8 answers
Annie
Student
Lawrence, IN
1
Question
Asked
547 views
How to known what to do after high school?
Like what major or career to choose when done with high school.
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8 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
114
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Some people know what they want to do and others don't. Both are OK. In fact, most people find the thing they are the most passionate about IN college. I'm one of the crazies who came in knowing what I wanted to do, but plenty of my friends didn't know and used college as a way to find that one thing. Also, you don't need to settle on one thing. If you have multiple interests, study multiple things!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1793
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. You may need to decide the careers first in order to determine your major and minor.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you target in the college
5. Explore the entry criteria of these subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you target in the college
5. Explore the entry criteria of these subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Keith Topinka
Compliance
2
Answers
Morris Plains, New Jersey
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Think about what you like to do and focus on your strengths. Remember to follow your interests and passions and not those of your parents. Think about whether or not you like learning and going to school; after all college is not for everyone.
If you are considering going to college, but you do not know what to study, think about what you are interested in. At 17 and 18, it can be challenging to think about what you want to do for the rest of your life. For example, if you like math & science in high school, look at careers that use those skills, i.e. business, scientist or doctor.
There's a saying "do what you love and love what you do and you never work a day in your life."
If you are considering going to college, but you do not know what to study, think about what you are interested in. At 17 and 18, it can be challenging to think about what you want to do for the rest of your life. For example, if you like math & science in high school, look at careers that use those skills, i.e. business, scientist or doctor.
There's a saying "do what you love and love what you do and you never work a day in your life."
anahi diaz
54
Answers
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
anahi’s Answer
Deciding what to do after high school can be a significant decision. Here are steps to help you navigate this process:
1. **Self-Reflection:** Take time to reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and weaknesses. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy and where your passions lie.
2. **Research Options:** Explore various post-high school options, such as college, vocational training, gap years, or entering the workforce directly. Research the requirements and potential career paths associated with each.
3. **Career Exploration:** Investigate potential careers. Consider job shadowing, internships, or talking to professionals in fields that interest you to gain insights into the day-to-day reality of different professions.
4. **Talk to Counselors and Mentors:** Seek guidance from high school counselors, teachers, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and advice based on your skills and interests.
5. **Consider Your Goals:** Define your short-term and long-term goals. Identify the steps needed to achieve them and how different post-high school options align with your objectives.
6. **Evaluate Education Paths:** If considering college, research different majors and programs. Look into the admissions process, financial aid options, and the overall campus culture.
7. **Skills and Certifications:** Explore vocational or technical training programs that offer specific skills and certifications, which can lead to a quicker entry into the workforce.
8. **Gap Year Consideration:** If uncertain, consider taking a gap year for personal and professional growth. This can involve travel, volunteer work, internships, or pursuing a specific project.
9. **Financial Planning:** Understand the financial aspects of your chosen path. Research costs, scholarships, and potential earnings
1. **Self-Reflection:** Take time to reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and weaknesses. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy and where your passions lie.
2. **Research Options:** Explore various post-high school options, such as college, vocational training, gap years, or entering the workforce directly. Research the requirements and potential career paths associated with each.
3. **Career Exploration:** Investigate potential careers. Consider job shadowing, internships, or talking to professionals in fields that interest you to gain insights into the day-to-day reality of different professions.
4. **Talk to Counselors and Mentors:** Seek guidance from high school counselors, teachers, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and advice based on your skills and interests.
5. **Consider Your Goals:** Define your short-term and long-term goals. Identify the steps needed to achieve them and how different post-high school options align with your objectives.
6. **Evaluate Education Paths:** If considering college, research different majors and programs. Look into the admissions process, financial aid options, and the overall campus culture.
7. **Skills and Certifications:** Explore vocational or technical training programs that offer specific skills and certifications, which can lead to a quicker entry into the workforce.
8. **Gap Year Consideration:** If uncertain, consider taking a gap year for personal and professional growth. This can involve travel, volunteer work, internships, or pursuing a specific project.
9. **Financial Planning:** Understand the financial aspects of your chosen path. Research costs, scholarships, and potential earnings
Noopur Dubey
PhD research fellow
32
Answers
Graz, Styria, Austria
Updated
Noopur’s Answer
Think about what options are available for you. And among those options which ones excites you the most. Take advice from people who really know you and want the best for you before taking final decision. Don't worry too much you can change careers when you want to in future. The most important thing is you should find what you are doing interesting. Talk to people who are in doing their degree in the college you want to go. Their opinions can be very useful. Talk to people who are doing jobs you find fascinating. Ask them what skills they need and if they have any suggestions for you.
Alayna Brandolini
Student
9
Answers
College Park, Maryland
Updated
Alayna’s Answer
Hey Annie,
Finishing high school is exciting, but it can also be very intimidating not knowing what you want to do after. If you are looking to go to college, which it seems like you are based on your question, it is important to remember that you don't have to decide on a major right away. If you aren't yet sure what you are passionate about, it is a good idea to go in undecided, take some general education requirements, and explore all of the opportunities open to you. Similarly to what others have responded, talking to other students or professionals in different areas can help you get an idea of some potential career paths.
If you aren't sure that college is for you, or you want to take some time before committing to more school, getting a part-time job or volunteering is a great idea. You could apply for a position at the front desk of a doctor's office, volunteer at a local nonprofit, work in the service industry, or more. Getting exposure to different careers and lifestyles would help you figure out what you find interesting and what you don't.
Good luck on this journey!
