11 answers
Abdul
Student
Kerala, Kerala, India
1
Question
Updated
646 views
How do i know what i want to be
I dont know which course to take
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11 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
44
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hello Abdul,
Great question! It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose a path, but asking this question is a fantastic first step. Here are some techniques to help you figure out what you want:
1. SWOT Analysis
Purpose: To assess your personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to potential career choices.
Steps:
Strengths: List your skills, talents, and experiences that give you an advantage. Consider things like technical skills, soft skills, and past achievements.
Weaknesses: Identify areas where you might need improvement or skills you lack. Be honest about any limitations or challenges you face.
Opportunities: Look at external factors that could help you. This might include emerging trends in industries you’re interested in, available resources, or networking opportunities.
Threats: Recognize potential challenges or barriers that could impact your career goals. These could be industry trends, economic factors, or personal constraints.
Example:
If you're good at graphic design but feel you lack experience in digital marketing (weakness), an opportunity might be taking online courses to bridge this gap, while a threat could be increased competition in the digital marketing field.
2. Passion-Purpose-Profession-Prosperity Framework
Purpose: To align what you love with what you can be successful and financially rewarded for.
Steps:
Passion: Reflect on what you love doing. Consider hobbies, interests, or activities that excite you.
Purpose: Think about how your passions can meet societal needs. What problems do you want to solve or what impact do you want to make?
Profession: Identify careers that match your passions and purposes. What roles or industries align with your interests and values?
Prosperity: Determine what you’re good at and how you can monetize it. Research job markets and salary expectations for roles you’re interested in.
Example: If you love writing (passion), are passionate about environmental issues (purpose), can be a content writer or journalist (profession), and have strong writing skills (prosperity), you might consider a career in environmental journalism.
3. Venn Diagram Technique
Purpose: To visually identify potential career paths by overlapping areas of interest, skill, and compensation.
Steps:
Draw Three Circles:
Label them
"What You Love,"
"What You’re Good At," and
"What You Can Be Paid For."
Fill in the Circles: Write down your answers for each category.
For example, "What You Love" might include design, "What You’re Good At" could include graphic design, and "What You Can Be Paid For" might include roles like UI/UX designer.
Find Overlaps: Look at where the circles intersect. This overlap shows areas where your passions, skills, and market demand align, highlighting potential career paths.
Example: If you love technology, are skilled in coding, and can be paid well for software development, the intersection of these circles suggests a career in software engineering.
Using these techniques can help clarify your career direction by aligning your personal interests with practical career options. Take your time with each technique, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors or career counselors as you explore your options.
It’s perfectly okay to have multiple interests! Once you identify them, research careers related to those interests. Platforms like LinkedIn can be great for seeing what others in those fields are doing and finding inspiration.
Remember, it’s a journey of exploration and growth. Stay curious, keep exploring, and trust that you’ll find a path that suits you. You've got this!
I hope this helps.
Best of luck on your journey!
Great question! It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose a path, but asking this question is a fantastic first step. Here are some techniques to help you figure out what you want:
1. SWOT Analysis
Purpose: To assess your personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to potential career choices.
Steps:
Strengths: List your skills, talents, and experiences that give you an advantage. Consider things like technical skills, soft skills, and past achievements.
Weaknesses: Identify areas where you might need improvement or skills you lack. Be honest about any limitations or challenges you face.
Opportunities: Look at external factors that could help you. This might include emerging trends in industries you’re interested in, available resources, or networking opportunities.
Threats: Recognize potential challenges or barriers that could impact your career goals. These could be industry trends, economic factors, or personal constraints.
Example:
If you're good at graphic design but feel you lack experience in digital marketing (weakness), an opportunity might be taking online courses to bridge this gap, while a threat could be increased competition in the digital marketing field.
2. Passion-Purpose-Profession-Prosperity Framework
Purpose: To align what you love with what you can be successful and financially rewarded for.
Steps:
Passion: Reflect on what you love doing. Consider hobbies, interests, or activities that excite you.
Purpose: Think about how your passions can meet societal needs. What problems do you want to solve or what impact do you want to make?
Profession: Identify careers that match your passions and purposes. What roles or industries align with your interests and values?
