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What can I do to find out which interests would help me find a career?

Is it okay not to have that strong of a plan?

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Alan’s Answer

Danica, it's absolutely okay to not have a clear plan. Many students entering college haven't established one yet. One of the purposes of college is for students to explore the possibilities. But you can start now by considering your interests, hobbies, skills, experiences and values, and try to figure out what they tell you about what career might suit you well. There are also quizzes available, such as those on MyPlan.com, which can help with this process. Take things one step at a time. As you get closer to college, go to the websites of the ones you're considering and look over the programs they offer. Talk to counselors, and when representatives of colleges come to your school, make sure to talk with them as well.
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Brittney’s Answer

This is an excellent question! It can be challenging deciding on which career path to take, and it is especially hard when you can see yourself doing well in a variety of career paths. Thankfully, there are several ways you can go about evaluating which career path would be best for you.

One way to see if a career path is right for you is to talk to someone who is already in the field, or gain experience in the field if possible. All professionals were students once, and most are more than happy to talk to you about their day-to-day and any other questions you may have about their career field! You can connect with professionals using LinkedIn. You can also see if there are any volunteer or internship programs for that industry in your local community. For example, I was able to participate in a program in my local community called "teen court" when I was in High School. It helped me gain a bit more familiarity with the work of attorneys.

I would also recommend researching the annual income of each career path you are interested in, as this could help you prioritize some options over others. It is important to know if the career path you choose will be able to support the life style you are trying to achieve after college. Everyone has their own preferences, so there is no right or wrong answer! The goal is find a career that you can be happy with and also comfortable in.

I wish you all the best!
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Luciano’s Answer

Hey there Danica! No need to stress, it's absolutely okay to feel a bit lost at this point.
Some of my colleagues have already shared a few suggestions, but I think they're worth emphasizing.
Don't hesitate to seek assistance from someone at your current school.
There's likely a department or a professional there who can provide career or vocational guidance, and the best part is, it usually doesn't cost anything.
You might also find that there's a free service in your town, designed to assist students or professionals who are just beginning their journey or are considering a career switch.
There are also career professionals out there who provide these services for a fee. They use well-established methods, conducting interviews and tests with you and perhaps a family member, to get a clear picture of your situation, your talents, your likes and dislikes. This way, they can create a profile and identify some potential fields where you might enjoy working.
Remember, nothing is set in stone!
As you grow and gain more experiences, your career path may shift, and that's perfectly okay. It's all part of the process.
I know it sounds challenging, but it's so crucial to find something that brings you joy, something you truly love doing!
So, aim for that, not just a job or a paycheck. Because at the end of the day, your happiness, both personally and professionally, is what truly matters.
Best of luck to you!
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Kristen’s Answer

Hello Danica! What a lovely question and I thank you for being brave enough to ask this one. It's ok not to have a strong plan because that makes your entire journey more adventurous. If you have any hobbies or things that you sincerely enjoy participating in, even if those aren't school related, I would say that's an excellent place to start. Hone in on what makes you happiest and what you feel you are most passionate about. These are the beginnings of great plans. :) When I started high school, I had no intention of continuing my education. Without a plan (even well into my senior year) I was feeling lost. It's a sometimes lonely and often dark area called "uncertainty" that we brave ones find ourselves in. Allow yourself to ask questions, gather information, and formulate your own answers. For yourself. Others might try to discourage you or redirect the winds in your sails. My advice is to give them very little, if any, attention at all. These moments of uncertainty will pass. I jumped into college because I was unsure of how exactly to get past these areas of uncertainty. I met life changing people and continued on my educational path until I earned two master's degrees. Who would have thought? I hadn't planned any of it, but instead embraced the adventure. That is my hope for you my friend. If college isn't even a thought in your mind, I can assure you that it's ok. You will figure it out with time. Some of the best people I know never attended colleges or universities. I now work at an amazing accounting firm with more of those life changing people that life scatters in our paths. They're out there waiting for you too! Plans are nice to have but plans often change. My degrees have nothing to do with accounting and if anyone would have told me that this is where I'd be now, I would have laughed REALLY hard at them! It's ok to allow yourself to change your mind, rediscover what you love, and allow yourself to grow into new plans. Start with the hobbies though for sure! I enjoy helping others and that's really broad. It's ok to start with broader ideas like this and then gently, patiently grow into more focused ideas with time. You can do anything. I hope you never forget that. Wonderful things are on the way for you and no plan is necessary. :)

Kristen recommends the following next steps:

Start thinking about the hobbies and interests that bring you joy.
Research these areas and discover small steps you can take toward those areas becoming more of a focus in your life.
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Bushra’s Answer

Danica, you're asking a crucial question that we've all grappled with on our path. It's perfectly fine to feel swamped by options, but it's even more vital to seize every chance to sample potential fields. This way, you can at least eliminate what you don't want to pursue. There are several ways you can explore to get a solid understanding of your career goals. Don't hesitate to discover your true passion - the most crucial step is to SEEK.

- Participate in career advisory networks or listen to career podcasts
- Engage in volunteer work
- Pursue internships to gain a deeper understanding of businesses
- Enroll in courses to expand your knowledge.

Hope this helps
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Sadaf’s Answer

There are a few things you can do to find out which interests would help you find a career:

Think about what you enjoy doing. What are your hobbies? What are you passionate about? Make a list of all the things you enjoy doing, both big and small.
Consider your skills and talents. What are you good at? What do you excel in? Think about your strengths and weaknesses, and how you can use your skills and talents in a career.
Research different careers. Once you have a good understanding of your interests and skills, start researching different careers. There are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also talk to people who work in different fields to learn more about their jobs.
Take career assessments. There are a number of career assessments available online that can help you identify your interests and skills, and match them to potential careers.
It is okay not to have a strong plan at first. Many people change their minds about their career goals several times before they find the right fit. The important thing is to be open to exploring different options and to keep learning and growing.

Here are some additional tips for finding a career that you love:

Talk to people in different fields. One of the best ways to learn about different careers is to talk to people who work in those fields. Ask them about their job duties, what they like and dislike about their jobs, and what advice they would give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in their field.
Volunteer or intern in different fields. Volunteering or interning in different fields is a great way to get hands-on experience and to see if a particular career is a good fit for you.
Don't be afraid to change your mind. It is perfectly normal to change your mind about your career goals. The important thing is to find a career that you are passionate about and that you will enjoy doing.
I hope this information is helpful. Good luck with your career search!
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Marlyce’s Answer

Does your school host a career day or offer job shadowing opportunities? These events can be a great way to explore different career paths and understand what they require. Don't hesitate to reach out to your guidance counselor for help. They may even have a test you can take to discover what careers might suit your unique strengths.

Choosing a lifelong career isn't always straightforward. It's perfectly normal to change your mind once you've entered the workforce. Sometimes, people realize their current job no longer interests them and they want to try something new. And that's perfectly okay!

Just remember, try to avoid accumulating debt. Having to pay off student loans for many years can be a burden.

Best of luck on your career journey!
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