14 answers
Bella
Student
Madison, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
1289 views
How do I know what career and major I want to go into?
I'm a Sophomore in high school, and thinking about the future, but I've never known what I want to do. I'm starting to have an idea, but I feel like the career I might want to go into is risky, expensive, might not pay off, and I'm scared of what I would have to do in that career. I don't know if I should pursue said career or look for other "safer" careers.
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14 answers
Chris Resetar
Contract Management
24
Answers
Ellicott City, Maryland
Updated
Chris’s Answer
I think that the biggest recommendation that I have is just to keep your options open. I majored in Elementary Education in college and after I finished a new opportunity came about that I didn't expect. At first I said no because I didn't think that working in business didn't fit with my major. After thinking it over and asking for advice I took the leap and changed careers. I haven't regretted it for moment and I actually found that the new career suits me better. In summary, be open to new opportunities that may be different than what you expected as those are often have the most potential to surprise you.
Jed Pitera
Researcher
12
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Jed’s Answer
One of the pieces of advice that I give students is that when you feel uncertain, you should keep your options open as long as possible. Don't jump in to a very focused training program unless you are sure that is what you want to do. Study, explore, pursue things that interest you -- but at the same time if there are specific classes/requirements needed for some of the things you are interested in, make sure to take those so you have the option to pursue that career path in the future.
Talha Yasin
System Performance Engineer
1
Answer
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Talha’s Answer
You should be aware of where you stand academically and in what field you can see yourself contributing the most positively. In the end you need to choose something that you can do day in and day out. There are some majors which have little value to businesses and if your end goal is landing in the private sector it would be best to not spend a full degree pursing something that you may not even have a use for later. That being said college and school just prepares you to learn, what you will end up doing is likely going to be different from what you study so always have a positive learning mindset and be prepared to be resilient in the face of setbacks. No matter where you go that will be your biggest asset.
Alex Kemp
Technical Program Management
3
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi Bella,
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your future career and major at your age. I remember feeling like you in High School. The truth is, most people don't have it all figured out in high school, and that's perfectly okay! The journey to discovering your passion and ideal career path often takes time and exploration.
One approach you can take is to focus on self-discovery. Reflect on your interests, hobbies, and the activities that genuinely make you excited. What subjects do you enjoy learning about the most? What are you naturally good at? Think about the moments when you've felt most fulfilled, and try to identify common themes or interests.
Next, consider taking career assessments or personality tests that can provide insights into your strengths and preferences. These assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Strong Interest Inventory, can help you gain a better understanding of potential career paths that align with your personality and interests.
Don't be afraid to explore different fields and industries through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These experiences can give you a taste of what it's like to work in a particular field and help you determine whether it's a good fit for you.
Additionally, reach out to professionals in various careers for informational interviews. Ask them about their career journey, daily responsibilities, and what they enjoy most about their job. Hearing firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions. Eventually finding yourself a mentor, someone in the career path you have in mind can really help in the long term.
Remember that it's okay to change your mind along the way. Your interests and goals may evolve as you gain more experiences and learn about different career opportunities. The key is to remain open-minded and adaptable to change.
Lastly, don't let fear hold you back from pursuing your passions. While some careers may seem risky or expensive, pursuing what truly excites you can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding life. It's important to balance your interests with practical considerations, but don't let fear alone dictate your choices.
Ultimately, the path to discovering your ideal career and major is a personal journey, and it may take time. Be patient with yourself, seek guidance when needed, and trust that you'll find your way.
Best of luck on your journey of self-discovery and future career exploration!
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your future career and major at your age. I remember feeling like you in High School. The truth is, most people don't have it all figured out in high school, and that's perfectly okay! The journey to discovering your passion and ideal career path often takes time and exploration.
One approach you can take is to focus on self-discovery. Reflect on your interests, hobbies, and the activities that genuinely make you excited. What subjects do you enjoy learning about the most? What are you naturally good at? Think about the moments when you've felt most fulfilled, and try to identify common themes or interests.
Next, consider taking career assessments or personality tests that can provide insights into your strengths and preferences. These assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Strong Interest Inventory, can help you gain a better understanding of potential career paths that align with your personality and interests.
Don't be afraid to explore different fields and industries through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These experiences can give you a taste of what it's like to work in a particular field and help you determine whether it's a good fit for you.
Additionally, reach out to professionals in various careers for informational interviews. Ask them about their career journey, daily responsibilities, and what they enjoy most about their job. Hearing firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions. Eventually finding yourself a mentor, someone in the career path you have in mind can really help in the long term.
