6 answers
Angel
Student
Columbus, Indiana
1
Question
6 answers
Cameron Harris
Software Engineer
5
Answers
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
*written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE*
For myself, I had to take two years of practical work experience before I attended university to achieve my tertiary education. I found this work taught me much about what it is like to work, what I enjoy about work and what I would like to do in my work.
However, there is a plethora of things you can do:
- Short courses(think coursera, edx) in some career paths that you might be interested i.
- Some work experience.
- Go directly into a university degree, college diploma or certificate.
- Volunteer in different capacities to understand what is lacking within the world and some of the problems you could solve by working.
For myself, I had to take two years of practical work experience before I attended university to achieve my tertiary education. I found this work taught me much about what it is like to work, what I enjoy about work and what I would like to do in my work.
However, there is a plethora of things you can do:
- Short courses(think coursera, edx) in some career paths that you might be interested i.
- Some work experience.
- Go directly into a university degree, college diploma or certificate.
- Volunteer in different capacities to understand what is lacking within the world and some of the problems you could solve by working.
Olivia McDonnell
Consulting
23
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Isn't that the great part about life? There are an infinite number of opportunities ahead of you and you don't have to commit to only one for your entire career. Throughout high school, I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer. Within two weeks of going to college I realized I hated the creative process and switched to business. Do I still like fashion? Absolutely. Do I want to work in the fashion industry? Absolutely not. Even within business, I've switched through tech, legal, banking, and consulting. Something I've learned along the way is if you enjoy spending the time with people that you work with, it will make the days go by so much faster regardless of the work ahead.
Two actionable pieces of advice I can give:
1) Take time to think about what you want in life. Do you want a big house and fancy car or do you prioritize the freedom to decide your own work hours? Once you've determined what you value most, research industries and roles which fit that lifestyle.
2) Industries are never limited to one role. Once you find an industry you like, think about what you are good at. Are you a highly organized person? If so, maybe project management is something to consider. Maybe you enjoy solving math problems and engineering would be interesting for you. It's easier to determine what your strengths are and leveraging those strengths than trying to master something that you have little interest in.
Read the book Strength Finders and take their personality quiz. Your school or community may have a copy in the library if you are unable to go to a bookstore.
Two actionable pieces of advice I can give:
1) Take time to think about what you want in life. Do you want a big house and fancy car or do you prioritize the freedom to decide your own work hours? Once you've determined what you value most, research industries and roles which fit that lifestyle.
2) Industries are never limited to one role. Once you find an industry you like, think about what you are good at. Are you a highly organized person? If so, maybe project management is something to consider. Maybe you enjoy solving math problems and engineering would be interesting for you. It's easier to determine what your strengths are and leveraging those strengths than trying to master something that you have little interest in.
Olivia recommends the following next steps:
Sara Fischer
Learning and Development
2
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Hello Angel,
Your question is fantastic, and you're not alone in pondering it. I can vividly recall standing in your shoes. The most valuable guidance I can offer is to chase your passions, venture into unexplored territories to widen your perspective and delve into areas you might not have thought about before. Don't let anyone sway you towards something that doesn't resonate with you or doesn't seem like the right fit.
Your senior year in high school is a golden chance to explore, discover, and learn. Reach out to your counselors and teachers for internships, volunteer work, and job shadowing opportunities. Engage the adults in your life by asking them about their careers and jobs. Compile a list of the top three aspects that matter most to you in a job or career.
Remember, your priorities and values will evolve as you age. However, most people generally seek a sense of achievement and proficiency in their work. They also aim to earn a sufficient income to live comfortably and provide for their loved ones.
Lastly, the internet, especially Google, is an incredible resource. Dive in and do your research. Check out various interest inventories and career quizzes that could align your interests with potential careers.
Setup informational interviews
Find volunteer and internship opportunities
Research careers and career interest assessments
Your question is fantastic, and you're not alone in pondering it. I can vividly recall standing in your shoes. The most valuable guidance I can offer is to chase your passions, venture into unexplored territories to widen your perspective and delve into areas you might not have thought about before. Don't let anyone sway you towards something that doesn't resonate with you or doesn't seem like the right fit.
Your senior year in high school is a golden chance to explore, discover, and learn. Reach out to your counselors and teachers for internships, volunteer work, and job shadowing opportunities. Engage the adults in your life by asking them about their careers and jobs. Compile a list of the top three aspects that matter most to you in a job or career.
Remember, your priorities and values will evolve as you age. However, most people generally seek a sense of achievement and proficiency in their work. They also aim to earn a sufficient income to live comfortably and provide for their loved ones.
Lastly, the internet, especially Google, is an incredible resource. Dive in and do your research. Check out various interest inventories and career quizzes that could align your interests with potential careers.
Sara recommends the following next steps:
Mohsina Parveen Baligar
CPSM
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mohsina Parveen’s Answer
On behalf of the dedicated volunteer team at HPE, we urge you to discover your true passions. It could be anything from Technology, Administration, Medicine, to Business and beyond.
Once you've pinpointed your interest, seek guidance from a mentor in that field. Their wisdom and expert advice will be invaluable in your journey.
Don't hesitate to jot down your questions, seek answers, and dispel any doubts. This will only strengthen your understanding and confidence.
Dive into various roles for practical experience in different fields. It's the best way to learn and grow.
Chart out a clear roadmap towards your goal. Having a plan will keep you focused and motivated.
And remember, it's okay to change your mind. Always have a backup plan in case your interests shift over time.
Here's wishing you the very best on your exciting journey! Good luck!
Once you've pinpointed your interest, seek guidance from a mentor in that field. Their wisdom and expert advice will be invaluable in your journey.
Don't hesitate to jot down your questions, seek answers, and dispel any doubts. This will only strengthen your understanding and confidence.
Dive into various roles for practical experience in different fields. It's the best way to learn and grow.
Chart out a clear roadmap towards your goal. Having a plan will keep you focused and motivated.
And remember, it's okay to change your mind. Always have a backup plan in case your interests shift over time.
Here's wishing you the very best on your exciting journey! Good luck!
Derek Thomas
Enterprise Risk Management
5
Answers
Sherwood, Oregon
Updated
Derek’s Answer
** Written on behalf of a group of participants at HPE **
Certainly, your interests and strengths should guide your choices. It's important to focus on areas where your abilities and interests intersect. For instance, you might be passionate about something but lack the necessary skills, or you might excel in a certain area but lack interest. Initially, identify these areas and figure out how to break into those sectors where you are both interested and competent, or where you can rapidly develop skills.
As a high school graduate, you should view the world as a place full of opportunities, where you have the freedom and ability to explore various paths. However, it's crucial to recognize any limitations or circumstances that may affect your choices at any given moment. Think about pursuing additional certifications or training as a way to enhance your skills, which will boost your confidence when exploring different roles and job opportunities.
Seek out mentors and individuals you respect and admire. Utilize them as a resource for networking and discussing various interests that could potentially evolve into long-term job opportunities or career paths.
Certainly, your interests and strengths should guide your choices. It's important to focus on areas where your abilities and interests intersect. For instance, you might be passionate about something but lack the necessary skills, or you might excel in a certain area but lack interest. Initially, identify these areas and figure out how to break into those sectors where you are both interested and competent, or where you can rapidly develop skills.
As a high school graduate, you should view the world as a place full of opportunities, where you have the freedom and ability to explore various paths. However, it's crucial to recognize any limitations or circumstances that may affect your choices at any given moment. Think about pursuing additional certifications or training as a way to enhance your skills, which will boost your confidence when exploring different roles and job opportunities.
Seek out mentors and individuals you respect and admire. Utilize them as a resource for networking and discussing various interests that could potentially evolve into long-term job opportunities or career paths.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1858
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Have your thought about what career you have interest? I suggest you can continue your study in the college or specialized college.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify 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, banker, financial analyst, 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 you can continue to study the relevant subjects in the college or specialised schools.
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 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, banker, financial analyst, 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 you can continue to study the relevant subjects in the college or specialised schools.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!