5 answers
Arkith
Student
Montgomery, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know how or if I should commit to one specific career and one specific career path before I begin high school?
I am going to a vocational technical school for Health Occupations, but I do not know if this commitment will be one that I might regret in the future.
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5 answers
Kim Arskii
Social Media Analyst
145
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Kim’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about committing to a specific career path, especially before starting high school. To make a more informed decision, start by exploring your interests through elective classes, clubs, and extracurricular activities. Research different careers within health occupations and beyond to understand the job requirements, necessary skills, and job market potential. Talking to professionals in the fields you're interested in can provide valuable insights into their experiences and advice. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs can also give you a better sense of what a particular career is like. Remember to stay flexible, as it's okay to change your mind and switch careers later on. Seek guidance from school counselors, teachers, or mentors who can support you in your decision-making process. Even though you're going to a vocational technical school for Health Occupations, this doesn't lock you into a specific career forever. Your current commitment can provide a strong foundation, but remain open to new opportunities and continue exploring your interests.
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi Arkith,
It's great to start thinking about your career path early on, but you don't have to pressure yourself to committing to something this early either. Even though your high school specializes in vocational technical studies, that does not mean you have to pursue a career in this subject afterwards. That said, I think getting acquainted with the type of learning and careers in this topic could be fun, and you have time throughout high school to decide if it's a right fit for you. If not, you have lots of flexibility in college to try out different majors, classes, subjects, and experiences to see what may be better suited towards your interests. Don't be afraid to be curious and explore other topics through volunteering, shadowing, or fellowships throughout your high school career either. You got this! Keep a curious mind.
It's great to start thinking about your career path early on, but you don't have to pressure yourself to committing to something this early either. Even though your high school specializes in vocational technical studies, that does not mean you have to pursue a career in this subject afterwards. That said, I think getting acquainted with the type of learning and careers in this topic could be fun, and you have time throughout high school to decide if it's a right fit for you. If not, you have lots of flexibility in college to try out different majors, classes, subjects, and experiences to see what may be better suited towards your interests. Don't be afraid to be curious and explore other topics through volunteering, shadowing, or fellowships throughout your high school career either. You got this! Keep a curious mind.
Dr. Sudeep Mohandas
Advisor, Board Member, Author, Soccer Coach, Consultant
43
Answers
Cockeysville, Maryland
Updated
Dr. Sudeep’s Answer
The straightforward response is that you won't know until you've given it a shot. Often, experience serves as the most effective instructor for those standing at life's intersections. Another guide is your intuition, but to rely on this, you must be genuinely aware and truthful with yourself before making a choice.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Arkith,
Choosing a career path before you even step into high school can seem overwhelming, but remember, it's perfectly fine not to have it all figured out just yet. Here are some actionable steps and considerations to guide you through this decision-making process:
1. Introspection: Spend time understanding your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Identify the activities or subjects you love and excel at, and envision the work environment where you will flourish.
2. Investigate Careers: Delve into various career options in the Health Occupations field that pique your interest. Examine the job prospects, potential earnings, necessary education/training, and daily duties of different roles within the healthcare sector.
3. Consult Experts: Engage with career counselors, teachers, healthcare professionals, and those already in the careers you're contemplating. Their experiences can offer invaluable insights and advice.
4. Try Internships/Shadowing: Consider getting involved in internships or job shadowing opportunities for practical experience. This will give you a clearer picture of a typical day in your chosen career path.
5. Be Adaptable: Remember, it's perfectly acceptable to change your mind as you go. Your interests and goals might shift as you gain more experience and discover new opportunities.
6. Education Route: Get to grips with the educational prerequisites for your selected career. Determine if there are multiple routes to your goal or if there are skills you can acquire that can be used in other professions.
7. Future Aspirations: Visualize where you want to be in 5, 10, or even 20 years. Reflect on how your chosen career aligns with your long-term dreams and personal satisfaction.
In the end, the key to making an informed decision lies in self-awareness, thorough research, guidance from others, and a readiness to adapt as you progress on your journey.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Used:
The Balance Careers: This resource offers extensive career information, including job roles, salary details, educational prerequisites, and career planning tips.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This source provides detailed occupational outlooks, employment forecasts, and industry information to aid individuals in making informed career choices.
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this website offers tools and resources for exploring careers, assessing skills, finding training programs, and making career decisions based on labor market data.
These sources were vital in providing accurate and current information on career exploration and development strategies for individuals at different stages of their career journey.
Wishing You Abundant Blessings,
JC.
Choosing a career path before you even step into high school can seem overwhelming, but remember, it's perfectly fine not to have it all figured out just yet. Here are some actionable steps and considerations to guide you through this decision-making process:
1. Introspection: Spend time understanding your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Identify the activities or subjects you love and excel at, and envision the work environment where you will flourish.
2. Investigate Careers: Delve into various career options in the Health Occupations field that pique your interest. Examine the job prospects, potential earnings, necessary education/training, and daily duties of different roles within the healthcare sector.
3. Consult Experts: Engage with career counselors, teachers, healthcare professionals, and those already in the careers you're contemplating. Their experiences can offer invaluable insights and advice.
4. Try Internships/Shadowing: Consider getting involved in internships or job shadowing opportunities for practical experience. This will give you a clearer picture of a typical day in your chosen career path.
5. Be Adaptable: Remember, it's perfectly acceptable to change your mind as you go. Your interests and goals might shift as you gain more experience and discover new opportunities.
6. Education Route: Get to grips with the educational prerequisites for your selected career. Determine if there are multiple routes to your goal or if there are skills you can acquire that can be used in other professions.
7. Future Aspirations: Visualize where you want to be in 5, 10, or even 20 years. Reflect on how your chosen career aligns with your long-term dreams and personal satisfaction.
In the end, the key to making an informed decision lies in self-awareness, thorough research, guidance from others, and a readiness to adapt as you progress on your journey.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Used:
The Balance Careers: This resource offers extensive career information, including job roles, salary details, educational prerequisites, and career planning tips.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This source provides detailed occupational outlooks, employment forecasts, and industry information to aid individuals in making informed career choices.
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this website offers tools and resources for exploring careers, assessing skills, finding training programs, and making career decisions based on labor market data.
These sources were vital in providing accurate and current information on career exploration and development strategies for individuals at different stages of their career journey.
Wishing You Abundant Blessings,
JC.
Bettina Goeke
Territory Account Executive
4
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Bettina’s Answer
Hi Arkith, I can totally relate to your uncertainty about choosing the right path, and I know it can feel like a heavy burden. But remember, there's always room for change even after you've made a decision. If you stumble upon a different path that suits you better, you can always switch directions. Life is full of surprises and unexpected opportunities that you might discover along your journey.
When deciding, think about your strengths, what truly excites you, and where promising job prospects lie. These three factors guided me in defining my initial direction, and rest assured, you'll uncover more as you move forward. Here's to your success! Keep going strong! :)
When deciding, think about your strengths, what truly excites you, and where promising job prospects lie. These three factors guided me in defining my initial direction, and rest assured, you'll uncover more as you move forward. Here's to your success! Keep going strong! :)