4 answers
Lilly
Student
Springfield, Illinois
1
Question
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How should I decide what career path I want?
I'm in an AVID class (high school freshman) and we do a lot of activities to do with college and career planning, but I don't know what I want to do.
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4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Lilly,
Unveiling Future Careers: A Practical Guide for High School Freshmen
Being a high school freshman enrolled in an AVID class, it's perfectly normal to feel a bit unsure about your future career direction. Here's a practical approach you can follow to help you discover a career that matches your interests, skills, and values:
1. Introspection and Evaluation:
Begin by pondering your interests, passions, strengths, and values. Think about what activities bring you joy and what subjects you're particularly good at.
Try taking career assessment tests or quizzes to gain insights into potential career paths that align with your personality and preferences.
Engage in conversations with your teachers, school counselors, or career advisors for advice on exploring diverse career options based on your skills and interests.
2. Investigate Various Career Options:
Delve into different industries and professions to better understand the opportunities they offer. Examine job descriptions, required qualifications, salary prospects, and growth opportunities for various careers.
Consider arranging informational interviews with professionals in fields that pique your interest to gain firsthand knowledge of their daily tasks and experiences.
3. Acquire Practical Experience:
Get involved in internships, job shadowing programs, or volunteer work related to the fields you're considering. This practical experience can help you decide if a particular career path is the right choice for you.
Join clubs or engage in extracurricular activities that align with your interests to further investigate potential career paths.
4. Establish Goals and Formulate a Plan:
Once you've pinpointed a few potential career paths that resonate with you, set short-term and long-term goals to strive towards these aspirations.
Craft an action plan detailing the steps you need to take to pursue your chosen career path, such as choosing relevant courses, acquiring pertinent experience, or pursuing further education.
5. Maintain an Open Mind and Be Adaptable:
Remember, it's perfectly fine if your interests change over time. Stay receptive to exploring new opportunities and be prepared to adjust your plans based on shifting circumstances.
Seek guidance from professionals in fields of interest who can provide support and advice as you navigate your career exploration journey.
Remember, choosing a career path is a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and continuous learning. It's perfectly fine not to have all the answers at this moment; the key is to remain inquisitive, proactive, and open to new possibilities as you embark on this thrilling journey of uncovering your future career.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The Balance Careers: Offers extensive resources on various career paths, job search tactics, resume guidance, and professional development advice.
CareerOneStop: Provides tools for self-assessment, exploring different careers, information on training programs, job search resources, and labor market data.
Youth.gov: Concentrates on youth development topics including education & training opportunities, employment resources for young people exploring their career options.
May God Bless You,
James C.
Unveiling Future Careers: A Practical Guide for High School Freshmen
Being a high school freshman enrolled in an AVID class, it's perfectly normal to feel a bit unsure about your future career direction. Here's a practical approach you can follow to help you discover a career that matches your interests, skills, and values:
1. Introspection and Evaluation:
Begin by pondering your interests, passions, strengths, and values. Think about what activities bring you joy and what subjects you're particularly good at.
Try taking career assessment tests or quizzes to gain insights into potential career paths that align with your personality and preferences.
Engage in conversations with your teachers, school counselors, or career advisors for advice on exploring diverse career options based on your skills and interests.
2. Investigate Various Career Options:
Delve into different industries and professions to better understand the opportunities they offer. Examine job descriptions, required qualifications, salary prospects, and growth opportunities for various careers.
Consider arranging informational interviews with professionals in fields that pique your interest to gain firsthand knowledge of their daily tasks and experiences.
3. Acquire Practical Experience:
Get involved in internships, job shadowing programs, or volunteer work related to the fields you're considering. This practical experience can help you decide if a particular career path is the right choice for you.
Join clubs or engage in extracurricular activities that align with your interests to further investigate potential career paths.
4. Establish Goals and Formulate a Plan:
Once you've pinpointed a few potential career paths that resonate with you, set short-term and long-term goals to strive towards these aspirations.
Craft an action plan detailing the steps you need to take to pursue your chosen career path, such as choosing relevant courses, acquiring pertinent experience, or pursuing further education.
5. Maintain an Open Mind and Be Adaptable:
Remember, it's perfectly fine if your interests change over time. Stay receptive to exploring new opportunities and be prepared to adjust your plans based on shifting circumstances.
Seek guidance from professionals in fields of interest who can provide support and advice as you navigate your career exploration journey.
