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How do I choose the career I want to pursue?
I’m going into 8th grade in the fall as a honors student and most high schools in New York are based on certain professions and skills. How can I choose high school without knowing what I want to be when I grow up?
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14 answers
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El-sent’s Answer
Your dream and determination gets you to where you truly want to be
Great point, El-sent! Do you have any specific tips or advice for Surina!
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Surina,
Guidelines on Selecting the Career You Desire
The process of selecting a career can seem overwhelming, particularly when you're young and still discovering your passions and interests. Here are some proactive steps to assist you in making a well-informed choice about your future career:
1. Self-Reflection: Dedicate some time to ponder your interests, strengths, and values. Identify the subjects that captivate you, and the activities that energize and engage you. Think about your natural abilities and the type of work environment where you excel.
2. Career Exploration: Investigate various careers that match your interests and abilities. Delve into different sectors, job roles, and educational prerequisites. Utilize online resources, career evaluation tools, and conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields that intrigue you.
3. Extracurricular Activities: Engage in extracurricular activities to explore various interests and acquire new skills. Enroll in clubs, volunteer work, or internships that expose you to diverse fields and provide practical experience.
4. Consult Guidance Counselors: Your school's guidance counselors are available to assist you in navigating your academic and career options. Arrange a meeting with them to discuss your interests, objectives, and worries. They can offer valuable insights and resources to aid your decision-making process.
5. Shadowing or Internships: Contemplate shadowing professionals or undertaking internships in fields that pique your interest. This practical experience can offer a real-world perspective on a specific career and whether it meets your expectations.
6. Reflect on Your Values: Consider what matters to you in a career beyond just income or prestige. Take into account aspects like work-life balance, opportunities for progression, job security, and alignment with your personal values.
7. Maintain an Open Mind: It's perfectly fine if you're uncertain about the exact career path you wish to follow right now. High school is a period of exploration and discovery, so don't feel pressured to have everything sorted out immediately. Remain receptive to new experiences and opportunities that may influence your future choices.
8. Seek Mentorship: Identify mentors or role models who can provide guidance and advice as you traverse your career exploration journey. They can impart their own experiences, insights, and wisdom to help you make well-informed decisions about your future.
Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel unsure about your future career path at this stage of your life. Continue to explore different options, seek advice from reliable sources, and stay true to yourself as you make decisions about your academic and professional path.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
- The Balance Careers: This platform offers expert guidance on various career-related topics including choosing a career path, job search strategies, resume tips, and professional development.
- The Princeton Review: This resource provides comprehensive information for students on college admissions, test preparation, academic planning, and career exploration.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a trusted source for data on occupational outlooks, employment trends, salary data, and educational requirements for different professions in the United States.
God Bless You,
JC.
Guidelines on Selecting the Career You Desire
The process of selecting a career can seem overwhelming, particularly when you're young and still discovering your passions and interests. Here are some proactive steps to assist you in making a well-informed choice about your future career:
1. Self-Reflection: Dedicate some time to ponder your interests, strengths, and values. Identify the subjects that captivate you, and the activities that energize and engage you. Think about your natural abilities and the type of work environment where you excel.
2. Career Exploration: Investigate various careers that match your interests and abilities. Delve into different sectors, job roles, and educational prerequisites. Utilize online resources, career evaluation tools, and conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields that intrigue you.
3. Extracurricular Activities: Engage in extracurricular activities to explore various interests and acquire new skills. Enroll in clubs, volunteer work, or internships that expose you to diverse fields and provide practical experience.
4. Consult Guidance Counselors: Your school's guidance counselors are available to assist you in navigating your academic and career options. Arrange a meeting with them to discuss your interests, objectives, and worries. They can offer valuable insights and resources to aid your decision-making process.
5. Shadowing or Internships: Contemplate shadowing professionals or undertaking internships in fields that pique your interest. This practical experience can offer a real-world perspective on a specific career and whether it meets your expectations.
6. Reflect on Your Values: Consider what matters to you in a career beyond just income or prestige. Take into account aspects like work-life balance, opportunities for progression, job security, and alignment with your personal values.
7. Maintain an Open Mind: It's perfectly fine if you're uncertain about the exact career path you wish to follow right now. High school is a period of exploration and discovery, so don't feel pressured to have everything sorted out immediately. Remain receptive to new experiences and opportunities that may influence your future choices.
8. Seek Mentorship: Identify mentors or role models who can provide guidance and advice as you traverse your career exploration journey. They can impart their own experiences, insights, and wisdom to help you make well-informed decisions about your future.
Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel unsure about your future career path at this stage of your life. Continue to explore different options, seek advice from reliable sources, and stay true to yourself as you make decisions about your academic and professional path.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
- The Balance Careers: This platform offers expert guidance on various career-related topics including choosing a career path, job search strategies, resume tips, and professional development.
- The Princeton Review: This resource provides comprehensive information for students on college admissions, test preparation, academic planning, and career exploration.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a trusted source for data on occupational outlooks, employment trends, salary data, and educational requirements for different professions in the United States.
God Bless You,
JC.
