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How can I choose which career path I want to go with?
I just started high school, and I have no idea what I want to do after senior year. How can I choose which career I want to pursue while here in high school?
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Khushboo’s Answer
Hi Bishes,
High school is a great time to explore what you are interested in. This can be through clubs, after-school programs, or internships within your community. Take your hobbies and interests and research what careers intertwine! This is also a great time to connect with professionals in your community to learn more about their careers, and the paths they took to get them where they are now. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try new things, you never know, you might find something you truly enjoy.
Best of luck!
High school is a great time to explore what you are interested in. This can be through clubs, after-school programs, or internships within your community. Take your hobbies and interests and research what careers intertwine! This is also a great time to connect with professionals in your community to learn more about their careers, and the paths they took to get them where they are now. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try new things, you never know, you might find something you truly enjoy.
Best of luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Friends,
Remember, as my father always emphasized, experience serves as the most profound educator. Alongside this, it's crucial to acknowledge the genetic inheritance we receive from our forebears.
This genetic makeup shapes our abilities, skills, inclinations, and choices. For instance, if we've inherited a knack for communication and persuasion, we might find ourselves naturally excelling in a sales role.
This principle applies across all professions, making it easier for us to tread the professional paths of our parents.
If you're uncertain about your career direction, seeking advice from a career counselor could be beneficial. Especially if they can provide a psychographic aptitude profile test.
This assessment can reveal the type of work you're naturally predisposed to excel at and would find most fulfilling.
I hope you find this information useful.
Stay Blessed,
James.
Remember, as my father always emphasized, experience serves as the most profound educator. Alongside this, it's crucial to acknowledge the genetic inheritance we receive from our forebears.
This genetic makeup shapes our abilities, skills, inclinations, and choices. For instance, if we've inherited a knack for communication and persuasion, we might find ourselves naturally excelling in a sales role.
This principle applies across all professions, making it easier for us to tread the professional paths of our parents.
If you're uncertain about your career direction, seeking advice from a career counselor could be beneficial. Especially if they can provide a psychographic aptitude profile test.
This assessment can reveal the type of work you're naturally predisposed to excel at and would find most fulfilling.
I hope you find this information useful.
Stay Blessed,
James.
Updated
Roberto’s Answer
Be curious and ask many questions to people in the business to get a better knowledge of their profession.
Consider to take some internships to see closer some working places.
Consider to take some internships to see closer some working places.
Updated
Yisel’s Answer
Hello there,
A hearty congratulations on your new journey into high school! It's absolutely okay if you're unsure about what you want to pursue after you graduate. Remember, you have ample time to discover your path. The key thing at this moment is to breathe easy and delve into the various programs your school provides. For instance, a vocational school could be an exciting option if you're keen on learning a specific trade.
I'd also recommend taking a moment to jot down your passions on a piece of paper. This can act as a compass, guiding your future decisions. Let's say you have a passion for sports - you could consider a career as a sportscaster, a sports physical therapist if you love staying active and playing sports, or even a photographer if capturing moments is your thing. If history captivates you, becoming an archaeologist could be an exciting path to tread.
Remember, the opportunities are infinite, so never confine yourself. Embrace your unique talents and let them guide you. After all, doing what you love is the key to a fulfilling life.
A hearty congratulations on your new journey into high school! It's absolutely okay if you're unsure about what you want to pursue after you graduate. Remember, you have ample time to discover your path. The key thing at this moment is to breathe easy and delve into the various programs your school provides. For instance, a vocational school could be an exciting option if you're keen on learning a specific trade.
I'd also recommend taking a moment to jot down your passions on a piece of paper. This can act as a compass, guiding your future decisions. Let's say you have a passion for sports - you could consider a career as a sportscaster, a sports physical therapist if you love staying active and playing sports, or even a photographer if capturing moments is your thing. If history captivates you, becoming an archaeologist could be an exciting path to tread.
Remember, the opportunities are infinite, so never confine yourself. Embrace your unique talents and let them guide you. After all, doing what you love is the key to a fulfilling life.
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Choosing a career path can be a significant decision, and it's great that you're thinking about it early. Here are some steps to help you navigate this process during high school:
1. Self-Discovery: Begin by exploring your interests, passions, and strengths. Take note of the subjects or activities that truly engage you and make you feel fulfilled. Reflect on what you enjoy doing in your free time.
2. Research: Investigate different career options. Read about various industries, job roles, and the skills required for each. Try to connect your interests to potential careers. Talk to adults in your life about their careers and experiences.