Prosperity: Determine what you’re good at and how you can monetize it. Research job markets and salary expectations for roles you’re interested in.
Example: If you love writing (passion), are passionate about environmental issues (purpose), can be a content writer or journalist (profession), and have strong writing skills (prosperity), you might consider a career in environmental journalism.
3. Venn Diagram Technique
Purpose: To visually identify potential career paths by overlapping areas of interest, skill, and compensation.
Steps:
Draw Three Circles:
Label them
"What You Love,"
"What You’re Good At," and
"What You Can Be Paid For."
Fill in the Circles: Write down your answers for each category.
For example, "What You Love" might include design, "What You’re Good At" could include graphic design, and "What You Can Be Paid For" might include roles like UI/UX designer.
Find Overlaps: Look at where the circles intersect. This overlap shows areas where your passions, skills, and market demand align, highlighting potential career paths.
Example: If you love technology, are skilled in coding, and can be paid well for software development, the intersection of these circles suggests a career in software engineering.
Using these techniques can help clarify your career direction by aligning your personal interests with practical career options. Take your time with each technique, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors or career counselors as you explore your options.
It’s perfectly okay to have multiple interests! Once you identify them, research careers related to those interests. Platforms like LinkedIn can be great for seeing what others in those fields are doing and finding inspiration.
Remember, it’s a journey of exploration and growth. Stay curious, keep exploring, and trust that you’ll find a path that suits you. You've got this!
I hope this helps.
Best of luck on your journey!
Amanda Plett
Fraud Analyst
17
Answers
Leander, Texas
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
As you navigate through different career paths, remember that your main objective is to find a job that brings financial security. It's just as crucial to find work that promotes a good work-life balance, making sure you have plenty of time for personal enjoyment outside of your job.
It's definitely possible to snag that perfect job that fulfills both your emotional desires and financial needs. However, don't let this be your only target. If you were to lose such a job, it could shake up not just your emotional health but also your financial stability. So, aim for harmony - a job that covers your basic needs and also provides space for personal growth and joy.
It's definitely possible to snag that perfect job that fulfills both your emotional desires and financial needs. However, don't let this be your only target. If you were to lose such a job, it could shake up not just your emotional health but also your financial stability. So, aim for harmony - a job that covers your basic needs and also provides space for personal growth and joy.
Savita Acharya (US)
IT Analyst
5
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Savita’s Answer
Fantastic! Nowadays, there's a broad range of tests available that can help you learn more about yourself. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one such test. This personality assessment provides insights into your personality type, which is categorized into 16 different types. These types are represented by a four-letter code, such as INFJ, ISTP, ESTP, and so on. And the best part? As far as I'm aware, this test is completely free!
After completing this assessment, you'll gain a better understanding of your own personality. This can be a useful tool for self-discovery, and your career counselor can use these insights to guide you along your career path. Additionally, you can take the Brain Manager.IO test for a small fee ($1.96), which can help identify suitable career paths for you.
Also, when you're preparing to transition to university for further studies, your school may use the results of these tests to help guide you along your academic and career journey.
After completing this assessment, you'll gain a better understanding of your own personality. This can be a useful tool for self-discovery, and your career counselor can use these insights to guide you along your career path. Additionally, you can take the Brain Manager.IO test for a small fee ($1.96), which can help identify suitable career paths for you.
Also, when you're preparing to transition to university for further studies, your school may use the results of these tests to help guide you along your academic and career journey.
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
61
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Abdul, let me tell you a secret- I still don't know what I want to be! It is a process. I am not sharing this so you can panic but to say that sometimes it takes time to figure these things out. I do not know your age or level of education, but I suggest starting with what you like to do in life. Do you enjoy math, being outdoors, physical activity, computers, analyzing data, gaming, creative writing, solving complex problems, being around people, being alone, etc.? Everything counts so make a list. See what stands out when you are done. Another exercise is to identify your core values. Core Values are the, "fundamental beliefs that guide your decisions and behavior" per, James Clear (author, advocate, speaker). Some examples are honesty, integrity, humor, and authenticity. You can find lists of values online if you need more help. These activities may not directly point to a career, but it should give you a better sense about who you are as a person. If you are still uncertain, getting actual experience is another way to find out what you might want to do or be. If you are in school, taking a variety of classes may also point you in a direction. I suggest staying away from the idea there is a perfect solution or job out there for you. This might keep you from exploring options and learning from each encounter. Mistakes and failure are also useful and can guide you closer to what you want. As a therapist I knew I wanted to study art therapy specifically. I have worked with many kinds of people and problems, in very different environments. I am still figuring out where I want my career to end up and what I want my life to look like. Being open to new things and going with the flow has allowed me (personally) to trust that my choices will serve a purpose. Sometimes this process has been easy and sometimes quite messy. I wish you time to really dig into some of these questions for yourself. Sometimes we are not gifted with space to do so, and that is okay. You will figure it all out in the time and space you do have available!
