9 answers
Elijah
Student
Atlantic City, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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College advice!
I need help choosing my career/college and wondering if anyone had any useful advice and/or tips I could use going forward?
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9 answers
Scott Goldsmith
Tech Support
2
Answers
Hickory, North Carolina
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hi there,
I think the best way to figure out a career is to follow what you love. Take the time to investigate what gives you joy and then go from there. It's hard to pinpoint a career before you've tried something, otherwise you may think it's for you and find out it wasn't. When in college, I took a lot of classes that gave me a quick study into new fields, this helped me realize what I truly enjoyed learning about. Always great to do your best and find what works for you since everyone's path will be different. You won't find a cookie cutter slice of a career unless you try a few new things first! Before working in technical support, I worked in hotels, as a bartender/manager of a restaurant, even at an amusement park! It took some time before I realizedI loved working with technology, but I always loved technology for myself. What you find the most joy in, you'll sometimes love to do it for a career too!
You got this!
-Scott
I think the best way to figure out a career is to follow what you love. Take the time to investigate what gives you joy and then go from there. It's hard to pinpoint a career before you've tried something, otherwise you may think it's for you and find out it wasn't. When in college, I took a lot of classes that gave me a quick study into new fields, this helped me realize what I truly enjoyed learning about. Always great to do your best and find what works for you since everyone's path will be different. You won't find a cookie cutter slice of a career unless you try a few new things first! Before working in technical support, I worked in hotels, as a bartender/manager of a restaurant, even at an amusement park! It took some time before I realizedI loved working with technology, but I always loved technology for myself. What you find the most joy in, you'll sometimes love to do it for a career too!
You got this!
-Scott
Judith-Ann Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at AndeersonCounselingTexas( ACT)
106
Answers
Grapevine, Texas
Updated
Judith-Ann’s Answer
I agree with all the answers you have been given and I add read "What Color is Your Parachute" https://www.amazon.com/What-Color-Your-What Color Is Your Parachute?: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Succes or Careers by the People: Candid Career Advice from 101 Experienced Professionals or What Color Is Your Parachute? Job-Hunter's Workbook, Sixth Edition: A Companion to the World's Most Popular and Bestselling Career Handbook. You can find all of these at amazon or bookstores or your libraries. You can order it on kindle or in paperback. You got this!
Dr. Hanan Alnizami
Director and Head of UX Research
4
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Dr. Hanan’s Answer
Hi Elijah, I would start by partaking in some aptitude tests to understand your strengths first so you can determine which major is best suited for you. Some colleges offer such tests to align your strengths to majors so ask your school if they could provide you with resources or google it online. There is a great book and framework called "strength Finder" that you can take that breaks down your strengths.
nothing beats the power of networking. Ask people in careers, like you are now, what their jobs are like and what majors they graduated from. people are always happy to give you their perspective on their experiences. Don't forget to keep asking questions because their responses are biased to their journey and experiences, and you want to determine whether their experience would match your aspirations.
The fact that you are asking the question tells me you've already taken the first step in inquiring around. Keep that up! I wish you all the best!!
nothing beats the power of networking. Ask people in careers, like you are now, what their jobs are like and what majors they graduated from. people are always happy to give you their perspective on their experiences. Don't forget to keep asking questions because their responses are biased to their journey and experiences, and you want to determine whether their experience would match your aspirations.
The fact that you are asking the question tells me you've already taken the first step in inquiring around. Keep that up! I wish you all the best!!
Alexis Cunningham
Accounting
4
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Choosing a career in accounting is a decision I wholeheartedly endorse. It offers a solid stepping stone towards a robust foundation in business, opening up a plethora of career opportunities. With over 15 years of experience in the field, I've had the privilege to engage with a diverse range of clients, gaining invaluable insights into the finance world. This exposure comes with significantly less risk compared to working directly in the front office. The youthful energy at my firm, where the average age is in the mid-twenties, fosters a vibrant and enjoyable work atmosphere. While the work can be demanding, the wealth of knowledge you acquire is immeasurable. I feel truly blessed for the opportunities I've been given during my tenure at a Big 4 accounting firm.
Emily Street
Sales
4
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hello Elijah,
It's fantastic to hear about your ambition to pursue higher education! Reflecting on my own journey, I realize the importance of in-depth research prior to making a decision. Looking back, I might have opted for an Ivy League, given the prestige and the potential career advantages it offers. Here are some key points I suggest you consider in your decision-making process:
1. Compile a list of potential colleges
2. Prioritize your needs and desires
3. Schedule visits to college campuses (you'll instinctively feel whether a campus is the right fit for you)
4. Consider the financial implications and overall cost
5. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each college
6. Take into account the location
7. Research the majors you're interested in and their national rankings (the higher, the better)
8. Think about the size of the school (would you prefer to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond?)
9. Investigate the campus environment and support services available (like tutoring, healthcare, counseling, etc.)
Remember, this is your journey, and I'm here to assist you if you need any help. Best of luck!
