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What career and jobs should i choose?

I am in 9th grade and i am just beginning to explore my future career, what are some careers and helpful next steps I should consider based on my passions and interests?

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Subject: Career question for you

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Juliana’s Answer

Wendy,

That is a tough question to answer. Knowing what career to choose is such a personal decision. I will give you the same advice I give my children.

1. No matter your choice, you are not stuck there for life if you do not like it.
2. Make sure you always know how to do something practical that you can fall back on.
3. Be willing to work hard and do your best no matter what.
4. Look at what you are interested in now and what you are not. Keep a running list of these. I still have a list of things I want to try in the future, so you're not limited in doing it all now.
5. Make use of your school's resources. Talk to your guidance counselor. They often have work-study program ideas or can help set up times to observe people doing different jobs.
6. Your job does not have to be the be-all and end-all of your life. You can work an OK job for the money because it offers you the flexibility to live life how you want to.
7. Dream big. Aim for the stars. Do the hardest thing you can think of and start there.
8. Check with your local library. They often have resources or offer classes, or know where you can take classes, to try different things.
9. Ask adults who know you well what they see your strengths as.
10. Don't think that just because you're not good at something you can't try it, or continue to do it. Sometimes it's just fun to do different things.
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Patrecia (Trish)’s Answer

Wendy, it's wonderful to see such a crucial topic sparking interest in 9th graders like yourself. I'm genuinely impressed by your forward-thinking attitude at this stage of your life. Remember, you're equipped with a plethora of resources and still have ample time during your high school journey to strategize for your future.

Begin by exploring the careers within your family, see if there's someone doing something you might love. Alternatively, recall the dreams you had as a child, and consider if any of those still resonate with you. If you're still unsure, there are complimentary career aptitude tests online that can guide you towards potential job paths that align with your personality traits.

Here's a simple plan to help you navigate this process:

1. Choose 3 or 4 potential careers that pique your interest.
2. Dive into researching them:
- Discover the potential earnings
- Understand the necessary education
- Learn about the career trajectory
- Identify the companies that hire for these roles
- Find out which colleges offer relevant programs
3. Shortlist the colleges you might want to attend.
4. Consider the location of these institutions.
5. Look into the tuition fees.
6. Research available grants and scholarships.
7. Understand the application process and acceptance criteria, such as SAT/ACT scores.

Starting here, immerse yourself in extensive research. If there are any high school courses that could sharpen your focus or enhance your college experience, don't hesitate to take them early on. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So, start stepping, Wendy!
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Andrea’s Answer

Hello Wendy,

It's fantastic to hear that you're beginning to contemplate your professional journey. Always let your passions and desires guide your decisions. Take time to delve into your interests and hobbies. Identify an industry or sector that truly resonates with you and where you'd love to contribute your skills.

Never let others' opinions about a job's financial prospects deter you. While it might not offer high pay initially, with time and dedication, the financial rewards will follow. Remember the saying, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." This means that when you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. It becomes a source of joy and fulfillment.
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Ryan’s Answer

Hello Wendy,

I encourage you to start by reflecting on the activities that truly ignite your passion, rather than focusing on specific subjects or fields. What are the things that you genuinely love doing? Perhaps you have a knack for numbers, or maybe you're a master at organizing and planning. You might be someone who enjoys solving puzzles, or perhaps public speaking excites you. Maybe you have a deep love for writing, or you thrive when working in a team. Or perhaps, you feel most alive when you're outdoors.

Identifying these passions and then linking them to careers where these activities play a significant role is a fantastic strategy to find a job that you'll truly love.

This method is a departure from the typical approach, where people often start by considering a field or subject that fascinates them. Remember, enjoying studying a subject doesn't necessarily mean you'll enjoy the work related to it.

For instance, I was intrigued by law and consequently pursued law school. However, I soon realized that the daily tasks of a lawyer didn't bring me joy. I thrive when I'm collaborating with a diverse group of people and solving complex puzzles. This led me to transition into a Human Resources role in a large company, where I could engage in these activities. Even though I never imagined myself in HR, I find the work much more fulfilling. So, Wendy, dive deep into your passions and you might be surprised where they lead you!
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Luciano’s Answer

Dear Wendy,

It's great that you're thinking about your career path.
One excellent resource could be your current school, which may offer career guidance services.

Additionally, there could be local services in your city that provide free lectures and events related to career planning.

You might also consider seeking out professionals who specialize in career assessments. They can conduct interviews and tests with you to help you understand your preferences and suggest potential paths tailored to your interests.

And always remember, it's never too late to change your path. It's completely normal to shift gears, even after several years into your career.

You're on the right track, Wendy! Best of luck on your journey!
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Afrad’s Answer

Hi Wendy -

It's great that you're thinking about this early and have a few paths in mind. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that "epiphany" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.

At times, simply travelling this path of discovery is what's needed to highlight opportunities for us.

On the other hand, spend time thinking about what it important to you. What about a job or career do you value most? Money, impact (making a difference), low demanding, being famous, etc. Once you know what's most important to you, that will help you further narrow down the best career for you.

Hope this helps, best of luck!
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Elizabeth’s Answer

So great to hear you're already thinking about this! My first piece of advice is: Don't sweat it too much.

When I started my career lo 30+ years ago I worked for a software company as their public relations specialist. Mind you that's what I went to school/grad school/four internships for. Nine months into the job I realized I hated it and had to leave, to do what I had no idea.

Enter temp agencies.

I quit that job and had nothing lined up, so I went to a temp agency (e.g., Randstad, Aerotek, Adecco to name a few national ones) and started a gig at RR Donnelley & Sons. They noticed my journalism degree and PR experience and put me on a project documenting a new metrics tracking system. I. LOVED. IT. I said to my manager, "Gosh I love doing this, I wish I could do this full-time!" To wit he replied, "Uh, you can, it's called technical writing and you can make a lot of money doing it."

Two weeks later I started my first contract gig as a tech writer and LOVED it. That eventually evolved into instructional design, then managing training teams, and now I work for an education publishing company managing their data intelligence team.

My point? First, there are jobs and careers out there that folks don't even know exist but can be the greatest pursuit you could ever imagine. Further, there are jobs and careers that haven't even been invented yet! (Example: Now there are gigs for folks who can work with AI, that surely didn't exist back in the day.) And finally, there are ways to discover what your passion may be through temporary and per-project gigs. You just never know what doors may open for you!

Remember how I said don't sweat it? Really, don't. Do your best with your school work, volunteer, join clubs, be active, and if a door of opportunity opens walk right through it! You got this!
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Wendy, thanks for the questions. First off, it's great that you're starting to think about this now. Knowledge is power and the more informed you are about these things, the better off I believe you'll be. I'm going to offer up a few tidbits based on my own professional experience.

1. There are many different combinations of jobs out there, so many more than what you would probably expect. The career you may end up in may be wildly different than what you want initially, but it still may end up being a perfect fit. Keep an open mind!

2. Think about not necessarily what your "passion" is. Instead, think about things that come naturally to you. Being in the 9th grade, you are still developing many skills but you may already have an idea about what is effortless for you. For example, in your personal life, maybe you keep very organized notes, or a journal. You could have a knack for keeping things organized and keeping things tidy. Thinking about realistic careers, a project manager would use these skills every day. Your unique combination of skills, expertise, and personality may make you a great fit for a job you've never even considered before. Basing your future career on your interests doesn't guarantee job satisfaction. When I was your age, I wanted to be a movie director. I ended up going to college for Marketing for some reason. Then my first job out of college was working in Banking. I had multiple jobs over the next 10 years and now I work a job that I love that is completely different than anything that came before it, a job that fits my personality and skills more than my interests.

3. The big next step is to do lots and lots of research, as well as utilize any resources your school offers. Get informed, learn as much as possible about yourself, about jobs that pique your interest, etc. I wouldn't say it is necessary to pick a career path right now though, you still have lots of time!
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Stanley’s Answer

Hi Wendy,

The job market is constantly changing and shifting on a daily basis which leads to the lack of a silver bullet in the case of your amazing question.

Some next steps that I would recommend are the following:

1) Get a piece of paper and a pen/pencil to jot down all of your interests / passions.
2) From the list you create from 1) above, create a short list of your top 3-5 interests / passions.
3) From that short list, look into what extra-curricular groups are offered at your high school or even outside of your high school in your area that you can join. This is a great way to dive deeper into your interests / passions while also expanding your network with like-minded folks who are interested / passionate about the same things.
4) If any of your interests / passions are in relation to a course offered in your high school, share that with the teacher or teachers who are part of that subject as they will also be great mentors for you to have as you continue to explore.
5) The most important part of all if you are to remember anything is to have fun, be open-minded, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone as new passions / interests arise.

All the best Wendy!
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Rei’s Answer

Hello Wendy,

It's absolutely fantastic that you're already considering your future at such a young age! There's no need to worry or stress, instead, use this time to your advantage and explore a variety of opportunities and ideas. Here are some suggestions:

1. Immerse yourself in a subject that sparks your curiosity. Learn about it in school, participate in related projects outside of school, and gain a comprehensive understanding from various angles. Experiment with a few and discover which ones resonate with you and why.

2. Embrace your school life and the world beyond it, and reflect on the activities that bring you joy. Whether it's meeting new people, planning an event, leading a team, or delving into research on a topic you love. Seek feedback from your close friends and family about what they value in you.

3. Engage with the adults in your life, browse YouTube or other media platforms to discover the wide range of professions available and learn about them.

