10 answers
Misty
Student
Tampa, Florida
1
Question
Asked
2098 views
How should I decide my career path What career paths pay the most??
I am a 17 year old female who is about to finish highschool. I am almost on my way to college and still don't know what I want to do. Any advice on where to start?
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10 answers
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1851
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I think you better to find a career you have interest rather than focusing on the pay. The pay of the jobs may fluctuate and subject to performance. If the career you have interest, you can do it good and earn a good income.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc 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
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant 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, etc 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
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Samantha Wencis
Financial Analyst
3
Answers
Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Start by engaging in conversations with familiar faces around you. Explore what the grown-ups in your life are doing for a living and see if any of their professions pique your curiosity. Don't forget to take advantage of career quizzes available online. These quizzes are designed to match your interests with potential career paths. Reflect on the activities that captivate you and that you excel at, and consider how these could be connected to a future career. Remember, your passion can often lead to your profession.
Dieu Earheart
Senior Project & Program Manager
6
Answers
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Updated
Dieu’s Answer
Start by exploring your interests. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy. Are you drawn to helping others? Do you find satisfaction in creating or building things? Once you've identified your passions, begin researching various career paths. This will guide you towards the direction you want to go in. One effective way to get a real sense of a profession is to spend a day as an intern or shadowing a professional in the field you're interested in. Always listen to your heart, but make sure to do your research to confirm it's the right path for you.
Carolina Undurraga
Management Consultant
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Carolina’s Answer
As students, it's not unusual for us to put a ton of pressure on ourselves, thinking we should already have our passions, future majors, and dream jobs all figured out. But here's a comforting truth: college is actually there to help us uncover these things! Yes, it can seem a tad daunting to apply for colleges (or even kick off your college journey) without a clear roadmap of what you want to do. But take heart, you're not alone in this, and it's totally okay. I hope this thought brings you a little peace.
Let's take a walk down my memory lane. When I embarked on my college journey, I was clueless about what I wanted to major in. However, I did have a few things that I really loved: helping others, solving problems, making a positive impact in the teams I was part of, and understanding how businesses tick. I took these interests and had some deep discussions with my high school and college advisors. Eventually, I whittled it down to three areas: Psychology, Sociology, and Business.
I'm sharing this because sometimes we can find ourselves trapped in a narrow way of thinking, believing that the perfect major or career will just magically appear. While some lucky individuals do have that kind of clarity, most of us need a little time to figure things out. So, my first nugget of advice is to take a breather and ask yourself: "What do I truly love doing at school or during my leisure time?" Perhaps you adore playing volleyball because you get to steer your team to victory. Or maybe the lure of computer science is irresistible because it feels like cracking an intricate puzzle.
In a nutshell - I'd suggest starting by exploring the diverse courses your college offers and make full use of all available resources to delve deeper into your intellectual interests (like WSJ, Podcasts, and so on).
Let's take a walk down my memory lane. When I embarked on my college journey, I was clueless about what I wanted to major in. However, I did have a few things that I really loved: helping others, solving problems, making a positive impact in the teams I was part of, and understanding how businesses tick. I took these interests and had some deep discussions with my high school and college advisors. Eventually, I whittled it down to three areas: Psychology, Sociology, and Business.
I'm sharing this because sometimes we can find ourselves trapped in a narrow way of thinking, believing that the perfect major or career will just magically appear. While some lucky individuals do have that kind of clarity, most of us need a little time to figure things out. So, my first nugget of advice is to take a breather and ask yourself: "What do I truly love doing at school or during my leisure time?" Perhaps you adore playing volleyball because you get to steer your team to victory. Or maybe the lure of computer science is irresistible because it feels like cracking an intricate puzzle.
In a nutshell - I'd suggest starting by exploring the diverse courses your college offers and make full use of all available resources to delve deeper into your intellectual interests (like WSJ, Podcasts, and so on).
