10 answers
10 answers
Updated
Tina’s Answer
Think about what you like. Find your passion. Then reach out to people who are doing the things that you'd like to do in the future. Set up coffee chats with them, ask for introductions or referrals. Don't settle for making a living. Focus on making impact and pursuit the inner happiness.
Updated
Chelsea’s Answer
Hi David,
You raise a good question! To me, a career is your story about what work you do and how that ties together into what you intend to do and your purpose. In order to determine your career, you should look at both 1) what you are good at and 2) what you are passionate about. For 1) listen to your teachers, relatives, mentors, and peers to help determine what you are skilled at. For 2) think about what you enjoy doing and what energizes you, and why those things do so. If you are stuck, try to do lots of different activities to determine what you enjoy.
Hope this helps!
You raise a good question! To me, a career is your story about what work you do and how that ties together into what you intend to do and your purpose. In order to determine your career, you should look at both 1) what you are good at and 2) what you are passionate about. For 1) listen to your teachers, relatives, mentors, and peers to help determine what you are skilled at. For 2) think about what you enjoy doing and what energizes you, and why those things do so. If you are stuck, try to do lots of different activities to determine what you enjoy.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Celeste’s Answer
Hi David!
Great question -- the first step to finding the right career is posing questions of this nature. Here are some things I would recommend as starting points:
1. Engage on introspection: question what kind of topics, people, and models of work tend to energize you -- your answers to these questions will guide your research.
2. Research different career opportunities: The internet is always a good place to start, our modern world has so many different careers that are hard to imagine. Once you have found a couple of leads, searching for people that are in the industry and talking to them is the best way to get your questions answered and get a good sense of what the work is really like
3. Get some practical experience: find internship, work-shadowing, and volunteering opportunities (if you have followed the previous step and talked to people in the industries that interest you, ask them if they know of any opportunities). This is no easy task when you are a student, but the process of applying and networking will be endlessly valuable in the future, AND there is no better way to figure out whether a career is "right" for you is trying it out
Great question -- the first step to finding the right career is posing questions of this nature. Here are some things I would recommend as starting points:
1. Engage on introspection: question what kind of topics, people, and models of work tend to energize you -- your answers to these questions will guide your research.
2. Research different career opportunities: The internet is always a good place to start, our modern world has so many different careers that are hard to imagine. Once you have found a couple of leads, searching for people that are in the industry and talking to them is the best way to get your questions answered and get a good sense of what the work is really like
3. Get some practical experience: find internship, work-shadowing, and volunteering opportunities (if you have followed the previous step and talked to people in the industries that interest you, ask them if they know of any opportunities). This is no easy task when you are a student, but the process of applying and networking will be endlessly valuable in the future, AND there is no better way to figure out whether a career is "right" for you is trying it out
Updated
Viv’s Answer
Think about what subjects or type of work interest you. Look at job descriptions posted related to that area and see if you can imagine yourself being happy and getting energy from doing that type of work. Contrary to what most folks say about following your dreams, I would encourage you to also go look at the median salaries and number of open jobs in various industries and roles. There is not point in pursuing something that you think you will enjoy if it does not end up enabling you to pay the bills especially given how expensive it is to go to college and that you do not want to have regrets after the four years of college or land up unemployed.
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Katie’s Answer
Hello there,
Embarking on the journey to discover your ideal career can often feel like a game of hit and miss, but that's completely okay! Don't worry if your initial jobs or roles don't seem to be the perfect match - every experience is a stepping stone that helps you understand what sparks your enthusiasm and what doesn't. Feel free to explore a variety of avenues, be it through internships, part-time gigs, or even side hustles, and make sure to take a breather after each one. Reflect on the parts you loved, the bits that felt draining, and the skills you're eager to hone. It's perfectly fine if your interests and ambitions evolve over time. The secret sauce is to remain adaptable and gentle with yourself, secure in the knowledge that each stride you take is leading you towards a career that resonates with your unique strengths and passions.
