8 answers
Madisyn
Student
Clearfield, Utah
1
Question
Asked
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What career path should I pursue based on my interests and goals?
I am in my senior year of high school and am feeling the pressure of picking what to do with my life. My hobbies include art, photography, learning multiple languages, crochet and knitting and other crafts. I love animals and adore dogs as well. I wish to travel the world and live in places such as Japan for some time as well. I don't want to be stuck and unhappy in life and want to be as financially free as much as possible as well as make my family and parents comfortable. I am clueless and am struggling greatly on my future life plan.
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8 answers
Katharyn Parini
Occupational therapy
1
Answer
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Katharyn’s Answer
Choosing a career path while in college can be challenging and stressful, especially as high schools continue to push students into applying for colleges. These days it’s nearly impossible to come out of 4 year college without significant debt unless you are someone who is privileged enough to have family paying your entire tuition. I’ve seen way too many friends and family obtain a degree from a 4 year college and never use it because they didn’t have an obtainable objective or career path in mind.
If you have done your research and still don’t feel like you know where you want to go, I highly suggest going to a community college for an associates degree. Most 4 year colleges will accept transfer credits and it is much more affordable than tuition at 4 year colleges/university. Going through a community college first will enable you to take an array of courses that are not offered in high school and will enable you to decide what will make you happiest and financially independent.
Research career paths
Go to a community college if you’re still unsure
Take two years to obtain an associates degree and find a career path you are interested in
Transfer your credits to your chosen college or university if applicable
If you have done your research and still don’t feel like you know where you want to go, I highly suggest going to a community college for an associates degree. Most 4 year colleges will accept transfer credits and it is much more affordable than tuition at 4 year colleges/university. Going through a community college first will enable you to take an array of courses that are not offered in high school and will enable you to decide what will make you happiest and financially independent.
Katharyn recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
5005
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Madisyn,
Uncovering Your Core Interests and Ambitions
Your hobbies and passions clearly demonstrate your appreciation for creativity, cultural discovery, and the welfare of animals. Your enthusiasm for art, photography, and crafts hints at a potential inclination towards careers that require visual creativity and innovation. Your eagerness to learn various languages and globe-trotting tendencies suggest a readiness for new experiences and cultural immersion. Your affection for dogs and other animals could steer you towards careers involving animal care.
Exploring Potential Career Trajectories
Given your interests and aspirations, here are some potential career trajectories that might resonate with you:
Career Option 1: Graphic Designer or Digital Artist
In the role of a graphic designer or digital artist, you can merge your artistic abilities with your fascination for technology. This career trajectory would offer opportunities to work on creative projects, travel, and achieve a considerable level of financial independence.
Career Option 2: Photographer or Photojournalist
Your love for photography could lead you towards a career as a photographer or photojournalist. This role would allow you to travel, document cultural experiences, and narrate stories through your photographs.
Career Option 3: Language Instructor or Translator
Considering your interest in mastering multiple languages, you could explore a career as a language instructor or translator. This role would offer opportunities to travel, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and find satisfaction in facilitating communication for others.
Career Option 4: Animal Welfare Specialist
Your fondness for animals could guide you towards careers in animal welfare, like working in animal shelters, wildlife conservation, or veterinary care. This role would enable you to make a positive difference in the lives of animals.
Career Option 5: Cultural Emissary or International Aid Worker
Given your interest in traveling and cultural immersion, you might consider a career as a cultural emissary or international aid worker. This role would offer opportunities to travel, engage with diverse communities, and make a positive impact on global issues.
Educational Pathways
To embark on these career trajectories, you might consider pursuing the following educational paths:
Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or Photography
Bachelor’s degree in Language and Culture, Translation, or Interpretation
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or Wildlife Conservation
Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Global Studies, or Cultural Anthropology
Next Steps
To delve deeper into these career trajectories, consider taking the following steps:
Investigate colleges and universities that offer programs in line with your interests
Connect with professionals in your preferred field for informational discussions
Volunteer or intern at organizations that align with your prospective career path
Create a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and experiences to potential employers
Bear in mind, your career trajectory is not set in stone, and it’s perfectly fine to explore and adjust as you journey through life.
Authoritative References Utilized: Wikipedia, National Career Development Association, College Board
Blessings,
JC.
Uncovering Your Core Interests and Ambitions
Your hobbies and passions clearly demonstrate your appreciation for creativity, cultural discovery, and the welfare of animals. Your enthusiasm for art, photography, and crafts hints at a potential inclination towards careers that require visual creativity and innovation. Your eagerness to learn various languages and globe-trotting tendencies suggest a readiness for new experiences and cultural immersion. Your affection for dogs and other animals could steer you towards careers involving animal care.