Xiaojie Johan Liu
Consultant
91
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Xiaojie Johan’s Answer
Hello Misty,
Thanks for asking this question. It is challenging for a lot of young people to pick a career path. Personally, I know it was especially tough for me. Think about your passions and what you're good at, but also what has a stable long-term career outlook. For example, if you're good at math, you could pick a math and a finance major and end up working for a bank. If you like psychology, you could major in psychology and enroll into a graduate program to become a professional psychologist. There are many paths where you can go, but choose wisely.
Hopefully this helps!
Best regards,
Johan
Thanks for asking this question. It is challenging for a lot of young people to pick a career path. Personally, I know it was especially tough for me. Think about your passions and what you're good at, but also what has a stable long-term career outlook. For example, if you're good at math, you could pick a math and a finance major and end up working for a bank. If you like psychology, you could major in psychology and enroll into a graduate program to become a professional psychologist. There are many paths where you can go, but choose wisely.
Hopefully this helps!
Best regards,
Johan
Mickael Rosenberg
Software Engineer
261
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
Hi Misty,
It is a tough question for sure.
"should I decide my career path What career paths pay the most??"
It seems like you already decided that your career path: the one that pays the most. Let me tell you right there that while money is important and helps, it does not grant you everything.
There are many good answers above so I will be brief.
Unless you have a passion or hobby about something that you are really to do even under stress or not as you would has wished, I do not recommend to go the passion path.
(1) List what you like to do even during stress, even with imposed ideas
(2) List where you are good at
(3) List what you would not mind do 8 hours a day / 5 days a week (at least)
Then find a path in the domains. Do not discard domains as you will be extremely surprised how vast they can be sometimes. For those not in the domain, we only see the top of the iceberg.
You can also take a test there https://www.careerexplorer.com/. There is a free and one with a fee. It may gives you some good ideas to start with.
Wish you all the best.
Mickael
It is a tough question for sure.
"should I decide my career path What career paths pay the most??"
It seems like you already decided that your career path: the one that pays the most. Let me tell you right there that while money is important and helps, it does not grant you everything.
There are many good answers above so I will be brief.
Unless you have a passion or hobby about something that you are really to do even under stress or not as you would has wished, I do not recommend to go the passion path.
(1) List what you like to do even during stress, even with imposed ideas
(2) List where you are good at
(3) List what you would not mind do 8 hours a day / 5 days a week (at least)
Then find a path in the domains. Do not discard domains as you will be extremely surprised how vast they can be sometimes. For those not in the domain, we only see the top of the iceberg.
You can also take a test there https://www.careerexplorer.com/. There is a free and one with a fee. It may gives you some good ideas to start with.
Wish you all the best.
Mickael
Mobeen Siddiqui
Architect
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Mobeen’s Answer
Determining your career path is a common concern, and it's great that you're taking it seriously and seeking advice from others who've navigated this journey. You're definitely on the right track.
The first step is to identify what you value in life. This could be financial stability, work-life balance, ethical considerations, and so on. Determine your priorities and rank them accordingly. Simultaneously, create another list that includes your interests, what inspires you, and your strengths. Are you good at building relationships quickly, or perhaps you excel in mathematics? Identify these areas and rank them too.
Combine your rankings from both lists and sum them up. Prioritize them based on the total. This process will give you a clearer idea of what you truly want to pursue. As for high-paying career paths, it's important to remember that while income is significant, it's equally important to choose a career that aligns with your values, interests, and strengths.
The first step is to identify what you value in life. This could be financial stability, work-life balance, ethical considerations, and so on. Determine your priorities and rank them accordingly. Simultaneously, create another list that includes your interests, what inspires you, and your strengths. Are you good at building relationships quickly, or perhaps you excel in mathematics? Identify these areas and rank them too.
Combine your rankings from both lists and sum them up. Prioritize them based on the total. This process will give you a clearer idea of what you truly want to pursue. As for high-paying career paths, it's important to remember that while income is significant, it's equally important to choose a career that aligns with your values, interests, and strengths.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Misty,
Deciding on a Career Path
Deciding on a career path can be a daunting task, especially for a 17-year-old female about to finish high school and head to college. There are numerous factors to consider, such as personal interests, skills, and financial stability. It is essential to begin by exploring your passions, strengths, and values, as these will guide you in choosing a career path that aligns with your goals.
