8 answers
Vivian
Student
Florida City, Florida
1
Question
Asked
1501 views
How do I identify the best career path to follow ?
How do I identify the best career path to follow? In business? Or art?
Am Vivia in 12th grade.
It seems overwhelming to me..and I am having a hard time deciding.
8 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Vivian !
Thanks for reaching out to us here on Career Village for advice. I would like to reassure you that being undecided about a future career is perfectly fine. You don't have to decide just yet. Give it more time and exploration and you will be able to decide where you'd want to be in the future. So for right now, you are in the exploration stage and it happens for everyone at different times.
Your tags suggest that you have an interest in both Art and Psychology, two very exciting possible careers. As a matter of fact, you can choose both of these careers and do them both. I would advise going to college and in your first semester take Art and an Introduction to Psychology course. A great major would be Psychology and you can take art courses as well as be involved in a local gallery or freelance with your artwork. Maybe you don't have to choose one. You can always choose a major after you get experience in both the psychology department and at the art department of your school. You are actually fortunate that you like two things that can be done at the same time.
It's okay to start college at a community college where you'll socialize on campus and be an undecided major for a while. You have some time to think about this, however. Try not to rush things and take your time experiencing what it is like in both fields of work. Check out the centers of art in your state and local area. I have left a link for you below. There may be many more and even in your town, so do a search online to see about others that you can visit and perhaps be involved in.
As for Psychology, that subject covers a broad field and is useful knowledge in many careers. You may want to volunteer at a social service agency and get a feel for what it would be like working in a field where an understanding of psychology is important. You can go to local mental health clinics, child care centers, nursing homes, adult homes, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and centers that serve individuals with disabilities. You can even volunteer at a homeless shelter. You may be undecided about a career choice because you haven't had the first hand experiences yet, so volunteer work would be the best way to advance towards actually being able to observe. It sometimes makes choosing easier, but like I said, give it time and you actually can do both art and psychology in your future.
I hope that this is of help and I wish you all the best going forward !
FLORIDA ARTIST CENTERS https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/arts-history-floridas-artist-centers-colonies-and-districts/
Thanks for reaching out to us here on Career Village for advice. I would like to reassure you that being undecided about a future career is perfectly fine. You don't have to decide just yet. Give it more time and exploration and you will be able to decide where you'd want to be in the future. So for right now, you are in the exploration stage and it happens for everyone at different times.
Your tags suggest that you have an interest in both Art and Psychology, two very exciting possible careers. As a matter of fact, you can choose both of these careers and do them both. I would advise going to college and in your first semester take Art and an Introduction to Psychology course. A great major would be Psychology and you can take art courses as well as be involved in a local gallery or freelance with your artwork. Maybe you don't have to choose one. You can always choose a major after you get experience in both the psychology department and at the art department of your school. You are actually fortunate that you like two things that can be done at the same time.
It's okay to start college at a community college where you'll socialize on campus and be an undecided major for a while. You have some time to think about this, however. Try not to rush things and take your time experiencing what it is like in both fields of work. Check out the centers of art in your state and local area. I have left a link for you below. There may be many more and even in your town, so do a search online to see about others that you can visit and perhaps be involved in.
As for Psychology, that subject covers a broad field and is useful knowledge in many careers. You may want to volunteer at a social service agency and get a feel for what it would be like working in a field where an understanding of psychology is important. You can go to local mental health clinics, child care centers, nursing homes, adult homes, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers and centers that serve individuals with disabilities. You can even volunteer at a homeless shelter. You may be undecided about a career choice because you haven't had the first hand experiences yet, so volunteer work would be the best way to advance towards actually being able to observe. It sometimes makes choosing easier, but like I said, give it time and you actually can do both art and psychology in your future.
I hope that this is of help and I wish you all the best going forward !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Veronica Gabriela Harrington Arraez
psychology / Delivery Program Manager
2
Answers
Cartago, Cartago Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Veronica Gabriela’s Answer
Hi Dear Vivian,
My advice in this case is aimed at how, methodically, you can identify and discard what you want to do that is not to your liking
I believe that doing psychometric tests that explain your personality, skills, and strengths can allow you to make a better decision, You could start by identifying if you are an introvert or extrovert, if the career you want has to interact a lot with people or little, if it is more aimed at numbers, an office space or an outdoor teaching space, you can take into account making a list of all the careers that catch your attention and discard according to their pros and cons, Then the races you still have on the list contrast it with your skills.
Finally, for the few that remain to see if they are aligned with your work and learning methodology, check the programs and subjects they give in the career, not all careers are perfect and some subjects may not be your favorite, but they are worth studying for all the others
My advice in this case is aimed at how, methodically, you can identify and discard what you want to do that is not to your liking
I believe that doing psychometric tests that explain your personality, skills, and strengths can allow you to make a better decision, You could start by identifying if you are an introvert or extrovert, if the career you want has to interact a lot with people or little, if it is more aimed at numbers, an office space or an outdoor teaching space, you can take into account making a list of all the careers that catch your attention and discard according to their pros and cons, Then the races you still have on the list contrast it with your skills.