Remember that it's okay to change your mind along the way. Your interests and goals may evolve as you gain more experiences and learn about different career opportunities. The key is to remain open-minded and adaptable to change.
Lastly, don't let fear hold you back from pursuing your passions. While some careers may seem risky or expensive, pursuing what truly excites you can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding life. It's important to balance your interests with practical considerations, but don't let fear alone dictate your choices.
Ultimately, the path to discovering your ideal career and major is a personal journey, and it may take time. Be patient with yourself, seek guidance when needed, and trust that you'll find your way.
Best of luck on your journey of self-discovery and future career exploration!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1860
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question . The most important is to find out what you have interest. Imagine that you have to do job 8-10 hours every day and 5 day every week. which is 'safe' but you have no interest on it, it will be a disaster.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, 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
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, 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
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Vern Novstrup
Environmental Engineer
30
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Vern’s Answer
You might want to pickup a copy of the book "designing your life." It is guide with exercises for better understanding what you can do with your life and career. This is a book that you should read and study periodically to get a feel for where to go next. You may want to even setup of study group of friends to go over the material in the book.
Several things struck me about your question. You seem to have a lot of terms (risky, might not, expensive, safer) that suggest fear that might be freezing you in place. This is perfectly normal. When you feel overwhelmed by the "fear" of getting the wrong answer... stop take a deep breath and remember it will be okay. There are many right answers. The so called wrong answers are really just opportunities to adjust and move in a different direction.
I changed my selected major three times in my first 18 months of college before I landed on something that I truly loved. That something was geology or geological engineering. During my career I tended to reinvent my career every 5 to 10 years. All of the changes were driven by a mixture of opportunities, luck and passion for learning. Each new career direction was an opportunity to apply what I had learned from the last experience and learn new skills.
If I could do it again I would tried harder to get past my fears of failure and tried more things and harder things. Perhaps I should have tried to get into grad school, taken some high risk job assignments, or taken a mid-career break to go on an world travel adventure. Most people at the end of their life will most strongly regret what they didn't do.
Several things struck me about your question. You seem to have a lot of terms (risky, might not, expensive, safer) that suggest fear that might be freezing you in place. This is perfectly normal. When you feel overwhelmed by the "fear" of getting the wrong answer... stop take a deep breath and remember it will be okay. There are many right answers. The so called wrong answers are really just opportunities to adjust and move in a different direction.
I changed my selected major three times in my first 18 months of college before I landed on something that I truly loved. That something was geology or geological engineering. During my career I tended to reinvent my career every 5 to 10 years. All of the changes were driven by a mixture of opportunities, luck and passion for learning. Each new career direction was an opportunity to apply what I had learned from the last experience and learn new skills.
If I could do it again I would tried harder to get past my fears of failure and tried more things and harder things. Perhaps I should have tried to get into grad school, taken some high risk job assignments, or taken a mid-career break to go on an world travel adventure. Most people at the end of their life will most strongly regret what they didn't do.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Bella,
I would recommend not to worry about your future choices in the firstplace. Make your career decisions based on your strengths, personality traits, and skills. Consider other factors as well, such as financial capabilities to cover the cost of your studies, and so on.
Good luck in making the right decision!
I would recommend not to worry about your future choices in the firstplace. Make your career decisions based on your strengths, personality traits, and skills. Consider other factors as well, such as financial capabilities to cover the cost of your studies, and so on.
Good luck in making the right decision!
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Kenitra, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
Hi Bella,
Navigating career decisions as a high school sophomore can indeed be overwhelming, and it's completely normal to feel uncertain about the future. Take some time to reflect on your interests, passions, and strengths. Consider the subjects or activities that genuinely excite you and bring you satisfaction. Engage in activities, clubs, or classes that align with your interests to gain insights into potential career paths and discover what you enjoy. Explore various careers to understand their requirements, responsibilities, and potential challenges, and look into industries that align with your interests and values. Connect with professionals in fields you find intriguing and conduct informational interviews to gain insights into different careers, their day-to-day aspects, and the realities of the job. Reflect on the lifestyle you envision for yourself and consider factors like travel, working hours, and work environment. Research the educational pathways required for different careers. Remember, it's okay not to have everything figured out right away. Your interests and goals may evolve over time, and the journey of self-discovery is a valuable part of the process.
Best regards,
Houcine
Navigating career decisions as a high school sophomore can indeed be overwhelming, and it's completely normal to feel uncertain about the future. Take some time to reflect on your interests, passions, and strengths. Consider the subjects or activities that genuinely excite you and bring you satisfaction. Engage in activities, clubs, or classes that align with your interests to gain insights into potential career paths and discover what you enjoy. Explore various careers to understand their requirements, responsibilities, and potential challenges, and look into industries that align with your interests and values. Connect with professionals in fields you find intriguing and conduct informational interviews to gain insights into different careers, their day-to-day aspects, and the realities of the job. Reflect on the lifestyle you envision for yourself and consider factors like travel, working hours, and work environment. Research the educational pathways required for different careers. Remember, it's okay not to have everything figured out right away. Your interests and goals may evolve over time, and the journey of self-discovery is a valuable part of the process.
Best regards,
Houcine
Sumanth Ghanta
Architect
1
Answer
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sumanth’s Answer
I would encourage you to prioritize your interest/passion as a career more than anything else. Ultimately, after a few (or several) years you do not want to dread being in a profession that you do not enjoy; you should rather enjoy it. A nicely summarized plan in the movie 'a million miles away' is to "Determine your purpose in life. Recognize how far you are. And then draw yourself a plan, a roadmap so you know how to get there. Prepare yourself according to the challenge. Develop a work ethic second to none.”
that being said, the secondary considerations can be the ones you mentioned about the potential for making money, comfortable life, odd hours etc
that being said, the secondary considerations can be the ones you mentioned about the potential for making money, comfortable life, odd hours etc
Brittney Heibel
Engineering / Leadership Development
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Brittney’s Answer
Hey Bella,
This is a great question! There are so many career paths available that it can be hard to narrow down what you really want to do.
My first piece of advice would be to do some exploring of the career paths you are interested in. Get on LinkedIn and start searching in that field. If your interested in health sciences, search "health science roles" and see what sticks out to you.
Next, when you have a good idea of what interests you (and what doesn't), reach out to people who can help you get a better understanding of that role. This could be talking with your school's career counselor, messaging people who have this job on LinkedIn, or going to local businesses and expressing your interest to a person in leadership.
Speaking directly to someone who has the job you're interested in is the easiest way to see if this is something you would like, or something you are not going to like at all. Either way, it helps you get a better idea of what you would want to pursue.
Once you know what you want to learn more about, don't be intimidated by cost or barrier. There are development programs, volunteer programs, and mentor programs out there that can help you get where you want to be. Never be afraid to go after what you want, because there are tons of people who want to support you and help you get there, you just have to find them!
This is a great question! There are so many career paths available that it can be hard to narrow down what you really want to do.
My first piece of advice would be to do some exploring of the career paths you are interested in. Get on LinkedIn and start searching in that field. If your interested in health sciences, search "health science roles" and see what sticks out to you.
Next, when you have a good idea of what interests you (and what doesn't), reach out to people who can help you get a better understanding of that role. This could be talking with your school's career counselor, messaging people who have this job on LinkedIn, or going to local businesses and expressing your interest to a person in leadership.
Speaking directly to someone who has the job you're interested in is the easiest way to see if this is something you would like, or something you are not going to like at all. Either way, it helps you get a better idea of what you would want to pursue.
Once you know what you want to learn more about, don't be intimidated by cost or barrier. There are development programs, volunteer programs, and mentor programs out there that can help you get where you want to be. Never be afraid to go after what you want, because there are tons of people who want to support you and help you get there, you just have to find them!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
You can start undeclared and spend your first year taking electives and looking at the available options. Most people don’t have it figured out prior to going to college and and that’s ok.
You have time to sort it out.
You have time to sort it out.
Zelalem Mulugeta
Electrical Engineer
2
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Zelalem’s Answer
I am advising you to take college level classes while in high school. When you are taking the classes, you will know which area or fields of study you're interested in.
If that doesn't work, Military also will give you another option to figure out what you will want to do. At the end of your service, you will earn free college education.
If that doesn't work, Military also will give you another option to figure out what you will want to do. At the end of your service, you will earn free college education.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1914
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Bella !
It's great that you are exploring what you'd like for your future and it's perfectly fine to not know as yet. You're not alone. Many people your age haven't made that discovery yet, but in time you will.
I think you've answered your own question. You were thinking about a career that you have serious doubts about. That's your answer and you can move forward now discovering other possible types of work you are interested in.