Reflect on your interests and strengths: Think about the subjects you enjoy studying or activities you have been involved in throughout your life. Consider what skills you have developed and how these could be applied to a potential career.
Research various career options: Start by researching different careers to gain an understanding of the job market and the skills required for each field. Websites like O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) provide valuable information on job outlook, salary, and job duties.
Seek guidance from mentors and counselors: Talk to teachers, guidance counselors, and mentors to gain insight into various career paths. They can provide advice and suggestions based on your interests and skills.
Consider your values and lifestyle preferences: Think about the work environment and lifestyle you desire, such as the ability to work remotely, the importance of work-life balance, or opportunities for professional growth.
Explore internships and job shadowing: Gain hands-on experience by participating in internships or job shadowing opportunities in fields that interest you. This will help you better understand the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of different careers.
Network with professionals: Attend industry events, conferences, and job fairs to connect with professionals in your desired field. This will provide you with firsthand information on job opportunities and trends.
Evaluate your options: Once you have gathered information on various career paths, evaluate each option based on factors such as salary, job outlook, and personal satisfaction.
Set realistic goals: Establish a timeline for your career development, including short-term and long-term goals. Be flexible and open to change, as your interests and circumstances may evolve over time.
High-Paying Career Paths
While financial stability is an essential consideration, it is crucial to remember that career satisfaction and personal fulfillment should be prioritized. That said, here are some high-paying career paths that also offer opportunities for personal growth and development:
Healthcare: Professions such as physicians, surgeons, and nurses offer high salaries and job stability.
Technology: Careers in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity are in high demand and offer lucrative salaries.
Finance: Roles such as financial analysts, investment bankers, and financial advisors can provide substantial earnings.
Law: Careers in law, such as a lawyer or a judge, can offer a high salary and a sense of accomplishment.
Business Management: Roles in management, marketing, and human resources can lead to successful careers with high earning potential.
Engineering: Careers in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering can offer competitive salaries and job security.
Remember, when choosing a career path, it is essential to consider your passions, skills, and values. High-paying careers may offer financial stability, but they may not always align with your personal goals and interests.
Authoritative Reference Titles
O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org)
This website provides detailed information on various careers, including job duties, required skills, and salary information. It is a valuable resource for those looking to explore different career options.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers comprehensive data on the job market, including employment statistics, wage data, and industry trends. This information can help you make informed decisions about potential career paths.
The Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com)
The Princeton Review offers guidance on choosing a college major, career exploration, and resources for job seekers. Their website provides articles, quizzes, and tools to assist in the decision-making process.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
[BECAUSE HE CAN AND WILL]
James Constantine.
Deciding on a Career Path
Deciding on a career path can be a daunting task, especially for a 17-year-old female about to finish high school and head to college. There are numerous factors to consider, such as personal interests, skills, and financial stability. It is essential to begin by exploring your passions, strengths, and values, as these will guide you in choosing a career path that aligns with your goals.
Reflect on your interests and strengths: Think about the subjects you enjoy studying or activities you have been involved in throughout your life. Consider what skills you have developed and how these could be applied to a potential career.
Research various career options: Start by researching different careers to gain an understanding of the job market and the skills required for each field. Websites like O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) provide valuable information on job outlook, salary, and job duties.
Seek guidance from mentors and counselors: Talk to teachers, guidance counselors, and mentors to gain insight into various career paths. They can provide advice and suggestions based on your interests and skills.
Consider your values and lifestyle preferences: Think about the work environment and lifestyle you desire, such as the ability to work remotely, the importance of work-life balance, or opportunities for professional growth.
Explore internships and job shadowing: Gain hands-on experience by participating in internships or job shadowing opportunities in fields that interest you. This will help you better understand the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of different careers.
Network with professionals: Attend industry events, conferences, and job fairs to connect with professionals in your desired field. This will provide you with firsthand information on job opportunities and trends.
Evaluate your options: Once you have gathered information on various career paths, evaluate each option based on factors such as salary, job outlook, and personal satisfaction.
Set realistic goals: Establish a timeline for your career development, including short-term and long-term goals. Be flexible and open to change, as your interests and circumstances may evolve over time.
High-Paying Career Paths
While financial stability is an essential consideration, it is crucial to remember that career satisfaction and personal fulfillment should be prioritized. That said, here are some high-paying career paths that also offer opportunities for personal growth and development:
Healthcare: Professions such as physicians, surgeons, and nurses offer high salaries and job stability.
Technology: Careers in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity are in high demand and offer lucrative salaries.
Finance: Roles such as financial analysts, investment bankers, and financial advisors can provide substantial earnings.
Law: Careers in law, such as a lawyer or a judge, can offer a high salary and a sense of accomplishment.
Business Management: Roles in management, marketing, and human resources can lead to successful careers with high earning potential.
Engineering: Careers in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering can offer competitive salaries and job security.
Remember, when choosing a career path, it is essential to consider your passions, skills, and values. High-paying careers may offer financial stability, but they may not always align with your personal goals and interests.
Authoritative Reference Titles
O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org)
This website provides detailed information on various careers, including job duties, required skills, and salary information. It is a valuable resource for those looking to explore different career options.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers comprehensive data on the job market, including employment statistics, wage data, and industry trends. This information can help you make informed decisions about potential career paths.
The Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com)
The Princeton Review offers guidance on choosing a college major, career exploration, and resources for job seekers. Their website provides articles, quizzes, and tools to assist in the decision-making process.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
[BECAUSE HE CAN AND WILL]
James Constantine.
Sheila Wall
Mental health
1
Answer
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
While high pay is important, finding a career that you love is also important! Best is if you can combine them.
Rank your interests and strengths. For instance, if you are good enough in math, you could consider science careers. If you generally get along with people and like talking to them and helping them, a career in healthcare or teaching might be right up your alley. If you’re really curious about how things work, a career in engineering or research might be fun.
If you don’t really know, and are going to a liberal arts college, take a variety of courses your first and second years to see what you really like and could imagine yourself doing.
When I went to college, I wanted to be a classical archaeologist. My options for college were limited to 2 state schools. The one I went to was huge and their anthropology dept. did have archaeology courses, but they were in pre-historic Indian archaeology of the southwest—not my interest. I did take a year of classics which was interesting, but to progress, I would have had to be fluent in ancient Greek, Latin or ancient Hebrew. Languages aren’t my strong suit.
So I was looking around for something else and met a boy who was pre-med and pretty dumb. I thought if he could do it, I could do it. Due to illness, I had not taken much science or math in high school. So I had to take remedial math and chemistry in college. I liked that, so I continued. I went to medical school and became a psychiatrist (one of the lower paying specialities) which I enjoyed a lot.
I had a private practice which allowed me to control my own schedule.
Because I had pre-med requirements which involved a lot of courses in biology and chemistry, it made sense to major in biology. I wish, though, that I had majored in history which was also an interest.
A lot of liberal arts majors don’t lead to direct career paths besides, say, teaching, which is underpaid, unless you get a Ph.D. If you combine a liberal arts degree with a marketable skill then you may have the best of both worlds. Examples would be a major in English (or another language) or history plus a minor in computer science. If you think you might want to have your own business or become an entrepreneur, you might take some business courses along with your major.
I would avoid traditional “women’s work” because it tends to be low paid—women still earn 77 cents to a (white) man’s dollar. There are exceptions. Nursing was low paid in my day but now commands a fairly high salary in part because many nurses left the field.
A caution about any healthcare career is that our system is said to be “broken.” It probably is, and due to decreased salaries and poor working conditions, both doctors and nurses have left. We are on the cusp of “healthcare reform,” but it’s not clear what that would look like.
