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How did you figure out your career choice?
I love sports punditry, i am also pretty good with computers. I want to make the best choice
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
It came down to a simple question for me, which was:
"What is the one thing (or occupation), that I love to do so much, that if they did not pay me to do it, I would still come every day and do it anyway?"
It has to be something, where you cannot wait to get up and get into the office every day, and are the first to arrive, and you are the last to leave in the evening.
When you are able to determine the occupation, that meets these criteria, you will have the correct one, and will have made the right choice.
"What is the one thing (or occupation), that I love to do so much, that if they did not pay me to do it, I would still come every day and do it anyway?"
It has to be something, where you cannot wait to get up and get into the office every day, and are the first to arrive, and you are the last to leave in the evening.
When you are able to determine the occupation, that meets these criteria, you will have the correct one, and will have made the right choice.
Updated
Alexey’s Answer
Hello Zaharaddeen,
thanks for the question.
Most will say that it's the most important decision in your life but guess what, you can always amend it. You need to try it, that's the only way.
I always dreamed to work in football industry. Or analyse sport, write articles etc...I still regret that I never tried, as I work in IT company in a sales function, why football and sports overall remained only a hobby.
Do what excites you, this way you will be able to excel. Money is important, but it won't fill your soul with joy. So be brave, follow your dream and if sports punditry is smth you are excited above, just TRY IT!!
Good luck!
Cheers from Prague!
Alexey
thanks for the question.
Most will say that it's the most important decision in your life but guess what, you can always amend it. You need to try it, that's the only way.
I always dreamed to work in football industry. Or analyse sport, write articles etc...I still regret that I never tried, as I work in IT company in a sales function, why football and sports overall remained only a hobby.
Do what excites you, this way you will be able to excel. Money is important, but it won't fill your soul with joy. So be brave, follow your dream and if sports punditry is smth you are excited above, just TRY IT!!
Good luck!
Cheers from Prague!
Alexey
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Hi Zaharaddeen - Think about things you enjoy and are passionate about and determine if there are employment opportunities for them. Keep in the forefront that whatever career path you choose it's going to be for life, hopefully. Once you drill down on some careers investigate opportunities so shadow professionals that are currently in that field so you can see what the day to day is like. You may find that what you envisioned isn't the reality. Best of luck to you!
Updated
Fred’s Answer
My particular story:
I picked something I thought I would enjoy. Turns out, I couldn't make a living at it.
I choose another, going back to school to be qualified. I hated it once I got into it.
I drifted a while, just getting by.
I finally went back to school again, in a brand new field, loved it, and have been working in that field happily for almost 25 years now.
My point is...you don't always know. You try something, and figure out if you love it, hate it, or are willing to tolerate it. Most people go through several careers in their life, so the first one you pick will probably not be the one you finish in.
I picked something I thought I would enjoy. Turns out, I couldn't make a living at it.
I choose another, going back to school to be qualified. I hated it once I got into it.
I drifted a while, just getting by.
I finally went back to school again, in a brand new field, loved it, and have been working in that field happily for almost 25 years now.
My point is...you don't always know. You try something, and figure out if you love it, hate it, or are willing to tolerate it. Most people go through several careers in their life, so the first one you pick will probably not be the one you finish in.
Updated
Xiaojie Johan’s Answer
Hello Zaharaddeen,
Thanks for posing the question. I believe that it is important for someone to follow their dreams, but also supplement those dreams with something realistic. If you want to be a sports pundit or a computer programmer, you'll have to get the prerequisite degree and internships in order to land that job. A sports pundit probably requires an internship with ESPN or a sports channel first before you can land a job as a sports pundit. A computer programmer probably requires a computer science or related degree. It also might require internships to land a position as a computer programmer or an IT technician.
I chose my current job as a consultant because it is very interesting to provide value to clients and the projects are varied. It wasn't my choice when I first started college as at that time I wanted to get a job as a business analyst, then I switched to the path of becoming a professor economist. The moral of the story is that sometimes you end up doing something that you did not expect at first.
Thanks and hopefully this is helpful!
Best regards,
Johan
Thanks for posing the question. I believe that it is important for someone to follow their dreams, but also supplement those dreams with something realistic. If you want to be a sports pundit or a computer programmer, you'll have to get the prerequisite degree and internships in order to land that job. A sports pundit probably requires an internship with ESPN or a sports channel first before you can land a job as a sports pundit. A computer programmer probably requires a computer science or related degree. It also might require internships to land a position as a computer programmer or an IT technician.
I chose my current job as a consultant because it is very interesting to provide value to clients and the projects are varied. It wasn't my choice when I first started college as at that time I wanted to get a job as a business analyst, then I switched to the path of becoming a professor economist. The moral of the story is that sometimes you end up doing something that you did not expect at first.
Thanks and hopefully this is helpful!
Best regards,
Johan
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have interest in both Computer and Sports. In fact, there are many careers related to Computer and Sport. E.g. In Computer, would you like to be a developer, system administrator, database administrator, application support, system engineer, etc. In Sports, would you like to be athlete, instructor, sports management, etc. You may need to find out what careers you have interests first.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more Computer and Sports related careers. There are plenty of information online.
2. Explore 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
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more Computer and Sports related careers. There are plenty of information online.
2. Explore 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
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Katie’s Answer
There are ways you can find a middle-ground to stay interested and involved in both computer science / data analytics as well as sports!
Some may include:
Sports Data Analyst: This role involves collecting and analyzing sports data using computer software and statistical models to provide insights and predictions for teams, coaches, and sports organizations.
Sports Technology Engineer: This job focuses on developing and maintaining technology systems used in sports, such as scoreboard systems, video analysis software, and wearable sports technology.
Sports App Developer: As a sports app developer, you can create mobile applications that provide sports-related information, live scores, player statistics, and other features for sports enthusiasts.
Sports Gaming Developer: This role involves designing and developing computer and video games centered around sports, including sports simulations, fantasy sports games, and sports-themed mobile games.
Sports Website Developer: You can specialize in creating and maintaining websites dedicated to sports, including news portals, fan forums, and online sports communities.
Sports Social Media Manager: This job involves managing social media accounts for sports teams, athletes, or sports organizations, creating engaging content, and interacting with fans and followers.
Sports Broadcasting Technician: This role focuses on operating and maintaining computer systems and equipment used in sports broadcasting, such as video editing software, graphics systems, and live streaming platforms.
Sports Marketing Analyst: This job combines computer skills with marketing knowledge to analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and campaign performance in the sports industry.
Best of luck! I myself enjoy sports as well and try to keep it a part of my life.
Katie
Some may include:
Sports Data Analyst: This role involves collecting and analyzing sports data using computer software and statistical models to provide insights and predictions for teams, coaches, and sports organizations.
Sports Technology Engineer: This job focuses on developing and maintaining technology systems used in sports, such as scoreboard systems, video analysis software, and wearable sports technology.
Sports App Developer: As a sports app developer, you can create mobile applications that provide sports-related information, live scores, player statistics, and other features for sports enthusiasts.
Sports Gaming Developer: This role involves designing and developing computer and video games centered around sports, including sports simulations, fantasy sports games, and sports-themed mobile games.
Sports Website Developer: You can specialize in creating and maintaining websites dedicated to sports, including news portals, fan forums, and online sports communities.
Sports Social Media Manager: This job involves managing social media accounts for sports teams, athletes, or sports organizations, creating engaging content, and interacting with fans and followers.
Sports Broadcasting Technician: This role focuses on operating and maintaining computer systems and equipment used in sports broadcasting, such as video editing software, graphics systems, and live streaming platforms.
Sports Marketing Analyst: This job combines computer skills with marketing knowledge to analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and campaign performance in the sports industry.
Best of luck! I myself enjoy sports as well and try to keep it a part of my life.
Katie