Finishing high school is exciting, but it can also be very intimidating not knowing what you want to do after. If you are looking to go to college, which it seems like you are based on your question, it is important to remember that you don't have to decide on a major right away. If you aren't yet sure what you are passionate about, it is a good idea to go in undecided, take some general education requirements, and explore all of the opportunities open to you. Similarly to what others have responded, talking to other students or professionals in different areas can help you get an idea of some potential career paths.
If you aren't sure that college is for you, or you want to take some time before committing to more school, getting a part-time job or volunteering is a great idea. You could apply for a position at the front desk of a doctor's office, volunteer at a local nonprofit, work in the service industry, or more. Getting exposure to different careers and lifestyles would help you figure out what you find interesting and what you don't.
Good luck on this journey!
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Annie, there are two parts to your question: What to do after high school and what to do in college. Those needn't be the same question. Some people take time off between high school and college, and there are advantages to that as well as disadvantages, so I'm assuming the answer the the first question is "go to college." So now come the questions of what to major in and career to pursue. Many students, even those in their first year of college, share those questions. It is much of the rest of your life, after all. Start by thinking about your interests, hobbies, skills, experiences and values. Do they suggest anything that could translate into a satisfying career? There are quizzes, like those on MyPlan.com, that can help you narrow down your best options. Then you can start looking at the websites of colleges you might consider going to and see what kinds of programs and classes they offer. Perhaps something will jump out at you as feeling right. There's no need to rush the process, though. Do some thinking, take some classes that might give you some clues about where you'd like to be headed, and maybe do some volunteer work in something relevant to a possible career. It will come.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Annie!
Life after high school can be a bit of a whirlwind, with so many choices to make about your future. Don't worry, it's a big decision for everyone, but there are some steps you can follow to make it a bit easier.
1. Know Yourself: Start by getting to know yourself a bit better. What are your interests, values, and skills? What makes you, you? There are loads of tools out there, like career tests and personality quizzes, that can help you figure out what kind of jobs might suit you best.
2. Do Your Homework: Once you've got a clearer picture of who you are, it's time to start researching. Look into different careers and college majors. Think about things like what the job involves, how much you could earn, and what qualifications you need.
3. Ask for Advice: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Career advisors, mentors, or people who work in jobs you're interested in can give you some really useful insights.
4. Try It Out: Internships or job shadowing can give you a real taste of what a job is like. Plus, they're a great way to make connections in the industry.
5. Reflect on Your Values: Think about what's most important to you in a job. Is it about making a difference, earning a good salary, or having a good work-life balance?
6. Look at Courses: Do some research into different college programs that match your career goals. Check out the classes you'd be taking to see if they line up with what you want to do.
7. Take Your Time: There's no rush to make these decisions. Some people know exactly what they want to do right away, but others need a bit more time to explore their options.
8. Double Up: If you're torn between two subjects, why not consider a double major or a minor? That way, you get the best of both worlds.
9. Use Your Resources: Make the most of resources like college career centers, online databases, and informational interviews to gather as much info as you can.
10. Stay Open: Remember, it's okay if your plans change. Lots of people switch majors or careers at some point, so keep an open mind.
Deciding your next steps after high school involves getting to know yourself, researching your options, asking for advice, trying out jobs, reflecting on your values, looking at different courses, taking your time, considering a double major or minor, using all the resources you can, and staying open to change.
Here are some great places to start your research:
The College Board (collegeboard.org)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
National Association of Colleges and Employers (naceweb.org)
May you be blessed with wisdom and guidance in your journey!
James Constantine.
Life after high school can be a bit of a whirlwind, with so many choices to make about your future. Don't worry, it's a big decision for everyone, but there are some steps you can follow to make it a bit easier.
1. Know Yourself: Start by getting to know yourself a bit better. What are your interests, values, and skills? What makes you, you? There are loads of tools out there, like career tests and personality quizzes, that can help you figure out what kind of jobs might suit you best.
2. Do Your Homework: Once you've got a clearer picture of who you are, it's time to start researching. Look into different careers and college majors. Think about things like what the job involves, how much you could earn, and what qualifications you need.
3. Ask for Advice: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Career advisors, mentors, or people who work in jobs you're interested in can give you some really useful insights.
4. Try It Out: Internships or job shadowing can give you a real taste of what a job is like. Plus, they're a great way to make connections in the industry.
5. Reflect on Your Values: Think about what's most important to you in a job. Is it about making a difference, earning a good salary, or having a good work-life balance?
6. Look at Courses: Do some research into different college programs that match your career goals. Check out the classes you'd be taking to see if they line up with what you want to do.
7. Take Your Time: There's no rush to make these decisions. Some people know exactly what they want to do right away, but others need a bit more time to explore their options.
8. Double Up: If you're torn between two subjects, why not consider a double major or a minor? That way, you get the best of both worlds.
9. Use Your Resources: Make the most of resources like college career centers, online databases, and informational interviews to gather as much info as you can.
10. Stay Open: Remember, it's okay if your plans change. Lots of people switch majors or careers at some point, so keep an open mind.
Deciding your next steps after high school involves getting to know yourself, researching your options, asking for advice, trying out jobs, reflecting on your values, looking at different courses, taking your time, considering a double major or minor, using all the resources you can, and staying open to change.
Here are some great places to start your research:
The College Board (collegeboard.org)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
National Association of Colleges and Employers (naceweb.org)
May you be blessed with wisdom and guidance in your journey!
James Constantine.