Finally, for the few that remain to see if they are aligned with your work and learning methodology, check the programs and subjects they give in the career, not all careers are perfect and some subjects may not be your favorite, but they are worth studying for all the others
James Ahern
HR Systems Analyst
3
Answers
Cork
Updated
James’s Answer
The answers you received above and great and my only additional advice would be that choosing a career path is not a commitment for life - in the world today due to advances in technology and changes in companies may people change career path multiple times by choice or due to a change in the type of job they have. If you choose something initially you can always change it again by exploring new opportunities in the same company or looking at alternative pathways such as additional education. The skills you learn in a job will transfer with you!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Vivian,
Charting Your Ideal Career Journey
Deciding on a career path can be daunting, especially when you're a senior in high school, grappling with the choice between business or the arts. Here are some actionable steps to help you uncover the perfect career path:
1. Self-Reflection: Begin by taking stock of your interests, values, abilities, and personality. Think about the activities you love, the subjects you're good at, and the type of work environment where you flourish. This self-reflection can offer valuable clues to potential careers that match your persona.
2. Investigation: Armed with a better understanding of yourself, delve into exploring various career options within the business and art domains. Examine the job duties, necessary qualifications, salary prospects, job forecast, and growth potential in each field. This data can assist you in narrowing down your options based on your preferences.
3. Consult Experts: Don't shy away from seeking advice from career advisors, teachers, mentors, or professionals in your fields of interest. Their guidance, shared experiences, and insights can aid you in making a well-informed decision about your future career.
4. Evaluate Your Passions: Reflect on what genuinely ignites your enthusiasm and drive. If you're passionate about art and creativity, an arts-related career may be more rewarding. Conversely, if business concepts like entrepreneurship, management, or finance captivate you, a career in business might be a better match.
5. Discover Opportunities: Leverage opportunities to delve into both business and art realms through internships, part-time work, volunteering, or extracurricular activities. This practical experience can offer a glimpse of what each career path involves and aid in making a more informed choice.
6. Establish Goals: Define short-term and long-term objectives based on your interests and dreams. Clear goals can steer your decision-making process and keep you committed to a career path that aligns with your aspirations.
It's perfectly normal to feel uncertain or indecisive about your future career at this point. Take your time to explore various options, gather information, and contemplate what truly matters to you before making your final decision.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
The Balance Careers: Offers extensive articles and resources on a wide range of careers across various industries, along with advice for selecting the right career path.
CareerOneStop: A U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored website providing tools and resources for career exploration, including job descriptions, salary data, and educational prerequisites.
The Muse: Provides expert guidance on career growth, job search strategies, resume crafting tips, and industry insights to help individuals make informed career decisions.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
James Constantine Frangos.
Charting Your Ideal Career Journey
Deciding on a career path can be daunting, especially when you're a senior in high school, grappling with the choice between business or the arts. Here are some actionable steps to help you uncover the perfect career path:
1. Self-Reflection: Begin by taking stock of your interests, values, abilities, and personality. Think about the activities you love, the subjects you're good at, and the type of work environment where you flourish. This self-reflection can offer valuable clues to potential careers that match your persona.
2. Investigation: Armed with a better understanding of yourself, delve into exploring various career options within the business and art domains. Examine the job duties, necessary qualifications, salary prospects, job forecast, and growth potential in each field. This data can assist you in narrowing down your options based on your preferences.
3. Consult Experts: Don't shy away from seeking advice from career advisors, teachers, mentors, or professionals in your fields of interest. Their guidance, shared experiences, and insights can aid you in making a well-informed decision about your future career.
4. Evaluate Your Passions: Reflect on what genuinely ignites your enthusiasm and drive. If you're passionate about art and creativity, an arts-related career may be more rewarding. Conversely, if business concepts like entrepreneurship, management, or finance captivate you, a career in business might be a better match.
5. Discover Opportunities: Leverage opportunities to delve into both business and art realms through internships, part-time work, volunteering, or extracurricular activities. This practical experience can offer a glimpse of what each career path involves and aid in making a more informed choice.
6. Establish Goals: Define short-term and long-term objectives based on your interests and dreams. Clear goals can steer your decision-making process and keep you committed to a career path that aligns with your aspirations.
It's perfectly normal to feel uncertain or indecisive about your future career at this point. Take your time to explore various options, gather information, and contemplate what truly matters to you before making your final decision.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
The Balance Careers: Offers extensive articles and resources on a wide range of careers across various industries, along with advice for selecting the right career path.
CareerOneStop: A U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored website providing tools and resources for career exploration, including job descriptions, salary data, and educational prerequisites.
The Muse: Provides expert guidance on career growth, job search strategies, resume crafting tips, and industry insights to help individuals make informed career decisions.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
James Constantine Frangos.
Stephanie Han
Senior Program Manager
12
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Vivian,
Picking a career path can definitely feel like a daunting thing but one thing people used to say a lot to me when I was in school was how most people don't stick with the same career path that they had when they graduated college. And 16 years later I can say that is true for me as well! I majored in accounting and worked in an accounting job for 12 years (in various group and companies), and then made a career change into HR and DEI, where I now am a Senior Program Manager working on things completely unrelated to accounting. Although my story is not the mainstream story, I've met countless people along the way who pivoted their careers (some more closely tied, others completely different fields). All that to say, take some pressure off yourself in feeling like you need to pick THE career path for the rest of your life as most likely this will shift and change throughout your life.
But the question still remains on where you should start. Some suggestions are to write out all the things you like doing and all the things you don't like doing. And you can search online careers that align with that. I'm also big on personality tests (MBTI for example, they have free versions online) and you can also search for suggested jobs with your personality (this would just be to get some ideas that you can consider).
What has also helped me tremendously is to do informational interviews with people in various fields, that way you can get a better idea if their day to day job is something that you can see yourself doing.
Picking a career path can definitely feel like a daunting thing but one thing people used to say a lot to me when I was in school was how most people don't stick with the same career path that they had when they graduated college. And 16 years later I can say that is true for me as well! I majored in accounting and worked in an accounting job for 12 years (in various group and companies), and then made a career change into HR and DEI, where I now am a Senior Program Manager working on things completely unrelated to accounting. Although my story is not the mainstream story, I've met countless people along the way who pivoted their careers (some more closely tied, others completely different fields). All that to say, take some pressure off yourself in feeling like you need to pick THE career path for the rest of your life as most likely this will shift and change throughout your life.
But the question still remains on where you should start. Some suggestions are to write out all the things you like doing and all the things you don't like doing. And you can search online careers that align with that. I'm also big on personality tests (MBTI for example, they have free versions online) and you can also search for suggested jobs with your personality (this would just be to get some ideas that you can consider).
What has also helped me tremendously is to do informational interviews with people in various fields, that way you can get a better idea if their day to day job is something that you can see yourself doing.
Christopher Adeniji
Architect | Entrepreneur | Technocrat
41
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hey Vivian,
Picking a career can feel super confusing, but don't worry! This platform has tons of advice from all kinds of professionals, from business people to artists.
Here's the trick: read all their tips! Some might say follow your passion, like art, while others might talk about useful skills for any job, like business stuff. There's even free career tests and internships mentioned!
Think of it like picking your own adventure! Use all this info to explore, see what you're good at, and what gets you excited. Maybe you love business but also love art – who knows, you might find a way to combine them!
The most important thing is to keep asking questions and exploring. There's no one "best" path, but with all this advice, you'll for sure find a career you love, Vivian!
Picking a career can feel super confusing, but don't worry! This platform has tons of advice from all kinds of professionals, from business people to artists.
Here's the trick: read all their tips! Some might say follow your passion, like art, while others might talk about useful skills for any job, like business stuff. There's even free career tests and internships mentioned!
Think of it like picking your own adventure! Use all this info to explore, see what you're good at, and what gets you excited. Maybe you love business but also love art – who knows, you might find a way to combine them!
The most important thing is to keep asking questions and exploring. There's no one "best" path, but with all this advice, you'll for sure find a career you love, Vivian!
Chrystal Rush
teacher
1
Answer
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Updated
Chrystal’s Answer
Hello, dear reader,
To discover your true purpose, start by identifying a service that you're not only skilled in, but also passionate about. Once you've pinpointed this, you can begin to offer it to others. There are two main routes you can take: joining an existing company that offers the service you're interested in or launching your own business. If you choose the latter, you'll need to set a price for your service and market it effectively.
Remember, the journey to success is a daily commitment. Always follow up, persist, and never give up. Failure isn't a part of your vocabulary. Keep pushing forward, and success will be yours.
To discover your true purpose, start by identifying a service that you're not only skilled in, but also passionate about. Once you've pinpointed this, you can begin to offer it to others. There are two main routes you can take: joining an existing company that offers the service you're interested in or launching your own business. If you choose the latter, you'll need to set a price for your service and market it effectively.
Remember, the journey to success is a daily commitment. Always follow up, persist, and never give up. Failure isn't a part of your vocabulary. Keep pushing forward, and success will be yours.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Look at Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose. It can help give you enthusiasm for what you're good at and interested in to help other people!
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