These explorations will help you identify your passions, understand the activities you enjoy and excel at, and familiarize yourself with the current job market. From this knowledge, you can then determine if there's a specific job that seems like a perfect match for you, and identify any additional education or skills you might need to pursue it. Best of luck on your journey!
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Amy’s Answer

It's fantastic that you're beginning to delve into potential future careers. As you continue to advance in your educational journey, you'll discover new careers and opportunities, so always keep your options open.

I can personally attest to the fact that nursing has been an incredibly fulfilling career for me, providing aid to others in times of health, sickness, and overall wellness. My experience spans across various fields such as med/surg nursing, orthopedic nursing, diabetes education, diabetes camp nursing, covid tracing, and most recently, serving as an occupational nurse at the world's leading entertainment company. The beauty of a nursing degree is the myriad of opportunities it opens up in numerous settings.

So, chase what ignites your passion, and strive to learn as much as you can!
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Marissa’s Answer

Identifying what you're passionate about is the first step. From there, see what roles are out there in relation to what you enjoy. For example, are you competitive and enjoy talking to people? Maybe sales is a good area to look at. If you know anyone in those particular roles or fields, don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions about their role. Those conversations can also open up to you learning about other roles that you may not be aware of. Another thing you can do is explore social media. With social media now, there are ways for you to gain more insight into roles and the day to day, which is great!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Wendy,

Embarking on the journey to choose a career can be a thrilling yet daunting task, particularly as you're just starting to explore the world of possibilities in the 9th grade. It's crucial to factor in your passions, hobbies, abilities, and values as you navigate towards the perfect career for you. While it's not feasible to offer a precise answer without understanding your unique preferences, here are some general steps and careers to contemplate based on various interests:

1. Science and Technology:
For those who are passionate about science and technology, a multitude of career paths await. Some potential options include:
- Engineering: If designing solutions and problem-solving excites you, engineering could be a fantastic fit. There are numerous branches of engineering such as mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and aerospace engineering.
- Computer Science: If coding, software development, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity piques your interest, a career in computer science could be highly rewarding.
- Biotechnology: If biology and its applications in medicine and agriculture fascinate you, a career in biotechnology could be worth your while. This field involves utilizing living organisms or their products to develop innovative technologies and products.

2. Arts and Humanities:
For the creatively inclined who enjoy expressing themselves through art or literature, several career paths may resonate with your interests. Some potential options include:
- Fine Arts: If you have a knack for painting, sculpting, or other visual arts, a career as an artist or art director could be deeply satisfying.
- Writing and Journalism: If you possess strong writing skills and love storytelling, a career in writing or journalism could be a great match. Opportunities include becoming an author, journalist, content writer, or editor.
- Performing Arts: If acting, dancing, or music is your passion, a career in the performing arts could be your calling. This field includes careers such as actor/actress, dancer, musician, or theater director.

3. Business and Entrepreneurship:
For those with a flair for leadership, problem-solving, and business, various career paths beckon. Some potential options include:
- Management: If organizing and leading teams is your forte, a career in management could be a great fit. This field includes roles such as project manager, human resources manager, or operations manager.
- Entrepreneurship: If innovation drives you and you dream of owning your own business, entrepreneurship might be the perfect path for you.
- Marketing and Advertising: If you possess strong communication skills and enjoy promoting products or services, a career in marketing or advertising could be a great fit. This field includes roles such as marketing manager, advertising executive, or market researcher.

It's crucial to remember that these are just a handful of potential career paths based on different interests. There are innumerable other options across various industries. To make an informed decision about your future career, consider taking the following steps:

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and weaknesses. Think about what activities bring you happiness and satisfaction.
2. Research: Delve into different careers that align with your interests. Investigate job descriptions, required qualifications, salary ranges, and growth prospects.
3. Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in fields that intrigue you. This could include internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs.
4. Networking: Connect with professionals in fields of interest through networking events or online platforms like LinkedIn. Seek their advice and learn from their experiences.
5. Continued Education: Investigate educational requirements for your desired career paths. Consider pursuing higher education or vocational training programs that can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Bear in mind that career exploration is an ongoing process, and it's perfectly normal for your interests to shift over time. Stay open-minded, be ready to explore new opportunities, and embrace the concept of lifelong learning.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
1. The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics - www.bls.gov
3. CareerOneStop - www.careeronestop.org

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY.
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Angel’s Answer

If you didn't decide yet, don't worry it's not too late.

I tried to get know as much as many positions possible. If you didn't choose something very specific like medicine, you can try to work something that's not very concrete. The work envoiourment will help you to find you best position fit.

HPE volunteering team
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PwC’s Answer

Don’t stress about the process too much. Finding your passion should be fun! Follow your curiosity. Trust your instincts.
Trust your gut, you got this!

Keep an open mind and try to take classes in school that align with your interests. Try something new, you never know what’s gonna happen.
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