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What can help me figure out what career I want to pursue in college?
What can help me figure out what career I want to pursue in college?
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9 answers
Updated
Debasmita’s Answer
Explore different clubs & electives in high school! There are so many majors out there and figuring out the one that fits for you is no easy feat. I joined clubs that sounded interesting to me in high school and that helped me figure out what I liked/ didn't like. There's no harm in trying different things to see what fits and doesn't, it's the best way to get exposure to different career industries and paths. Electives in high school are also a great way to get specialized focus on a subject, like say a business course. When you take that course, you're able to learn about multiple paths/avenues that fall into business and you may just find the one path that's your right fit!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Paula!
Crafting Your Career Path
Choosing your future career while in college is a pivotal decision that will mold your future. Here's an easy-to-follow guide to help you steer through this process effectively.
1. Self-Exploration
The initial step in carving your career path is to undertake a comprehensive self-exploration. This involves introspecting your interests, values, abilities, and personality traits. Consider these methods:
Interest Inventories: Instruments like the Holland Code (RIASEC) or the Strong Interest Inventory can assist in pinpointing careers that resonate with your interests.
Skills Evaluation: Assess your strong and weak points through self-contemplation or via online evaluations like the CliftonStrengths assessment.
Values Identification: Pinpoint what is most important to you in a career—this could encompass work-life harmony, job stability, creativity, or assisting others.
2. Investigate Potential Careers
With a better understanding of yourself, begin exploring potential careers that coincide with your discoveries:
Job Shadowing and Internships: Acquire direct experience by observing professionals in fields of interest or obtaining internships. This exposure can offer valuable insights into daily tasks and workplace environment.
Informational Interviews: Connect with professionals in fields you're contemplating and inquire about their experiences, obstacles, and what they appreciate about their jobs.
Online Resources: Leverage websites like O*NET Online or the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for comprehensive information about various careers, including job prospects, salary estimates, and required education.
3. Discover Educational Pathways
After shortlisting potential careers, examine the educational prerequisites for each option:
Degree Necessities: Investigate what degrees are required for your chosen fields. Some may necessitate specific majors while others might appreciate interdisciplinary studies.
Appropriate Coursework: Delve into courses available at your college that coincide with your interests and preferred career path. Participating in appropriate coursework can broaden your knowledge and boost your resume.
4. Consult with Advisors
Interacting with academic advisors or career counselors at your college can offer supplementary support:
Career Counseling Services: Numerous colleges provide complimentary counseling services where skilled professionals can aid you in exploring career options based on evaluations and research.
Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops centered on career discovery, resume crafting, interview readiness, and networking tactics.
5. Network Efficiently
Establishing a professional network is vital as it unveils opportunities:
Join Professional Associations: Engage in clubs or associations related to your field of interest; this not only amplifies learning but also aids in forming connections.
Leverage Social Media Platforms: LinkedIn is a great tool for linking with industry professionals and staying informed on trends within specific fields.
6. Decide Informedly
After collecting all this data:
Analyze Your Options: Balance the advantages and disadvantages of each potential career path based on personal satisfaction, job market trends, salary estimates, and alignment with your values.
Set Targets: Once you’ve reached a decision, set immediate (e.g., selecting relevant classes) and future goals (e.g., securing internships) to stay concentrated on accomplishing your career ambitions.
By methodically following these steps, you will be more prepared to make an educated decision regarding which career path best matches your individuality.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used
Bureau of Labor Statistics
A trustworthy source for exhaustive data on job forecasts, salaries, educational prerequisites for various occupations.
O*NET Online
A comprehensive database offering detailed descriptions of various occupations including required skills and tasks executed.
CliftonStrengths
A highly respected assessment instrument designed to assist individuals in recognizing their strengths which can effectively guide their career choices.
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Crafting Your Career Path
Choosing your future career while in college is a pivotal decision that will mold your future. Here's an easy-to-follow guide to help you steer through this process effectively.
1. Self-Exploration
The initial step in carving your career path is to undertake a comprehensive self-exploration. This involves introspecting your interests, values, abilities, and personality traits. Consider these methods:
Interest Inventories: Instruments like the Holland Code (RIASEC) or the Strong Interest Inventory can assist in pinpointing careers that resonate with your interests.
Skills Evaluation: Assess your strong and weak points through self-contemplation or via online evaluations like the CliftonStrengths assessment.
