8 answers
Anie
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How do you know what career to go learn for after high school ?
Like how do you know what career to go into which one to choose as a major for an income .
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8 answers
Ganesh Subramaniam
Technology Architect / Senior Manager
9
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Ganesh’s Answer
Hello Anie,
Your question is truly fantastic, and I'm thrilled you've asked it.
Regrettably, the selection of a College Major Course, and thus, our career path, is often influenced more by potential income than by our passions and what truly motivates us.
However, I firmly believe that if you pursue a subject you're genuinely interested in and excel in it, you'll undoubtedly earn a living from it. Choosing a study course solely based on its current market prospects could lead to several undesirable outcomes. For instance, by the time you complete your course, it may no longer be relevant or in demand. Or worse, you could end up trapped in a job you despise, forcing yourself to work each day instead of relishing your work and learning new things daily. Moreover, if you opt for a course that doesn't engage you, there's a real risk of dropping out of college, even after obtaining an Education Loan. I've known individuals who left engineering to pursue a course in Mountaineering!
So, in response to your question, it would be wise to converse with people from various professions to gain a deeper understanding of what those roles entail. Then, make your decision based on what truly captivates you or what you're passionate about. Another strategy, if you're open to extending your learning period, is to choose a fundamental subject (like Mechanical Engineering or Software Engineering) and identify your preferred specialization during the course. This approach keeps your options open, allowing you to either find work (possibly in a different field) after graduation or pursue a master's degree specializing in a subfield of your core subject. For instance, Mechanical Engineers could specialize in Aerospace, Aeronautics, Automobile, etc., while Software Engineers could delve into Data Science, Cyber Security, and so on.
Your question is truly fantastic, and I'm thrilled you've asked it.
Regrettably, the selection of a College Major Course, and thus, our career path, is often influenced more by potential income than by our passions and what truly motivates us.
However, I firmly believe that if you pursue a subject you're genuinely interested in and excel in it, you'll undoubtedly earn a living from it. Choosing a study course solely based on its current market prospects could lead to several undesirable outcomes. For instance, by the time you complete your course, it may no longer be relevant or in demand. Or worse, you could end up trapped in a job you despise, forcing yourself to work each day instead of relishing your work and learning new things daily. Moreover, if you opt for a course that doesn't engage you, there's a real risk of dropping out of college, even after obtaining an Education Loan. I've known individuals who left engineering to pursue a course in Mountaineering!
So, in response to your question, it would be wise to converse with people from various professions to gain a deeper understanding of what those roles entail. Then, make your decision based on what truly captivates you or what you're passionate about. Another strategy, if you're open to extending your learning period, is to choose a fundamental subject (like Mechanical Engineering or Software Engineering) and identify your preferred specialization during the course. This approach keeps your options open, allowing you to either find work (possibly in a different field) after graduation or pursue a master's degree specializing in a subfield of your core subject. For instance, Mechanical Engineers could specialize in Aerospace, Aeronautics, Automobile, etc., while Software Engineers could delve into Data Science, Cyber Security, and so on.
Pat Black
Quality manager
12
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Pat’s Answer
Navigating your career path can indeed be a daunting task. However, the contemporary work landscape offers you the flexibility to explore various industries and roles until you discover your perfect fit. You're no longer bound to a single career for your entire life, as was the norm for workers in the 50's through the 70's.
My degree in International Business opened up a plethora of opportunities for me within the management sector. I also dabbled in logistics, transport management, and supply chain management courses - areas I was completely unfamiliar with as a child. I chose these courses simply because they fit into my timetable, and I feel fortunate to have had such an opportunity.
Remember, it's perfectly fine if you don't have a clear vision of your future profession. I've held a variety of jobs - from being a cleaner at a hotel, a hostess/waitress at a pizza joint, running a woodcutting business, to being a production manager at a Fortune 200 company, a quality manager, and even vacation sales. Each role taught me valuable lessons about the kind of boss I'd like to work under, the nature of work I enjoy, and the work schedule that suits me best.
I highly recommend consulting with a guidance counselor at your school or the college you're considering. They can provide valuable insights into potential career paths and the corresponding majors. If you're intrigued by professions like a plumber, electrician, or mechanic, you might also consider exploring trade schools.