3. Set Goals: Consider your long-term goals. What kind of lifestyle do you envision for yourself? Are there specific income or location preferences? Identifying these can help narrow down your options.
4. Education and Skills: Think about the education and skills needed for your chosen careers. Are there specific courses or extracurricular activities in high school that can prepare you? Focus on building a foundation in these areas.
5. Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to seek guidance from school counselors, teachers, or career advisors. They can provide valuable insights and resources to help you make informed decisions.
6. Internships and Volunteering: If possible, explore internships or volunteer opportunities related to your areas of interest. This hands-on experience can give you a taste of what a particular career is really like.
7. Networking: Connect with professionals in your desired field through informational interviews or networking events. Hearing about their experiences can provide valuable insights.
8. Flexibility: Keep in mind that career paths can evolve. It's okay if your choice changes over time. Be open to new opportunities and experiences.
9. Balance Passion and Practicality: While pursuing your passion is important, also consider the practical aspects of a career, such as job stability and demand.
10. Plan Your Path: Create a tentative plan outlining the steps you need to take to achieve your career goals. This can help you stay on track.
Remember, it's okay not to have everything figured out right away. High school is a time for exploration and self-discovery. As you learn more about yourself and the world around you, your career path will become clearer. Stay curious, stay open-minded, and trust the process.
1. Self-Discovery: Begin by exploring your interests, passions, and strengths. Take note of the subjects or activities that truly engage you and make you feel fulfilled. Reflect on what you enjoy doing in your free time.
2. Research: Investigate different career options. Read about various industries, job roles, and the skills required for each. Try to connect your interests to potential careers. Talk to adults in your life about their careers and experiences.
3. Set Goals: Consider your long-term goals. What kind of lifestyle do you envision for yourself? Are there specific income or location preferences? Identifying these can help narrow down your options.
4. Education and Skills: Think about the education and skills needed for your chosen careers. Are there specific courses or extracurricular activities in high school that can prepare you? Focus on building a foundation in these areas.
5. Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to seek guidance from school counselors, teachers, or career advisors. They can provide valuable insights and resources to help you make informed decisions.
6. Internships and Volunteering: If possible, explore internships or volunteer opportunities related to your areas of interest. This hands-on experience can give you a taste of what a particular career is really like.
7. Networking: Connect with professionals in your desired field through informational interviews or networking events. Hearing about their experiences can provide valuable insights.
8. Flexibility: Keep in mind that career paths can evolve. It's okay if your choice changes over time. Be open to new opportunities and experiences.
9. Balance Passion and Practicality: While pursuing your passion is important, also consider the practical aspects of a career, such as job stability and demand.
10. Plan Your Path: Create a tentative plan outlining the steps you need to take to achieve your career goals. This can help you stay on track.
Remember, it's okay not to have everything figured out right away. High school is a time for exploration and self-discovery. As you learn more about yourself and the world around you, your career path will become clearer. Stay curious, stay open-minded, and trust the process.
Updated
Tilly’s Answer
Hi there - great question!
There's a model for career choice called "Ikagai" I really like that's helpful. Find something that's:
1) What you LOVE
2) What you're GOOD AT
3) What you can be PAID FOR
4) What the WORLD NEEDS
-Know what's most important to you
At different stages in your life, and depending on your personal circumstances, different factors become more and less important. Is it money, is it caring for others, is it being creative. Pick 3 things that really matter as you consider different jobs.
- Research - Understand the job market for different industries
It's also very helpful to know how many jobs there are in different professions and to understand how competitive the job market will be for the job you want. For example, is the industry you want to work in growing or shrinking? If it's growing there will likely be more jobs available for you to apply to.
-Talk to real people about their jobs
It also really helps to talk to people about what they do in a very detailed way. For example "can you tell me what you do in your job on a regular day", "what kind of skills do you use in your job each day?" - ask me for example :)
- Exposure
Ask your school what kind of workplace exposure opportunities there are available. For example, summer internships can be *super* helpful in helping you understand what a particular job is really like
Good luck with your thinking on this!
Research industries you're interested in
Talk to people about their day-to-day experience
Identify your selection criteria
There's a model for career choice called "Ikagai" I really like that's helpful. Find something that's:
1) What you LOVE
2) What you're GOOD AT
3) What you can be PAID FOR
4) What the WORLD NEEDS
-Know what's most important to you
At different stages in your life, and depending on your personal circumstances, different factors become more and less important. Is it money, is it caring for others, is it being creative. Pick 3 things that really matter as you consider different jobs.
