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How do I know what I want to do with my future?
Hi! I'm a high school junior with a deep love for sciences (namely chemistry, astronomy, biology), music, and art. Graduation is creeping up on me and I need to get my ducks in a row with where I'll go after high school. I'm fairly certain that I'll meet any academic requirement for college applications (I have a 3.97 unweighted / 100.79 weighted gpa) but I'm torn in about 2,000 different pieces. I can't pinpoint what I want to major in/what career I want to pursue. On one hand, I love chemistry and I plan to take AP chemistry my senior year, so maybe it'd be good for me to pursue a chemistry-related field. But on another hand, I love music, I love band, maybe I should pursue a career in music? There's about a thousand different things I love, things I'm interested in, and things I'm good at. I extend my biggest thanks to anyone who can help me out here or can give a little guidance to others who are as indecisive as I am 🫶
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8 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
45
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Garima’s Answer
Hi Ren,
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 to choose:
1. SWOT Analysis
This technique helps evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each option. Let’s do this for both music and chemistry:
Music
Strengths: Creative, strong passion for composing or playing an instrument, good ear for music.
Weaknesses: May lack formal training in theory or production, highly competitive field.
Opportunities: Can create and sell your own music online, collaborate with other artists, or teach music.
Threats: Unstable income, inconsistent job opportunities, pressure to be constantly creative.
Chemistry
Strengths: Strong analytical skills, enjoys problem-solving and lab work, interest in research.
Weaknesses: Requires advanced degrees for certain positions, may not enjoy repetitive lab work.
Opportunities: Jobs in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, teaching, or research.
Threats: High competition for certain research positions, job market trends may shift.
This analysis shows that while both paths have strengths and opportunities, understanding the weaknesses and threats can help clarify which area you feel more prepared or passionate about tackling.
2. Passion-Purpose-Profession-Prosperity Framework
This framework breaks it down by what you love, what the world needs, what you can be paid for, and what you’re good at.
Music
Passion: You love creating and listening to music, it feels fulfilling.
Purpose: The world enjoys music for entertainment, healing, and cultural expression.
Profession: You could be paid for performing, producing, teaching, or composing.
Prosperity: You’re skilled at playing an instrument, composing, or singing, but it might take time to reach financial stability.
Chemistry
Passion: You enjoy experimenting, discovering new things, and solving scientific problems.
Purpose: The world needs scientists for innovation in healthcare, energy, and the environment.
Profession: You can be paid for working in labs, research institutions, or teaching.
Prosperity: You have solid skills in analysis, critical thinking, and laboratory work, with good long-term financial potential.
By using this framework, you can see that both fields fulfill different aspects of your life—music may provide personal fulfillment and creativity, while chemistry could offer more stable financial opportunities and societal impact.
3. Venn Diagram Technique
Create a Venn diagram with three circles:
- What You Love
- What You’re Good At
- What You Can Be Paid For
Let’s map it out:
Music
-What You Love: Writing, playing, or performing music.
- What You’re Good At: Skilled in an instrument or composition.
- What You Can Be Paid For: Performing, teaching, or music production.
Chemistry
- What You Love: Learning about chemical reactions and conducting experiments.
- What You’re Good At: Analytical skills, problem-solving, understanding complex scientific concepts.
- What You Can Be Paid For: Working in research labs, pharmaceuticals, or teaching science.
The overlapping areas help identify where your passions, skills, and financial opportunities align. If you find music overlaps more with what you love, but chemistry overlaps more with what you can be paid for, you might consider how to balance both. Maybe you pursue chemistry as a stable career while keeping music as a side passion or vice versa.
Each technique allows you to break down your options and understand how they fit into different aspects of your life. These methods would help guide you toward a decision that not only aligns with your passions but also considers practicality and future stability. Also you can explore further.
I know answer is a bit long but I hope it helps.
Best of luck!