My degree in International Business opened up a plethora of opportunities for me within the management sector. I also dabbled in logistics, transport management, and supply chain management courses - areas I was completely unfamiliar with as a child. I chose these courses simply because they fit into my timetable, and I feel fortunate to have had such an opportunity.
Remember, it's perfectly fine if you don't have a clear vision of your future profession. I've held a variety of jobs - from being a cleaner at a hotel, a hostess/waitress at a pizza joint, running a woodcutting business, to being a production manager at a Fortune 200 company, a quality manager, and even vacation sales. Each role taught me valuable lessons about the kind of boss I'd like to work under, the nature of work I enjoy, and the work schedule that suits me best.
I highly recommend consulting with a guidance counselor at your school or the college you're considering. They can provide valuable insights into potential career paths and the corresponding majors. If you're intrigued by professions like a plumber, electrician, or mechanic, you might also consider exploring trade schools.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
476
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Here are a few friendly suggestions to help you navigate your future career path. Start by having a chat with a teacher you trust or your high school counselor, they're there to guide you. Next, think about which subjects bring you joy. For example, I had a knack for Math and loved solving problems, which led me to a rewarding career in the software industry. I spent 40 wonderful years there and never looked back.
Remember, it's important to listen to others, but ultimately, the decision is yours. If you love being around people or children, why not think about a career in marketing or education? If Chemistry is your thing, the pharmaceutical industry could be a great fit. The key is to find something you're passionate about. Your academic strengths can be a great indicator of what profession might suit you best.
Don't forget, the first couple of years in college or university usually cover general education courses. Your major-specific classes typically come in the last two years. State universities offer a flexible environment, so if you change your mind about your major, you can easily switch to a different school within the university. Aim to complete your major in four years or less, while keeping your student loan debt as low as possible.
Here are some suggestions for majors based on your academic strengths:
- Math: Consider Accounting, Finance, or Software Engineering.
- Chemistry: The pharmaceutical or medical field could be a good fit.
- Physics: Look into Aerospace or the Department of Energy.
- History: Teaching, Law or Political Science could be your calling.
- English: Technical Writing or Journalism might be right up your alley.
Remember, the most important thing is to follow your passion and enjoy what you do!
Remember, it's important to listen to others, but ultimately, the decision is yours. If you love being around people or children, why not think about a career in marketing or education? If Chemistry is your thing, the pharmaceutical industry could be a great fit. The key is to find something you're passionate about. Your academic strengths can be a great indicator of what profession might suit you best.
Don't forget, the first couple of years in college or university usually cover general education courses. Your major-specific classes typically come in the last two years. State universities offer a flexible environment, so if you change your mind about your major, you can easily switch to a different school within the university. Aim to complete your major in four years or less, while keeping your student loan debt as low as possible.
Here are some suggestions for majors based on your academic strengths:
- Math: Consider Accounting, Finance, or Software Engineering.
- Chemistry: The pharmaceutical or medical field could be a good fit.
- Physics: Look into Aerospace or the Department of Energy.
- History: Teaching, Law or Political Science could be your calling.
- English: Technical Writing or Journalism might be right up your alley.
Remember, the most important thing is to follow your passion and enjoy what you do!
Luciano Gehrke
Engineer
23
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Luciano’s Answer
This question comes up a lot, but don't worry, you've got plenty of choices!
You might find a career guidance service right at your school, ready to help you explore your future.
In your city, there could also be similar services, often free of charge, offering informative lectures and exciting events.
You could also consider seeking advice from a seasoned professional in the field.
They can provide you with a personalized service, involving conversations, interviews, and tests to help pinpoint areas that pique your interest and resonate with your identity.
So, go ahead and explore these options - your future is full of possibilities!
You might find a career guidance service right at your school, ready to help you explore your future.
In your city, there could also be similar services, often free of charge, offering informative lectures and exciting events.
You could also consider seeking advice from a seasoned professional in the field.
They can provide you with a personalized service, involving conversations, interviews, and tests to help pinpoint areas that pique your interest and resonate with your identity.