Nothing in life is a sure thing or without challenges, but if you're not interested in something, for whatever reason, it's not a good idea to move forward with it. When people graduate college with their degree, each person has a completely different experience. I believe that there's a difference between taking a study for something you really love, regardless of the challenges, and sitting there worrying, analyzing and predicting how your life will be 7 years from now. Take each step one at a time. Careers, like life, are a process and being true to yourself for both is very important and can indeed help you make the right decision. I think you know it would be a mistake to go after something you believe is risky and has scary job duties. But there's risk in everything.
Think about the other topics and subjects that you really like which can be a reality for you. Often times, people enter college with an undecided major and discover it while they are in college. Take your general ed required classes first and even go to summer school for one, too. Something may inspire you through doing that. It's good that you like what you like now, but how useful will it be to you if you have conflicting ideas about it ? It's definitely time to do more discovering.
The High Target website has a good article that offers tips on how to choose a career. I left the link for it below and I hope that it may be useful for you. It seems as though you did have an interest in a career but discovered reasons to not choose it. Try not to over think a career, the success or failure, the challenges, because when you think of it, you can self-talk your way out of every career. Focus on what makes you feel valuable and what your basic personal goals are in life. This may take time, but it is best to give it time for the right career fit. It will not be helpful to you if you approach choosing a career based on if it's safe or risky. Moving forward may also mean for you to have a new outlook on your future as a professional. The contribution you can make. How you can interact with the community in a positive way. Something that you will feel close to and look forward to being involved in everyday.
The bottom line is that there is no confusion. You know what you like and don't like and for what reasons. Move forward now and I am sure that you will discover something that will be the perfect career for you.
HOW TO CHOOSE A CAREER https://hightarget.org/how-to-choose-a-career-path/
It's great that you are exploring what you'd like for your future and it's perfectly fine to not know as yet. You're not alone. Many people your age haven't made that discovery yet, but in time you will.
I think you've answered your own question. You were thinking about a career that you have serious doubts about. That's your answer and you can move forward now discovering other possible types of work you are interested in.
Nothing in life is a sure thing or without challenges, but if you're not interested in something, for whatever reason, it's not a good idea to move forward with it. When people graduate college with their degree, each person has a completely different experience. I believe that there's a difference between taking a study for something you really love, regardless of the challenges, and sitting there worrying, analyzing and predicting how your life will be 7 years from now. Take each step one at a time. Careers, like life, are a process and being true to yourself for both is very important and can indeed help you make the right decision. I think you know it would be a mistake to go after something you believe is risky and has scary job duties. But there's risk in everything.
Think about the other topics and subjects that you really like which can be a reality for you. Often times, people enter college with an undecided major and discover it while they are in college. Take your general ed required classes first and even go to summer school for one, too. Something may inspire you through doing that. It's good that you like what you like now, but how useful will it be to you if you have conflicting ideas about it ? It's definitely time to do more discovering.
The High Target website has a good article that offers tips on how to choose a career. I left the link for it below and I hope that it may be useful for you. It seems as though you did have an interest in a career but discovered reasons to not choose it. Try not to over think a career, the success or failure, the challenges, because when you think of it, you can self-talk your way out of every career. Focus on what makes you feel valuable and what your basic personal goals are in life. This may take time, but it is best to give it time for the right career fit. It will not be helpful to you if you approach choosing a career based on if it's safe or risky. Moving forward may also mean for you to have a new outlook on your future as a professional. The contribution you can make. How you can interact with the community in a positive way. Something that you will feel close to and look forward to being involved in everyday.
The bottom line is that there is no confusion. You know what you like and don't like and for what reasons. Move forward now and I am sure that you will discover something that will be the perfect career for you.
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Afifa Khan
Business Content writer / pharmacy student
12
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Afifa’s Answer
Hi Bella!
I'm pleased to know that you have a passion for a certain career and in my view you should go after it. You should first research about the financial aspects, objectives and jobs in that respective area. Try meeting those people who've already pursued that field so you'll have a broader idea to set a particular dimension. After all this, if you're heavily satisfied with your chosen path give into the best of yourself in acquiring it.
Good luck with for a brighter future ahead!
I'm pleased to know that you have a passion for a certain career and in my view you should go after it. You should first research about the financial aspects, objectives and jobs in that respective area. Try meeting those people who've already pursued that field so you'll have a broader idea to set a particular dimension. After all this, if you're heavily satisfied with your chosen path give into the best of yourself in acquiring it.
Good luck with for a brighter future ahead!