4 answers
Lyla
Student
New York, NY
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know what to study?
I have no idea what to study or what to do when I get out of school.
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4 answers
Max Hendrickx
Sales in Financial Software
3
Answers
Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
Updated
Max’s Answer
Emerging from high school, I encountered the same dilemma. After three decades of professional experience, I now understand that I could have approached things differently. The first step is to explore all fields of study that pique your interest. Understand what they entail and inquire about potential job opportunities that may arise from such qualifications. With this information, visit job websites and peruse the job descriptions of the advertised positions. Once you've identified 5-10 roles that sound appealing, delve deeper into these roles. Aim to find a job that not only offers financial stability but also brings you joy.
However, it's important to remember that your education often serves as a mere stepping stone into the professional world. Particularly in Europe, employers rarely inquire about your university education. Instead, they're interested in seeing that you've successfully graduated from university.
In summary, conduct thorough research on your prospective career paths, pursue what seems enjoyable, and remember that you always have the option to further your studies or switch careers. The more you expose yourself to different opportunities, the higher your chances of landing a new role.
However, it's important to remember that your education often serves as a mere stepping stone into the professional world. Particularly in Europe, employers rarely inquire about your university education. Instead, they're interested in seeing that you've successfully graduated from university.
In summary, conduct thorough research on your prospective career paths, pursue what seems enjoyable, and remember that you always have the option to further your studies or switch careers. The more you expose yourself to different opportunities, the higher your chances of landing a new role.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Lyla, believe me, you're not alone. I'd say that most students, even many who have already begun college, aren't sure what to major in or what career is best for them. It's an important decision, so don't worry, take your time. Start by considering your interests, hobbies, skills, experiences and values, and what career they might translate to. There are quizzes online and from counselors that can help with that narrowing down process. Also, go to the websites of colleges you might be considering and look at the programs and classes they offer, seeing if anything feels right to you. You may start in college not having a specific major and take a class or two that might lead you forward. Talk to your counselors and, when the time comes, with academic advisors from colleges that visit your school or you visit. It will happen.
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
92
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
You've already gathered some fantastic insights!
Not every career requires a college education. Choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's crucial to find something you're truly passionate about. Understand your motivations and ensure your choice aligns with them. Do you like to learn new things and want to earn a degree? Or do you like working with your hands and want to go to trade school? Definitely reach out to your school counselor to get some ideas on career options. And you may find other resources like family friends that can provide some advice about their careers.
Never opt for a career solely based on others' expectations unless it genuinely excites you. Remember, you're the one who will be investing time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills or degree. Moreover, a career can span several decades. So, ask yourself, is this something you'd love to wake up to every day? If the answer is yes, then put your heart into it. Show up with a positive attitude, volunteer for projects, and actively engage with your team.
Remember, it's okay if the path you initially chose needs to be altered. Life can often surprise us, and you might find that a new direction suits you even better.
Not every career requires a college education. Choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's crucial to find something you're truly passionate about. Understand your motivations and ensure your choice aligns with them. Do you like to learn new things and want to earn a degree? Or do you like working with your hands and want to go to trade school? Definitely reach out to your school counselor to get some ideas on career options. And you may find other resources like family friends that can provide some advice about their careers.
Never opt for a career solely based on others' expectations unless it genuinely excites you. Remember, you're the one who will be investing time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills or degree. Moreover, a career can span several decades. So, ask yourself, is this something you'd love to wake up to every day? If the answer is yes, then put your heart into it. Show up with a positive attitude, volunteer for projects, and actively engage with your team.
Remember, it's okay if the path you initially chose needs to be altered. Life can often surprise us, and you might find that a new direction suits you even better.
Hasnain Joiya
CEO at SeeMake
38
Answers
Pakistan
Updated
Hasnain’s Answer
Choosing what to study and deciding on a career path can be a significant challenge, especially when you're in school. Here are some steps to help you figure out what to study and what you might want to pursue in the future:
𝟭. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Take some time for self-reflection. Consider your interests, values, strengths, and passions. What activities make you feel engaged and fulfilled? What subjects do you enjoy learning about?
