align with your passion and sense of purpose. It should be something that excites you and motivates you to work toward your goals.
It’s important to note that career paths can evolve over time, and it’s okay to explore different options before settling on a specific career. The journey to finding the right career often involves trial and error. Be open to new experiences, stay curious, and keep learning about yourself and the world around you. This ongoing self-discovery process can lead you to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
1. Self-Reflection: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and values. Consider what activities or subjects genuinely excite you and make you feel fulfilled.
2. High School Exploration: High school is an excellent time to explore various subjects and extracurricular activities. Join clubs, take elective courses, and participate in internships or volunteer work to gain exposure to different fields.
3. Talk to Professionals: Reach out to professionals in careers you find intriguing. Conduct informational interviews to learn more about their day-to-day work and career paths. This can provide valuable insights.
4. Career Assessments: Consider taking career assessments or aptitude tests to identify potential career matches based on your personality and interests. While these tests are not definitive, they can offer helpful suggestions.
5. College Courses: In college, take a diverse range of courses during your freshman and sophomore years. This can help you discover new interests and potential career paths.
6. Internships and Co-op Programs: Participate in internships or cooperative education programs related to your field of interest. Hands-on experience can solidify your career choice or lead you in a new direction.
7. Mentorship: Seek mentorship from professors, advisors, or professionals in your field of interest. They can provide guidance, answer questions, and help you navigate your career path.
8. Networking: Attend career fairs, conferences, and networking events to connect with individuals in your chosen field. Networking can open doors to opportunities and insights.
9. Research: Stay informed about industry trends and developments. Read books, articles, and watch documentaries related to your field to deepen your understanding.
10. Passion and Purpose: Ultimately, your career choice should align with your passion and sense of purpose. It should be something that excites you and motivates you to work toward your goals.
It’s important to note that career paths can evolve over time, and it’s okay to explore different options before settling on a specific career. The journey to finding the right career often involves trial and error. Be open to new experiences, stay curious, and keep learning about yourself and the world around you. This ongoing self-discovery process can lead you to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hello, Jenny! I want to take a moment to share my story in the hopes that it might inspire and guide you and anyone who is on the exciting journey of discovering his/her career path.
I vividly remember the moment when I realized that architecture was my true calling. It was a combination of my lifelong passion for sketching and an unwavering fascination with buildings. As a teenager, I would spend hours with my sketchbook, capturing the intricate details of structures that caught my eye. The lines, the shapes, the play of light and shadow – it all seemed like magic to me.
But it wasn't just about drawing; it was about understanding how these magnificent structures came to life. I saw architecture as a thrilling puzzle, where I could blend artistry with practicality to create spaces that left a lasting impact on people's lives. It was in those moments of contemplating design challenges that I realized this was more than a hobby; it was my passion, my purpose.
My journey in architecture has been a continuous learning adventure. I embraced every opportunity to study, to work on projects, and to collaborate with mentors who shared my enthusiasm. I dived headfirst into design studios, where I learned that creativity knows no bounds, and attention to detail can turn a concept into a masterpiece.
Throughout my career, I've been inspired by legendary architects whose groundbreaking work pushed the boundaries of design. They showed me that in this field, innovation and imagination are your greatest allies.
One crucial lesson I've learned is that the journey to discovering your career path is not always a linear one. It's perfectly okay to explore different interests, take detours, and even face challenges along the way. Each experience is a stepping stone, shaping you into the professional you are meant to become.
Today, I stand before you, not just as an architect but as someone who has found their passion and purpose in the world of design. My hope is that you, too, will discover what truly ignites your spirit and propels you forward. Whether it's architecture or any other field, remember that your unique combination of interests, skills, and experiences is your greatest asset.
As you embark on this incredible journey of self-discovery, never stop asking questions, never stop learning, and never stop dreaming. Your career path might surprise you, but with dedication and passion, you'll find your way to a fulfilling and impactful future. So, keep exploring, keep creating, and let your journey unfold with the same wonder and excitement that led you to this moment."
I hope this inspires and encourages those seeking their career paths!
I vividly remember the moment when I realized that architecture was my true calling. It was a combination of my lifelong passion for sketching and an unwavering fascination with buildings. As a teenager, I would spend hours with my sketchbook, capturing the intricate details of structures that caught my eye. The lines, the shapes, the play of light and shadow – it all seemed like magic to me.