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Explore a variety of career paths. I've personally dabbled in retail, healthcare, and finance. After gaining experience in these diverse fields, I found my calling in finance. Don't be afraid to test the waters. If a job doesn't suit you, don't hesitate to switch gears and explore a new avenue. Remember, you have the luxury of time.
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Brittany’s Answer
Hello,
I have a daughter your age. My advice to her is to open as many doors as possible now, and try as many things as you can. That could be arts, classes, sports, listening to different styles of music, trying new foods, traveling or even seeing a new part of your city, etc. As you are doing all of these new things, think about them. What did you dislike? What excited you? All of this helps you learn about yourself more, and what makes you "tick."
Around 11th grade, you'll start needing to close some of those doors. You'll do this as you prepare for college and have to start prioritizing one thing over another. It would be hard to be a professional sculptor, a doctor, a concern violinist, and a professional basketball star all at the same time! So you have to start thinking about which is more important to you, and most realistic for you to accomplish, as you start trying to focus in on certain topics. All that work you did to help you learn more about yourself with give you a lot of help in figuring out which topics and things are important to you to pursue as a career, and which can just become hobbies or things you do for fun. And you don't have to give everything up. Let's say I love business classes, but also love the violin and basketball. So perhaps I pursue a business degree, and later become the marketing expert for the local symphony orchestra, and play in a recreational basketball league after work! There are so many ways you can make a life that fits your interests.
Finally, one more note: Unless you want a career in a highly specialized field (medical, accounting, etc.) you will still have a lot of room to change your career, regardless of your degree type. For example, I have a degree in marketing, but I work in criminal justice.
As an 8th grader, take your time enjoying the journey, doing as many new things as possible, and learning about yourself. The more you do that, the easier it will be to decide careers later. You have plenty of time!
I have a daughter your age. My advice to her is to open as many doors as possible now, and try as many things as you can. That could be arts, classes, sports, listening to different styles of music, trying new foods, traveling or even seeing a new part of your city, etc. As you are doing all of these new things, think about them. What did you dislike? What excited you? All of this helps you learn about yourself more, and what makes you "tick."
Around 11th grade, you'll start needing to close some of those doors. You'll do this as you prepare for college and have to start prioritizing one thing over another. It would be hard to be a professional sculptor, a doctor, a concern violinist, and a professional basketball star all at the same time! So you have to start thinking about which is more important to you, and most realistic for you to accomplish, as you start trying to focus in on certain topics. All that work you did to help you learn more about yourself with give you a lot of help in figuring out which topics and things are important to you to pursue as a career, and which can just become hobbies or things you do for fun. And you don't have to give everything up. Let's say I love business classes, but also love the violin and basketball. So perhaps I pursue a business degree, and later become the marketing expert for the local symphony orchestra, and play in a recreational basketball league after work! There are so many ways you can make a life that fits your interests.
Finally, one more note: Unless you want a career in a highly specialized field (medical, accounting, etc.) you will still have a lot of room to change your career, regardless of your degree type. For example, I have a degree in marketing, but I work in criminal justice.
As an 8th grader, take your time enjoying the journey, doing as many new things as possible, and learning about yourself. The more you do that, the easier it will be to decide careers later. You have plenty of time!
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Embarking on a career journey involves several pivotal steps to ensure you discover a route that resonates with your passions, talents, and core values. Begin by delving into a deeper understanding of yourself. Note down the subjects that spark your interest, pinpoint your strong suits, and establish what you value most in a job, be it a balanced lifestyle or a lucrative salary.
Invest time in research. Peruse job descriptions to grasp the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, and stay abreast of industry trends to spot flourishing and stable sectors. Building connections is equally important. Engage with professionals in your areas of interest through informational interviews, participate in industry events and webinars, and harness LinkedIn to network with professionals and keep tabs on companies.
Education and skill development are key elements. Identify the requisite education and certifications for your prospective careers and hone any necessary skills through courses and workshops. Acquiring experience is another crucial step. Seek internships for practical experience, volunteer to forge connections and gain relevant exposure, and undertake projects to enrich your portfolio.
When the moment arrives to make your choice, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each career path you're contemplating and establish well-defined short-term and long-term objectives. Turn to career counselors for expert advice and seek out mentors in your chosen field for further support and guidance.
Maintain an adaptable mindset and be open to revising your career path as you accumulate more experience and as fresh opportunities present themselves. Lifelong learning is key, so persist in enhancing your skills and staying informed about industry trends. Employ tools like StrengthsFinder or MBTI for deeper insights, explore job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn for opportunities, and become a member of professional organizations to network and stay in the loop. By adhering to these steps, you're set to make a well-considered and rewarding career decision.
Invest time in research. Peruse job descriptions to grasp the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, and stay abreast of industry trends to spot flourishing and stable sectors. Building connections is equally important. Engage with professionals in your areas of interest through informational interviews, participate in industry events and webinars, and harness LinkedIn to network with professionals and keep tabs on companies.
Education and skill development are key elements. Identify the requisite education and certifications for your prospective careers and hone any necessary skills through courses and workshops. Acquiring experience is another crucial step. Seek internships for practical experience, volunteer to forge connections and gain relevant exposure, and undertake projects to enrich your portfolio.
