7 answers
Lilly
Student
Bolton, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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What if I don't know what I want to do after high school ?
My name is Lilly, I'm a senior at bolton high school. Both my mother and father have a history of working in emergency services. Throughout my whole life I have worked with animals. I would say that I am a very patient person when it comes to helping people or animals. I am very interested in that field but I am not considering going out of state for college.
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7 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5787
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Lilly!
Navigating Post-High School Choices
Feeling unsure about your next steps after high school is common, especially when you have a range of interests and family influences. Here's a practical guide to help you make this important decision.
1. Self-Reflection
Begin by examining your interests, strengths, and values. Given your love for animals and your patient nature when assisting others, think about how these qualities could lead to potential careers. Spend some time jotting down what you love to do and the skills you have.
2. Investigate Career Paths
Considering your interest in emergency services and animal care, there are several professions that could match your passions:
Veterinary Medicine: If working directly with animals appeals to you, consider a degree in veterinary medicine. This usually involves undergraduate studies followed by veterinary school.
Animal Care Services: Roles like animal training, grooming, or working in shelters could be rewarding if you enjoy hands-on work and don't want the extensive schooling required for veterinary medicine.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS): If you're attracted to the emergency services field like your parents, think about becoming an EMT or paramedic. These roles often require certification programs that can be completed in a year or two.
Wildlife Rehabilitation: This field lets you help injured or orphaned wildlife. It requires specialized training but can be incredibly fulfilling.
3. Explore Educational Routes
Since you're not planning to leave the state for college, investigate local colleges or community colleges that offer programs in line with your interests:
Search for programs in veterinary technology, animal science, or emergency medical services.
Community colleges often offer more affordable options for obtaining certifications or associate degrees that can lead directly to employment.
4. Acquire Experience
Think about volunteering or interning in areas related to your interests. This could involve:
Volunteering at local animal shelters or rescue organizations.
Shadowing professionals in the EMS field to understand their daily tasks.
These experiences will not only boost your resume but also help you determine what you truly love doing.
5. Seek Advice
Don't hesitate to ask for guidance from teachers, school counselors, or professionals in your fields of interest. They can offer valuable insights and may even help you find opportunities.
6. Stay Open-Minded
Your initial choice doesn't have to be your end goal; many people alter their career paths several times throughout their lives. Be open to exploring different options as they come up.
In conclusion, spend time understanding yourself and investigating various educational routes while gaining experience through volunteering or internships. This approach will help clarify the best path for you after high school.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed information on various careers, including job prospects, salary data, and educational requirements, which are crucial for informed future career decisions.
2. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
NAVTA provides resources specifically for those interested in veterinary technology careers, including education pathways and certification processes.
3. American Red Cross - Emergency Medical Services Training
The American Red Cross provides information on EMT training programs and certifications, which are vital for anyone considering a career in emergency medical services.
Likelihood the answer is correct: 95%
Take Care!
JC.
Navigating Post-High School Choices
Feeling unsure about your next steps after high school is common, especially when you have a range of interests and family influences. Here's a practical guide to help you make this important decision.
1. Self-Reflection
Begin by examining your interests, strengths, and values. Given your love for animals and your patient nature when assisting others, think about how these qualities could lead to potential careers. Spend some time jotting down what you love to do and the skills you have.
2. Investigate Career Paths
Considering your interest in emergency services and animal care, there are several professions that could match your passions:
Veterinary Medicine: If working directly with animals appeals to you, consider a degree in veterinary medicine. This usually involves undergraduate studies followed by veterinary school.
Animal Care Services: Roles like animal training, grooming, or working in shelters could be rewarding if you enjoy hands-on work and don't want the extensive schooling required for veterinary medicine.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS): If you're attracted to the emergency services field like your parents, think about becoming an EMT or paramedic. These roles often require certification programs that can be completed in a year or two.
Wildlife Rehabilitation: This field lets you help injured or orphaned wildlife. It requires specialized training but can be incredibly fulfilling.
3. Explore Educational Routes
Since you're not planning to leave the state for college, investigate local colleges or community colleges that offer programs in line with your interests:
Search for programs in veterinary technology, animal science, or emergency medical services.
Community colleges often offer more affordable options for obtaining certifications or associate degrees that can lead directly to employment.
4. Acquire Experience
Think about volunteering or interning in areas related to your interests. This could involve:
Volunteering at local animal shelters or rescue organizations.
Shadowing professionals in the EMS field to understand their daily tasks.
These experiences will not only boost your resume but also help you determine what you truly love doing.
5. Seek Advice
Don't hesitate to ask for guidance from teachers, school counselors, or professionals in your fields of interest. They can offer valuable insights and may even help you find opportunities.
6. Stay Open-Minded
Your initial choice doesn't have to be your end goal; many people alter their career paths several times throughout their lives. Be open to exploring different options as they come up.
In conclusion, spend time understanding yourself and investigating various educational routes while gaining experience through volunteering or internships. This approach will help clarify the best path for you after high school.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed information on various careers, including job prospects, salary data, and educational requirements, which are crucial for informed future career decisions.
2. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
NAVTA provides resources specifically for those interested in veterinary technology careers, including education pathways and certification processes.
3. American Red Cross - Emergency Medical Services Training
The American Red Cross provides information on EMT training programs and certifications, which are vital for anyone considering a career in emergency medical services.
Likelihood the answer is correct: 95%
Take Care!
JC.
Anissa Webb
Registered Nurse
2
Answers
Omaha, Nebraska
Updated
Anissa’s Answer
Hello Lilly,
I heard that an average person changes their job atleast 7 times in their career with many changes career types later in life. It is wonderful and admirable for one to know what exactly they want to do after college but the truth is that many dont. They might have an idea and start out at University on a path towards one degree and find out that they take a different path towards a different degree they never considered before.
In short, after high school, life will be your teacher therefore go do the things you are interested in and discover if that is truly what you want to do for a career.
You do not need a degree to explore your interests either. You might need some training though.
A veterinary office or clinic may have a position for employment where you can gain some experience and knowledge as an employee.
An Emergency Medical Technician EMT certification is a course/program you can take without a degree. With the certification, you can join a volunteer EMS in your local fire department or if there is paid EMS, you can apply.
Truthfully, you will discover what you want to go to college for yourself at somepoint but dont let the uncertainty keep you from discovering life now. What you learn at college is only part of what you will learn in any career so remember the other part is the actually career itself and those who will work along side you and the people you will be helping; they will teach you more.
I heard that an average person changes their job atleast 7 times in their career with many changes career types later in life. It is wonderful and admirable for one to know what exactly they want to do after college but the truth is that many dont. They might have an idea and start out at University on a path towards one degree and find out that they take a different path towards a different degree they never considered before.
In short, after high school, life will be your teacher therefore go do the things you are interested in and discover if that is truly what you want to do for a career.
You do not need a degree to explore your interests either. You might need some training though.
A veterinary office or clinic may have a position for employment where you can gain some experience and knowledge as an employee.
An Emergency Medical Technician EMT certification is a course/program you can take without a degree. With the certification, you can join a volunteer EMS in your local fire department or if there is paid EMS, you can apply.
Truthfully, you will discover what you want to go to college for yourself at somepoint but dont let the uncertainty keep you from discovering life now. What you learn at college is only part of what you will learn in any career so remember the other part is the actually career itself and those who will work along side you and the people you will be helping; they will teach you more.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
314
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
You have many options! One thing you can begin doing, if you haven't already, is to volunteer for a variety of activities. This will give you exposure to many different people and organizations. In your lifetime you will likely have more than one career, so where you begin may not be where you end up and that's ok. Enjoy the journey!
With every good wish.,
With every good wish.,
Hilal Kalkavan
1
Answer
Updated
Hilal’s Answer
Hi Lilly,
Excellent question, and I'd first like to say that it is completely normal and very common to not have decided on a major at this time and age. What you can do is follow the general idea of what you know you want, like helping people and animals. You have mentioned that your parents both work in emergency services, and since you also like helping people and animals, you may think that that is the job for you. My advice here would be not to jump into any conclusions just yet, college experience and internships are here to help us decipher what we want to do with our lives, career-wise.
Here's a step by step advice on how to discover what you really want, or get close to an answer:
Best of luck!
On a piece of paper, write down any topic that have interested you, in and out of school, things that would excite you if you were to dedicate around 6 hours a day to it. To give you an example: my answer would be to be surrounded by books and movies.
Next, on a different paper, reflect on your best skills. Are you good at following orders, do you enjoy planning, or do you move at your heart's desire? how do you find creativity as opposed to analyzing? there is no definite answer here, what you're looking for is if one or the other is more deliberate than the other.
Now read both papers and circle the ideas you like most. The things that speak to you most, and don't interject your ideas with convenience just yet. this is just an exercise to figure out what you like.
Now is the time to put everything you've learned about yourself together. Check out the items you have circled and group them together. For example: I am a creative person, and I love literature and pop culture, I like going with my own pace.
Finally, you can come up with jobs or possible areas that you'd like to work in. For example, for me, creativity and literature led to copywriting. It could have been social media analyst, film critic, songwriter and more. you don't have to stick in one industry as long as the skillset is there. For you, since you like helping and animals, the obvious choice looks like veterinarian, however after this exercise, you may explore what you like and find some different options.