But it wasn't just about drawing; it was about understanding how these magnificent structures came to life. I saw architecture as a thrilling puzzle, where I could blend artistry with practicality to create spaces that left a lasting impact on people's lives. It was in those moments of contemplating design challenges that I realized this was more than a hobby; it was my passion, my purpose.
My journey in architecture has been a continuous learning adventure. I embraced every opportunity to study, to work on projects, and to collaborate with mentors who shared my enthusiasm. I dived headfirst into design studios, where I learned that creativity knows no bounds, and attention to detail can turn a concept into a masterpiece.
Throughout my career, I've been inspired by legendary architects whose groundbreaking work pushed the boundaries of design. They showed me that in this field, innovation and imagination are your greatest allies.
One crucial lesson I've learned is that the journey to discovering your career path is not always a linear one. It's perfectly okay to explore different interests, take detours, and even face challenges along the way. Each experience is a stepping stone, shaping you into the professional you are meant to become.
Today, I stand before you, not just as an architect but as someone who has found their passion and purpose in the world of design. My hope is that you, too, will discover what truly ignites your spirit and propels you forward. Whether it's architecture or any other field, remember that your unique combination of interests, skills, and experiences is your greatest asset.
As you embark on this incredible journey of self-discovery, never stop asking questions, never stop learning, and never stop dreaming. Your career path might surprise you, but with dedication and passion, you'll find your way to a fulfilling and impactful future. So, keep exploring, keep creating, and let your journey unfold with the same wonder and excitement that led you to this moment."
I hope this inspires and encourages those seeking their career paths!
Updated
Don’s Answer
Just start moving. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity or you'll never do anything. I enlisted in the Air Force a year after high school because I had no direction and no clue what I wanted to do. At basic training I learned I was unable to fly or do certain other jobs because of an eye issue (lacked depth perception) discovered during the physical. One of the NCOs who's job it was to assign new airmen to career fields told me I would now have to be a "Data Systems Analyst". I had never heard of that and had zero background in computers. He told me "If you want to stay in the Air Force, that's your new job." So off I went.
The first training school I went to I was scared to death and depressed because this was not what I had envisioned I would be doing. I was surrounded by uber-geeks who I had nothing in common with. But I learned it was very interesting and found I had a real knack for it. I ended up loving that career field. Then I finished college and became a cyber operations officer and eventually retired from the Air Force as a senior officer. But I would never have discovered that whole world had that not happened to me in basic training.
I now own a small sports construction business that again, has nothing to do with my previous career. How I got into that is whole other story for another time I guess. But I've found I genuinely love running a business, and I'm pretty good at it.
I guess the lesson is: You never know where different roads might take you. So don't be afraid to just start walking and see what you encounter. You might have to change course from time to time, or you may get knocked off the path you thought you were supposed to be on. But that might also lead you to find things you never knew you were interested in or good at. But nothing will happen until you start moving.
The first training school I went to I was scared to death and depressed because this was not what I had envisioned I would be doing. I was surrounded by uber-geeks who I had nothing in common with. But I learned it was very interesting and found I had a real knack for it. I ended up loving that career field. Then I finished college and became a cyber operations officer and eventually retired from the Air Force as a senior officer. But I would never have discovered that whole world had that not happened to me in basic training.
I now own a small sports construction business that again, has nothing to do with my previous career. How I got into that is whole other story for another time I guess. But I've found I genuinely love running a business, and I'm pretty good at it.
I guess the lesson is: You never know where different roads might take you. So don't be afraid to just start walking and see what you encounter. You might have to change course from time to time, or you may get knocked off the path you thought you were supposed to be on. But that might also lead you to find things you never knew you were interested in or good at. But nothing will happen until you start moving.
Updated
Allyson’s Answer
I "fell" into my career - I went to college for an engineering program but during my sophomore year realized it was no longer for me. I ended up applying to a handful of internships that I thought sounded interesting (I was still very much a math/science person) and ended up with an internship my sophomore summer in Finance, when I truly didn't know a lot about Finance at the time. For me, it was the PEOPLE that made all the difference that summer. While I certainly enjoyed the work I was doing, it was the people who made the difference. I always tell summer interns with us in Finance that figuring out an initial job is just as much about the people as the product. If you surround yourself with individuals who want to take you under their wing, mentor, and guide you, if it turns out you are in the wrong role, these people will help you find the right role. If you work in a product area you think you like but are not surrounded by good people, chances are you will not enjoy the job regardless... There are of course lots of other factors in determining your career, but surrounding yourself with good people I found was a huge one for me at the outset.