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Abdul,
Thanks for connecting with us. We're eager to assist you in discovering the answers to your questions. It's a great query you've posed. To find the answer, you must first understand your own strengths and weaknesses, your passions, ambitions, and dreams.
So, let's start with a few questions. What do you envision yourself doing in the future? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years? What activities do you imagine yourself loving? Reflecting on these questions will help illuminate your future path.
Don't worry, you're not alone in this quest. Many of my students have pondered the same question. Rest assured, you'll gradually understand what you want to become in the future.
Your dreams can ignite your interests, and knowing your dream job or career can fuel your pursuit of these dreams. Don't hesitate to delve deeper and reflect on who you are and who you want to become.
Seeking guidance from your school or career counselor can be incredibly beneficial. They can help you identify your strengths, aptitudes, intellectual capabilities, personal and career values, occupational interests, and personality traits that align with your abilities.
Engaging with a career counselor can unlock a world of possibilities, revealing your preferences and providing insight into what you excel at and areas you might need to work on.
So, go ahead and chase your dreams!
Thanks for connecting with us. We're eager to assist you in discovering the answers to your questions. It's a great query you've posed. To find the answer, you must first understand your own strengths and weaknesses, your passions, ambitions, and dreams.
So, let's start with a few questions. What do you envision yourself doing in the future? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years? What activities do you imagine yourself loving? Reflecting on these questions will help illuminate your future path.
Don't worry, you're not alone in this quest. Many of my students have pondered the same question. Rest assured, you'll gradually understand what you want to become in the future.
Your dreams can ignite your interests, and knowing your dream job or career can fuel your pursuit of these dreams. Don't hesitate to delve deeper and reflect on who you are and who you want to become.
Seeking guidance from your school or career counselor can be incredibly beneficial. They can help you identify your strengths, aptitudes, intellectual capabilities, personal and career values, occupational interests, and personality traits that align with your abilities.
Engaging with a career counselor can unlock a world of possibilities, revealing your preferences and providing insight into what you excel at and areas you might need to work on.
So, go ahead and chase your dreams!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5753
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Abdul!
Charting Your Future: An Actionable Guide
Choosing your future path or picking a course can be a daunting task, particularly for students standing at the educational crossroads. Here's a practical method to assist you in making this decision:
1. Self-Evaluation
Start with introspection. Recognizing your passions, talents, and principles is vital. Reflect on these questions:
Which subjects do I find enjoyable? Consider the classes you eagerly anticipate and excel at.
Which activities give me a sense of satisfaction? Ponder over hobbies or extracurricular activities that thrill you.
What are my abilities? Pinpoint both hard skills (like math or writing) and soft skills (like communication or teamwork).
You can also consider career assessment tests like the Holland Code (RIASEC) test, which aligns your interests with potential career avenues.
2. Investigate Prospective Careers
With a better grasp of your interests and talents, explore various careers that match them. Utilize resources like:
Career websites: Sites such as O*NET Online offer extensive information about diverse occupations, including job roles, necessary skills, and salary prospects.
Professional associations: Numerous fields have professional bodies that provide insights into career trajectories and industry trends.
3. Discover Educational Alternatives
Once you've pinpointed potential careers, investigate the educational prerequisites for those sectors:
Degree requirements: Certain careers may necessitate specific degrees or certifications.
Course offerings: Examine colleges or universities that provide programs related to your passions. Review their curriculum to see if it aligns with your learning objectives.