𝟮. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀:
Explore a variety of subjects both inside and outside the classroom. Join clubs, attend workshops, and participate in extracurricular activities related to different fields. This hands-on experience can help you discover what resonates with you.
𝟯. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Research different careers and professions. Look into the day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, and educational paths for various jobs. Online career assessments can also provide insights into suitable career options.
𝟰. 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀:
Reach out to professionals in different fields and ask for informational interviews. Learn about their career paths, daily routines, and any advice they have for someone starting out.
𝟱. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Consider doing internships or job shadowing in fields you find interesting. Hands-on experience can give you a practical understanding of what a job entails.
𝟲. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Schedule a meeting with your school's guidance counselor or career advisor. They can provide resources, information about potential career paths, and guidance on choosing a suitable educational track.
𝟳. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Network with people in various professions. Attend networking events, join professional groups, and connect with alumni from your school. Networking can open up new opportunities and provide valuable insights.
𝟴. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀:
Consider taking personality and aptitude tests. These assessments can provide insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and the types of activities that might suit you.
𝟵. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀:
Investigate different educational paths, such as college programs, vocational training, or apprenticeships. Look into the requirements and offerings of various educational institutions.
𝟭𝟬. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀:
Enroll in a variety of courses to explore different subjects. Many students enter college with an undeclared major and use their first year to explore various academic areas.
𝟭𝟭. 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸:
Volunteer for organizations or causes that interest you. This can provide a sense of purpose and help you identify the kind of work that resonates with your values.
𝟭𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀:
Think about your long-term goals. What kind of lifestyle do you envision? What impact do you want to make in the world? Considering these factors can help guide your educational and career choices.
𝟭𝟯. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:
Identify mentors or individuals who can offer guidance. A mentor can provide valuable advice based on their experiences and help you navigate your educational and career decisions.
Remember that it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately. Many people explore different paths before finding the right fit. Take your time, be open to new experiences, and trust that your interests and goals may evolve over time. The important thing is to start the journey of exploration and learning more about yourself and the world around you.
𝟭. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Take some time for self-reflection. Consider your interests, values, strengths, and passions. What activities make you feel engaged and fulfilled? What subjects do you enjoy learning about?
𝟮. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀:
Explore a variety of subjects both inside and outside the classroom. Join clubs, attend workshops, and participate in extracurricular activities related to different fields. This hands-on experience can help you discover what resonates with you.
𝟯. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Research different careers and professions. Look into the day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, and educational paths for various jobs. Online career assessments can also provide insights into suitable career options.
𝟰. 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀:
Reach out to professionals in different fields and ask for informational interviews. Learn about their career paths, daily routines, and any advice they have for someone starting out.
𝟱. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Consider doing internships or job shadowing in fields you find interesting. Hands-on experience can give you a practical understanding of what a job entails.
𝟲. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Schedule a meeting with your school's guidance counselor or career advisor. They can provide resources, information about potential career paths, and guidance on choosing a suitable educational track.
𝟳. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Network with people in various professions. Attend networking events, join professional groups, and connect with alumni from your school. Networking can open up new opportunities and provide valuable insights.
𝟴. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀:
Consider taking personality and aptitude tests. These assessments can provide insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and the types of activities that might suit you.
𝟵. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀:
Investigate different educational paths, such as college programs, vocational training, or apprenticeships. Look into the requirements and offerings of various educational institutions.
𝟭𝟬. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀:
Enroll in a variety of courses to explore different subjects. Many students enter college with an undeclared major and use their first year to explore various academic areas.
𝟭𝟭. 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸:
Volunteer for organizations or causes that interest you. This can provide a sense of purpose and help you identify the kind of work that resonates with your values.
𝟭𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀:
Think about your long-term goals. What kind of lifestyle do you envision? What impact do you want to make in the world? Considering these factors can help guide your educational and career choices.
𝟭𝟯. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:
Identify mentors or individuals who can offer guidance. A mentor can provide valuable advice based on their experiences and help you navigate your educational and career decisions.
Remember that it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately. Many people explore different paths before finding the right fit. Take your time, be open to new experiences, and trust that your interests and goals may evolve over time. The important thing is to start the journey of exploration and learning more about yourself and the world around you.