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
No, but it's fantastic that students are already curious about this. The sooner they discover their passion, the quicker they'll achieve their goals! Now is the ideal time to find answers to these questions.
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
It is ideal to start with a career assignment which involves answering a bunch of questions that you will answer to the best of your ability. At the end of the assessment, it will give you a few suggestions of career choices based off of your answers. If there are any interesting results, it would be great to try to obtain a position there even if it is voluntary to get an idea if that is a career to journey towards.
Updated
Susannah’s Answer
Short answer: You won't know for sure until you start doing it.
BETTER ANSWER:
There are assessments that can help. I took one when I was 12. It told me a should be an engineer. I was appalled. But now I'm an engineer, and it's a pretty good living.
Assessments fall in 3 main categories:
- personality type
- aptitude
- interests/passions
Example Assessments:
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)®
- CliftonStrengths (CS) ®
- Strong Interest Inventory (SII) ®
MONEY SAVING TIP: A college career center or community job placement program can usually get you some of these assessments for free.
ONE LAST TIP: Don't do something that makes you depressed. If sitting in front of a computer for 40-60 hours a week makes you miserable, don't do it.
BETTER ANSWER:
There are assessments that can help. I took one when I was 12. It told me a should be an engineer. I was appalled. But now I'm an engineer, and it's a pretty good living.
Assessments fall in 3 main categories:
- personality type
- aptitude
- interests/passions
Example Assessments:
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)®
- CliftonStrengths (CS) ®
- Strong Interest Inventory (SII) ®
MONEY SAVING TIP: A college career center or community job placement program can usually get you some of these assessments for free.
ONE LAST TIP: Don't do something that makes you depressed. If sitting in front of a computer for 40-60 hours a week makes you miserable, don't do it.
Updated
James’s Answer
The answer will be concise. You'll know you've found the right profession when you can dive deeply into your work, not consumed by thoughts of when your next break will be or when you can end your day. This is a clear sign of job satisfaction. Furthermore, it's important that your chosen profession offers room for advancement, in case you decide to stick with it for the long haul.
Updated
Isaac’s Answer
Great question! I'll start by saying I love Don's answer of "Just start moving." I like to think of this as a process of constant refinement. As humans we are always changing; even if you can't imagine some aspect of yourself changing you might be surprised in several years! I'll give you some general advice, and then I'll share my story so you can see how I thought about my career progression.
Think about your passions. What brings you joy in life right now? What hobbies do you have? Did anything pique your interest in school at any point? Have you seen someone else working and did that or some part of that interest you? Always be asking yourself these questions as you move through life. As you think about the answers, think about whether you can identify a job that looks like it may let you participate in some part of (or maybe even all of!) those passions. Like so many other things in life, you may or may not have luck on your first try, so however things work out initially *do* get out there and take a job regardless and *do not* get discouraged.
As you work that job start asking yourself these questions again and then take into account what you're doing at your job. What do you like about your job, and what do you not like about it? From there, focus on the things you like as you consider whether to move further in that job's career path or whether to try something else. Always be open to change, and just try to find the most happiness out of that change, and you'll be on a good path.
For me, in high school I really liked artistic 3D modeling, video games, computers, and math. I felt the first two were better left as hobbies so I went to college for petroleum engineering so as to incorporate the love of math. Halfway through I decided that that wasn't quite for me, and I switched to applied math and then went to grad school for the same. I still liked what I was studying, but in grad school I started using Linux for the work I did there and fell completely in love with it; meanwhile I had acquired basic computer science skills as part of the degree work. I then took a starter job at a tiny start-up handling their technology related tasks by applying my Linux skills which let me do a lot of automation. I loved working with Linux, but I didn't like the small structure of the start-up, so I moved on to work as a Linux systems administrator at a small but established private company. There I fell in love with monitoring work partly because that incorporated my old love of math, and I eventually took that into my next job at a gigantic company where I focused on developing monitoring tools which let me cut out some of the more mundane aspects of the previous job.
I'll stop there as there are a few more steps (so far!) but they follow the same theme. Each time I found what I liked with my current job and when I went to change jobs I focused on keeping what I liked there and experimenting with a change in at least one aspect of the job that I didn't like.
I wish you the best of luck!
Think about your passions. What brings you joy in life right now? What hobbies do you have? Did anything pique your interest in school at any point? Have you seen someone else working and did that or some part of that interest you? Always be asking yourself these questions as you move through life. As you think about the answers, think about whether you can identify a job that looks like it may let you participate in some part of (or maybe even all of!) those passions. Like so many other things in life, you may or may not have luck on your first try, so however things work out initially *do* get out there and take a job regardless and *do not* get discouraged.
As you work that job start asking yourself these questions again and then take into account what you're doing at your job. What do you like about your job, and what do you not like about it? From there, focus on the things you like as you consider whether to move further in that job's career path or whether to try something else. Always be open to change, and just try to find the most happiness out of that change, and you'll be on a good path.
For me, in high school I really liked artistic 3D modeling, video games, computers, and math. I felt the first two were better left as hobbies so I went to college for petroleum engineering so as to incorporate the love of math. Halfway through I decided that that wasn't quite for me, and I switched to applied math and then went to grad school for the same. I still liked what I was studying, but in grad school I started using Linux for the work I did there and fell completely in love with it; meanwhile I had acquired basic computer science skills as part of the degree work. I then took a starter job at a tiny start-up handling their technology related tasks by applying my Linux skills which let me do a lot of automation. I loved working with Linux, but I didn't like the small structure of the start-up, so I moved on to work as a Linux systems administrator at a small but established private company. There I fell in love with monitoring work partly because that incorporated my old love of math, and I eventually took that into my next job at a gigantic company where I focused on developing monitoring tools which let me cut out some of the more mundane aspects of the previous job.
I'll stop there as there are a few more steps (so far!) but they follow the same theme. Each time I found what I liked with my current job and when I went to change jobs I focused on keeping what I liked there and experimenting with a change in at least one aspect of the job that I didn't like.
I wish you the best of luck!
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
For me, I knew most of my life that I wanted to be a teacher or work with children in some manner. I know a lot of people do not know exactly what they want to do, but focus on what you like to do. Who do you like to surround yourself with? Do you like to work with others or work independently? Do you have hobbies/interests that you could apply to a career? Consider what you like to do and ask around to see if anyone you know works in a field that interests you. The best way to know whether a career is for you is to experience it yourself. If your high school offers any opportunities to get experience in career fields that interest you, definitely take those opportunities. You can learn so much just by experiencing some time in a career field.
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Siddhi’s Answer
Hey! Consider the activities you like to perform when you have free time. What academic subjects spark your interest? Do you enjoy problem-solving, helping people, or working with your hands? Your interests may help you identify potential job paths.
The senior year is an opportunity to experiment with new topics and pursuits. Consider enrolling in classes in your areas of interest and joining clubs or performing volunteer work in those areas. You'll develop a better understanding of who you are and what motivates you to choose a particular job route as time goes on.
Keep in mind that when you gain more knowledge and mature, it's ok to change your mind. Before choosing the one that seems completely right, many individuals try out other occupations. So, have an open mind, keep discovering, and don't be scared to pursue your interests. Your professional path has just begun!
The senior year is an opportunity to experiment with new topics and pursuits. Consider enrolling in classes in your areas of interest and joining clubs or performing volunteer work in those areas. You'll develop a better understanding of who you are and what motivates you to choose a particular job route as time goes on.
Keep in mind that when you gain more knowledge and mature, it's ok to change your mind. Before choosing the one that seems completely right, many individuals try out other occupations. So, have an open mind, keep discovering, and don't be scared to pursue your interests. Your professional path has just begun!
Updated
Roel’s Answer
The moment I truly felt at ease within my company, connecting with my colleagues and seeing the difference I could make, I knew I had found my ideal career. Remember, it's crucial to seek out a job that not only boasts a positive company culture, but also makes you feel proud each day. It's about finding work that you're passionate about and that brings a sense of fulfillment.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Jenny, I think the answer lies more in my childhood. I wrote from a very early age. And my family had a nickname for me: "The Little Professor." *sigh* Even when my life went in somewhat different directions, the idea of teaching and the need to write were common threads that came together. Frankly, I don't remember much about high school, and college is a whole other story.