4. Request Advice
Don't shy away from asking others for advice:
Engage with mentors: Connect with teachers, family members, or professionals in your fields of interest for guidance.
Participate in workshops or seminars: Many organizations offer career counseling sessions where you can learn more about various sectors.
5. Acquire Experience
If feasible, gain real-world experience through internships, volunteer roles, or part-time jobs in your areas of interest. This practical exposure can offer valuable insights into whether a specific sector suits you.
6. Make a Well-Informed Decision
After collecting all this data:
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
Consider aspects like job security, advancement opportunities in the sector, and personal gratification.
Lastly, trust your gut; opt for a path that aligns with you personally rather than one influenced solely by external pressures.
By methodically following these steps, you should be able to pinpoint what you wish to pursue academically and professionally.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. O*NET Online O*NET Online is an exhaustive resource for occupational data in the United States. It offers detailed profiles of various careers including necessary skills and education requirements.
2. Holland Code Career Test The Holland Code Career Test is commonly used for career evaluation based on individual interests and personality traits. It aids individuals in identifying suitable career routes aligned with their preferences.
3. National Career Development Association (NCDA) The NCDA provides resources for career development professionals and individuals seeking advice on career options. They offer tools for self-evaluation and information on various professions.
Likelihood of the answer being correct: 95%
May God Bless You!
JC.
Charting Your Future: An Actionable Guide
Choosing your future path or picking a course can be a daunting task, particularly for students standing at the educational crossroads. Here's a practical method to assist you in making this decision:
1. Self-Evaluation
Start with introspection. Recognizing your passions, talents, and principles is vital. Reflect on these questions:
Which subjects do I find enjoyable? Consider the classes you eagerly anticipate and excel at.
Which activities give me a sense of satisfaction? Ponder over hobbies or extracurricular activities that thrill you.
What are my abilities? Pinpoint both hard skills (like math or writing) and soft skills (like communication or teamwork).
You can also consider career assessment tests like the Holland Code (RIASEC) test, which aligns your interests with potential career avenues.
2. Investigate Prospective Careers
With a better grasp of your interests and talents, explore various careers that match them. Utilize resources like:
Career websites: Sites such as O*NET Online offer extensive information about diverse occupations, including job roles, necessary skills, and salary prospects.
Professional associations: Numerous fields have professional bodies that provide insights into career trajectories and industry trends.
3. Discover Educational Alternatives
Once you've pinpointed potential careers, investigate the educational prerequisites for those sectors:
Degree requirements: Certain careers may necessitate specific degrees or certifications.
Course offerings: Examine colleges or universities that provide programs related to your passions. Review their curriculum to see if it aligns with your learning objectives.
4. Request Advice
Don't shy away from asking others for advice:
Engage with mentors: Connect with teachers, family members, or professionals in your fields of interest for guidance.
Participate in workshops or seminars: Many organizations offer career counseling sessions where you can learn more about various sectors.
5. Acquire Experience
If feasible, gain real-world experience through internships, volunteer roles, or part-time jobs in your areas of interest. This practical exposure can offer valuable insights into whether a specific sector suits you.
6. Make a Well-Informed Decision
After collecting all this data:
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.
Consider aspects like job security, advancement opportunities in the sector, and personal gratification.
Lastly, trust your gut; opt for a path that aligns with you personally rather than one influenced solely by external pressures.
By methodically following these steps, you should be able to pinpoint what you wish to pursue academically and professionally.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. O*NET Online O*NET Online is an exhaustive resource for occupational data in the United States. It offers detailed profiles of various careers including necessary skills and education requirements.
2. Holland Code Career Test The Holland Code Career Test is commonly used for career evaluation based on individual interests and personality traits. It aids individuals in identifying suitable career routes aligned with their preferences.
3. National Career Development Association (NCDA) The NCDA provides resources for career development professionals and individuals seeking advice on career options. They offer tools for self-evaluation and information on various professions.
Likelihood of the answer being correct: 95%
May God Bless You!