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 to choose:
1. SWOT Analysis
This technique helps evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each option. Let’s do this for both music and chemistry:
Music
Strengths: Creative, strong passion for composing or playing an instrument, good ear for music.
Weaknesses: May lack formal training in theory or production, highly competitive field.
Opportunities: Can create and sell your own music online, collaborate with other artists, or teach music.
Threats: Unstable income, inconsistent job opportunities, pressure to be constantly creative.
Chemistry
Strengths: Strong analytical skills, enjoys problem-solving and lab work, interest in research.
Weaknesses: Requires advanced degrees for certain positions, may not enjoy repetitive lab work.
Opportunities: Jobs in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, teaching, or research.
Threats: High competition for certain research positions, job market trends may shift.
This analysis shows that while both paths have strengths and opportunities, understanding the weaknesses and threats can help clarify which area you feel more prepared or passionate about tackling.
2. Passion-Purpose-Profession-Prosperity Framework
This framework breaks it down by what you love, what the world needs, what you can be paid for, and what you’re good at.
Music
Passion: You love creating and listening to music, it feels fulfilling.
Purpose: The world enjoys music for entertainment, healing, and cultural expression.
Profession: You could be paid for performing, producing, teaching, or composing.
Prosperity: You’re skilled at playing an instrument, composing, or singing, but it might take time to reach financial stability.
Chemistry
Passion: You enjoy experimenting, discovering new things, and solving scientific problems.
Purpose: The world needs scientists for innovation in healthcare, energy, and the environment.
Profession: You can be paid for working in labs, research institutions, or teaching.
Prosperity: You have solid skills in analysis, critical thinking, and laboratory work, with good long-term financial potential.
By using this framework, you can see that both fields fulfill different aspects of your life—music may provide personal fulfillment and creativity, while chemistry could offer more stable financial opportunities and societal impact.
3. Venn Diagram Technique
Create a Venn diagram with three circles:
- What You Love
- What You’re Good At
- What You Can Be Paid For
Let’s map it out:
Music
-What You Love: Writing, playing, or performing music.
- What You’re Good At: Skilled in an instrument or composition.
- What You Can Be Paid For: Performing, teaching, or music production.
Chemistry
- What You Love: Learning about chemical reactions and conducting experiments.
- What You’re Good At: Analytical skills, problem-solving, understanding complex scientific concepts.
- What You Can Be Paid For: Working in research labs, pharmaceuticals, or teaching science.
The overlapping areas help identify where your passions, skills, and financial opportunities align. If you find music overlaps more with what you love, but chemistry overlaps more with what you can be paid for, you might consider how to balance both. Maybe you pursue chemistry as a stable career while keeping music as a side passion or vice versa.
Each technique allows you to break down your options and understand how they fit into different aspects of your life. These methods would help guide you toward a decision that not only aligns with your passions but also considers practicality and future stability. Also you can explore further.
I know answer is a bit long but I hope it helps.
Best of luck!
Thank you so much for the feedback! I hadn't tried looking for the overlaps or sorting out pros and cons, that'll help a bunch !!
Ren
You're so welcome! I'm really happy that it helped!
Garima Lajras
Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
40
Answers
Updated
Robert’s Answer
It's great to have a breadth of interests, but unfortunately the modern working world doesn't value it much. These days polymaths and jacks of all trades are generally only valued for a specific skill that a company knows it wants. Unless you are willing to strike out on your own, as a self-employed entrepreneur, you will probably want to cultivate one specific "marketable" skill, and with your interests and intellect the "safe" path for that is science. It is possible to mix fields together, but much riskier. One former student of mine loved writing and science, and went into science writing: they now write for The Economist. Another loved art and science, and is an independent scientific media artist, taking pictures of beautiful and interesting scientific stuff when they are lucky (like cholesterol crystals and ferrofluids) and of boring stuff (mostly lab equipment) when they have to make ends meet. Still another tried to put music and science together, but never "made it" (music, in particular, can be fickle; and science-related is rarely to mass-market taste) and is now a very successful dentist that plays in a geeky band on the side. A disproportionate number of people I know who self-described as you do are (or tried to become) professors (mostly of chemistry, but that reflects my own trajectory), some happy and some not so much. They had to focus extremely tightly on something to get a PhD, and be willing to do research and teach, except for those at community colleges who generally went into it because they loved teaching. There are an unusual number of polymaths in the professorship, especially those with musical and/or artistic talents (I am not among these!), and it does offer unusual opportunities to dip your toe into many things, but it isn't for everyone. As to your actual, specific question: don't assume you need to know the answer yet! I thought I did when I was your age, and it turns out I was very wrong: and that sticking to that vision was a mistake it took me many years to undo. Attend a good school with an open mind (advice on choosing one at https://www.careervillage.org/questions/680682/how-do-you-pick-which-college-to-go-to) and try a lot of things before buckling down to a major...and even after you do that, don't be shy about changing paths when you come to realize it is the right thing to do. It never gets easier to make a change as you get older, only harder. Good luck (it does help)!
George F Spicka
Compose Music \ Play Jazz Piano \ Curator of Paleontology
16
Answers
Updated
George F’s Answer
It's great that you have so many interests.
I have many interests too, and didn't settle on my career as a jazz pianist\composer, until I was 26.
Some general advice would be: to be curious, to be open to new ideas, and work to see the world as it really is.
Best of luck on your adventure,
George
I have many interests too, and didn't settle on my career as a jazz pianist\composer, until I was 26.
Some general advice would be: to be curious, to be open to new ideas, and work to see the world as it really is.
Best of luck on your adventure,
George
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ren !
This is a good question and many people are asking the same exact thing, wondering about a major and/or a specific career. With a little time and living life as well as maintaining your great achievement in high school, you will figure out, in your own time, what to pursue. Give it some time.
It's good to have many interests and they do not have to be careers, they are interests. My advice is always to give it time. Although you should choose a major by the beginning of your junior year in college, do not let being undecided prevent you from enrolling in college if you still haven't decided. You can take your required General Education courses for a while and by that time, you may have come to a decision. Through exploring and being inspired, you will make a decision.
Read about what it is like in the fields of work of your interests. Remember that there are ups and downs in every career and no one can tell you how your specific career would go, that's why it has to be driven by your intuition and passion. Besides reading about each career, try doing a search on You Tube for video presentations of people in those careers. You can do a search on that website worded, "what is it like to be a singer" or "what is it like to be a scientist", insert any career you'd like. Watching these presentations can give you some insight as to what type of work style you want. Nothing is 100% perfect and building up to a career once you've decided takes time. A lot of good things happen within that time, too. You will meet people in college that will be important to you as friends and possibly for doors opening to network and become aware of activities, projects and events that are important to attend and participate in. As you go through the process, you will begin to identify stronger to one of your interests or a sub-topic of one of them. Give yourself time and room to explore.
It also may be helpful if you do some volunteer work to get an idea of what type of work environment you like or do not like. The only way to tell this is to experience things for yourself through volunteering, part time employment or joining clubs and groups while you are in high school and college. Once you become familiar with what type of workplace you prefer, it will become clear about which career to choose.
I hope that this is useful advice as I wanted to reassure you that it's fine to not be decided yet. Make the most of your high school years, have fun and maintain your fantastic grades. Get experience in groups and with projects and before you know it - you will be inspired.
Best wishes in all you do !
This is a good question and many people are asking the same exact thing, wondering about a major and/or a specific career. With a little time and living life as well as maintaining your great achievement in high school, you will figure out, in your own time, what to pursue. Give it some time.
It's good to have many interests and they do not have to be careers, they are interests. My advice is always to give it time. Although you should choose a major by the beginning of your junior year in college, do not let being undecided prevent you from enrolling in college if you still haven't decided. You can take your required General Education courses for a while and by that time, you may have come to a decision. Through exploring and being inspired, you will make a decision.