Values Identification: Pinpoint what is most important to you in a career—this could encompass work-life harmony, job stability, creativity, or assisting others.
2. Investigate Potential Careers
With a better understanding of yourself, begin exploring potential careers that coincide with your discoveries:
Job Shadowing and Internships: Acquire direct experience by observing professionals in fields of interest or obtaining internships. This exposure can offer valuable insights into daily tasks and workplace environment.
Informational Interviews: Connect with professionals in fields you're contemplating and inquire about their experiences, obstacles, and what they appreciate about their jobs.
Online Resources: Leverage websites like O*NET Online or the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for comprehensive information about various careers, including job prospects, salary estimates, and required education.
3. Discover Educational Pathways
After shortlisting potential careers, examine the educational prerequisites for each option:
Degree Necessities: Investigate what degrees are required for your chosen fields. Some may necessitate specific majors while others might appreciate interdisciplinary studies.
Appropriate Coursework: Delve into courses available at your college that coincide with your interests and preferred career path. Participating in appropriate coursework can broaden your knowledge and boost your resume.
4. Consult with Advisors
Interacting with academic advisors or career counselors at your college can offer supplementary support:
Career Counseling Services: Numerous colleges provide complimentary counseling services where skilled professionals can aid you in exploring career options based on evaluations and research.
Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops centered on career discovery, resume crafting, interview readiness, and networking tactics.
5. Network Efficiently
Establishing a professional network is vital as it unveils opportunities:
Join Professional Associations: Engage in clubs or associations related to your field of interest; this not only amplifies learning but also aids in forming connections.
Leverage Social Media Platforms: LinkedIn is a great tool for linking with industry professionals and staying informed on trends within specific fields.
6. Decide Informedly
After collecting all this data:
Analyze Your Options: Balance the advantages and disadvantages of each potential career path based on personal satisfaction, job market trends, salary estimates, and alignment with your values.
Set Targets: Once you’ve reached a decision, set immediate (e.g., selecting relevant classes) and future goals (e.g., securing internships) to stay concentrated on accomplishing your career ambitions.
By methodically following these steps, you will be more prepared to make an educated decision regarding which career path best matches your individuality.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used
Bureau of Labor Statistics
A trustworthy source for exhaustive data on job forecasts, salaries, educational prerequisites for various occupations.
O*NET Online
A comprehensive database offering detailed descriptions of various occupations including required skills and tasks executed.
CliftonStrengths
A highly respected assessment instrument designed to assist individuals in recognizing their strengths which can effectively guide their career choices.
Stay Blessed!
JC.
Updated
William’s Answer
Read the book 'Careers Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Future by Dorling Kindersley'
Access the World Economic Forum's future of jobs report for 2023 to understand jobs current and near future trends through the link below:
https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/
Read job descriptions to know where you fit in, or desire in any of the websites below:
https://www.betterteam.com/job-description
https://www.indeed.com/hire/how-to-write-a-job-description
https://www.careerplanner.com/JobDescSearchTool.cfm
Get a personal mentorship or a career coach for to assist you in planning, monitoring and guiding your career pursuit.
Learn from experiences of those who are successful in your prospective career. Know that your own circumstance is unique to you.
Also, do a personal SWOT analysis.
What are your STRENGTHS. Develop them.
What are your WEAKNESSES. Improve on them to match strengths required for your prospective career.
What are the OPPORTUNITIES of your prospective careers. Pursue them. Bearing in mind the level of competitions and preparedness you need.
What are the TREATS of your chosen career. Lookout for mitigation measures.
Test on quantitative aptitude, verbal aptitude and other forms might determine your level of required skills for the career.
Career matching tests are assessed in the following websites:
careerfitter.com/free_test
https://www.thecareertest.org/
https://www.123test.com/career-test/
https://www.truity.com/view/tests/personality-career
https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/career-tests/free-career-test-for-students/
DISCLAIMER!
Passing a career test or career match does not guarantee success in any career pursuit.
Personal efforts through - hard work, smart work, professional behaviour, availability of resources to finance your career, prevailing market conditions, force majeure, health status of individuals, good ethics and discipline all contributes to your success.
Individual's are fully responsible for their success or failure in career pursuit.
Access the World Economic Forum's future of jobs report for 2023 to understand jobs current and near future trends through the link below:
https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/
Read job descriptions to know where you fit in, or desire in any of the websites below:
https://www.betterteam.com/job-description
https://www.indeed.com/hire/how-to-write-a-job-description
https://www.careerplanner.com/JobDescSearchTool.cfm
Get a personal mentorship or a career coach for to assist you in planning, monitoring and guiding your career pursuit.
Learn from experiences of those who are successful in your prospective career. Know that your own circumstance is unique to you.
Also, do a personal SWOT analysis.
What are your STRENGTHS. Develop them.
What are your WEAKNESSES. Improve on them to match strengths required for your prospective career.
What are the OPPORTUNITIES of your prospective careers. Pursue them. Bearing in mind the level of competitions and preparedness you need.
What are the TREATS of your chosen career. Lookout for mitigation measures.
Test on quantitative aptitude, verbal aptitude and other forms might determine your level of required skills for the career.
Career matching tests are assessed in the following websites:
careerfitter.com/free_test
https://www.thecareertest.org/
https://www.123test.com/career-test/
https://www.truity.com/view/tests/personality-career
https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/career-tests/free-career-test-for-students/
DISCLAIMER!
Passing a career test or career match does not guarantee success in any career pursuit.
Personal efforts through - hard work, smart work, professional behaviour, availability of resources to finance your career, prevailing market conditions, force majeure, health status of individuals, good ethics and discipline all contributes to your success.
Individual's are fully responsible for their success or failure in career pursuit.
Updated
Dwayne’s Answer
Paula,
Determining what career path to choose is definitely a hard question to answer. Even after we have made a decision on a career path there are many factors that may influence our decision to change the career path we have started down.
It is crucial that you find a career that you absolutely love and sometimes we just stumble across that one career choice that makes all the difference in the world.
One thing that you will want to be aware of is that politics can play a big role in how your career progresses and the opportunities that may be withheld from you because you are not willing to go along with the desire of your employer. When I refer to politics, I mean bending (violating your integrity) for profit's sake.
Integrity is something you cannot buy, and its value is immeasurable, and it defines you as a person. Never compromise your integrity, no matter how difficult things may be!
I recommend that you start by taking several aptitude tests and compare the results and research the resulting career suggestions.
After you have narrowed down your career choices, I suggest that you contact potential employers in the field and conduct an informational interview with people doing the work you are desiring to peruse after.
I also recommend volunteering for the type of work/employers you are interested in to get a good feel for the work environment.
There is no guarantee that that you will retire in the career choice you make. You do not know if it will always remain in high demand or that you may determine that you made the wrong choice or you stumble upon something you like even better.
Good luck in your pursuit!
Determining what career path to choose is definitely a hard question to answer. Even after we have made a decision on a career path there are many factors that may influence our decision to change the career path we have started down.
It is crucial that you find a career that you absolutely love and sometimes we just stumble across that one career choice that makes all the difference in the world.
One thing that you will want to be aware of is that politics can play a big role in how your career progresses and the opportunities that may be withheld from you because you are not willing to go along with the desire of your employer. When I refer to politics, I mean bending (violating your integrity) for profit's sake.
Integrity is something you cannot buy, and its value is immeasurable, and it defines you as a person. Never compromise your integrity, no matter how difficult things may be!
I recommend that you start by taking several aptitude tests and compare the results and research the resulting career suggestions.
After you have narrowed down your career choices, I suggest that you contact potential employers in the field and conduct an informational interview with people doing the work you are desiring to peruse after.
I also recommend volunteering for the type of work/employers you are interested in to get a good feel for the work environment.
There is no guarantee that that you will retire in the career choice you make. You do not know if it will always remain in high demand or that you may determine that you made the wrong choice or you stumble upon something you like even better.
Good luck in your pursuit!
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Volunteer in the community and experience new things.
Take assorted electives and explore!
Join clubs in school and start learning and connecting with others.
Put yourself out there ☺️
Take assorted electives and explore!
Join clubs in school and start learning and connecting with others.
Put yourself out there ☺️
Updated
Éverton’s Answer
Hello Paula! Remember, determination is the key to achieving anything we set our minds to. Your resolve is the initial step, but it's equally important to discover your passion. Once you find it, your career path will surely become clearer. Don't be hasty, as it could lead you into a trap. Stay calm, your goals will be reached in due time. Stay safe and continue on the right path.