Warm regards,
Em
It's fantastic to hear about your ambition to pursue higher education! Reflecting on my own journey, I realize the importance of in-depth research prior to making a decision. Looking back, I might have opted for an Ivy League, given the prestige and the potential career advantages it offers. Here are some key points I suggest you consider in your decision-making process:
1. Compile a list of potential colleges
2. Prioritize your needs and desires
3. Schedule visits to college campuses (you'll instinctively feel whether a campus is the right fit for you)
4. Consider the financial implications and overall cost
5. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each college
6. Take into account the location
7. Research the majors you're interested in and their national rankings (the higher, the better)
8. Think about the size of the school (would you prefer to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond?)
9. Investigate the campus environment and support services available (like tutoring, healthcare, counseling, etc.)
Remember, this is your journey, and I'm here to assist you if you need any help. Best of luck!
Warm regards,
Em
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Elijah, you have two separate questions, so let's try to answer both.
As to career, many students already in their first year of college still don't know what major and career they want to pursue. One of the purposes of college is to explore possibilities. For now, consider your interests, hobbies, skills, experiences and values, and what they might tell you about what future might suit you. There are quizzes, both online and from counselors, such as those on MyPlan.com, that can help you start to narrow down good options. Once you've done some narrowing down, you can see if there's any volunteering you can do relevant to that potential career, or research it further, or take a class in high school or even in your first year of college that might give you a better idea of what a future in that field might be like. You don't have to rush a decision, and can always change it anyway if time and money allows. The more experiences you have, the better your position to make a good decision.
As for what college to go to, a big part of that depends on the answer to the other question. You'd want to find a college with a good program in the field you're leaning toward. You also have to consider things like location, cost, scholarships, environment and student evaluations. Start looking at their websites and see what their programs look like. That might help with the first question, too.
As to career, many students already in their first year of college still don't know what major and career they want to pursue. One of the purposes of college is to explore possibilities. For now, consider your interests, hobbies, skills, experiences and values, and what they might tell you about what future might suit you. There are quizzes, both online and from counselors, such as those on MyPlan.com, that can help you start to narrow down good options. Once you've done some narrowing down, you can see if there's any volunteering you can do relevant to that potential career, or research it further, or take a class in high school or even in your first year of college that might give you a better idea of what a future in that field might be like. You don't have to rush a decision, and can always change it anyway if time and money allows. The more experiences you have, the better your position to make a good decision.
As for what college to go to, a big part of that depends on the answer to the other question. You'd want to find a college with a good program in the field you're leaning toward. You also have to consider things like location, cost, scholarships, environment and student evaluations. Start looking at their websites and see what their programs look like. That might help with the first question, too.
Kara Schultz
Technical Support
7
Answers
Algonquin, Illinois
Updated
Kara’s Answer
I think it's best to think about a couple of general areas that are really interesting for you and not focus too much on the specific job or career itself. That is something that you will narrow down over time. Once you figure out those general areas pick some colleges and apply away! Then you can narrow it down.
I personally went to a local community college and think it was an affordable way to just expand my general knowledge and worldview while meeting new people and understanding more of what I wanted to do with my time. College is a great tool, but it is not for everyone. That is the beauty of community college and affordability in case you decide you don't want to pursue a higher level degree. Less cost for student loans on the general classes. You will get the same quality at a community college. Also, night classes were the best, because everyone is invested at a higher level and it helped motivate me.
I personally went to a local community college and think it was an affordable way to just expand my general knowledge and worldview while meeting new people and understanding more of what I wanted to do with my time. College is a great tool, but it is not for everyone. That is the beauty of community college and affordability in case you decide you don't want to pursue a higher level degree. Less cost for student loans on the general classes. You will get the same quality at a community college. Also, night classes were the best, because everyone is invested at a higher level and it helped motivate me.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, need to find out what careers you have interest first. The relevant subjects will be the major and minor to target in the college.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your favourite subjects, your hobbies, etc. and identify the related careers
e.g 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 counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can choose
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your favourite subjects, your hobbies, etc. and identify the related careers
e.g 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 counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can choose
5. Explore the college review on these subjects and the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Jeanna danice Herod
tech support
1
Answer
Berwyn, Illinois
Updated
Jeanna danice’s Answer
Sure, it's a great idea to check out the schools around you, see how much they cost, and think about what you really love doing. Also, consider other important things that can help you make the best choice. You could also try visiting the schools, shadowing a student for a day, and asking if you could stay overnight. This way, you'll get a real feel for what it's like there.