15 answers
Max
Student
Heber City, Utah
1
Question
Asked
500 views
How should I decide what career path to follow?
There are multiple different things I want to study, but they’re all different from each other and I wont be able to use them all in whatever career I choose. How should I choose which one to study?
Login to comment
15 answers
Sherri Mitchell
Director
1
Answer
Sarasota, Florida
Updated
Sherri’s Answer
Is there a limit to what you can study? If not, I say study a little bit in each area of interest. It never hurts to have a well-rounded education and you might be surprised how much you will utilize in your career - it's not always what you think. Just the process of learning something new is helpful as you begin your career. I also like the previously mentioned suggestions. StrengthsFinders is a great idea. It helps you identify your top strengths, which could be very helpful when considering what field of work you will find most interesting.
Steven D
Asset Management
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
All good answers.
Try to understand what you're interested in, what you're good at, what kind of work environments you like and dislike. All of these can help inform you're choice. You have a lot of options so try a little of a variety and then start to eliminate as you move forward maintaining the guide of what you like, are interested in and what are your strengths and weaknesses.
Try to understand what you're interested in, what you're good at, what kind of work environments you like and dislike. All of these can help inform you're choice. You have a lot of options so try a little of a variety and then start to eliminate as you move forward maintaining the guide of what you like, are interested in and what are your strengths and weaknesses.
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
58
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Max, great question! There are so many ways to look at this question. The good news is you have time. Regardless of age, you have time.
If you are currently in school it may feel like you have no time. Take a deep breath and don’t be hard on your self. You’re not alone.
I would look at it this way: what brings you joy and can you make money doing that? Or what is most interesting to you and can you make money doing that?
You don’t need to make the millions, you need to make enough to support the life style you want and follow the things that are important to you.
I’m a huge fan of a pros and cons list… what is the good and bad of a given subject or career field? But go deeper… don’t just focus on how much money or length of school. Look into how many people are in the field? What is the future of the field?
Then make a non-negotiable list… you future career must (or must not) have the following… flexibility to work from home might be important but it is you won’t be able to be a police officer or firefighter. So it’ll narrow down the search a little.
Lastly, and most importantly, take your time. Do not rush this. It’s a big decision.
If you are currently in school it may feel like you have no time. Take a deep breath and don’t be hard on your self. You’re not alone.
I would look at it this way: what brings you joy and can you make money doing that? Or what is most interesting to you and can you make money doing that?
You don’t need to make the millions, you need to make enough to support the life style you want and follow the things that are important to you.
I’m a huge fan of a pros and cons list… what is the good and bad of a given subject or career field? But go deeper… don’t just focus on how much money or length of school. Look into how many people are in the field? What is the future of the field?
Then make a non-negotiable list… you future career must (or must not) have the following… flexibility to work from home might be important but it is you won’t be able to be a police officer or firefighter. So it’ll narrow down the search a little.
Lastly, and most importantly, take your time. Do not rush this. It’s a big decision.
Hailey Franklin
Client Relationship Representative
7
Answers
Eagan, Minnesota
Updated
Hailey’s Answer
Here's an actionable version of your text:
Start by identifying your top interests. Next, research various colleges to see which ones offer programs that align with these interests. Consider beginning your academic journey at a community college. This is a cost-effective way to complete prerequisite courses and help you decide on your field of study. These courses provide a broad overview of various subjects, allowing you to discover what truly captivates you.
Consider pursuing your Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Criminology, or Biology. These fields can lead to a multitude of career paths or pave the way for specialization through a master's program. Most of these classes will incorporate history at the outset, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the course or field's background.
As you embark on this new chapter, I wish you the best of luck. I have no doubt that you will discover the path that suits you best!
Start by identifying your top interests. Next, research various colleges to see which ones offer programs that align with these interests. Consider beginning your academic journey at a community college. This is a cost-effective way to complete prerequisite courses and help you decide on your field of study. These courses provide a broad overview of various subjects, allowing you to discover what truly captivates you.
Consider pursuing your Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Criminology, or Biology. These fields can lead to a multitude of career paths or pave the way for specialization through a master's program. Most of these classes will incorporate history at the outset, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the course or field's background.
