Kole
How can I find a career choice when my interests and strengths are so varied?
I can't figure out how to make a career out of my strengths. I'm "not bad" in school (b average); great at sports (not great enough to make a living off them); good with leadership and community involvement (but would rather play tennis). So I'm not sure where I fit into a "career path." Thank you.
#howtofindacareer #career-choice #career-counseling
#career-path
3 answers
Hanleigh J., MPH
Hanleigh’s Answer
Tushya Gautam
Tushya’s Answer
So i understand how you feel. I faced the same problem growing up. I was always interested in sports, music, and academics, and even in academics i enjoyed various subjects. What i then realised was that there are certain jobs and career prospects you can pursue which enable you to delve into different domains, and subsequently don't require you to let go of your interests. For example, i got into the field of analytics. Apart from an interest in this domain, i realised that this is one qualification that can be used anywhere, in any field. Another example is medicine. If you're interested in sports, you can get a basic medicine degree and delve into sports medicine, therefore still staying in touch with your interests.
Please look out for similar career paths which are less domain specific, and i'm sure you'll find one that suits you. I hope my examples helped you.
Wayne Fonville
Wayne’s Answer
Kole, you ask a very complicated question, but one that is relevant to quite a number of High School students. When I was in High School, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I loved math, science, art, Ag class and band. I was shy and did not enjoy talking to councilors or teachers about anything other than the subjects I was taking. I went to college and changed my major 4 times in the first 2 years. Once I got my degree, I got a job in that field but then didn't stay there. My degree and subsequent experience led me in a completely different direction than what I started at. (My degree is in Agriculture and I currently work in High Tech)
The take away from my experience is: don't think you have to lock yourself into a specific career in order to be successful. All careers contain aspects of various strengths and offer opportunities to develop others. Believing you have to decide on "a career" and stick with it is a recipe for dissatisfaction.
First, identify what your "strengths" are. These are not your likes but are characteristics of your personality. Are they leadership, organization, attention to detail, logic, intuitiveness, etc? Those are the strengths you need to identify. I recommend getting the book "Strengths Finder 2.0" and taking the on line survey it provides. It will help you identify which strengths you actually have currently and possibly point you toward some that you might like to obtain. Your strengths can be utilized in many different fields so stay open minded and look for your opportunities. Even if you start down a career path, it doesn't mean you can't change your mind. Even after you get out your interests and opportunities will continue to evolve so stay alert to these changes and move in the direction of your passions. This will lead you to a satisfying career and a lot of good experiences along the way.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do!
Wayne recommends the following next steps: