10 answers
M
Student
Dakar, Dakar Region, Senegal
4
Questions
Asked
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Hey I’m in the 12th grade and I would like to know How did you do to know exactly what you wanted ?
Student, high school, 12th grade, don’t know what to do
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10 answers
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
41
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
At 12, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do. I think I took a meandering path to get where I am today. When I finished my undergraduate degree in art, I thought I would be an artist. Then I went to law school. Today, I work at a large accounting firm doing tax consulting work (i.e., not practicing law). At 12, I would not have expected to see my future self in my current position.
I think I just tried a bunch of things and ruled out the things I did not like. It's a lot of trial and error, but I think this is the best way to discover your likes and dislikes. So don't be afraid to try new things!
I think I just tried a bunch of things and ruled out the things I did not like. It's a lot of trial and error, but I think this is the best way to discover your likes and dislikes. So don't be afraid to try new things!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
M
Michael Esposito
Director, Financial Reporting
22
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi M,
As some others have said, life can be funny.
My initial goals (and what I went to school for initially) were all mathematics based.
That was driven by being in a 'math heavy' high school.
Long story short as the world opened up (in university) I found myself exposed to so many different topics/areas that I had no idea existed!
As silly as it sounds, my advice would be "I'm from the future, don't be too rigid when it comes to this type of concern" :)
As some others have said, life can be funny.
My initial goals (and what I went to school for initially) were all mathematics based.
That was driven by being in a 'math heavy' high school.
Long story short as the world opened up (in university) I found myself exposed to so many different topics/areas that I had no idea existed!
As silly as it sounds, my advice would be "I'm from the future, don't be too rigid when it comes to this type of concern" :)
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6336
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello M,
ME:-
Parents bought me telescopes so I wanted to be an astronomer. The physics teacher brought out the blank computer cards for us to fill in. They were destined for the University of Queensland Physics Department, where the PDP-10 filled up a whole floor of a building. That was my introduction to programming. The physics and mathematics pursuits helped me initially, but God had other plans.
My Uncle Michael my Father's brother had a severe coronary and died in 1974. He used to work at another university in Brisbane in 1960. His previous supervisor biochemist Professor Colin Masters came to our university to lecture. I changed my major subject to Biochemistry. I knew that this subject held the answers regarding the early deaths of my relatives.
When Dad followed suit and died of a coronary in 1985, at 50 years of age, I decided to become a dietitian. Nine years later a patient made comments about the genre of nutrition written directions dietitians handed out. She said that the one-day sample menu with the food exchange lists were insufficient. Most days she did not know if she was doing the food selection process properly.
I started writing software to address this issue.
AI:-
Understanding Your Path: How to Discover What You Want
Finding clarity about your future, especially during your final year of high school, can be a daunting task. Many students face uncertainty about their next steps, and it’s completely normal to feel this way. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this process and discover what you truly want.
1. Self-Reflection
The first step in determining what you want is engaging in self-reflection. Take some time to think about:
Your Interests: What subjects do you enjoy? Are there activities or hobbies that excite you? Consider both academic and extracurricular interests.
Your Strengths: Identify your skills and talents. Are you good at analytical thinking, creative writing, or perhaps working with your hands? Understanding your strengths can guide you toward suitable fields.
Your Values: Reflect on what matters most to you. Do you value helping others, innovation, financial stability, or creativity? Your values will play a significant role in shaping your career choices.
2. Exploring Options
Once you’ve reflected on yourself, the next step is exploring potential paths:
Research Careers: Look into various professions that align with your interests and strengths. Websites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provide detailed information about different careers, including job outlooks and required education.
Talk to Professionals: Reach out to people who work in fields you’re interested in. Conduct informational interviews to gain insights into their daily tasks, challenges, and rewards.
Consider Education Paths: Investigate different educational routes such as universities, community colleges, vocational schools, or apprenticeships that align with your career interests.
3. Gaining Experience
Experience can significantly influence your decision-making process:
Internships and Volunteering: Seek internships or volunteer opportunities related to fields you’re considering. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights into whether a particular path is right for you.
Part-Time Jobs: Working part-time can also help you develop skills while exposing you to different work environments.
4. Seeking Guidance
Don’t hesitate to seek support from others:
School Counselors: Your school counselor can provide resources and guidance tailored to your situation. They can help with college applications or suggest career assessments that may clarify your options.
Family and Friends: Discussing your thoughts with family members or friends can offer new perspectives and support as you navigate this decision-making process.
5. Setting Goals
Once you’ve gathered information and experiences:
Short-Term Goals: Set achievable short-term goals that will lead you toward discovering what you want (e.g., researching one new career each week).
Long-Term Goals: Think about where you’d like to be in five years—this could involve specific educational achievements or career milestones.
6. Embracing Flexibility
Remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right now:
Be Open-Minded: Your interests may evolve over time; being flexible allows for growth and exploration of new opportunities.
Reassess Regularly: Periodically reassess your goals and interests as you gain more experience and knowledge about yourself and the world around you.
In conclusion, discovering what you want takes time and effort but involves self-reflection, exploration of options, gaining experience, seeking guidance from others, setting goals, and embracing flexibility along the way. Trust the process; many students find their paths through trial and error!
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A government website offering comprehensive information on various careers including job prospects, salary data, education requirements.
National Career Development Association (NCDA)
An organization committed to promoting individuals' career development through research-based practices.
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
A professional organization providing resources for school counselors aimed at helping students make informed decisions about their futures.
God Bless You!
JC.
ME:-
Parents bought me telescopes so I wanted to be an astronomer. The physics teacher brought out the blank computer cards for us to fill in. They were destined for the University of Queensland Physics Department, where the PDP-10 filled up a whole floor of a building. That was my introduction to programming. The physics and mathematics pursuits helped me initially, but God had other plans.
My Uncle Michael my Father's brother had a severe coronary and died in 1974. He used to work at another university in Brisbane in 1960. His previous supervisor biochemist Professor Colin Masters came to our university to lecture. I changed my major subject to Biochemistry. I knew that this subject held the answers regarding the early deaths of my relatives.
When Dad followed suit and died of a coronary in 1985, at 50 years of age, I decided to become a dietitian. Nine years later a patient made comments about the genre of nutrition written directions dietitians handed out. She said that the one-day sample menu with the food exchange lists were insufficient. Most days she did not know if she was doing the food selection process properly.
I started writing software to address this issue.
AI:-
Understanding Your Path: How to Discover What You Want
Finding clarity about your future, especially during your final year of high school, can be a daunting task. Many students face uncertainty about their next steps, and it’s completely normal to feel this way. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this process and discover what you truly want.
1. Self-Reflection
The first step in determining what you want is engaging in self-reflection. Take some time to think about:
Your Interests: What subjects do you enjoy? Are there activities or hobbies that excite you? Consider both academic and extracurricular interests.
Your Strengths: Identify your skills and talents. Are you good at analytical thinking, creative writing, or perhaps working with your hands? Understanding your strengths can guide you toward suitable fields.
Your Values: Reflect on what matters most to you. Do you value helping others, innovation, financial stability, or creativity? Your values will play a significant role in shaping your career choices.
2. Exploring Options
Once you’ve reflected on yourself, the next step is exploring potential paths:
Research Careers: Look into various professions that align with your interests and strengths. Websites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provide detailed information about different careers, including job outlooks and required education.
Talk to Professionals: Reach out to people who work in fields you’re interested in. Conduct informational interviews to gain insights into their daily tasks, challenges, and rewards.
Consider Education Paths: Investigate different educational routes such as universities, community colleges, vocational schools, or apprenticeships that align with your career interests.
3. Gaining Experience
Experience can significantly influence your decision-making process:
Internships and Volunteering: Seek internships or volunteer opportunities related to fields you’re considering. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights into whether a particular path is right for you.
Part-Time Jobs: Working part-time can also help you develop skills while exposing you to different work environments.
4. Seeking Guidance
Don’t hesitate to seek support from others:
School Counselors: Your school counselor can provide resources and guidance tailored to your situation. They can help with college applications or suggest career assessments that may clarify your options.
Family and Friends: Discussing your thoughts with family members or friends can offer new perspectives and support as you navigate this decision-making process.
5. Setting Goals
Once you’ve gathered information and experiences:
Short-Term Goals: Set achievable short-term goals that will lead you toward discovering what you want (e.g., researching one new career each week).
Long-Term Goals: Think about where you’d like to be in five years—this could involve specific educational achievements or career milestones.
6. Embracing Flexibility
Remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right now:
Be Open-Minded: Your interests may evolve over time; being flexible allows for growth and exploration of new opportunities.
Reassess Regularly: Periodically reassess your goals and interests as you gain more experience and knowledge about yourself and the world around you.
In conclusion, discovering what you want takes time and effort but involves self-reflection, exploration of options, gaining experience, seeking guidance from others, setting goals, and embracing flexibility along the way. Trust the process; many students find their paths through trial and error!
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A government website offering comprehensive information on various careers including job prospects, salary data, education requirements.
National Career Development Association (NCDA)
An organization committed to promoting individuals' career development through research-based practices.
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
A professional organization providing resources for school counselors aimed at helping students make informed decisions about their futures.
God Bless You!
JC.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
M
Zach Whicker
Sales Engineer
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Zach’s Answer
Life is like a box of chocolates.
While they are all chocolate, each has a different flavor and taste. As you eat the chocolates, you start to find which flavors you prefer. Same goes with life. Try new things, make new experiences, and take some educated guesses on what you want to do. You can always change your path.
Currently - as we write this, my team and myself are all doing a job that we did not go to college for. In fact, our roles hardly existed when we were in high school. But more importantly, learning the key concepts from college and networking leads you on a path to success.
While they are all chocolate, each has a different flavor and taste. As you eat the chocolates, you start to find which flavors you prefer. Same goes with life. Try new things, make new experiences, and take some educated guesses on what you want to do. You can always change your path.
Currently - as we write this, my team and myself are all doing a job that we did not go to college for. In fact, our roles hardly existed when we were in high school. But more importantly, learning the key concepts from college and networking leads you on a path to success.
Cody Gaspar
C.I., Quality, and Reliability Engineering
30
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Cody’s Answer
Truthfully, I was a bit lost at first. It was through a process of trial and error, and perhaps a touch of fortune, that I discovered my passion.
If I were to encapsulate my advice in a single sentence, it would be this: Begin in an area that sparks your curiosity, then gently steer your career path in the direction of what excites you most.
If I were to encapsulate my advice in a single sentence, it would be this: Begin in an area that sparks your curiosity, then gently steer your career path in the direction of what excites you most.
Thank you so much!!
Would you please tell me what are you doing, what does your job consist of
M
I manage a process improvement team for a call center. I help design and improve business processes.
I got here by first going to manufacturing, realizing I liked quality and measuring things, then into quality engineer where I learned process improvement was something I really enjoyed. I gained six sigma certifications and experience and made the switch to full time process improvement work :) It took about 5 years of professional work to realize what I was most passionate about and a few more years getting myself in a position to do it full time.
Cody Gaspar
Thank you very much
M
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
355
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
In 12th grade, I had no idea where I would end up in life. However, I enjoyed the part-time job I had in high school and continued to look for work in the area of business. I also noticed people around me who seemed to like their jobs. I ended up in a variety of positions and organizations. After planning group travel programs, I became manager of the group and then moved into employee training. I helped create a job I wanted which was managing a nonprofit organization. Now, after retiring, I'm involved in at least a dozen different volunteer opportunities.
My suggestion would be to try volunteering at a variety of places where you will gain exposure to various jobs and make connections with others who may hold jobs that interest you. This will also be a great addition to your resume in the future no matter what you do.
With every good wish!
My suggestion would be to try volunteering at a variety of places where you will gain exposure to various jobs and make connections with others who may hold jobs that interest you. This will also be a great addition to your resume in the future no matter what you do.
With every good wish!
Omar Saucedo
Economic Development, Workforce Strategic Development, SME´s support
1
Answer
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Updated
Omar’s Answer
There is no better way than getting involved in what you think you will like, then work on that for some time and get to know the pros and cons of the activity. Look for the IKIGAI map and apply it in your life. Hope this helps!
Thank you, Omar for the advice.
M
Amber H., MPH
Consultant
1
Answer
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Amber’s Answer
My simplest advice would be to start exploring and experiencing different areas that peak your interest. In high school and most of college, I thought I wanted to be a pharmacist. Then, during my Junior year of college, I began working as a pharmacy technician and realized quickly that it was not for me. While I continued working as a technician for several years, I learned more about public health through my college classes and was able to pivot to a career in Public Health.
Sometimes it's easier to rule out things you don't like to figure out what you do like!
Sometimes it's easier to rule out things you don't like to figure out what you do like!
Bryan Kalkhoff
Engineer
19
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
That is a really good question.
It was some random events growing up that pushed me towards my current path. But my specialty came from trial and error. I asked myself what did I enjoy doing and went from there.
So I would start there for you. What do you enjoy doing? From there look for classes or activities in that area.
It was some random events growing up that pushed me towards my current path. But my specialty came from trial and error. I asked myself what did I enjoy doing and went from there.
So I would start there for you. What do you enjoy doing? From there look for classes or activities in that area.
Thank you so much, Bryan!
M
Hello
Would you please tell me about your job ,
M
Hello!
I am a computer engineer at IBM. I help make IBM's processors that they use in their system. This includes writing the VHDL, making the schematic, placing the layout (at the transistor level), and running all the simulations on my work.
Hope this helps!
Bryan Kalkhoff
Danielle Mullins
Pharmacist
6
Answers
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Consider what you are most passionate about. What brings you joy? For example, do you love to help others? Do you like to fix things? Do you get excited about coming up with a solution to a complex problem?
Consider your talents. In which subjects do you excel in school? What do others think you are good at?
Consider your talents. In which subjects do you excel in school? What do others think you are good at?
Thank you so much
M