So, go ahead and explore these options - your future is full of possibilities!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. The most important is you find a job that you have interest. I would recommend you to continue your study in the college that would give you a wide range of options in your careers. In case you have any financial concern, you can consider to look financial subsidy program or scholarship.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like Music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college and the financial subsidy program / scholarship
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like Music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college and the financial subsidy program / scholarship
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Kodi Sarlett (Shiflett)
Software Engineer
25
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Kodi’s Answer
When I was in High School my mentor and I had a conversation about my interests and from there we looked at various careers that aligned with those. I was interested in the medical field and so when I was in college I had my major set for Biology. But this changed after about two years into my schooling. My job in college was an after school tutor for K-12 and I fell in love with teaching and helping students. So even though the medical field could've brought me more money and perhaps a higher status when people would hear I'm a doctor but through experience I found my passion. In pursuing that passion after college I traveled and lived in China and Japan teaching at international schools for 7 years. So sometimes we can make a plan based on what we think our interest are but experience can be a great eye opener at times.
So talk to a counselor/mentor and try to come up with a list of career fields based off your interests. You can look up salaries for those fields and get comparisons. But if you can find a way to volunteer in those fields and gain hands on experience it can truly show you if it's something you can see yourself doing. Hope this helps, best of luck.
So talk to a counselor/mentor and try to come up with a list of career fields based off your interests. You can look up salaries for those fields and get comparisons. But if you can find a way to volunteer in those fields and gain hands on experience it can truly show you if it's something you can see yourself doing. Hope this helps, best of luck.
Carolina Undurraga
Management Consultant
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Carolina’s Answer
It's common for us as students to put a lot of pressure on ourselves, thinking that we should already know our passions, future majors, and dream jobs. But the truth is, college is designed to help us discover all these things! It might feel a bit scary to apply for colleges (or even start college) without knowing exactly what you want to do. But remember, lots of people are in the same boat, and it's perfectly normal. I hope that brings you a bit of comfort.
Let me share my own story. When I started college, I didn't know what I wanted to major in. But I did know a few things that I really enjoyed: helping people, solving problems, making a difference in the teams I'm part of, and learning how businesses work. I took these interests and talked them over with my high school and college advisors. In the end, I narrowed it down to three areas: Psychology, Sociology, and Business.
I'm sharing this because sometimes we can get stuck in a narrow mindset, thinking that the perfect major or career will just suddenly come to us. Some people are lucky enough to have that clarity, but most of us need a bit of time to figure it out. So, my first piece of advice is to take a moment and ask yourself: "What do I really enjoy doing at school or in my free time?" Maybe you love playing volleyball because you get to lead your team to victory. Or maybe you're drawn to computer science because it's like solving a challenging puzzle.
Meet with your counselor to discuss your interests. Often times, they will know which interests correlate to specific majors or careers.
Let me share my own story. When I started college, I didn't know what I wanted to major in. But I did know a few things that I really enjoyed: helping people, solving problems, making a difference in the teams I'm part of, and learning how businesses work. I took these interests and talked them over with my high school and college advisors. In the end, I narrowed it down to three areas: Psychology, Sociology, and Business.
I'm sharing this because sometimes we can get stuck in a narrow mindset, thinking that the perfect major or career will just suddenly come to us. Some people are lucky enough to have that clarity, but most of us need a bit of time to figure it out. So, my first piece of advice is to take a moment and ask yourself: "What do I really enjoy doing at school or in my free time?" Maybe you love playing volleyball because you get to lead your team to victory. Or maybe you're drawn to computer science because it's like solving a challenging puzzle.
Carolina recommends the following next steps:
eloise walsh
Senior Director, Recruiting EMEA
2
Answers
Upper Basildon, England
Updated
eloise’s Answer
Always embrace an open-minded and curious attitude. Engage in conversations with everyone in your circle and those you come across. You'll be amazed at how much people enjoy sharing their career journeys!
I strongly suggest participating in career fairs whenever possible. Conduct extensive research online and maintain a small list of your interests. If you're able to secure a part-time job while in school, it could help you discover what energizes you. Do you thrive on customer interaction? Do you find joy in assisting others? Or perhaps problem-solving is your forte? Your passions may even lie within your hobbies or sports.
Remember, you're on the right path to success. By asking this question, you've already taken a significant first step. Best of luck, you're destined for greatness! :-)
I strongly suggest participating in career fairs whenever possible. Conduct extensive research online and maintain a small list of your interests. If you're able to secure a part-time job while in school, it could help you discover what energizes you. Do you thrive on customer interaction? Do you find joy in assisting others? Or perhaps problem-solving is your forte? Your passions may even lie within your hobbies or sports.
Remember, you're on the right path to success. By asking this question, you've already taken a significant first step. Best of luck, you're destined for greatness! :-)