7 answers
Brooklynn
Student
Columbus, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know what the right career for me is?
I am interested in multiple careers at the moment. Mainly Journalism and Architecture, but how do I know which one I should choose? I don't want to choose a career and end up hating it. I want to love what I do. I want to be creative and both career options allow me to do that especially Architecture. I also want to work with people and I know journalism has that aspect i'm looking for, but I don't know if architecture does.
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7 answers
Paige Hanley
Consultant
24
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Paige’s Answer
Hi Brooklynn! Choosing a career can definitely be difficult and sometimes feel overwhelming. Sometimes I find it helpful to set aside some dedicated time to think through a few things:
- Self-reflection: What skills do you feel you natural have? Are you more inclined towards artistic endeavors, critical thinking, writing, spatial and visual skills?
- Research: Spend some time in google or chatgpt, what are the typical daily tasks or responsibilities for journalists and architects? How does somebody progress in each field? Are there any industry trends to be aware of? Which field has better job prospects?
- Decision-making tools: Make a pros and cons list, it sounds silly and kind of basic but I've found it can really help organize your thinking. You could also try visualizing your life 5, 10, 20 years down the road in each profession. How do you feel about each scenario?
Ultimately, remember it's okay to change one's mind. I went to college loving accounting and thinking I'd go that path. Took my first class and hated it. People shift careers many many times in their lives. You may start one and decide at any time you want to shift, it is possible. Or who knows, maybe you'll become a journalist who writes about architecture or an architecture with a real talent for writing!
- Self-reflection: What skills do you feel you natural have? Are you more inclined towards artistic endeavors, critical thinking, writing, spatial and visual skills?
- Research: Spend some time in google or chatgpt, what are the typical daily tasks or responsibilities for journalists and architects? How does somebody progress in each field? Are there any industry trends to be aware of? Which field has better job prospects?
- Decision-making tools: Make a pros and cons list, it sounds silly and kind of basic but I've found it can really help organize your thinking. You could also try visualizing your life 5, 10, 20 years down the road in each profession. How do you feel about each scenario?
Ultimately, remember it's okay to change one's mind. I went to college loving accounting and thinking I'd go that path. Took my first class and hated it. People shift careers many many times in their lives. You may start one and decide at any time you want to shift, it is possible. Or who knows, maybe you'll become a journalist who writes about architecture or an architecture with a real talent for writing!
Thank you for the advice.
Brooklynn
Courtney Hedberg
Project Management
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Hi Brooklynn,
There are some great answers here. Know that it is ok to think of your career as a journey, not a destination. And it will evolve and shift over time as you learn, grow and change.
I, too, was a Journalism/Communications major. I thought I would go down the magazine/feature article writing route. Instead, I actually ended up spending a lot of my career in corporate marketing, working in various groups and learning key skills along the way that helped me continue to grow. This ranged from advertising to public relations to web development to events to marketing campaigns. I found the Journalism degree versatile - particularly from a communications and creative angle, as well as across industries.
I agree with Cory's answer - you could maybe look into seeing whether you could shadow someone at an architecture firm to give you a sense of day-to-day from an architect's point of view if that feels more uncertain for you than what to expect from the Journalism side.
Hope that helps!
Courtney
There are some great answers here. Know that it is ok to think of your career as a journey, not a destination. And it will evolve and shift over time as you learn, grow and change.
I, too, was a Journalism/Communications major. I thought I would go down the magazine/feature article writing route. Instead, I actually ended up spending a lot of my career in corporate marketing, working in various groups and learning key skills along the way that helped me continue to grow. This ranged from advertising to public relations to web development to events to marketing campaigns. I found the Journalism degree versatile - particularly from a communications and creative angle, as well as across industries.
I agree with Cory's answer - you could maybe look into seeing whether you could shadow someone at an architecture firm to give you a sense of day-to-day from an architect's point of view if that feels more uncertain for you than what to expect from the Journalism side.
Hope that helps!
Courtney
Alecia A. Skaggs
2
Answers
Edmond, Oklahoma
Updated
Alecia A.’s Answer
Research what courses are needed to achieve either of your career choices, also find out what universities offer your degree choices. Talk to your counselor or advisor, to find out what the prerequisites are for journalism, and architecture. Good luck😃👍
Elsie Chong
Marketing
4
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Elsie’s Answer
Just like Paige pointed out earlier - it's absolutely fine to have a change of heart!
No matter what professional journey you embark on, you're guaranteed to acquire valuable skills and knowledge that will serve you for a lifetime. As time unfolds, you'll naturally uncover where your true vocational passion resides.
If you can spare the time, a great strategy to 'trial run' your interests is to consciously dedicate time to them. For instance, you might decide to volunteer to write for a column or engage in architectural work. Typically, the right choices invigorate you and keep you eager to accomplish more!
No matter what professional journey you embark on, you're guaranteed to acquire valuable skills and knowledge that will serve you for a lifetime. As time unfolds, you'll naturally uncover where your true vocational passion resides.
If you can spare the time, a great strategy to 'trial run' your interests is to consciously dedicate time to them. For instance, you might decide to volunteer to write for a column or engage in architectural work. Typically, the right choices invigorate you and keep you eager to accomplish more!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Brooklynn,
Embark on a journey of self-discovery. Take a moment to reflect on your strengths, the things you excel at, and tasks that come naturally to you. Remember, at least half of your genetic makeup is inherited from your parents. Sometimes, we even carry traits from our ancestors who lived a thousand years ago. So, if your father is a lawyer and your mother a teacher, it's likely that you might thrive in similar fields. This could be a wonderful way to keep the family legacy alive.
You have a profound desire, a deep-seated need to lend a hand to others, not just to your elderly neighbor who struggles to split her own firewood. Absolutely, extend your help. It's our moral compass that often nudges us to assist others. This sense of empathy can guide you towards choosing the most fulfilling career paths. Utilize resources like Google to research the best institutions for your desired qualifications. My comprehensive list of the top 500 hospitals can assist you in choosing the most suitable clinics if your heart is set on a career in the medical field, be it as a doctor, a nurse, or an allied health professional. The Mayo Clinic is at the top of the list.
Ultimately, it all boils down to where your passion lies. And remember, it's perfectly okay for your passions to evolve over time!
Warm regards,
Jim
Embark on a journey of self-discovery. Take a moment to reflect on your strengths, the things you excel at, and tasks that come naturally to you. Remember, at least half of your genetic makeup is inherited from your parents. Sometimes, we even carry traits from our ancestors who lived a thousand years ago. So, if your father is a lawyer and your mother a teacher, it's likely that you might thrive in similar fields. This could be a wonderful way to keep the family legacy alive.
You have a profound desire, a deep-seated need to lend a hand to others, not just to your elderly neighbor who struggles to split her own firewood. Absolutely, extend your help. It's our moral compass that often nudges us to assist others. This sense of empathy can guide you towards choosing the most fulfilling career paths. Utilize resources like Google to research the best institutions for your desired qualifications. My comprehensive list of the top 500 hospitals can assist you in choosing the most suitable clinics if your heart is set on a career in the medical field, be it as a doctor, a nurse, or an allied health professional. The Mayo Clinic is at the top of the list.
Ultimately, it all boils down to where your passion lies. And remember, it's perfectly okay for your passions to evolve over time!
Warm regards,
Jim
Chuqi Zhen
Software Engineer
17
Answers
Weehawken, New Jersey
Updated
Chuqi’s Answer
Hello Brooklynn! It's wonderful that you already know what you are interested in. Often, individuals struggle to identify a starting point for their careers, so having Journalism and Architecture as your focal points is a remarkable head start. As a student, you're in a unique position where you can delve into both fields without the pressure of making an immediate choice. Immerse yourself in relevant courses and seek out internship opportunities if you can. This will equip you with a deeper understanding and help you make an informed decision when the time comes. Don't forget, there's also the exciting possibility of exploring career paths that beautifully blend Journalism and Architecture.
Cory Yeager, PE, SE, MsC, PPM
49
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
Paige’s answer is awesome.
Would only add the following. Call the local paper/magazine and architecture firm.
Explain your situation and wondered whether they would explain a day in the life of themselves.
Some medium sized architecture firms may even let you shadow someone.
May also look up college graduation requirements sometimes looking at class descriptions may help identify skills owned and needed.
Good luck.
Would only add the following. Call the local paper/magazine and architecture firm.
Explain your situation and wondered whether they would explain a day in the life of themselves.
Some medium sized architecture firms may even let you shadow someone.
May also look up college graduation requirements sometimes looking at class descriptions may help identify skills owned and needed.
Good luck.