Read about what it is like in the fields of work of your interests. Remember that there are ups and downs in every career and no one can tell you how your specific career would go, that's why it has to be driven by your intuition and passion. Besides reading about each career, try doing a search on You Tube for video presentations of people in those careers. You can do a search on that website worded, "what is it like to be a singer" or "what is it like to be a scientist", insert any career you'd like. Watching these presentations can give you some insight as to what type of work style you want. Nothing is 100% perfect and building up to a career once you've decided takes time. A lot of good things happen within that time, too. You will meet people in college that will be important to you as friends and possibly for doors opening to network and become aware of activities, projects and events that are important to attend and participate in. As you go through the process, you will begin to identify stronger to one of your interests or a sub-topic of one of them. Give yourself time and room to explore.
It also may be helpful if you do some volunteer work to get an idea of what type of work environment you like or do not like. The only way to tell this is to experience things for yourself through volunteering, part time employment or joining clubs and groups while you are in high school and college. Once you become familiar with what type of workplace you prefer, it will become clear about which career to choose.
I hope that this is useful advice as I wanted to reassure you that it's fine to not be decided yet. Make the most of your high school years, have fun and maintain your fantastic grades. Get experience in groups and with projects and before you know it - you will be inspired.
Best wishes in all you do !
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5778
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ren,
Getting Started in Thinking About a Future Career
Thinking about a future career can be an overwhelming process, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help clarify your goals and aspirations. Here’s a detailed approach to get started:
1. Self-Assessment
The first step in considering a future career is to conduct a self-assessment. This involves reflecting on your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. You can use various tools such as personality assessments (e.g., Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or Holland Code) and interest inventories to gain insights into what careers might suit you best.
Interests: What subjects or activities excite you? Consider hobbies, volunteer work, or classes that you enjoy.
Values: What is important to you in a job? This could include factors like work-life balance, helping others, creativity, or financial stability.
Skills: Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Are you good at problem-solving, communication, or technical tasks?
Personality Traits: Understanding whether you are more introverted or extroverted can influence the type of work environment that suits you.
2. Research Potential Careers
Once you have a clearer understanding of yourself, start researching potential careers that align with your self-assessment results. Use online resources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore different professions. Look for information on job descriptions, required education and training, salary ranges, job outlooks, and typical work environments.
3. Networking and Informational Interviews
Networking is crucial when exploring career options. Reach out to professionals in fields of interest through platforms like LinkedIn or local networking events. Conduct informational interviews where you ask questions about their career paths, daily responsibilities, challenges they face, and advice they would give someone starting out.
4. Education and Skill Development
Based on your research and networking insights, identify any educational requirements for the careers you’re interested in. This may involve pursuing specific degrees or certifications. Additionally, consider developing relevant skills through internships, volunteer opportunities, workshops, or online courses.
5. Set Goals and Create an Action Plan
After gathering all this information, set specific short-term and long-term goals for your career path. Create an action plan outlining the steps needed to achieve these goals—this could include applying for internships, enrolling in courses, or gaining relevant experience.
6. Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
As you embark on this journey of discovering your future career path, remain flexible and open-minded about new opportunities that may arise. Your interests may evolve over time as you gain more experience and knowledge.
7. Seek Guidance from Mentors
Finding mentors who can provide guidance throughout your career exploration process can be invaluable. They can offer insights based on their experiences and help steer you toward opportunities that align with your goals.
By following these steps systematically—self-assessing your interests and skills; researching potential careers; networking; focusing on education; setting actionable goals; remaining flexible; and seeking mentorship—you will be better equipped to make informed decisions about your future career.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on various occupations including job outlooks, salary information, educational requirements, and industry trends which are essential for making informed career choices.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The MBTI is a widely used personality assessment tool that helps individuals understand their personality types which can guide them toward suitable career paths based on their traits.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers numerous online courses aimed at skill development across various fields which are beneficial for individuals looking to enhance their qualifications for specific careers.