Good luck!
Rank your interests and strengths. For instance, if you are good enough in math, you could consider science careers. If you generally get along with people and like talking to them and helping them, a career in healthcare or teaching might be right up your alley. If you’re really curious about how things work, a career in engineering or research might be fun.
If you don’t really know, and are going to a liberal arts college, take a variety of courses your first and second years to see what you really like and could imagine yourself doing.
When I went to college, I wanted to be a classical archaeologist. My options for college were limited to 2 state schools. The one I went to was huge and their anthropology dept. did have archaeology courses, but they were in pre-historic Indian archaeology of the southwest—not my interest. I did take a year of classics which was interesting, but to progress, I would have had to be fluent in ancient Greek, Latin or ancient Hebrew. Languages aren’t my strong suit.
So I was looking around for something else and met a boy who was pre-med and pretty dumb. I thought if he could do it, I could do it. Due to illness, I had not taken much science or math in high school. So I had to take remedial math and chemistry in college. I liked that, so I continued. I went to medical school and became a psychiatrist (one of the lower paying specialities) which I enjoyed a lot.
I had a private practice which allowed me to control my own schedule.
Because I had pre-med requirements which involved a lot of courses in biology and chemistry, it made sense to major in biology. I wish, though, that I had majored in history which was also an interest.
A lot of liberal arts majors don’t lead to direct career paths besides, say, teaching, which is underpaid, unless you get a Ph.D. If you combine a liberal arts degree with a marketable skill then you may have the best of both worlds. Examples would be a major in English (or another language) or history plus a minor in computer science. If you think you might want to have your own business or become an entrepreneur, you might take some business courses along with your major.
I would avoid traditional “women’s work” because it tends to be low paid—women still earn 77 cents to a (white) man’s dollar. There are exceptions. Nursing was low paid in my day but now commands a fairly high salary in part because many nurses left the field.
A caution about any healthcare career is that our system is said to be “broken.” It probably is, and due to decreased salaries and poor working conditions, both doctors and nurses have left. We are on the cusp of “healthcare reform,” but it’s not clear what that would look like.
Good luck!
Enise Agel
144
Answers
Updated
Enise’s Answer
Hello Misty,
You should have a target or have a plan of your career path in order to have a successful career in your life. During your plan, you should ask yourself;
What’s your passion and talent?
What you can do after you discovered your talent and your passion?
Have you previously interested in club(s) at school, and experienced in that/those club(s)? (It can be photography, music choir etc.)
I could write numerous questions, yet I have not had any more questions in my mind. Having a good career is not only learning your soft and hard skills as well as emotional intelligence during your club at school, it is to test yourself in a way that you can upgrade your profile. And even you can create a LinkedIn profile once you have experienced on opportunities. After discovering your passion and talent, ask yourself;
Which volunteering/internship/part-time/full-time job announcements with requirements suits for you?
Have you previously experienced any of these (volunteering etc.)?
What if you failed after your interview(s) with the company/charity, what you could change differently? (Scenario)
What you can do after you passed an interview with the charity or the company that you agreed, and what to do next?
I hope this helps.
You should have a target or have a plan of your career path in order to have a successful career in your life. During your plan, you should ask yourself;
What’s your passion and talent?
What you can do after you discovered your talent and your passion?
Have you previously interested in club(s) at school, and experienced in that/those club(s)? (It can be photography, music choir etc.)
I could write numerous questions, yet I have not had any more questions in my mind. Having a good career is not only learning your soft and hard skills as well as emotional intelligence during your club at school, it is to test yourself in a way that you can upgrade your profile. And even you can create a LinkedIn profile once you have experienced on opportunities. After discovering your passion and talent, ask yourself;
Which volunteering/internship/part-time/full-time job announcements with requirements suits for you?
Have you previously experienced any of these (volunteering etc.)?
What if you failed after your interview(s) with the company/charity, what you could change differently? (Scenario)
What you can do after you passed an interview with the charity or the company that you agreed, and what to do next?
I hope this helps.