Excellent question, and I'd first like to say that it is completely normal and very common to not have decided on a major at this time and age. What you can do is follow the general idea of what you know you want, like helping people and animals. You have mentioned that your parents both work in emergency services, and since you also like helping people and animals, you may think that that is the job for you. My advice here would be not to jump into any conclusions just yet, college experience and internships are here to help us decipher what we want to do with our lives, career-wise.
Here's a step by step advice on how to discover what you really want, or get close to an answer:
Best of luck!
Hilal recommends the following next steps:
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
401
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Lily,
It's great that you're thinking about your future and considering your interests.
Being unsure of what to do after high school is completely normal, and it's wonderful that you already know you enjoy helping people and animals. Since your family has a history in emergency services, and you've spent time working with animals, you might have a few career paths to explore that align with your interests and skills, especially if you're considering staying in-state.
Here are a few ideas to explore based on your patience, love for animals, and desire to help others:
1. Veterinary Technician/Assistant
- If you enjoy working with animals but aren't sure about becoming a full veterinarian, a veterinary technician or assistant might be a great option. You'd get to help care for animals in medical settings without the extended schooling a vet requires. Many community colleges offer programs for vet techs.
2. Animal Behaviorist or Trainer
- If you're interested in working directly with animals, you might consider becoming an animal trainer or behaviorist. You could work in various settings like zoos, shelters, or even training service animals, which combines patience and empathy.
3. Emergency Services (EMS, Firefighter, etc.)
- Following in your family's footsteps could be a good fit, given your interest in helping people. There are different paths within emergency services, and many local community colleges offer programs for EMTs, paramedics, and even firefighting.
4. Nursing or Healthcare Assistant
- If you enjoy helping people, consider a career in healthcare. Nursing programs, medical assisting, or physical therapy assistant programs are all great in-state options. They let you work closely with patients and can lead to various specializations, including working with animals in therapy.
5. Zoology or Wildlife Conservation
- If you’re interested in the bigger picture of animal care, a degree in zoology or wildlife conservation could lead to work in national parks, zoos, or wildlife rescue organizations.
How to Explore Your Options:
- Job Shadowing: Since you're interested in working with animals or in emergency services, try shadowing a professional in those fields to get a feel for what their day-to-day work is like.
- Internships/Volunteering: Consider volunteering at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or even with your local emergency services department. It could help you narrow down what aspects of the work you enjoy most.
- Stay Local: You mentioned you don’t want to go out of state, so look into local community colleges, trade schools, or universities near you. Many offer programs in animal science, healthcare, and emergency services.
Best wishes!
It's great that you're thinking about your future and considering your interests.
Being unsure of what to do after high school is completely normal, and it's wonderful that you already know you enjoy helping people and animals. Since your family has a history in emergency services, and you've spent time working with animals, you might have a few career paths to explore that align with your interests and skills, especially if you're considering staying in-state.
Here are a few ideas to explore based on your patience, love for animals, and desire to help others:
1. Veterinary Technician/Assistant
- If you enjoy working with animals but aren't sure about becoming a full veterinarian, a veterinary technician or assistant might be a great option. You'd get to help care for animals in medical settings without the extended schooling a vet requires. Many community colleges offer programs for vet techs.
2. Animal Behaviorist or Trainer
- If you're interested in working directly with animals, you might consider becoming an animal trainer or behaviorist. You could work in various settings like zoos, shelters, or even training service animals, which combines patience and empathy.
3. Emergency Services (EMS, Firefighter, etc.)
- Following in your family's footsteps could be a good fit, given your interest in helping people. There are different paths within emergency services, and many local community colleges offer programs for EMTs, paramedics, and even firefighting.
4. Nursing or Healthcare Assistant
- If you enjoy helping people, consider a career in healthcare. Nursing programs, medical assisting, or physical therapy assistant programs are all great in-state options. They let you work closely with patients and can lead to various specializations, including working with animals in therapy.
5. Zoology or Wildlife Conservation
- If you’re interested in the bigger picture of animal care, a degree in zoology or wildlife conservation could lead to work in national parks, zoos, or wildlife rescue organizations.
How to Explore Your Options:
- Job Shadowing: Since you're interested in working with animals or in emergency services, try shadowing a professional in those fields to get a feel for what their day-to-day work is like.
- Internships/Volunteering: Consider volunteering at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or even with your local emergency services department. It could help you narrow down what aspects of the work you enjoy most.
- Stay Local: You mentioned you don’t want to go out of state, so look into local community colleges, trade schools, or universities near you. Many offer programs in animal science, healthcare, and emergency services.
Best wishes!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1750
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lily !
Although you did not specify which of the two careers mentioned that you are interested in, it is perfectly fine that you're not sure about which career path to choose. Many people are undecided after high school, so you're not alone. It takes different time spans and experiences to figure out what you want to do in the future, so do not worry. Take it a step at a time and experience life for inspiration. However, I wouldn't advise postponing applying for college. Even if you start at a community college, that will give you a head start on things.
You can always go for an Associates Degree in a subject that holds your interest. You mentioned working with animals, so you can consider biology for an Associates Degree. Helping people and animals and being patient are highly admirable and valuable traits but they are not a career, but you can align your personal traits and preferences to a career that needs those special qualities that you have. Only you can choose your life's work.
You will first have to decide upon a major in order to explore colleges so that you start knowing which colleges have the major you want. I know it is very daunting to figure this out while living in a very small town as you do, but the closest community college to you would be Connecticut State Community College, 25 miles from you, possibly in Hartford. I have left a link below for you that has a list of two and four year colleges in your state. You can start exploring these. Read what majors they offer and something may inspire you.
Keep in mind that Middlesex Community College in Middletown offers an Associate in Science degree in Veterinary Technology. Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted offers an Associate’s degree program in Veterinary Technology. Norwalk Community College offers an Associate’s degree program in Veterinary Technology. That's if you decide to go for a career working with animals. Visit their websites to learn more about each program.
You can enroll in college and begin taking general ed required courses to start with. Sometimes just being in college inspires people for what to major in. Just be sure to have a specific major by the beginning of your junior year in college so that you can finish and obtain your Bachelors Degree on time. You do not have to go out of state. I think that your state has some pretty good colleges and universities, you just have to begin exploring them. Go for orientations at some colleges, also. Get a feel for the campus and learn the college services, resources and requirements.
I hope that this is helpful to start you on your way exploring all of the wonderful colleges in Connecticut. I wish you all the best !
TWO YEAR AND FOUR YEAR COLLEGES IN CONNECTICUT https://www.ct.edu/
Although you did not specify which of the two careers mentioned that you are interested in, it is perfectly fine that you're not sure about which career path to choose. Many people are undecided after high school, so you're not alone. It takes different time spans and experiences to figure out what you want to do in the future, so do not worry. Take it a step at a time and experience life for inspiration. However, I wouldn't advise postponing applying for college. Even if you start at a community college, that will give you a head start on things.
You can always go for an Associates Degree in a subject that holds your interest. You mentioned working with animals, so you can consider biology for an Associates Degree. Helping people and animals and being patient are highly admirable and valuable traits but they are not a career, but you can align your personal traits and preferences to a career that needs those special qualities that you have. Only you can choose your life's work.
You will first have to decide upon a major in order to explore colleges so that you start knowing which colleges have the major you want. I know it is very daunting to figure this out while living in a very small town as you do, but the closest community college to you would be Connecticut State Community College, 25 miles from you, possibly in Hartford. I have left a link below for you that has a list of two and four year colleges in your state. You can start exploring these. Read what majors they offer and something may inspire you.
Keep in mind that Middlesex Community College in Middletown offers an Associate in Science degree in Veterinary Technology. Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted offers an Associate’s degree program in Veterinary Technology. Norwalk Community College offers an Associate’s degree program in Veterinary Technology. That's if you decide to go for a career working with animals. Visit their websites to learn more about each program.
You can enroll in college and begin taking general ed required courses to start with. Sometimes just being in college inspires people for what to major in. Just be sure to have a specific major by the beginning of your junior year in college so that you can finish and obtain your Bachelors Degree on time. You do not have to go out of state. I think that your state has some pretty good colleges and universities, you just have to begin exploring them. Go for orientations at some colleges, also. Get a feel for the campus and learn the college services, resources and requirements.
I hope that this is helpful to start you on your way exploring all of the wonderful colleges in Connecticut. I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1729
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. The most important is to find out what careers first. Different colleges have strength in different subjects. Then, you can find out which colleges suit you.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Under you like animals, would you like to be vet, zoologist, park ranger, etc. Alternatively, would you like to work in medical field, eg doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc .You can explore more on the career you have interest
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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can explore further.
5. Explore the college review in the state on these subjects and find out the entry criteria.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Under you like animals, would you like to be vet, zoologist, park ranger, etc. Alternatively, would you like to work in medical field, eg doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc .You can explore more on the career you have interest
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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can explore further.
5. Explore the college review in the state on these subjects and find out the entry criteria.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!