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How do you know what career field is right for yourself?
I am a sophomore in high school and I want to major in psychology when I am older. I am a bit worried that it might not be a good fit for me and makes me a bit skeptical even though I am really interested in the career.
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6 answers
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Hello Mariana,
Remember, no one fits in perfectly from the get-go. It's a journey that requires effort for all of us, some might need a little, others a bit more. But it's your passion that fuels your drive to chase what your heart truly yearns for. It's commendable that you're already pondering over your career path at such a young age. However, there's still plenty of time for you to explore and discover.
I encourage you to check out https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/CareerVideos/career-videos.aspx. This site is a treasure trove of videos, showcasing over 100+ professions. This resource will offer you a wealth of knowledge about not only the psychology field but also a myriad of other professions. Best of luck on your journey!
Remember, no one fits in perfectly from the get-go. It's a journey that requires effort for all of us, some might need a little, others a bit more. But it's your passion that fuels your drive to chase what your heart truly yearns for. It's commendable that you're already pondering over your career path at such a young age. However, there's still plenty of time for you to explore and discover.
I encourage you to check out https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/CareerVideos/career-videos.aspx. This site is a treasure trove of videos, showcasing over 100+ professions. This resource will offer you a wealth of knowledge about not only the psychology field but also a myriad of other professions. Best of luck on your journey!
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Mariana, the most you can expect of yourself at this point is a strong interest. That puts you way ahead of many of your peers. Few young people know for sure what they want to do with their lives... in fact, many already in college and beyond can't say that they do. Psychology is a wonderful field, and offers a variety of career options. By all means stay with it unless and until something more appealing comes along. I highly recommend watching "Everybody Rides the Carousel," a video that can be found on YouTube and other places. It's old (from your vantage point, not mine), but it's so deep and so charming. The theories espoused in it, in funny and animated form, were at the core of not only my teaching but my parenting as well. As you feel ready, check out the ideas of Erik Erikson, Lawrence Kohlberg, Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, among others. Stay a "bit skeptical," about everything, but follow your passions.
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Have lots of conversations with people in this field and ask questions about their day today and what continues to bring them back to work.
Research internships and remember that you can change course if you need to. It’s OK to try different things and find what is right for you.
Try to get exposed to as many things as you can.
Find something that you enjoy but also that you’re good at. And even if you’re not good at it, at least something that you have to work towards!
Think of yourself in a dozen years and imagine a busy day tiring stressing what you have been doing that day. Still makes you happy and fulfilled. You made the right choice. Good luck!
Research internships and remember that you can change course if you need to. It’s OK to try different things and find what is right for you.
Try to get exposed to as many things as you can.
Find something that you enjoy but also that you’re good at. And even if you’re not good at it, at least something that you have to work towards!
Think of yourself in a dozen years and imagine a busy day tiring stressing what you have been doing that day. Still makes you happy and fulfilled. You made the right choice. Good luck!
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
It boils down to how passionate you are about the field you're going into. If the field of psychology is not only what peaks your interest, but also what inspires your curiosity then you're on the right track. From this point it's just a matter of researching the career field and seeing what specific areas draw you in the most. This part takes time, so don't feel pressured. Always remember that if at some point you find a new field of study that draws you in more than your previous, it's ok. There's nothing wrong with changing fields, most people go through this at some point.
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Hello Mariana, it is perfectly normal to have doubts and worries about your future career, especially when you are still in high school. The best way to figure out if psychology is the right fit for you is to explore it further. You can start by reading books, watching documentaries, or taking online courses related to psychology. You might also consider volunteering or interning in a psychology-related setting to get hands-on experience. Talking to people who work in the field can also help you understand what it's really like. Remember, it's okay to change your mind along the way if you discover something else you're passionate about. Your career path does not have to be set in stone, and you can always explore different options as you learn and grow. Just follow your interests and stay open to new experiences, and you'll find your way!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6451
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mariana,
Unleashing Your Potential: Discovering the Ideal Career Path for You
Deciding on a career path might seem like a monumental task, particularly in your youth. It's perfectly okay to feel uncertain about which field is the perfect match for you. Here's a practical guide to help you figure out if psychology, or any other career field, is the right fit for you:
1. Know Thyself: Begin by examining your interests, values, abilities, and personality traits. Think about the activities you love, the subjects you're good at, and the values that matter to you. A deeper understanding of yourself can guide you towards a career that capitalizes on your strengths and aligns with your preferences.
2. Do Your Homework: Spend time investigating various career fields, including psychology. Get to know the job duties, necessary education, potential income, job prospects, and work environment in each field. This knowledge can provide a more precise image of what a particular career entails.
3. Get Your Feet Wet: Think about gaining direct experience in the field you're drawn to. This could mean volunteering, internships, job shadowing, or part-time work. Real-world experience can validate your interest in a specific career and help you build relevant skills.
4. Seek Wisdom: Engage in conversations with professionals in the psychology field or any other field you're considering. They can offer priceless insights into their daily experiences, hurdles, and the satisfaction of their profession. Career advisors at your school can also assist you in navigating the decision-making process.
5. Ponder Your Aspirations: Reflect on your long-term ambitions and how a career in psychology aligns with them. Evaluate factors like work-life harmony, job security, growth opportunities, and personal satisfaction. Contemplation on these aspects can aid you in making a well-informed choice.
6. Embrace Flexibility: Remember that it's perfectly fine to reconsider your career path as you gain more experience and self-knowledge. Exploring various options and welcoming new opportunities can guide you to a rewarding career that resonates with your interests and strengths.
Keep in mind that career selection is a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and lifelong learning. It's natural to experience uncertainty, but by actively assessing your interests and gaining experience, you can boost your confidence in pursuing a career that's the perfect fit for you.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA offers valuable resources on psychology careers, including details on various specialties within the field, educational prerequisites, and professional growth opportunities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides extensive data on a range of occupations, including job forecasts, average salaries, and educational requirements. This information can assist you in making well-informed decisions about potential career paths.
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop offers tools and resources for exploring various careers, assessing skills and interests, and identifying training programs. It offers trustworthy information to support your career decision-making process.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Unleashing Your Potential: Discovering the Ideal Career Path for You
Deciding on a career path might seem like a monumental task, particularly in your youth. It's perfectly okay to feel uncertain about which field is the perfect match for you. Here's a practical guide to help you figure out if psychology, or any other career field, is the right fit for you:
1. Know Thyself: Begin by examining your interests, values, abilities, and personality traits. Think about the activities you love, the subjects you're good at, and the values that matter to you. A deeper understanding of yourself can guide you towards a career that capitalizes on your strengths and aligns with your preferences.
2. Do Your Homework: Spend time investigating various career fields, including psychology. Get to know the job duties, necessary education, potential income, job prospects, and work environment in each field. This knowledge can provide a more precise image of what a particular career entails.
3. Get Your Feet Wet: Think about gaining direct experience in the field you're drawn to. This could mean volunteering, internships, job shadowing, or part-time work. Real-world experience can validate your interest in a specific career and help you build relevant skills.
4. Seek Wisdom: Engage in conversations with professionals in the psychology field or any other field you're considering. They can offer priceless insights into their daily experiences, hurdles, and the satisfaction of their profession. Career advisors at your school can also assist you in navigating the decision-making process.
5. Ponder Your Aspirations: Reflect on your long-term ambitions and how a career in psychology aligns with them. Evaluate factors like work-life harmony, job security, growth opportunities, and personal satisfaction. Contemplation on these aspects can aid you in making a well-informed choice.
6. Embrace Flexibility: Remember that it's perfectly fine to reconsider your career path as you gain more experience and self-knowledge. Exploring various options and welcoming new opportunities can guide you to a rewarding career that resonates with your interests and strengths.
Keep in mind that career selection is a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and lifelong learning. It's natural to experience uncertainty, but by actively assessing your interests and gaining experience, you can boost your confidence in pursuing a career that's the perfect fit for you.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA offers valuable resources on psychology careers, including details on various specialties within the field, educational prerequisites, and professional growth opportunities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides extensive data on a range of occupations, including job forecasts, average salaries, and educational requirements. This information can assist you in making well-informed decisions about potential career paths.
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop offers tools and resources for exploring various careers, assessing skills and interests, and identifying training programs. It offers trustworthy information to support your career decision-making process.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.