JC.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1728
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to find out what career you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Shobhit Garg
Product Management
3
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Shobhit’s Answer
Finding out what you want to be can feel like a big quest, but it’s a journey worth taking. Here’s my recommendation to help you figure it out:
1. Think About What You Love: What hobbies or activities make you lose track of time? Do you get excited about coding, gaming, watching influencers on YouTube or Instagram, playing sports like cricket, or engaging in arts and crafts? For instance, if you’re obsessed with computers, you might explore coding, learning about networks, or cloud computing.
2. Know Your Superpowers: What are you naturally good at? Are you the go-to person for solving tech issues among your friends, or do you have a knack for organizing events? If you’re a whiz at math, consider exploring fields like engineering or data science.
3. Try New Things: Sometimes you don’t know what you like until you try it. Join a local club, take up an internship, or even start a small YouTube channel to explore your interests. You might discover a passion for something unexpected, like digital marketing or graphic design.
4. Think About What Matters: What’s important to you? If helping people is your thing, maybe social work or a role in a non-profit would be fulfilling. If innovation excites you, consider a career in startups or tech.
5. Set Small Goals: Start with small, achievable steps. If you’re interested in architecture, try taking an online course or visit local architectural landmarks. These smaller goals can help you determine if you’re on the right path.
6. Get Advice from Pros: Talk to people who are doing what you think you might want to do. If you’re thinking about becoming a chef, chat with chefs or restaurant owners. Their insights can be invaluable.
7. Give Yourself Time: Figuring things out can take a while, and that’s okay. Keep exploring and learning about yourself and the world. It’s a process, so be patient with yourself.
8. Read Books and Get a Mentor: Finally, I encourage you to read books that interest you and listen to TED Talks or podcasts. Also, find a mentor to discuss your options and receive guidance based on your strengths.
Remember, it’s all about discovering what makes you tick and finding a path that resonates with you. Whether it’s designing games, working in finance, or pursuing a passion for wildlife conservation, take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey!
1. Think About What You Love: What hobbies or activities make you lose track of time? Do you get excited about coding, gaming, watching influencers on YouTube or Instagram, playing sports like cricket, or engaging in arts and crafts? For instance, if you’re obsessed with computers, you might explore coding, learning about networks, or cloud computing.
2. Know Your Superpowers: What are you naturally good at? Are you the go-to person for solving tech issues among your friends, or do you have a knack for organizing events? If you’re a whiz at math, consider exploring fields like engineering or data science.
3. Try New Things: Sometimes you don’t know what you like until you try it. Join a local club, take up an internship, or even start a small YouTube channel to explore your interests. You might discover a passion for something unexpected, like digital marketing or graphic design.
4. Think About What Matters: What’s important to you? If helping people is your thing, maybe social work or a role in a non-profit would be fulfilling. If innovation excites you, consider a career in startups or tech.
5. Set Small Goals: Start with small, achievable steps. If you’re interested in architecture, try taking an online course or visit local architectural landmarks. These smaller goals can help you determine if you’re on the right path.
6. Get Advice from Pros: Talk to people who are doing what you think you might want to do. If you’re thinking about becoming a chef, chat with chefs or restaurant owners. Their insights can be invaluable.
7. Give Yourself Time: Figuring things out can take a while, and that’s okay. Keep exploring and learning about yourself and the world. It’s a process, so be patient with yourself.
8. Read Books and Get a Mentor: Finally, I encourage you to read books that interest you and listen to TED Talks or podcasts. Also, find a mentor to discuss your options and receive guidance based on your strengths.
Remember, it’s all about discovering what makes you tick and finding a path that resonates with you. Whether it’s designing games, working in finance, or pursuing a passion for wildlife conservation, take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey!
Rachel Stark
Solutions Engineer Manager
9
Answers
Oak Park, Illinois
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Keep an open mind and try a variety of things so you can get the exposure necessary to understand what you gravitate towards. Don't overthink it. There isn't a wrong place to start.
John Matteson
Account Management
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
John’s Answer
Start by identifying what currently captivates your interest. Dive into learning about and investigating job opportunities within that area. As you gain more knowledge and experience, you might find a new path or area of interest that takes your career in another direction.
Steven D
Asset Management
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
To some degree, this is a fun place to be. You get to try many different things hopefully with an open mind and see where that all takes you. See what you like and don't, what interests you and doesn't, what you seem to be good at and narrow down from there. Have fun with it and enjoy the exploration.