When the moment arrives to make your choice, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each career path you're contemplating and establish well-defined short-term and long-term objectives. Turn to career counselors for expert advice and seek out mentors in your chosen field for further support and guidance.
Maintain an adaptable mindset and be open to revising your career path as you accumulate more experience and as fresh opportunities present themselves. Lifelong learning is key, so persist in enhancing your skills and staying informed about industry trends. Employ tools like StrengthsFinder or MBTI for deeper insights, explore job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn for opportunities, and become a member of professional organizations to network and stay in the loop. By adhering to these steps, you're set to make a well-considered and rewarding career decision.
Updated
Reema’s Answer
Deciding on a career path requires a careful process of self-discovery and investigation. Start by examining your hobbies, talents, and principles to pinpoint what activities you find enjoyable, what abilities you are good at, and what is most important to you in a job. Explore various career paths to comprehend their job roles, necessary qualifications, and daily tasks. This exploration can be conducted using online tools, informational discussions, and job observation. Think about the future potential of each career, like chances for advancement, job security, and their compatibility with your personal and professional aspirations. Contemplating this data will assist you in making a more educated choice about a career that fits you perfectly.
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hi Surina,
It’s great that you are starting to think about this! Finding your passion requires self reflection - you can start by thinking about what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at as you’ll naturally excel in it. Then, do some research to explore what careers utilize those skills.
I would like to also reassure you that while it may be ideal to figure out what you want to do at your first try, many others end up switching majors or doing something completely different from what they studied in school. So don’t worry too much and just do your best!
It’s great that you are starting to think about this! Finding your passion requires self reflection - you can start by thinking about what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at as you’ll naturally excel in it. Then, do some research to explore what careers utilize those skills.
I would like to also reassure you that while it may be ideal to figure out what you want to do at your first try, many others end up switching majors or doing something completely different from what they studied in school. So don’t worry too much and just do your best!
Updated
Theresa’s Answer
Hi Surina! Don't worry if you don't know what you want to do. What do you enjoy doing? What are you gifted at? I would start by answering these basic questions and then explore your passions. Does your high school have a community involvement program or other programs that you can get involved in? You can use these programs to explore your passions and to gain experience. All of these things will be helpful. The more opportunities that you can expose yourself to, the easier it will be to figure out what you want to do.
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Nizar’s Answer
Congratulation on your accomplishments as an honor student. To know what you want to pursue as a career you need to see what is interest. when you study math, biology, and physics you will notice that you want to know more about the subject you are reading about. That is a good sign that you are enjoying this, and figure out what will lead you to know more about this.
Good luck
Good luck
Updated
Karen’s Answer
After doing a bit of online research of local high schools, share what you've found with people you trust (parents, relatives, neighbors, friends) to get their take on which schools might be the best fit for you.
Ultimately, it probably won't impact your future careers which high school you attend. Focus on learning as much as you can about a variety of subjects, build good relationships with teachers and friends and enjoy life!
With every good wish.
Ultimately, it probably won't impact your future careers which high school you attend. Focus on learning as much as you can about a variety of subjects, build good relationships with teachers and friends and enjoy life!
With every good wish.
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
It's important to pick a high school that aligns with your interests and strengths. Say, you're a whiz with numbers and dream of a future in Finance or Accounting, you should opt for a school known for its excellent business program. On the other hand, if you're drawn towards the medical field, choose a school that is renowned for its Science program. Remember, the right school can help you shape your future. Best of luck!
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Rosina’s Answer
Hello.
When you are trying to figure out your career I would consider what you are interested in and try volunteering for that specific field. Just try new things and see what interests you, Talk to your school counselors, family & friends for advice.
When you are trying to figure out your career I would consider what you are interested in and try volunteering for that specific field. Just try new things and see what interests you, Talk to your school counselors, family & friends for advice.
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
To choose a career that you want or could pursue you need to know a few details think carefully and analyze your skills or what you are interested in or like to do for example if you like write of if you like being on social networks or if you like to help people . To choose a career of your choice you only have to think and make a list of the things you do or that you like to do and depending on what those things are you will end up choosing a career that you like .
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Harry’s Answer
Hello Surina,
I trust you're doing great! The choice you're about to make should primarily reflect your unique strengths and passions. Maybe you're a whiz with numbers, or perhaps you enjoy spending your afternoons immersed in a history book. Do you feel a strong calling to help others, or are you driven to find a solution to a health issue that affects many?
These considerations can guide you in eliminating options that don't align with your interests. But remember, whatever choice you make, don't look back with regret. Instead, view it as a valuable experience that has shaped your journey over time.
I trust you're doing great! The choice you're about to make should primarily reflect your unique strengths and passions. Maybe you're a whiz with numbers, or perhaps you enjoy spending your afternoons immersed in a history book. Do you feel a strong calling to help others, or are you driven to find a solution to a health issue that affects many?
These considerations can guide you in eliminating options that don't align with your interests. But remember, whatever choice you make, don't look back with regret. Instead, view it as a valuable experience that has shaped your journey over time.