God Bless You!
JC.
Getting Started in Thinking About a Future Career
Thinking about a future career can be an overwhelming process, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help clarify your goals and aspirations. Here’s a detailed approach to get started:
1. Self-Assessment
The first step in considering a future career is to conduct a self-assessment. This involves reflecting on your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. You can use various tools such as personality assessments (e.g., Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or Holland Code) and interest inventories to gain insights into what careers might suit you best.
Interests: What subjects or activities excite you? Consider hobbies, volunteer work, or classes that you enjoy.
Values: What is important to you in a job? This could include factors like work-life balance, helping others, creativity, or financial stability.
Skills: Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Are you good at problem-solving, communication, or technical tasks?
Personality Traits: Understanding whether you are more introverted or extroverted can influence the type of work environment that suits you.
2. Research Potential Careers
Once you have a clearer understanding of yourself, start researching potential careers that align with your self-assessment results. Use online resources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore different professions. Look for information on job descriptions, required education and training, salary ranges, job outlooks, and typical work environments.
3. Networking and Informational Interviews
Networking is crucial when exploring career options. Reach out to professionals in fields of interest through platforms like LinkedIn or local networking events. Conduct informational interviews where you ask questions about their career paths, daily responsibilities, challenges they face, and advice they would give someone starting out.
4. Education and Skill Development
Based on your research and networking insights, identify any educational requirements for the careers you’re interested in. This may involve pursuing specific degrees or certifications. Additionally, consider developing relevant skills through internships, volunteer opportunities, workshops, or online courses.
5. Set Goals and Create an Action Plan
After gathering all this information, set specific short-term and long-term goals for your career path. Create an action plan outlining the steps needed to achieve these goals—this could include applying for internships, enrolling in courses, or gaining relevant experience.
6. Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
As you embark on this journey of discovering your future career path, remain flexible and open-minded about new opportunities that may arise. Your interests may evolve over time as you gain more experience and knowledge.
7. Seek Guidance from Mentors
Finding mentors who can provide guidance throughout your career exploration process can be invaluable. They can offer insights based on their experiences and help steer you toward opportunities that align with your goals.
By following these steps systematically—self-assessing your interests and skills; researching potential careers; networking; focusing on education; setting actionable goals; remaining flexible; and seeking mentorship—you will be better equipped to make informed decisions about your future career.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on various occupations including job outlooks, salary information, educational requirements, and industry trends which are essential for making informed career choices.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The MBTI is a widely used personality assessment tool that helps individuals understand their personality types which can guide them toward suitable career paths based on their traits.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers numerous online courses aimed at skill development across various fields which are beneficial for individuals looking to enhance their qualifications for specific careers.
God Bless You!
JC.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
I encourage you to ponder what knowledge you can gain from a professor and what you can potentially learn on your own. Being young, it's beneficial to focus on areas where you need assistance. Once you've mastered those, you can shift your attention to easier topics. I suggest starting with Chemistry. This subject can pave the way for your independence. In the future or alongside your studies, you can always pursue music. As a parent, I share this advice to make your path to independence smoother.
Updated
Jonas’s Answer
Honestly I would follow my heart. It's never wrong to chase your love and desires because that's what is going to make you happy in life. Forget what someone else feels about your decision at the end of the day you'll make someone feel a certain way. But your heart will be filled with joy.
Updated
David’s Answer
Understanding the path you want your life to take as a teenager can be tough. I'd suggest you freely delve into areas that spark your interest and curiosity, and think about what kinds of jobs would let you continue working in those fields you love. Also, remember that at your age, you have the liberty to explore different subjects and change your mind if you want to. While you'll have to choose a major in the later years of college, high school and the initial years of college are meant to introduce you to a range of subjects to help you make those decisions. Additionally, try to have chats with people who are already working in jobs and fields you're interested in. Get to know what their everyday tasks are like and why they remain enthusiastic about their work, and see if it strikes a chord with you.