- Research - Understand the job market for different industries
It's also very helpful to know how many jobs there are in different professions and to understand how competitive the job market will be for the job you want. For example, is the industry you want to work in growing or shrinking? If it's growing there will likely be more jobs available for you to apply to.
-Talk to real people about their jobs
It also really helps to talk to people about what they do in a very detailed way. For example "can you tell me what you do in your job on a regular day", "what kind of skills do you use in your job each day?" - ask me for example :)
- Exposure
Ask your school what kind of workplace exposure opportunities there are available. For example, summer internships can be *super* helpful in helping you understand what a particular job is really like
Good luck with your thinking on this!
Tilly recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hello - I was in your position and spent a LOT of time thinking through this. You are definitely not alone.
At your age you have the benefit of really having the time to think through and explore lots of different skills. Most people like to focus on a particular industry when they are younger. They might say I want to be a stock broker or I want to be a doctor or I want to be a coder, but what is more helpful to think about is WHY you want to be a stock broker or doctor or coder.
For example, if you want to be a doctor, is it because you want to make your parents proud? Or is it because you really want to help people? If you want to help people are there other ways that would make you equally happy while still helping people? For example, if you want to be a stock broker, is it because you want to make money or so you can feel free or so you can take care of your family? If so, there might be lots of options that enable you to do that.
This is called understanding your WHY.
It's also helpful and comforting to know that most people change what they want to do many times in their life and this is totally normal and okay. What's been most helpful for me is trying to understand what I most want to be known for and have accomplished 50 years from now and then being flexible with the steps and jobs that enable me to do that.
Below are some tactical next steps once you've thought about the above.
Be curious and ask people why they chose their job.
Think about the things you love doing for no other reason than you just enjoy them.
Answer the question, what would you enjoy doing everyday even if you made no money.
Research what industries will be most important in 10 years.
Talk to a career counselor!
At your age you have the benefit of really having the time to think through and explore lots of different skills. Most people like to focus on a particular industry when they are younger. They might say I want to be a stock broker or I want to be a doctor or I want to be a coder, but what is more helpful to think about is WHY you want to be a stock broker or doctor or coder.
For example, if you want to be a doctor, is it because you want to make your parents proud? Or is it because you really want to help people? If you want to help people are there other ways that would make you equally happy while still helping people? For example, if you want to be a stock broker, is it because you want to make money or so you can feel free or so you can take care of your family? If so, there might be lots of options that enable you to do that.
This is called understanding your WHY.
It's also helpful and comforting to know that most people change what they want to do many times in their life and this is totally normal and okay. What's been most helpful for me is trying to understand what I most want to be known for and have accomplished 50 years from now and then being flexible with the steps and jobs that enable me to do that.
Below are some tactical next steps once you've thought about the above.
Alex recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
I had a mentor tell me to look around at others who are working in different positions and ask myself what looks like something I would like to do. Once I answered that it was a matter of fulfilling the steps to do so.
Updated
gordon’s Answer
Find your passionate!
Follow your dream!
Listing to your heart!
Make it FUN!
Follow this advise and you'll never have to work in your life.
Just Do It! I did :-)
Follow your dream!
Listing to your heart!
Make it FUN!
Follow this advise and you'll never have to work in your life.
Just Do It! I did :-)
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar questions.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subject, etc. and identify 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, engineering, 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 on 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 suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subject, etc. and identify 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, engineering, 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 on 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
Angel’s Answer
Hi! I would suggest starting to explore different things. Try to find out what you enjoy and what you are good at. When I was in high school, I did some internships and that helped me figure out what I found interesting and what career field I would or wouldn't want to go into. Also, if you can, work while you are in school. It is a great opportunity to connect with other people outside of school and family. It is also an opportunity to gain some understanding of the workforce.
Updated
Wisdom’s Answer
I had this same question when I just started high school. I made the mistake of choosing the path my parents wanted.
But over the years, I've realized that I can't continue to follow my parent's path but I've to choose my path.
Never follow the path your parents want you to follow unless it's something that you want. Follow your gift. How do you discover your gift?
It's the thing you do best with the least amount of effort. You derive joy from doing it. What's your gift? Follow that gift and it's gonna make room and create mind-blowing opportunities for you.
But over the years, I've realized that I can't continue to follow my parent's path but I've to choose my path.
Never follow the path your parents want you to follow unless it's something that you want. Follow your gift. How do you discover your gift?
It's the thing you do best with the least amount of effort. You derive joy from doing it. What's your gift? Follow that gift and it's gonna make room and create mind-blowing opportunities for you.
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