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Paul,
Great question! To help you figure out which career to pursue in college, here are some key steps and resources to guide you:
1. Self-Assessment
- Identify Interests: Think about what activities, subjects, or hobbies you enjoy. Tools like the "Holland Code Career Test" or "Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)" can give insights into your interests and strengths.
- Skills & Strengths: Reflect on your strengths, both academic and personal. Websites like "Skills Matcher" on CareerOneStop can be useful for identifying skills you might want to build on.
- Values: Consider what you value in a job, such as job stability, creativity, helping others, or salary potential.
2. Research Career Options
- Explore Majors: Look into college majors and what types of jobs they lead to. Sites like "College Board’s BigFuture" or "What Can I Do With This Major? can help you see the possibilities.
- Career Aptitude Tests: Online platforms like "CareerExplorer" or "CareerOneStop" offer free tests to match your interests with potential careers.
3. Job Shadowing & Internships
- Get firsthand experience by shadowing professionals in various fields or seeking internships. This helps you get a real feel for what a day in a particular career is like.
4. Consult with a Career Counselor
- A high school or college career counselor can offer guidance and resources tailored to your interests and help you map out options based on your personality and goals.
5. Explore Job Trends
- Research industries and careers that are growing and have good long-term prospects. The "Bureau of Labor Statistics" provides detailed info on job growth projections and salaries for different careers.
6. Join Clubs or Extracurricular Activities
- Participate in clubs or activities related to areas you’re interested in, like coding clubs, debate teams, robotics, or volunteer groups. This can help you discover a passion or skill you want to pursue.
7. Informational Interviews
- Talk to people already working in fields you’re curious about. Ask them about their college experience, what they do day-to-day, and how they got started.
8. Gap Year Consideration
- If you’re unsure, a gap year can provide time to explore different options through travel, internships, or volunteer work, which could help clarify your path before committing to a college major.
These steps should help you discover a career path that aligns with your interests, values, and abilities.
Best wishes!
Great question! To help you figure out which career to pursue in college, here are some key steps and resources to guide you:
1. Self-Assessment
- Identify Interests: Think about what activities, subjects, or hobbies you enjoy. Tools like the "Holland Code Career Test" or "Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)" can give insights into your interests and strengths.
- Skills & Strengths: Reflect on your strengths, both academic and personal. Websites like "Skills Matcher" on CareerOneStop can be useful for identifying skills you might want to build on.
- Values: Consider what you value in a job, such as job stability, creativity, helping others, or salary potential.
2. Research Career Options
- Explore Majors: Look into college majors and what types of jobs they lead to. Sites like "College Board’s BigFuture" or "What Can I Do With This Major? can help you see the possibilities.
- Career Aptitude Tests: Online platforms like "CareerExplorer" or "CareerOneStop" offer free tests to match your interests with potential careers.
3. Job Shadowing & Internships
- Get firsthand experience by shadowing professionals in various fields or seeking internships. This helps you get a real feel for what a day in a particular career is like.
4. Consult with a Career Counselor
- A high school or college career counselor can offer guidance and resources tailored to your interests and help you map out options based on your personality and goals.
5. Explore Job Trends
- Research industries and careers that are growing and have good long-term prospects. The "Bureau of Labor Statistics" provides detailed info on job growth projections and salaries for different careers.
6. Join Clubs or Extracurricular Activities
- Participate in clubs or activities related to areas you’re interested in, like coding clubs, debate teams, robotics, or volunteer groups. This can help you discover a passion or skill you want to pursue.
7. Informational Interviews
- Talk to people already working in fields you’re curious about. Ask them about their college experience, what they do day-to-day, and how they got started.
8. Gap Year Consideration
- If you’re unsure, a gap year can provide time to explore different options through travel, internships, or volunteer work, which could help clarify your path before committing to a college major.
These steps should help you discover a career path that aligns with your interests, values, and abilities.
Best wishes!
Updated
Felicia’s Answer
As a tenured professional, I would recommend identifying what you are passionate about and target professions that feed into your passion. Don't focus as much on the money, but focus on doing what you love---the money will come.
Updated
Leisha’s Answer
Do a personality or skill assessment.
Talk with Career Services.
Talk with a variety of people in different professions.
Make a list of things of think you like and things you do not like.
Leisha recommends the following next steps: