12 answers
Ghost
Student
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
980 views
How did you know what you wanted to do for a job?
How did you know what you wanted to do for a job. I ask because I’m struggling to know what I want right now I’m torn between what I want my future to be.
12 answers
Andrew Cheung
Project Management
30
Answers
Santa Clara, California
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hello, I had a similar issue when I just graduated college. The job market was tight and my major was Finance.
Some suggestions are to take Myers-Briggs test to understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. It is a test that asks various questions and will give you a 4 letters that represents your personality.
Seek out professionals willing to do informational interviews. For example, If you want to learn more banking, ask someone in that field for what they do on a daily basis and learn what skills you need for that role.
Look for jobs/opportunities through a Staffing agency like Accountemps. You can try different short term positions to get a feel for what jobs you are interested in.
Good luck!
Some suggestions are to take Myers-Briggs test to understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. It is a test that asks various questions and will give you a 4 letters that represents your personality.
Seek out professionals willing to do informational interviews. For example, If you want to learn more banking, ask someone in that field for what they do on a daily basis and learn what skills you need for that role.
Look for jobs/opportunities through a Staffing agency like Accountemps. You can try different short term positions to get a feel for what jobs you are interested in.
Good luck!
Xiaojie Johan Liu
Consultant
91
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Xiaojie Johan’s Answer
Hello Ghost,
Thanks for asking. I personally did not have an idea at first what I wanted in my career and I tried many things at first. Then I stumbled upon an article on management consulting and I was impressed by the idea of it. I applied for jobs in the field and landed a Big four management consulting job. Sometimes, a bit of luck is needed.
Hopefully this helps!
Best of luck!
Thanks,
Johan
Thanks for asking. I personally did not have an idea at first what I wanted in my career and I tried many things at first. Then I stumbled upon an article on management consulting and I was impressed by the idea of it. I applied for jobs in the field and landed a Big four management consulting job. Sometimes, a bit of luck is needed.
Hopefully this helps!
Best of luck!
Thanks,
Johan
Chris Resetar
Contract Management
24
Answers
Ellicott City, Maryland
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Ghost,
As I read your question and the other comments I see so much good advice. The piece of advice I wanted to add was always be open to opportunities, even unexpected ones. For most of my school years I wanted to be a teacher to the point where I finished my degree in Elementary Education and got a teaching certificate. I had begun to question my decision toward the end of my college career but still applied for teaching jobs. That summer I was working a retail job and I had an interaction with a customer that changed my life. After talking to him for a while he handed me his business card and told me he thought I would be a good fit for his company. I applied the next day and a few weeks later I was hired. Almost a decade later, I work in Federal contracting for the same company and I love everything about my job. Had I not taken that leap I may not have stumbled upon something I love. The short of my point is, do what you love and don't be afraid to take a chance if you feel that you have something to offer.
All the best!
As I read your question and the other comments I see so much good advice. The piece of advice I wanted to add was always be open to opportunities, even unexpected ones. For most of my school years I wanted to be a teacher to the point where I finished my degree in Elementary Education and got a teaching certificate. I had begun to question my decision toward the end of my college career but still applied for teaching jobs. That summer I was working a retail job and I had an interaction with a customer that changed my life. After talking to him for a while he handed me his business card and told me he thought I would be a good fit for his company. I applied the next day and a few weeks later I was hired. Almost a decade later, I work in Federal contracting for the same company and I love everything about my job. Had I not taken that leap I may not have stumbled upon something I love. The short of my point is, do what you love and don't be afraid to take a chance if you feel that you have something to offer.
All the best!
Jesse Allen
IT Consulting
22
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Jesse’s Answer
Hey, funny thing is that I didn't know. I figured I was good at figuring things out with computers and was the family go-to person for it. I often worked with IT support to troubleshoot computers. I liked sports, gaming, and making connections. On the other side of it, I wanted to find a career in a growing area for financial reasons. As I advanced in college, I began to stop caring just about getting an "A". I started looking to see what a career would look like if I dived further into the concepts being taught in each class. I landed on Business Analyst/Project Manager roles where I can have a blend of technical and business. As I advanced into these areas more, I realized these roles do many of things similar to what my interests were.
Candace Bhagan
Technology Manager
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Candace’s Answer
Think about this... What are your talents? What abilities does our world need more of? Keep in mind the demand and potential earnings for this role. You're aiming for a role that allows for growth. This is particularly important if you're just beginning - a role that will continue to be valuable as you move through different jobs and roles in the future.
Which sector / industry appeals to you? / Would you enjoy being a part of?
Which sector / industry appeals to you? / Would you enjoy being a part of?
Jaimee Allman
External Auditor
5
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jaimee’s Answer
Ghost,
As a person who has changed careers a few times, I know how hard it can be to figure out what you want to do for a job. I agree with what others have said about thinking about what you enjoy and what is important to you. My best advice is to remember that you can change your mind. While some career changes might require additional education or skills development, there is nothing that says you can't change course. As people, we change and grow throughout our lives, and it makes sense that our job might change with us. If you start down a career path and find that you don't love it, try something else. There is no perfect path and no perfect job. Find something that is meaningful to you that aligns with your values and pursue that.
Jaimee
As a person who has changed careers a few times, I know how hard it can be to figure out what you want to do for a job. I agree with what others have said about thinking about what you enjoy and what is important to you. My best advice is to remember that you can change your mind. While some career changes might require additional education or skills development, there is nothing that says you can't change course. As people, we change and grow throughout our lives, and it makes sense that our job might change with us. If you start down a career path and find that you don't love it, try something else. There is no perfect path and no perfect job. Find something that is meaningful to you that aligns with your values and pursue that.
Jaimee
Ezra Jackson
Security
81
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Ezra’s Answer
Hello,
I can relate to your struggle, as I experienced something similar during my school days. I discovered that the best approach is to select something that genuinely excites you. Choose a pastime or something you're interested in, and seek out a job that involves that passion. Typically, individuals who love their work tend to excel at it.
I can relate to your struggle, as I experienced something similar during my school days. I discovered that the best approach is to select something that genuinely excites you. Choose a pastime or something you're interested in, and seek out a job that involves that passion. Typically, individuals who love their work tend to excel at it.
Dave Sheridan
Architectural Designer
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Hi Ghost. To be honest, I didn't know what I wanted to do when I was in high school considering jobs and college programs. I chose to go to college and study architecture, worked in the industry for +5 years, and found out that being an architect isn't a good fit for me. And that's ok.
I support what the others before me have said here--asking yourself questions about your talents and interests can help point you toward the next step to take.
Some example questions could be:
-What kinds of problems do I like solving?
-What am I naturally curious about?
-Is there anything other people find annoying/boring that I find interesting?
Like Rylee said, this choice doesn't set you on an unchangeable path. It'll be one of many choices on the journey ahead of you, and you can trust the future versions of yourself to handle those future choices when the time comes.
In my opinion, trusting yourself and what you believe can often help you decide when you're not sure which path to take. You're a good person, you want to put good in the world, and we all know and believe it 😊
On Google or YouTube, search something (anything) you're considering for job/school/work. Do you find yourself wanting to learn more and search more about it, or not so much?
I support what the others before me have said here--asking yourself questions about your talents and interests can help point you toward the next step to take.
Some example questions could be:
-What kinds of problems do I like solving?
-What am I naturally curious about?
-Is there anything other people find annoying/boring that I find interesting?
Like Rylee said, this choice doesn't set you on an unchangeable path. It'll be one of many choices on the journey ahead of you, and you can trust the future versions of yourself to handle those future choices when the time comes.
In my opinion, trusting yourself and what you believe can often help you decide when you're not sure which path to take. You're a good person, you want to put good in the world, and we all know and believe it 😊
Dave recommends the following next steps:
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Unearthing your professional destiny is often an exciting voyage filled with exploration, introspection, and occasionally, a little bit of trial and error. In my own experience, the quest to pinpoint my professional purpose was sparked by a deep-seated curiosity about why things are as they are and how they function. This curiosity led me to explore a myriad of roles and fields.
Before delving into the world of Data Analytics and AI, I dipped my toes into various roles across diverse industries, from accounting and project management to problem-solving. Each experience offered invaluable insights into my strengths, interests, and the type of work environment where I flourished.
A defining moment in my journey was when I discovered my love for problem-solving and harnessing technology to generate insights and inform decision-making. This revelation, combined with my love for data analysis and critical thinking, gradually steered me towards the domain of Data Analytics and AI. However, this was not a sudden lightbulb moment but a slow understanding nurtured by continuous learning, exposure to a variety of projects, and actively seeking opportunities to use my skills in meaningful ways.
Navigating the uncertainty of selecting a career path, I found it vital to participate in activities that allowed me to delve into different fields and acquire practical experience. This could involve internships, volunteering, freelance projects, or even enrolling in courses in areas of interest. Furthermore, seeking mentorship and networking with professionals from various industries can provide invaluable insights and guidance.
It's crucial to understand that the journey towards discovering one's passion and the ideal career path is not always straightforward. It's perfectly fine to feel conflicted or unsure about the future. What's important is embracing the process of self-discovery, remaining open to new opportunities, and staying flexible in the face of change. Contemplating your strengths, interests, values, and the impact you wish to make in the world can provide clarity and direction in your career decision-making process.
In the end, finding satisfaction in your career means aligning your skills and passions with opportunities that not only offer financial stability but also foster personal growth and contribute to something meaningful. Embrace the journey, trust your gut, and remember that it's perfectly fine to adjust or tweak your path along the way.
Before delving into the world of Data Analytics and AI, I dipped my toes into various roles across diverse industries, from accounting and project management to problem-solving. Each experience offered invaluable insights into my strengths, interests, and the type of work environment where I flourished.
A defining moment in my journey was when I discovered my love for problem-solving and harnessing technology to generate insights and inform decision-making. This revelation, combined with my love for data analysis and critical thinking, gradually steered me towards the domain of Data Analytics and AI. However, this was not a sudden lightbulb moment but a slow understanding nurtured by continuous learning, exposure to a variety of projects, and actively seeking opportunities to use my skills in meaningful ways.
Navigating the uncertainty of selecting a career path, I found it vital to participate in activities that allowed me to delve into different fields and acquire practical experience. This could involve internships, volunteering, freelance projects, or even enrolling in courses in areas of interest. Furthermore, seeking mentorship and networking with professionals from various industries can provide invaluable insights and guidance.
It's crucial to understand that the journey towards discovering one's passion and the ideal career path is not always straightforward. It's perfectly fine to feel conflicted or unsure about the future. What's important is embracing the process of self-discovery, remaining open to new opportunities, and staying flexible in the face of change. Contemplating your strengths, interests, values, and the impact you wish to make in the world can provide clarity and direction in your career decision-making process.
In the end, finding satisfaction in your career means aligning your skills and passions with opportunities that not only offer financial stability but also foster personal growth and contribute to something meaningful. Embrace the journey, trust your gut, and remember that it's perfectly fine to adjust or tweak your path along the way.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1877
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you have 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, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be accountant, banker, engineer, 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 have interest
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 accountant, banker, engineer, 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 have interest
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Abby Mack
Human Resources
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Abby’s Answer
Hi Ghost,
You are not alone! A lot of people struggle with the same decision.
First, find something you are passionate about and then explore career options. As an example, if you love animals, you could be a veterinarian, a groomer, a zoologist, a wildlife biologist, a breeder or many other options.
Next, take a skills assessment. Your school should provide you access but if not, there are several free sites you can use. You may find that you have a natural affinity for a career based on your responses.
The good news is that you can change your career path at any time! I entered the job market many years ago in the legal field because I was very interested in law. Now I am in a different field (HR - which I LOVE) and am able to use some of the skills I acquired in the legal field.
Good luck!
You are not alone! A lot of people struggle with the same decision.
First, find something you are passionate about and then explore career options. As an example, if you love animals, you could be a veterinarian, a groomer, a zoologist, a wildlife biologist, a breeder or many other options.
Next, take a skills assessment. Your school should provide you access but if not, there are several free sites you can use. You may find that you have a natural affinity for a career based on your responses.
The good news is that you can change your career path at any time! I entered the job market many years ago in the legal field because I was very interested in law. Now I am in a different field (HR - which I LOVE) and am able to use some of the skills I acquired in the legal field.
Good luck!
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
125
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Please, don’t sweat the small stuff. You are at a point in life where whatever you do, will teach you the basics in being responsible in what ever duties you are getting paid for. It won’t be what you’ll be doing 20 years from now. Save your money, explore the industry you are feeling connected to and determine what level you want to achieve within that industry. Learn the requirement your industry seeks and get updated on the latest and greatest announcements within said industry. Do as many positional duties and enhance your skill set while searching for opportunities for growth as you grow within the industry.
The learners are fully equipped to tackle an industry of the future while the learned are fully equipped to deal with a world that once was. Wallace D Wattles
What are your passions?
Where are you looking for opportunity?
Can you do the same thing for 20 yrs without growth?
What are the benefits this choice will bring you.
Why are you making the choice?
The learners are fully equipped to tackle an industry of the future while the learned are fully equipped to deal with a world that once was. Wallace D Wattles
Steward "Tony" recommends the following next steps:
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