Exploring Potential Career Trajectories
Given your interests and aspirations, here are some potential career trajectories that might resonate with you:
Career Option 1: Graphic Designer or Digital Artist
In the role of a graphic designer or digital artist, you can merge your artistic abilities with your fascination for technology. This career trajectory would offer opportunities to work on creative projects, travel, and achieve a considerable level of financial independence.
Career Option 2: Photographer or Photojournalist
Your love for photography could lead you towards a career as a photographer or photojournalist. This role would allow you to travel, document cultural experiences, and narrate stories through your photographs.
Career Option 3: Language Instructor or Translator
Considering your interest in mastering multiple languages, you could explore a career as a language instructor or translator. This role would offer opportunities to travel, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and find satisfaction in facilitating communication for others.
Career Option 4: Animal Welfare Specialist
Your fondness for animals could guide you towards careers in animal welfare, like working in animal shelters, wildlife conservation, or veterinary care. This role would enable you to make a positive difference in the lives of animals.
Career Option 5: Cultural Emissary or International Aid Worker
Given your interest in traveling and cultural immersion, you might consider a career as a cultural emissary or international aid worker. This role would offer opportunities to travel, engage with diverse communities, and make a positive impact on global issues.
Educational Pathways
To embark on these career trajectories, you might consider pursuing the following educational paths:
Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or Photography
Bachelor’s degree in Language and Culture, Translation, or Interpretation
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or Wildlife Conservation
Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Global Studies, or Cultural Anthropology
Next Steps
To delve deeper into these career trajectories, consider taking the following steps:
Investigate colleges and universities that offer programs in line with your interests
Connect with professionals in your preferred field for informational discussions
Volunteer or intern at organizations that align with your prospective career path
Create a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and experiences to potential employers
Bear in mind, your career trajectory is not set in stone, and it’s perfectly fine to explore and adjust as you journey through life.
Authoritative References Utilized: Wikipedia, National Career Development Association, College Board
Blessings,
JC.
This is honestly an amazing response! Thank you! It was what I was looking for and I appreciate it! Thank you!
Madisyn
Fantastic Madisyn, That Is What We Are Here For!
Jim.
James Constantine Frangos
Dereasa Daniels
Administrative Assistant
10
Answers
Waldorf, Maryland
Updated
Dereasa’s Answer
It's fantastic that you have a strong sense of what you enjoy and what you want out of life! Here are some tips to help you develop a future life plan that incorporates your interests and goals:
* Explore Careers that Align with Your Interests: Given that you enjoy art, crafts, and learning languages, you could explore careers in graphic design, fashion design, translation, marketing, travel content creator, for teaching English abroad.
* Consider Combining Your Passions: Do you love animals and art? You could look into pet portraiture or illustration, or even veterinary medicine if you're up for the science side of things.
* Research and Talk to People: Research different career paths and talk to professionals in fields that interest you. This will help you gain a better understanding of the day-to-day work and the required skills.
* Prioritize and Make a Plan: Financial security and travel are important to you. Certain career paths may offer better financial opportunities than others. Research average salaries and potential for growth in different fields.
* Don't Be Afraid to Start Broad: If you're still unsure, consider a general education college program in your first year to explore different subjects before specializing.
You got this!!! Hope this helps!!
Go on Glassdoor, Indeed or any job site and post your interests in the search and look through the job descriptions to see if any appeal to you
Make a list of all the jobs that you found appealing and then try to nail down your top 3 from your choices on list
Now that you have your top 3 do further research on what skills you need in order to be qualified for those positions and try to reach out and email someone in that position to ask them further questions about job (LinkedIn) . Do this for all 3
Now try to pick the one that excites you the most or if after research none of them do. Go back to your list and pick three others.
* Explore Careers that Align with Your Interests: Given that you enjoy art, crafts, and learning languages, you could explore careers in graphic design, fashion design, translation, marketing, travel content creator, for teaching English abroad.
* Consider Combining Your Passions: Do you love animals and art? You could look into pet portraiture or illustration, or even veterinary medicine if you're up for the science side of things.
* Research and Talk to People: Research different career paths and talk to professionals in fields that interest you. This will help you gain a better understanding of the day-to-day work and the required skills.
* Prioritize and Make a Plan: Financial security and travel are important to you. Certain career paths may offer better financial opportunities than others. Research average salaries and potential for growth in different fields.
* Don't Be Afraid to Start Broad: If you're still unsure, consider a general education college program in your first year to explore different subjects before specializing.
You got this!!! Hope this helps!!
Dereasa recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Madisyn
Soledad R. Rodriguez M. Ed.
Academic Counselor
1
Answer
Yuma, Arizona
Updated
Soledad’s Answer
Dear Madisyn,
It's normal for all Seniors to feel overwhelmed. The first recommendation I would suggest is one that was mentioned before. Make an appointment with your high school counselor to get help in applying for local or in-state universities or colleges. Also, using the website to help you with career options will be helpful when the time comes to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will help the colleges/universities offer you a financial package which can include grant scholarships and student loans."