As you embark on this new chapter, I wish you the best of luck. I have no doubt that you will discover the path that suits you best!
Fiona A
Customer Experience Champion
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Fiona’s Answer
When I was your age, I was brimming with interests and passions, and it was a bit overwhelming because I wanted to explore them all! My solution was to dive into research. I sought out something that I could truly envision myself doing on a daily basis, and I focused on that. I also made an effort to volunteer wherever possible, and I took advantage of job shadowing opportunities during my college years.
One of the key steps I took was completing all my prerequisite courses at a community college. This not only saved me money compared to a university, but it also exposed me to a diverse array of career paths and experiences. I was surrounded by people from all walks of life, each with their unique career journey. The best part? I was still ticking off the requirements for university at the same time.
So, take a deep breath, take your time, and soak up as much knowledge as you can. You're capable of amazing things!
One of the key steps I took was completing all my prerequisite courses at a community college. This not only saved me money compared to a university, but it also exposed me to a diverse array of career paths and experiences. I was surrounded by people from all walks of life, each with their unique career journey. The best part? I was still ticking off the requirements for university at the same time.
So, take a deep breath, take your time, and soak up as much knowledge as you can. You're capable of amazing things!
T T
18
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
T’s Answer
Think about the topics that interest you. Learn what career paths stem from majoring in those topics in college. Do not rush the decision
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1728
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers and determine what 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, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers and determine what 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!
Brian Doucette
Music Performing Artist
4
Answers
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Happiness and mental health goes a lot farther than lots of money. Choose the path that will make you excited to work at and the better you get at it, the more money will come.
Eleanor Hamilton
Designer
1
Answer
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Eleanor’s Answer
Like Joseph suggested, shadowing would be a great way to get practical knowledge on what a career might look like. To complete an informational interview, you can either use personal connections of people you know in careers you are interested in, or look on a site like LinkedIn to find people. Just search the career title you are interested in. If using LinkedIn, send an intro message introducing yourself and letting the person know you're interested in learning about their experience in x career, then ask for 30 minutes of their time. Most people will be flattered and would be happy to chat, especially for a well-defined amount of time. After they agree to chat whether it be over video call or regular phone call, come prepared with questions to ask them. You can ask them general questions like "what does you day to day look like" or job-specific questions as well. A mix would probably be good!
Another thing you can consider doing is taking some tests like the Holland Code career quiz and StrengthsFinders. These types of evaluations can provide suggestions for careers you may excel in, but of course take the results with a grain of salt and follow your intuition.
Find professionals on LinkedIn who have a job title you're interested in. Send them a connection request with a message explaining who you are.
Take the Holland Code career quiz or StrengthsFinders assessment.
Another thing you can consider doing is taking some tests like the Holland Code career quiz and StrengthsFinders. These types of evaluations can provide suggestions for careers you may excel in, but of course take the results with a grain of salt and follow your intuition.
Eleanor recommends the following next steps:
Joseph McCarthy
Respiratory Therapist
2
Answers
Portland, Maine
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I would suggest you shadow people whose field you are considering. That could mean following a person around in their daily routine to see if you would enjoy doing it for a career. If that is not possible, informational interviews are good too. It is valuable to rule out careers after you have decided its not for you.
Some healthcare schools require shadowing before admission. Keep looking until you find your passion.
Good luck!
Some healthcare schools require shadowing before admission. Keep looking until you find your passion.
Good luck!
Benjamin W
Compliance Analyst
3
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
I would think about all of your interests/passions and what fields of study would best satisfy them. Then, I would take a look at your potential subjects of study and research what kind of careers they often translate to. Once you've figured that out, I would evaluate the potential career paths and then make a decision from there.
Anna Nguyen
Business owner
4
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Anna’s Answer
It's great that there are so many subjects you're interested in! 2 things:
1. Try to figure out why you like these topics-- what do they have in common?
2. I recommend taking the MBTI personality test and doing research on your personality type afterwards. This will give you details on your strengths, weaknesses, and just in general what you're like. This may also help significantly with your career/study choice.
The BEST way to figure out what to do is to physically experience it-- shadow someone in the career field, join clubs, volunteer, maybe even just talk to students studying it currently or professionals already in the field and ask them any questions you may have.
