12 answers
France
Student
Dallas, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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How do I choose what career I want to have in the future?
I am interested in the marketing field, nursing field, and psychology field I feel incredibly passionate about these fields. I am also a junior in high school
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12 answers
Camille Shields
Registered Nurse
2
Answers
Ontario
Updated
Camille’s Answer
Wow, everyone here had an awesome answer. Just wanted to give my own personal example.
To save money, I took the route of general education at the local community college then transfer to the state college to get my bachelors in science for nursing degree. During my time in community college, I volunteered at local hospital to be in the medical care setting to see what it was like and this was also something to check off that you did to apply for nursing school. For me it was fun to be able to help in patient care and help the usually understaffed and overworked hospital staff. And when I was in the nursing program, I also took the opportunity to be a nurse extern (work as a student nurse).
I actually had a friend that I was taking prerequisites (classes to take before applying to nursing program) with at the community college. And I also volunteered with her in the hospital. She ended up going into psychology and I continued in my pursuit of a nursing career.
And till now, I still love what I do. I love nursing. I love helping people. Yes I feel that nursing can be really tiring. My feet hurt from standing all day. Patients and family members and their loved ones are upset because of the situation they are in and can dump their frustrations on me, but you have to not take it personally. But it is all worth it to me. There are so many different areas of nursing that you can get into. I have friends that I still have that I’ve met in nursing school that work in case management that sit behind a desk and don’t have to deal with blood or bodily fluids but they are still helping people. I have been in positions where I have been in contact with potentially harmful infectious diseases. But of course you take precaution and you have that PPE. And you sweat under those plastic gowns and your nose and face hurts after using that N-95 mask. I used to work almost every holiday and weekend, but now I don’t. I took a lower paying job so I can spend more time with my growing family but work hard with my husband to budget/save money and pay the bills and home.
Sorry for a long answer. I tried to make it simple but give you a sneak peak into my own life. It’s good that you are taking the time to ask questions about finding a career. Please make sure you find a support group of family and friends to back you up in the adventure of finding the career that’s right for you. The pursuit may be easy or hard, but don’t get discouraged. And if you have faith, lean on that too. Good luck, take care, and God bless you, France! :)
To save money, I took the route of general education at the local community college then transfer to the state college to get my bachelors in science for nursing degree. During my time in community college, I volunteered at local hospital to be in the medical care setting to see what it was like and this was also something to check off that you did to apply for nursing school. For me it was fun to be able to help in patient care and help the usually understaffed and overworked hospital staff. And when I was in the nursing program, I also took the opportunity to be a nurse extern (work as a student nurse).
I actually had a friend that I was taking prerequisites (classes to take before applying to nursing program) with at the community college. And I also volunteered with her in the hospital. She ended up going into psychology and I continued in my pursuit of a nursing career.
And till now, I still love what I do. I love nursing. I love helping people. Yes I feel that nursing can be really tiring. My feet hurt from standing all day. Patients and family members and their loved ones are upset because of the situation they are in and can dump their frustrations on me, but you have to not take it personally. But it is all worth it to me. There are so many different areas of nursing that you can get into. I have friends that I still have that I’ve met in nursing school that work in case management that sit behind a desk and don’t have to deal with blood or bodily fluids but they are still helping people. I have been in positions where I have been in contact with potentially harmful infectious diseases. But of course you take precaution and you have that PPE. And you sweat under those plastic gowns and your nose and face hurts after using that N-95 mask. I used to work almost every holiday and weekend, but now I don’t. I took a lower paying job so I can spend more time with my growing family but work hard with my husband to budget/save money and pay the bills and home.
Sorry for a long answer. I tried to make it simple but give you a sneak peak into my own life. It’s good that you are taking the time to ask questions about finding a career. Please make sure you find a support group of family and friends to back you up in the adventure of finding the career that’s right for you. The pursuit may be easy or hard, but don’t get discouraged. And if you have faith, lean on that too. Good luck, take care, and God bless you, France! :)
I appreciate your support, Camille
France
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello France,
Deciding on a career path can be a formidable yet crucial task, particularly when you're drawn to diverse fields such as marketing, nursing, and psychology. As a high school junior, you're in a unique position to delve deeper into these professions before finalizing your decision. Here's an actionable guide to help you navigate your career choice:
1. Self-Analysis: Begin by comprehending your interests, values, strengths, and areas for improvement. Reflect on what sparks enthusiasm in you about each field. Evaluate how your personality aligns with the skills needed in each profession. This self-assessment will guide you towards the career that best suits you.