I hope this helps.
Set an appointment with school counselor
Apply to colleges/universities
Fill out your FAFSA
Take a career survey
It's normal for all Seniors to feel overwhelmed. The first recommendation I would suggest is one that was mentioned before. Make an appointment with your high school counselor to get help in applying for local or in-state universities or colleges. Also, using the website to help you with career options will be helpful when the time comes to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will help the colleges/universities offer you a financial package which can include grant scholarships and student loans."
I hope this helps.
Soledad recommends the following next steps:
Marcia Hanlon
5
Answers
Updated
Marcia’s Answer
It sounds like you have a lot of pressure on you. Is your family putting pressure on you, or are you just feeling that from inside yourself?
This is a time in your life where it makes sense for you to focus primarily on yourself to figure out who you are and what path you want to take in your life. That involves identifying your values (what is important to you), your skills (what are you naturally good at and/or have training in), and your interests (by weeding out what things you might want to do for work and what things might be hobbies for pleasure).
There are professionals in schools particularly who can help with this. There are also online tools you can use.
One of the best is: CareerOneStop.org
It provides assessments for the things I mentioned in the first paragraph, as well as information about the education or training you need for certain jobs, what the pay scale is, and other details.
It would be a good idea to write things out -- your thoughts, feelings, priorities, assessment results, and anything else to help you create a path toward solid decisions. Just letting your ideas and questions and stress roll around in your head gets you nowhere and builds your anxiety. Writing things down, working daily toward goals, and charting a path will get the stuff out of your head and help you formulate a plan.
Good luck!!
This is a time in your life where it makes sense for you to focus primarily on yourself to figure out who you are and what path you want to take in your life. That involves identifying your values (what is important to you), your skills (what are you naturally good at and/or have training in), and your interests (by weeding out what things you might want to do for work and what things might be hobbies for pleasure).
There are professionals in schools particularly who can help with this. There are also online tools you can use.
One of the best is: CareerOneStop.org
It provides assessments for the things I mentioned in the first paragraph, as well as information about the education or training you need for certain jobs, what the pay scale is, and other details.
It would be a good idea to write things out -- your thoughts, feelings, priorities, assessment results, and anything else to help you create a path toward solid decisions. Just letting your ideas and questions and stress roll around in your head gets you nowhere and builds your anxiety. Writing things down, working daily toward goals, and charting a path will get the stuff out of your head and help you formulate a plan.
Good luck!!
Pressure being from myself as well as majority from my parents. They themselves have struggled and are still doing so, therefore putting pressure on me to get a job they wish for! Your advice was very helpful!
Madisyn
Olivia Petrus
Certified Nursing Assistant
1
Answer
Crown Point, Indiana
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
If I were you, I would make an appointment with your High School's college counselor, school counselor, or talk to a teacher you really trust, first and foremost. Going to college is a MAJOR investment into your life and future. When/If you graduate college - many go, not all graduate - you will be looking for a job to support yourself, hopefully a job related to your degree. Potential employers LOVE bi or multilingual candidates. If you study a language and are fluent in it, that is GOLD on a resume. It can be difficult to think Long-Term at your age. Talk openly and honestly with those that know you best - your parents, your friends, people at school whose jobs are to help students like yourself get into college and pursue a degree they're passionate about. Being creative is wonderful, but doesn't always pay the bills. If you study languages enough that you are fluent in more than just English, you will have an advantage over many other monolingual candidates - regardless of where the job is it - and you'll be able to pursue your creative interests and not worry about being able to eat. Relax and enjoy your youth. Yeah, the pressure feels INSURMOUNTABLE right now, but you'll eventually see that some people go to college and fail. Some go to college and do great. Some don't go to college and end up doing well... since you're not forced to go to school by law and you're paying for it, things change. Keep being creative, keep being interested in studying other languages. But enjoy being 18 while you're still 18.
Alyssa Alejo
Supervisor Gaming Audit
42
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Establish your objectives.
Discover your talents and passions.
Investigate various professional trajectories.
Connect with individuals in your chosen area.
Acquire practical experience.
Remain informed about the latest trends in your industry.
Discover your talents and passions.
Investigate various professional trajectories.
Connect with individuals in your chosen area.
Acquire practical experience.
Remain informed about the latest trends in your industry.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1621
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have a wide range of interest. Have you thought about to be travel journalist or take a working holiday or be an exchange students?
Below are my suggestions:
1. Explore more different carers mentioned above and you can find out more online. There are many overseas working opportunities.
2. Find out more in these opportunities and careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who had similar experience before. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Find out how the application or how to proceed the opportunities
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Explore more different carers mentioned above and you can find out more online. There are many overseas working opportunities.
2. Find out more in these opportunities and careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who had similar experience before. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Find out how the application or how to proceed the opportunities
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!