1. Try to figure out why you like these topics-- what do they have in common?
2. I recommend taking the MBTI personality test and doing research on your personality type afterwards. This will give you details on your strengths, weaknesses, and just in general what you're like. This may also help significantly with your career/study choice.
The BEST way to figure out what to do is to physically experience it-- shadow someone in the career field, join clubs, volunteer, maybe even just talk to students studying it currently or professionals already in the field and ask them any questions you may have.
Amanda Plett
Fraud Analyst
17
Answers
Leander, Texas
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
As you explore various career opportunities, it's important to keep in mind that your primary goal is to land a job that offers financial stability. However, it's equally vital to seek employment that encourages a balanced work-life dynamic, ensuring you have ample time for personal growth outside of your work environment.
Finding an ideal job that satisfies both your emotional and financial needs is absolutely possible, but it shouldn't be your sole focus. Losing such a job could impact not only your emotional wellbeing but also your financial security. Therefore, aim for a well-rounded approach, a job that meets your basic needs and also allows room for personal advancement and happiness.
Finding an ideal job that satisfies both your emotional and financial needs is absolutely possible, but it shouldn't be your sole focus. Losing such a job could impact not only your emotional wellbeing but also your financial security. Therefore, aim for a well-rounded approach, a job that meets your basic needs and also allows room for personal advancement and happiness.
Zev Rosenbaum
Data Science
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Zev’s Answer
Hey Max,
Be curious and explore! Talk to as many people as you can to learn what they do and see if they will let you shadow them for a day. Something I find people don't pay attention to when finding something they want to do is that it's just as important to find things you don't want to do in life to help narrow your decision set. It's much easier to decide between 2 choices versus 10.
I hope this helps and good luck in your search!
Be curious and explore! Talk to as many people as you can to learn what they do and see if they will let you shadow them for a day. Something I find people don't pay attention to when finding something they want to do is that it's just as important to find things you don't want to do in life to help narrow your decision set. It's much easier to decide between 2 choices versus 10.
I hope this helps and good luck in your search!
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
This advice was collected on behalf of a group of volunteers, here is what they shared:
Just try new things.
Take what you're good at and add what makes you feel good!
Plan early!
Don't be afraid to be yourself!
Don't be afraid to ask questions!
Network. Ask for 15 minutes; people will help you get there.
Keep moving forward.
Don't be afraid to love learning; it can be fun.
Talk to people in those careers and see what the best fit is for you.
Find your passion or at least keep an open mind—it might find you.
Make your education yours.
Try new opportunities.
Talk to everyone and learn about as many career paths as you can!
Don't let a fear of failure keep you from taking risks in pursuit of your goals!
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That's how you learn.
If you go to college, have a plan!
Put yourself out there and be open to new topics!
Have the right people speak into your decision-making (e.g., mentors, parents, trusted teachers, and friends).
Do what makes you happy!
Keep up the great work!
There's never a dumb question. Be curious!
Don't be afraid to fail! Learn from it!
Do what you love. It feels light when you find your passion.
Take advantage of all the opportunities!
There's nothing wrong with switching paths; do what makes you happy!
Always be yourself!
Just try new things.
Take what you're good at and add what makes you feel good!
Plan early!
Don't be afraid to be yourself!
Don't be afraid to ask questions!
Network. Ask for 15 minutes; people will help you get there.
Keep moving forward.
Don't be afraid to love learning; it can be fun.
Talk to people in those careers and see what the best fit is for you.
Find your passion or at least keep an open mind—it might find you.
Make your education yours.
Try new opportunities.
Talk to everyone and learn about as many career paths as you can!
Don't let a fear of failure keep you from taking risks in pursuit of your goals!
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That's how you learn.
If you go to college, have a plan!
Put yourself out there and be open to new topics!
Have the right people speak into your decision-making (e.g., mentors, parents, trusted teachers, and friends).
Do what makes you happy!
Keep up the great work!
There's never a dumb question. Be curious!
Don't be afraid to fail! Learn from it!
Do what you love. It feels light when you find your passion.
Take advantage of all the opportunities!
There's nothing wrong with switching paths; do what makes you happy!
Always be yourself!