4 answers
Anthony
Student
1
Question
Asked
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I don’t know what I want to do yet?
I am a 7th grader and I don’t know yet what I want to do.
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4 answers
Julia Pistoia
Account Executive
6
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi there!
Just to kick things off, it's absolutely okay to be unsure about your future career. In fact, it's completely normal to change your mind several times before you even graduate from high school. Let me put your mind at ease by sharing a slice of my own journey.
When I was just 12 years old, I was convinced that my future lay in the film and art industry. I dreamed of becoming a scriptwriter and producer. However, as I grew older, I realized that while I loved the industry, it was more of a passion than a career path for me.
I then discovered another interest of mine that seemed more attainable - connecting with people and speaking multiple languages. By the time I was 15, I thought that pursuing a degree in International Relations would be the perfect fit for me.
But as I moved through my high school years, I started dabbling in programming during my free time. This sparked a new interest, and I decided to pursue an Engineering degree. I stuck with it for two years, but when I started getting internships and work experience, I discovered that my real strength lay in communication.
This led me to switch my major to Business Administration, a field that allowed me to capitalize on my communication skills and grow in a career I truly loved. Now, I work as an Account Executive, a role that I often joke is all about building relationships.
The point I'm trying to make is, don't sweat it. Your professional life will largely mirror your personality and who you are as a person. So, take this time to discover your strengths, focus on developing them, and figure out how you can best apply them. For instance, I'm a people person and that's led me to a career in account management.
Just to kick things off, it's absolutely okay to be unsure about your future career. In fact, it's completely normal to change your mind several times before you even graduate from high school. Let me put your mind at ease by sharing a slice of my own journey.
When I was just 12 years old, I was convinced that my future lay in the film and art industry. I dreamed of becoming a scriptwriter and producer. However, as I grew older, I realized that while I loved the industry, it was more of a passion than a career path for me.
I then discovered another interest of mine that seemed more attainable - connecting with people and speaking multiple languages. By the time I was 15, I thought that pursuing a degree in International Relations would be the perfect fit for me.
But as I moved through my high school years, I started dabbling in programming during my free time. This sparked a new interest, and I decided to pursue an Engineering degree. I stuck with it for two years, but when I started getting internships and work experience, I discovered that my real strength lay in communication.
This led me to switch my major to Business Administration, a field that allowed me to capitalize on my communication skills and grow in a career I truly loved. Now, I work as an Account Executive, a role that I often joke is all about building relationships.
The point I'm trying to make is, don't sweat it. Your professional life will largely mirror your personality and who you are as a person. So, take this time to discover your strengths, focus on developing them, and figure out how you can best apply them. For instance, I'm a people person and that's led me to a career in account management.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
314
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Great you are thinking ahead! The good news is you don't need to know what you want to do later. Now is the time to explore your interests by talking to others (relatives, neighbors, etc.) about their chosen careers. Volunteering for various causes will give you exposure to a variety of people and activities.
Most folks end up with more than one career in their lifetime, so it will only be a question of where you want to begin when you've completed your education. For now, enjoy life and remember to give thanks and always be kind -- the person you help today just may be your future boss.
With every good wish!
Most folks end up with more than one career in their lifetime, so it will only be a question of where you want to begin when you've completed your education. For now, enjoy life and remember to give thanks and always be kind -- the person you help today just may be your future boss.
With every good wish!
Mary Patrice Layaoen
Character Modeler/ 3D Artist
28
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Mary Patrice’s Answer
Hello, Anthony! It’s perfectly okay not to have everything figured out at this stage. You have plenty of time to explore different interests and discover what you’re passionate about. What are your favorite things right now? You can try to get involved in various activities, whether they’re related to sports, music, art, or academics. This will help you gain experience and find out what you enjoy most. Don’t be afraid to try new things and ask for advice from teachers, family, and friends. Remember, it’s all part of the journey to discovering what you might want to pursue in the future. Keep an open mind, and enjoy the process of learning about yourself and the world around you.
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
58
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Anthony, to give you an answer you were not expecting… good. You don’t have to know what you want to do or be when you grow up. You have time and opportunities to explore so much. Use your resources. You’re in 7th grade asking such a profound question, I don’t think I even considered it until 9th grade.
Here are some things I did… everything and all of it.
I liked watching soccer and my friends played football. I tried both it didn’t work.
I knew doctors and lawyers made a lot of money. I joined my high school law enforcement and justice club, later I joined a program that allowed me to rotate through the local hospital. That didn’t work either.
I loved watching movies so I joined the high school television production and theater program, that didn’t work.
I enjoyed money and leading people and projects. I joined a business management program and looked into the military. That stuck… but it took me until being a junior/senior to figure this out.
Some very successful people I know didn’t learn what they wanted until they were in college. You have time.
Start looking into all the programs your school has and each semester try one or two. Debate, art, music, sports, anything you can try.
Of course make sure you have your parents or guardians permission but try as much as you can.
You’ll be great at whatever it is you want just take your time figuring that out.
Here are some things I did… everything and all of it.
I liked watching soccer and my friends played football. I tried both it didn’t work.
I knew doctors and lawyers made a lot of money. I joined my high school law enforcement and justice club, later I joined a program that allowed me to rotate through the local hospital. That didn’t work either.
I loved watching movies so I joined the high school television production and theater program, that didn’t work.
I enjoyed money and leading people and projects. I joined a business management program and looked into the military. That stuck… but it took me until being a junior/senior to figure this out.
Some very successful people I know didn’t learn what they wanted until they were in college. You have time.
Start looking into all the programs your school has and each semester try one or two. Debate, art, music, sports, anything you can try.
Of course make sure you have your parents or guardians permission but try as much as you can.
You’ll be great at whatever it is you want just take your time figuring that out.
Thank you so much for the advice.