2. Investigate and Explore: Dedicate time to thoroughly research each profession. Understand the job duties, necessary education and training, potential earnings, work setting, and advancement opportunities. This knowledge will equip you with a clearer picture of what each field entails, enabling an informed choice.
3. Acquire Real-Life Experience: To truly understand each field, engage in internships, job shadowing, or volunteer work in marketing, nursing, or psychology. This practical exposure will offer invaluable insights into the everyday tasks and hurdles professionals in these fields encounter.
4. Consult with Professionals: Connect with individuals working in marketing, nursing, and psychology to learn from their experiences. Conduct informational interviews or visit career fairs to meet people who can offer guidance and advice based on their career trajectories.
5. Evaluate Educational Requirements: Assess the educational journey for each profession. Marketing generally demands a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field, while nursing mandates a nursing degree or diploma from an accredited program. Psychology typically requires at least a bachelor's degree, with further education often necessary for specialized roles.
6. Assess Job Opportunities: Examine the current job market for each profession to gauge the demand and potential career paths. Consider aspects such as job growth, earning potential, and geographical location when determining the long-term sustainability of each career.
7. Networking and Professional Associations: Membership in professional groups or attendance at industry events can offer valuable networking opportunities. Building relationships with professionals in your chosen fields can provide insights and potentially pave the way for future job prospects.
8. Reflect on Long-Term Goals: Contemplate your long-term ambitions and how each profession aligns with them. Consider elements such as work-life balance, career progression, and personal satisfaction when making your decision.
Remember, career selection is a fluid process, and it's perfectly fine to change your mind or explore various paths. Maintain an open mind, stay inquisitive, and continue learning throughout your journey.
Top 3 Reliable Reference Publications/Websites:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
2. The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
3. American Psychological Association (APA) - www.apa.org
Wishing You God's Richest Blessings,
James.
Deciding on a career path can be a formidable yet crucial task, particularly when you're drawn to diverse fields such as marketing, nursing, and psychology. As a high school junior, you're in a unique position to delve deeper into these professions before finalizing your decision. Here's an actionable guide to help you navigate your career choice:
1. Self-Analysis: Begin by comprehending your interests, values, strengths, and areas for improvement. Reflect on what sparks enthusiasm in you about each field. Evaluate how your personality aligns with the skills needed in each profession. This self-assessment will guide you towards the career that best suits you.
2. Investigate and Explore: Dedicate time to thoroughly research each profession. Understand the job duties, necessary education and training, potential earnings, work setting, and advancement opportunities. This knowledge will equip you with a clearer picture of what each field entails, enabling an informed choice.
3. Acquire Real-Life Experience: To truly understand each field, engage in internships, job shadowing, or volunteer work in marketing, nursing, or psychology. This practical exposure will offer invaluable insights into the everyday tasks and hurdles professionals in these fields encounter.
4. Consult with Professionals: Connect with individuals working in marketing, nursing, and psychology to learn from their experiences. Conduct informational interviews or visit career fairs to meet people who can offer guidance and advice based on their career trajectories.
5. Evaluate Educational Requirements: Assess the educational journey for each profession. Marketing generally demands a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field, while nursing mandates a nursing degree or diploma from an accredited program. Psychology typically requires at least a bachelor's degree, with further education often necessary for specialized roles.
6. Assess Job Opportunities: Examine the current job market for each profession to gauge the demand and potential career paths. Consider aspects such as job growth, earning potential, and geographical location when determining the long-term sustainability of each career.
7. Networking and Professional Associations: Membership in professional groups or attendance at industry events can offer valuable networking opportunities. Building relationships with professionals in your chosen fields can provide insights and potentially pave the way for future job prospects.
8. Reflect on Long-Term Goals: Contemplate your long-term ambitions and how each profession aligns with them. Consider elements such as work-life balance, career progression, and personal satisfaction when making your decision.