Embarking on the journey to discover your ideal career can often feel like a game of hit and miss, but that's completely okay! Don't worry if your initial jobs or roles don't seem to be the perfect match - every experience is a stepping stone that helps you understand what sparks your enthusiasm and what doesn't. Feel free to explore a variety of avenues, be it through internships, part-time gigs, or even side hustles, and make sure to take a breather after each one. Reflect on the parts you loved, the bits that felt draining, and the skills you're eager to hone. It's perfectly fine if your interests and ambitions evolve over time. The secret sauce is to remain adaptable and gentle with yourself, secure in the knowledge that each stride you take is leading you towards a career that resonates with your unique strengths and passions.
Updated
Camila’s Answer
To find your ideal career, there's many things you could do, but these are three main steps:
1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your interests and passions by considering enjoyable activities and subjects. Utilize interest assessments or personality tests to identify careers that may fit you. Additionally, evaluate your skills by listing both hard and soft skills to help refine your options.
2. Research Career Options: Investigate various industries and professions that align with your interests. Look into job descriptions and qualifications required for those roles. Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your fields of interest to gain insights into their daily responsibilities and career progression.
3. Gain Experience: Seek internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities related to your interests to acquire hands-on experience and better understand specific careers. Engage in networking by attending career fairs and events to connect with industry professionals, which can provide valuable resources and potentially open doors for future opportunities.
By following these steps, you can clarify your interests, broaden your career knowledge, and gain experiences that guide you toward a fulfilling career path. Good luck!
1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your interests and passions by considering enjoyable activities and subjects. Utilize interest assessments or personality tests to identify careers that may fit you. Additionally, evaluate your skills by listing both hard and soft skills to help refine your options.
2. Research Career Options: Investigate various industries and professions that align with your interests. Look into job descriptions and qualifications required for those roles. Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your fields of interest to gain insights into their daily responsibilities and career progression.
3. Gain Experience: Seek internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities related to your interests to acquire hands-on experience and better understand specific careers. Engage in networking by attending career fairs and events to connect with industry professionals, which can provide valuable resources and potentially open doors for future opportunities.
By following these steps, you can clarify your interests, broaden your career knowledge, and gain experiences that guide you toward a fulfilling career path. Good luck!
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Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello David
You've posed an intriguing question. Choosing a career is not just a personal decision—it's one of the most pivotal choices you'll ever make. I remember my high school days, a time filled with uncertainty. Many of us grappled with the looming question: "What if I don’t enjoy the path I choose?" Meanwhile, some students marched forward, knowing exactly what they wanted.
I was interested in nursing, so I took a CNA course through the ROP program offered in high school. The first two years of general coursework introduce you to many fields. Everyone takes psychology, speech, English, foreign studies, literature, history, art, science, math, chemistry, anthropology, sociology, and the list goes on. You will likely find something that intrigues your interests.
To navigate this vital decision, I encourage you to create a list of careers that ignite your passion. Dive into volunteer opportunities in those fields; there's no substitute for hands-on experience. Discovering what truly resonates with you can be exhilarating and enlightening. Embrace this journey, and you may find the path that fulfills you beyond your wildest dreams!
I wish you good luck!
You've posed an intriguing question. Choosing a career is not just a personal decision—it's one of the most pivotal choices you'll ever make. I remember my high school days, a time filled with uncertainty. Many of us grappled with the looming question: "What if I don’t enjoy the path I choose?" Meanwhile, some students marched forward, knowing exactly what they wanted.
I was interested in nursing, so I took a CNA course through the ROP program offered in high school. The first two years of general coursework introduce you to many fields. Everyone takes psychology, speech, English, foreign studies, literature, history, art, science, math, chemistry, anthropology, sociology, and the list goes on. You will likely find something that intrigues your interests.
To navigate this vital decision, I encourage you to create a list of careers that ignite your passion. Dive into volunteer opportunities in those fields; there's no substitute for hands-on experience. Discovering what truly resonates with you can be exhilarating and enlightening. Embrace this journey, and you may find the path that fulfills you beyond your wildest dreams!
I wish you good luck!
Updated
Shelly’s Answer
Finding the right career involves a combination of self-discovery, research, and practical experience. Start by assessing your interests, values, and strengths through self-reflection or career assessments. Consider what activities and subjects you are passionate about and what skills you excel in. Research various industries and roles to understand the opportunities available and what might align with your interests and strengths. Gain practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work to get a real-world sense of different careers. