6 answers
Madilyn
Student
Hartsville, Tennessee
2
Questions
Updated
420 views
How can fid a career for me when I can't even think of what I want to be?
How can fid a career for me when I can't even think of what I want to be?
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6 answers
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
147
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Madilyn: WOW - interesting question! Climb in the boat and welcome to reality!!
Madilyn, most of us don't know what "we want to be"! Most of us go through just trying to do our best. I am 72 years old and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!
1) Stop being so hard on yourself. Life is a journey - enjoy it; live, learn and enjoy each and every day. 2) take Rebecca's advice. Look at things that interest you. Try things. I'll bet you did not know you liked ice cream before you tried it! So try things, see what fits. If it stinks, change. 3) Avoid drugs and kids who do drugs - that can only lead to problems. 4) Talk to grown ups. Learn from their mistakes. Ask questions of everyone and everything! I teach a course made by Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs guy) - and one lesson is keep learning. Library cards are free. Learn about anything. Learning is your responsibility - always!
Finally Madilyn - just be yourself. The fact that you are asking this question is proof you are a prety special person! Good Luck!
Madilyn, most of us don't know what "we want to be"! Most of us go through just trying to do our best. I am 72 years old and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!
1) Stop being so hard on yourself. Life is a journey - enjoy it; live, learn and enjoy each and every day. 2) take Rebecca's advice. Look at things that interest you. Try things. I'll bet you did not know you liked ice cream before you tried it! So try things, see what fits. If it stinks, change. 3) Avoid drugs and kids who do drugs - that can only lead to problems. 4) Talk to grown ups. Learn from their mistakes. Ask questions of everyone and everything! I teach a course made by Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs guy) - and one lesson is keep learning. Library cards are free. Learn about anything. Learning is your responsibility - always!
Finally Madilyn - just be yourself. The fact that you are asking this question is proof you are a prety special person! Good Luck!
Michael Burke, CPP, CIPM, CFEI
Law Enforcement/Investigations
39
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Good news! You don't have to chose today. You have a lifetime to choose.
You have good advice in other answers. Finding your first 2 jobs- take what's offered and learn from it.
Long term- find a job that you LIKE, and stick with it.
You have good advice in other answers. Finding your first 2 jobs- take what's offered and learn from it.
Long term- find a job that you LIKE, and stick with it.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Madilyn,
Relax! We put too much pressure on our young people to have all the answers before they turn 18. You do need to have some ideas, which, given your hash tags, I think you do!
Two things to think about:
1. The difference between an "occupation" and an "industry." Industry is broad - say, "Criminal Science." Occupation is specific: police officer, teacher in the prison system, victim advocate, etc. People often move about within the industry, using past experiences to open new doors for them. They also sometimes totally change industries.
2. "Transferrable Job Skills." Those are skills you get in one job that you can use in another job. Some are obvious (perhaps, data entry), some are not so obvious. How did I go from being a police officer to a career counselor? Do you think I kept "high speed driving" on my resume? Nope, it wasn't going to help me land my next job! I focused on the human interaction - ability to talk to people in all different circumstances, calm them down, get them to give me information, etc., and the writing skills I acquired when having to write clear and concise reports - not all that different from a resume. Sometimes, it will be up to you to explain how these skills relate, which is why I'm a strong proponent of writing cover letters with resumes, a topic for another day. . .
Once you learn how to market yourself,, and you will, you can go anywhere! I worked with a client whose degree was in Geology and he was in Banking! It will all come together. Believe us!
Relax! We put too much pressure on our young people to have all the answers before they turn 18. You do need to have some ideas, which, given your hash tags, I think you do!
Two things to think about:
1. The difference between an "occupation" and an "industry." Industry is broad - say, "Criminal Science." Occupation is specific: police officer, teacher in the prison system, victim advocate, etc. People often move about within the industry, using past experiences to open new doors for them. They also sometimes totally change industries.
2. "Transferrable Job Skills." Those are skills you get in one job that you can use in another job. Some are obvious (perhaps, data entry), some are not so obvious. How did I go from being a police officer to a career counselor? Do you think I kept "high speed driving" on my resume? Nope, it wasn't going to help me land my next job! I focused on the human interaction - ability to talk to people in all different circumstances, calm them down, get them to give me information, etc., and the writing skills I acquired when having to write clear and concise reports - not all that different from a resume. Sometimes, it will be up to you to explain how these skills relate, which is why I'm a strong proponent of writing cover letters with resumes, a topic for another day. . .
Once you learn how to market yourself,, and you will, you can go anywhere! I worked with a client whose degree was in Geology and he was in Banking! It will all come together. Believe us!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest.
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 musician, musical artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out 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 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
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 musician, musical artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out 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 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
David Munoz
Software Developer
20
Answers
Deltona, Florida
Updated
David’s Answer
Many of us are unsure about our future careers during our early years. It's quite common to hear stories about folks changing their college majors multiple times. In fact, I myself changed majors twice during my college years. As I explored varied courses and subjects, I realized that my initial choices weren't fulfilling me. These shifts, I believe, can be quite helpful. They allow us to discover our likes and dislikes, and potentially even the career path we'd like to follow. It's also possible that as time passes, your interests may evolve and your current career might not bring you the same satisfaction as it once did. One piece of advice I can confidently give is to aim for a college degree. Generally speaking, individuals with college degrees tend to earn more over their lifetime compared to those who only hold a high school diploma or less. Remember to be gentle with yourself, embrace change, and keep moving forward!
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your career path when you're unsure of what you want to be. Many people face this challenge, and it's an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. Here are some steps to help you find a career that suits you, even when you're not sure what you want to be:
1. **Self-Exploration**: Begin by exploring your interests, values, and passions. What activities make you feel excited or engaged? What causes or issues do you care deeply about? Self-reflection is the first step in understanding what might fulfill you.
2. **Skills Assessment**: Take inventory of your skills, both hard (technical) and soft (communication, problem-solving, leadership). Your abilities can provide clues about potential career paths.
3. **Set Small Goals**: Instead of trying to determine your ultimate career right away, focus on setting short-term goals. What skills or experiences do you want to gain in the next few months or a year? Achieving these smaller goals can help clarify your path.
4. **Education and Learning**: Consider taking courses or workshops in areas that interest you. Exploring different subjects can help you discover new passions and talents.
5. **Talk to People**: Reach out to friends, family, mentors, or professionals in various fields. Ask them about their career journeys, challenges they've faced, and what they enjoy about their work. Their insights can be invaluable.
6. **Volunteer and Intern**: Volunteering or interning in different organizations or industries can provide hands-on experience and expose you to various career options.
7. **Online Resources**: Use online career assessment tools and resources to gain insights into potential career matches. Websites like careerexplorer.com and mynextmove.org offer self-assessment tools.
8. **Networking**: Attend networking events, conferences, and meetups related to your areas of interest. Networking can introduce you to professionals in fields you might not have considered.
9. **Stay Open-Minded**: Be open to exploring unexpected opportunities. Sometimes, your dream career may not be what you initially imagined.
10. **Seek Professional Guidance**: Consider talking to a career counselor or coach who can provide personalized assessments and guidance based on your strengths, interests, and values.
11. **Experiment and Learn**: Don't be afraid to try different jobs or roles. Gaining a variety of experiences can help you discover what you enjoy and what aligns with your values.
12. **Practice Patience**: Finding the right career path can take time, and it's okay to explore multiple paths before settling on one.
13. **Continuous Learning**: Stay committed to learning and personal development. Acquiring new skills and knowledge can open doors to unexpected career opportunities.
Remember that your career journey is a process of self-discovery, and it's okay not to have all the answers right away. Be patient with yourself, stay curious, and embrace the opportunity to learn about yourself and the world of work. With time and exploration, you'll find a career path that aligns with your interests and values.
1. **Self-Exploration**: Begin by exploring your interests, values, and passions. What activities make you feel excited or engaged? What causes or issues do you care deeply about? Self-reflection is the first step in understanding what might fulfill you.
2. **Skills Assessment**: Take inventory of your skills, both hard (technical) and soft (communication, problem-solving, leadership). Your abilities can provide clues about potential career paths.
3. **Set Small Goals**: Instead of trying to determine your ultimate career right away, focus on setting short-term goals. What skills or experiences do you want to gain in the next few months or a year? Achieving these smaller goals can help clarify your path.
4. **Education and Learning**: Consider taking courses or workshops in areas that interest you. Exploring different subjects can help you discover new passions and talents.
5. **Talk to People**: Reach out to friends, family, mentors, or professionals in various fields. Ask them about their career journeys, challenges they've faced, and what they enjoy about their work. Their insights can be invaluable.
6. **Volunteer and Intern**: Volunteering or interning in different organizations or industries can provide hands-on experience and expose you to various career options.
7. **Online Resources**: Use online career assessment tools and resources to gain insights into potential career matches. Websites like careerexplorer.com and mynextmove.org offer self-assessment tools.
8. **Networking**: Attend networking events, conferences, and meetups related to your areas of interest. Networking can introduce you to professionals in fields you might not have considered.
9. **Stay Open-Minded**: Be open to exploring unexpected opportunities. Sometimes, your dream career may not be what you initially imagined.
10. **Seek Professional Guidance**: Consider talking to a career counselor or coach who can provide personalized assessments and guidance based on your strengths, interests, and values.
11. **Experiment and Learn**: Don't be afraid to try different jobs or roles. Gaining a variety of experiences can help you discover what you enjoy and what aligns with your values.
12. **Practice Patience**: Finding the right career path can take time, and it's okay to explore multiple paths before settling on one.
13. **Continuous Learning**: Stay committed to learning and personal development. Acquiring new skills and knowledge can open doors to unexpected career opportunities.
Remember that your career journey is a process of self-discovery, and it's okay not to have all the answers right away. Be patient with yourself, stay curious, and embrace the opportunity to learn about yourself and the world of work. With time and exploration, you'll find a career path that aligns with your interests and values.