Remember, career selection is a fluid process, and it's perfectly fine to change your mind or explore various paths. Maintain an open mind, stay inquisitive, and continue learning throughout your journey.
Top 3 Reliable Reference Publications/Websites:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
2. The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
3. American Psychological Association (APA) - www.apa.org
Wishing You God's Richest Blessings,
James.
Leanne Jory 📘 Strategic Storyteller
Employee Communications
5
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Leanne’s Answer
We dedicate a significant portion of our lives to our work, so it's important to try and choose something that truly resonates with your sense of purpose. Trust your instincts! You know yourself better than anyone else. While advice can be helpful, it can sometimes lead us on a detour. But remember, even these detours offer valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. So, if you're feeling uncertain or like you "don't know yet", don't worry. It's all part of the journey. Wishing you the best of luck!
Kim Gravell
Retired Principal at Gravell Insights, LLC
151
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi France
Wow, these fields are all very dynamic and each have very exciting opportunities within them. What strikes me is the linkage to helping others within all three fields. I will focus on marketing since I have the most experience in this area.
Marketing has so many options that you can pursue post your education that range from research to strategy. For this career path, I encourage you to gain insight into the different areas that may be of most interest to you. You can also join organizations such as the American Marketing Association (AMA) to learn about the fields and network with others to gain insight into what the jobs entail. If you select this area, I also recommend that you couple it with business and finance so you have a well-rounded perspective that will enable you to gain increasing roles of responsibility and influence (eg. Strategic marketing, Chief Marketing or Customer Officer, etc.). Remember that marketing is a transferable area of expertise which means that you can choose to work for profit or non-profit, large or small organizations, and most all areas of business or commerce that you feel passionate about.
That being said, nursing and psychology also have a wide range of options and specialties within their fields and career advancement opportunities that continue to expand as the need for these services increases. These two career options will require more science than marketing and will have a more direct impact on helping people (if that is your passion).
It may be helpful to start this process by gaining insight into your natural strengths and building your career path from there. There are several assessments that will help you gain the insight. My favorite is StrengthsFinder, but find one that best suits your needs.
My very best wishes for a successful journey.
Wow, these fields are all very dynamic and each have very exciting opportunities within them. What strikes me is the linkage to helping others within all three fields. I will focus on marketing since I have the most experience in this area.
Marketing has so many options that you can pursue post your education that range from research to strategy. For this career path, I encourage you to gain insight into the different areas that may be of most interest to you. You can also join organizations such as the American Marketing Association (AMA) to learn about the fields and network with others to gain insight into what the jobs entail. If you select this area, I also recommend that you couple it with business and finance so you have a well-rounded perspective that will enable you to gain increasing roles of responsibility and influence (eg. Strategic marketing, Chief Marketing or Customer Officer, etc.). Remember that marketing is a transferable area of expertise which means that you can choose to work for profit or non-profit, large or small organizations, and most all areas of business or commerce that you feel passionate about.
That being said, nursing and psychology also have a wide range of options and specialties within their fields and career advancement opportunities that continue to expand as the need for these services increases. These two career options will require more science than marketing and will have a more direct impact on helping people (if that is your passion).
It may be helpful to start this process by gaining insight into your natural strengths and building your career path from there. There are several assessments that will help you gain the insight. My favorite is StrengthsFinder, but find one that best suits your needs.
My very best wishes for a successful journey.
Thank you so much for the advice.
France
Aditi Kannan
Management Consulting
26
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Aditi’s Answer
Awesome answers so far, especially those who have given you special insight into the nursing field.
My field of interest overlaps between marketing and psychology actually - so I want you to know that these aren't exclusive! Lots of consumer marketing, advertising, consulting, and market research roles need an overlap between these two. Look into fields like 'consumer behavior', 'behavioral economics', 'consumer psychology', 'consumer decision making' and see if they tickle your fancy!!
My field of interest overlaps between marketing and psychology actually - so I want you to know that these aren't exclusive! Lots of consumer marketing, advertising, consulting, and market research roles need an overlap between these two. Look into fields like 'consumer behavior', 'behavioral economics', 'consumer psychology', 'consumer decision making' and see if they tickle your fancy!!
Thank you for the advice, Aditi.
