6 answers
Megan
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
1061 views
How do I figure out what I want my future career to be?
I have no idea what I want to do in the future and need help.
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6 answers
Anchia Kinard
Program Management
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Anchia’s Answer
Megan, we all know what this feels like. It's okay to not have all the answers. The biggest hurdle is finding out a place to start. And that doesn't begin for everyone with deciding on a specific job or career. The starting point for many is thinking about things that you like.
Are there certain subjects that you are drawn to? And once you have that answered, ask yourself why you like that subject. For instance, I see from your profile that you like art. Have you considered taking some art classes? Do you like studying about art or making it? There's a lot of different routes to look at dependent upon your answers.
The biggest thing is to know that these answers are just the first stepping stone. These topics may launch into spaces that you never imagined before. And all of this comes from starting with something that you like.
When I was in high school, I didn't know what I was most interested in until 12th grade - and I found that writing was something special for me. I went into college looking to be an English major. And then after that, I went to grad school for Creative Writing. Developing my communications skills is what led me into the work that I do now within Verizon.
Try to think about these questions and see what answers you come up with. That will help you narrow down courses and potential internship opportunities to learn more about those areas.
Are there certain subjects that you are drawn to? And once you have that answered, ask yourself why you like that subject. For instance, I see from your profile that you like art. Have you considered taking some art classes? Do you like studying about art or making it? There's a lot of different routes to look at dependent upon your answers.
The biggest thing is to know that these answers are just the first stepping stone. These topics may launch into spaces that you never imagined before. And all of this comes from starting with something that you like.
When I was in high school, I didn't know what I was most interested in until 12th grade - and I found that writing was something special for me. I went into college looking to be an English major. And then after that, I went to grad school for Creative Writing. Developing my communications skills is what led me into the work that I do now within Verizon.
Try to think about these questions and see what answers you come up with. That will help you narrow down courses and potential internship opportunities to learn more about those areas.
Sarthak Mohapatra
Cyber consultant
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sarthak’s Answer
Take a moment for yourself, and identify what activities you truly enjoy and spend most of your time on. Then, start building your path forward from there.
Sneha Kaushik
Manager, Recruitment Coordinators
2
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
First of all, it's important to acknowledge that your feelings are entirely normal. It's perfectly fine to try out different things, and over time, you may either find yourself enjoying them or realizing they're not quite right for you. The key is to remain motivated in your quest to discover what truly resonates with you.
In addition to identifying your interests, it's beneficial to compile a list of activities you definitely don't want to engage in. This could assist in further refining your choices.
Joining local MeetUp groups can be a valuable networking tool, potentially introducing you to individuals who inspire you and aid in determining your career trajectory.
Journaling can be a powerful tool for gaining deeper insights into which career paths align with your core values. Online templates can guide you in asking pertinent questions in this context.
Explore internship opportunities and consider volunteering with different organizations. Attending career fairs in your area can provide a broader understanding of the diverse career options available and their respective prerequisites.
Depending on your current resources, discussing your thoughts with a high-school counselor or academic advisor could be beneficial. Additionally, sharing more details on Career Village, such as responses to the questions above, could yield more helpful advice.
In addition to identifying your interests, it's beneficial to compile a list of activities you definitely don't want to engage in. This could assist in further refining your choices.
Joining local MeetUp groups can be a valuable networking tool, potentially introducing you to individuals who inspire you and aid in determining your career trajectory.
Journaling can be a powerful tool for gaining deeper insights into which career paths align with your core values. Online templates can guide you in asking pertinent questions in this context.
Explore internship opportunities and consider volunteering with different organizations. Attending career fairs in your area can provide a broader understanding of the diverse career options available and their respective prerequisites.
Depending on your current resources, discussing your thoughts with a high-school counselor or academic advisor could be beneficial. Additionally, sharing more details on Career Village, such as responses to the questions above, could yield more helpful advice.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1849
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. First of all, you need to find out what careers you have interest.
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, musical artist, singer, 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 career you would like pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subject 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, musical artist, singer, 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 career you would like pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subject in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Todd Jurow
Project Manager
27
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Todd’s Answer
It's completely normal to have this question and I'm sure you'd be surprised how many other people also have no idea what they want to do. It's one reason why many students go to college with an Undeclared major. They hope to figure it out and receive guidance along the way.
I have 2 kids in college right now. The older one knew what he wanted to major in before applying anywhere. The younger one knew what she didn't want to major in (nothing STEM) and was able to take some classes to see what appealed to her. Myself, I had no idea and took a variety of classes to try to figure it out, but my revelation came when I joined a student club that really spoke to me. (And I'm working in a completely different field for my career.)
You may hear people in their 30s, 40s and 50s half-jokingly say that they still don't know what they want to be when they grow up. Many took a job that led to a career, or they changed careers along the way as they finally figured out what made them happy (or at least content). Don't let the "not knowing" stop you from moving forward.
There are a lot of useful on-line resources, plus your school's guidance office will likely have tools and material that would benefit your search.
Best of luck to you.
Look on-line for lists and descriptions of careers
Speak with your guidance counselor about aptitude tests that may help show you your strengths and preferences
Look into local community colleges or state universities and their list of majors
I have 2 kids in college right now. The older one knew what he wanted to major in before applying anywhere. The younger one knew what she didn't want to major in (nothing STEM) and was able to take some classes to see what appealed to her. Myself, I had no idea and took a variety of classes to try to figure it out, but my revelation came when I joined a student club that really spoke to me. (And I'm working in a completely different field for my career.)
You may hear people in their 30s, 40s and 50s half-jokingly say that they still don't know what they want to be when they grow up. Many took a job that led to a career, or they changed careers along the way as they finally figured out what made them happy (or at least content). Don't let the "not knowing" stop you from moving forward.
There are a lot of useful on-line resources, plus your school's guidance office will likely have tools and material that would benefit your search.
Best of luck to you.
Todd recommends the following next steps:
Hiral Khunt
Branch Manager
1
Answer
Surat, Gujarat, India
Updated
Hiral’s Answer
Hey Megan, I guess as student you may have studied some years, on the basis of the analysis that experience you can identify your skill & interest. so, first identify that and then you should check for your future needs & requirement also the future of your interested skill. if your skill & interest subject can fulfill you needs & also have bright future. then you can choose that field.