Remember, choosing a career path is a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and continuous learning. It's perfectly fine not to have all the answers at this moment; the key is to remain inquisitive, proactive, and open to new possibilities as you embark on this thrilling journey of uncovering your future career.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The Balance Careers: Offers extensive resources on various career paths, job search tactics, resume guidance, and professional development advice.
CareerOneStop: Provides tools for self-assessment, exploring different careers, information on training programs, job search resources, and labor market data.
Youth.gov: Concentrates on youth development topics including education & training opportunities, employment resources for young people exploring their career options.
May God Bless You,
James C.
Janis Ransom
Resume Writer, Interview Coach and Career Strategy Consultant
28
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Janis’s Answer
We often know the career or field we would like to have or explore but are uncertain how to go about it. A significant step forward could be visiting a career fair hosted by your local Chamber of Commerce. There, you can engage with recruiters and managers from companies eager to hire talent in the areas you are interested in or would like to know more about. This could be an excellent opportunity to learn more about your dream career!
Jasanpreet Kaur Bhatia
|| Startup Enthusiastic || Advisor || Knowledge Sharer || Writer
157
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Jasanpreet Kaur’s Answer
Hi Lilly,
Deciding on a career path involves several steps. Before you begin, keep a pen and paper ready and jot down everything as it helps in making the decision:
1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and weaknesses. What activities do you enjoy? What are you passionate about?
2. Research: Explore different career options that align with your interests and skills. Look into job descriptions, educational requirements, salary expectations, and growth opportunities.
3. Gain Experience: Seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in fields you're interested in. This hands-on experience can help you confirm your interests and build valuable skills.
4. Set Goals: Define your long-term career goals and aspirations. What do you hope to achieve in your career? How do you envision your future?
5. Seek Guidance: Talk to mentors, career counsellors, teachers, and professionals in your desired field. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and networking opportunities.
6. Stay Flexible: Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different paths. Your interests and goals may evolve over time, and it's okay to adjust your career plans accordingly.
7. Take Action: Once you've gathered information and explored your options, take action toward pursuing your chosen career path. This may involve further education, training, or networking.
Remember that choosing a career path is a journey, and it's okay to take your time and explore different options before making a decision. Trust yourself, stay focused on your goals, and remain adaptable as you navigate your career journey.
Deciding on a career path involves several steps. Before you begin, keep a pen and paper ready and jot down everything as it helps in making the decision:
1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and weaknesses. What activities do you enjoy? What are you passionate about?
2. Research: Explore different career options that align with your interests and skills. Look into job descriptions, educational requirements, salary expectations, and growth opportunities.
3. Gain Experience: Seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in fields you're interested in. This hands-on experience can help you confirm your interests and build valuable skills.
4. Set Goals: Define your long-term career goals and aspirations. What do you hope to achieve in your career? How do you envision your future?
5. Seek Guidance: Talk to mentors, career counsellors, teachers, and professionals in your desired field. They can provide valuable insights, advice, and networking opportunities.
6. Stay Flexible: Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different paths. Your interests and goals may evolve over time, and it's okay to adjust your career plans accordingly.
7. Take Action: Once you've gathered information and explored your options, take action toward pursuing your chosen career path. This may involve further education, training, or networking.
Remember that choosing a career path is a journey, and it's okay to take your time and explore different options before making a decision. Trust yourself, stay focused on your goals, and remain adaptable as you navigate your career journey.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Lilly, how's everything going? We appreciate you reaching out to us and hope to assist you in clarifying your concerns. Your question is indeed insightful. When it comes to selecting a career, it essentially boils down to these key factors: (1) The subjects you enjoy most in school (2) Your favored school activities (3) Your personal interests or what you desire to do (4) The person you admire and see as a role model (5) The impact of your parents or relatives (6) Your skills, capabilities, values, and so on.
Recognizing these factors will simplify your journey towards discovering your future career. Moreover, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your school counselor who can assist you in exploring career options. The factors I've mentioned are part of the evaluation your school counselor will provide. These elements will equip you to make informed career decisions.
In addition, invest some time in research, either online or in a traditional library setting. Try to identify which professions appeal to you and understand why they do. This will provide further clarity in your career decision-making process.
Recognizing these factors will simplify your journey towards discovering your future career. Moreover, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your school counselor who can assist you in exploring career options. The factors I've mentioned are part of the evaluation your school counselor will provide. These elements will equip you to make informed career decisions.
In addition, invest some time in research, either online or in a traditional library setting. Try to identify which professions appeal to you and understand why they do. This will provide further clarity in your career decision-making process.