France
Paige Halligan
Program & Project Management Analyst
5
Answers
Hoboken, New Jersey
Updated
Paige’s Answer
Hi France! I hope you're doing well. When it comes to choosing a field to pursue in the future, it all comes down to what you are passionate about and trial/error. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each field, and truly ask yourself the hard questions: where do I want to be in 10 years? what am I passionate about? What skills do I have to can be expanded on and utilized in a field? Then doing some research on how those skills/passions can apply to different industries. There are so many opportunities and career paths out there. It is important to remind yourself that you don't have to have it all figured out. After doing research, reach out to people that are in those fields and gain their two sense on the career/job opportunity, and what drove them want to pursue that path.
Amy C.
Director of Strategic Communications
35
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Be curious, explore lots of options, see what you are drawn to. Don't put pressure on yourself to pick something now. Lives are long and full of opportunities. You may have more than one career over the course of your life. The most important thing is to be interested in the subject!
Troy Devers
Branding & Marketing
7
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Troy’s Answer
You're definitely on the right path, having already identified three potential areas of interest. That's an excellent beginning! Like you, I was intrigued by the medical field and psychology in my early years but eventually found my calling in marketing and branding. I believed I had the maturity to venture into the medical field at a young age, but the financial implications of medical education were a bit steep for me. So, I pursued my love for writing, starting with copywriting, and then transitioning into branding and marketing. I encourage you to take some time to thoroughly assess your interests, the type of education that's within your reach, and the path that would lead to your ideal lifestyle. Best of luck on your journey!
Amy Steinbeck
Registered Nurse
20
Answers
Davenport, Florida
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Explore the exciting possibilities of merging your passions and career goals. One such thrilling opportunity could be to become a psychiatric nurse, a field with numerous specialties to delve into. If you're considering a role in a large corporation, possessing marketing skills can significantly boost your value, especially in a healthcare-centric role. As you embark on your college journey, you have the freedom to explore courses in each of these areas, helping you decide where you truly want to concentrate your efforts. With nearly three decades of nursing under my belt, I've found my marketing knowledge incredibly beneficial in maintaining efficiency in my role. Here's wishing you all the best on your journey, and remember, success is just around the corner!
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
France
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1860
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have a wide range of interest. However, you may need to choose 1-2 careers to be your major and minor in the college.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Would you like to work on media marketing, psychologist, YouTubers, nurse, etc
2. Find out more on the careers you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Would you like to work on media marketing, psychologist, YouTubers, nurse, etc
2. Find out more on the careers you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thank you so much I will definitely be using these suggestions
France
Linda Corn
RN, CWOCN
13
Answers
Spokane, Washington
Updated
Linda’s Answer
What are your gifts? Are you a compassionate person? Do you have a passion to help people?
Nursing offers a variety of fields to go into. I know when I took the SAT test, Nursing was the #1 career that people chose with similar scores. I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years and have loved it. I’ve also wanted to be a counselor and social worker but nursing has helped me actually do all of it. It is very rewarding and provided well over the years .
Nursing offers a variety of fields to go into. I know when I took the SAT test, Nursing was the #1 career that people chose with similar scores. I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years and have loved it. I’ve also wanted to be a counselor and social worker but nursing has helped me actually do all of it. It is very rewarding and provided well over the years .
Nada Alkutbi
Marketer
4
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Nada’s Answer
Hello France,
Here's a friendly piece of advice for you:
1) Try engaging with individuals who are already working in these fields. If possible, spend a few days observing them to get a real feel for what the job entails. This will help you visualize yourself in that role.
2) Do some homework on the entry requirements for these fields. Check if there are any specific subjects you need to focus on.
3) Weigh the pros and cons of each field. Think about factors like salary, the potential impact of AI/tech on these roles in the future, and the work-life balance they offer.
I hope you find these suggestions useful!
Here's a friendly piece of advice for you:
1) Try engaging with individuals who are already working in these fields. If possible, spend a few days observing them to get a real feel for what the job entails. This will help you visualize yourself in that role.
2) Do some homework on the entry requirements for these fields. Check if there are any specific subjects you need to focus on.
3) Weigh the pros and cons of each field. Think about factors like salary, the potential impact of AI/tech on these roles in the future, and the work-life balance they offer.
I hope you find these suggestions useful!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
France