5 answers
Peyton
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know if I am choosing the right career?
I'm having trouble choosing a career. I have a few in mind but I don't know how to tell if they'll be the right one for me.
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5 answers
Michael Mattera, P.E., MBA
Project Engineer
6
Answers
Ponca City, Oklahoma
Updated
Michael’s Answer
This is relatively simple. Pick two things you like to do. For me cooking and singing were my two. I figured I won't be the next Michael Buble, Jackson or Bolton or the next famous chef. So I picked a career that could financially support the things I loved. I wanted a really nice kitchen to cook and have the opportunity to sing on Sundays so my career path was chosen based on it being able to support those two things. If you chose a career path that doesn't financially support the things you love then its not the right path. WHY can I boldly say that....because I see so many people choose a career that pays very little and then they are disgruntled the rest of their life. And by the way, my favorite singer? You never heard of before, but I hosted (paid for) a local concert for him and his pianist because I could afford the $15K it took to get him there! When you make enough money, you can support the things you love.
Candace Barr
Consulting, Coaching + Career Document Development
3
Answers
Birmingham, Alabama
Updated
Candace’s Answer
Selecting your career is a major, life-impacting choice and an intimidating decision to have to make when you are young.
First, know that careers are fluid; I work with lots of high-level technology leaders, but their actual college degree is often in something totally unrelated. It is also entirely possible to shift and change careers, I help my clients do it all the time. So take a small amount of pressure off of yourself and know that your degree is just one aspect of your career, not the be-all end-all.
That said, an aligned degree will make entry into your desired field easier. I recommend building a list of your strengths and weaknesses. This is important because, for example, if you are shy or apprehensive about unsolicited conversations, you will not thrive in a sales role. Compare your list to the skills required in job listings and evaluate your match. This is a great starting point to narrow down the wide array of career options.
First, know that careers are fluid; I work with lots of high-level technology leaders, but their actual college degree is often in something totally unrelated. It is also entirely possible to shift and change careers, I help my clients do it all the time. So take a small amount of pressure off of yourself and know that your degree is just one aspect of your career, not the be-all end-all.
That said, an aligned degree will make entry into your desired field easier. I recommend building a list of your strengths and weaknesses. This is important because, for example, if you are shy or apprehensive about unsolicited conversations, you will not thrive in a sales role. Compare your list to the skills required in job listings and evaluate your match. This is a great starting point to narrow down the wide array of career options.
Quaison McKitty
Radio Frequency Engineer
3
Answers
West Nyack, New York
Updated
Quaison’s Answer
Hello Peyton,
Deciding on a career path can indeed be challenging, but it's great to hear that you already have a few options in mind. Lets try and break it down into manageable steps.
First, consider your current educational stage. Are you in middle school, high school, or perhaps your first year of college? Your position in your educational journey can help guide your next steps.
Next, reach out to the people who can provide valuable insights. This could be your teachers, guidance counselors, or professors. They can offer advice based on their experience and knowledge.
Then, broaden your exposure to potential careers. Attend career fairs to get a feel for different industries and job roles. This can give you a better idea of what you might enjoy and excel at.
Additionally, take advantage of online networking platforms like LinkedIn. After setting up your profile, follow leading companies in your preferred industry. This can keep you updated about industry trends and potential job opportunities.
Deciding on a career path can indeed be challenging, but it's great to hear that you already have a few options in mind. Lets try and break it down into manageable steps.
First, consider your current educational stage. Are you in middle school, high school, or perhaps your first year of college? Your position in your educational journey can help guide your next steps.
Next, reach out to the people who can provide valuable insights. This could be your teachers, guidance counselors, or professors. They can offer advice based on their experience and knowledge.
Then, broaden your exposure to potential careers. Attend career fairs to get a feel for different industries and job roles. This can give you a better idea of what you might enjoy and excel at.
Additionally, take advantage of online networking platforms like LinkedIn. After setting up your profile, follow leading companies in your preferred industry. This can keep you updated about industry trends and potential job opportunities.
Queen Akpan
Event planner
1
Answer
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Queen’s Answer
The average person spends around one-third of their life working, so it’s no surprise that many people want to find a career that will be a good fit for them. Choosing a career first means learning as much as you can about yourself, your goals, and the larger context of work. Use the list below to help you begin that process.
1. Examine yourself.
What you enjoy doing and what you value can be helpful indicators about how you’d like to spend your working time. We’re not talking about finding and following your passion—that approach tends to be misleading and confusing. But it’s common to want to feel energized and even excited about what you do. Think over the following questions about your interests, values, and traits, and consider how you might answer them
1. Examine yourself.
What you enjoy doing and what you value can be helpful indicators about how you’d like to spend your working time. We’re not talking about finding and following your passion—that approach tends to be misleading and confusing. But it’s common to want to feel energized and even excited about what you do. Think over the following questions about your interests, values, and traits, and consider how you might answer them
Marlyce Campbell
Respiratory Therapist
42
Answers
WaKeeney, Kansas
Updated
Marlyce’s Answer
Explore the possibility of your guidance counselor providing a test that can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and personal preferences. This can be a valuable step towards understanding yourself better.
Consider trying out job shadowing, as it can provide you with a glimpse into potential careers. Not only does it offer a sense of what you might enjoy, but it also provides insight into the responsibilities and advantages or disadvantages of a particular career.
Remember, it's perfectly normal if you haven't figured out your career path yet. Some people discover their passion early in their teenage years, while others take a bit more time - and that's perfectly okay.
The most important thing is to choose a career that brings you joy. Don't rush the process. Take your time and don't hesitate to seek help when you need it. You're on a journey to find what makes you happiest, and there's no need to rush that journey.
Consider trying out job shadowing, as it can provide you with a glimpse into potential careers. Not only does it offer a sense of what you might enjoy, but it also provides insight into the responsibilities and advantages or disadvantages of a particular career.
Remember, it's perfectly normal if you haven't figured out your career path yet. Some people discover their passion early in their teenage years, while others take a bit more time - and that's perfectly okay.
The most important thing is to choose a career that brings you joy. Don't rush the process. Take your time and don't hesitate to seek help when you need it. You're on a journey to find what makes you happiest, and there's no need to rush that journey.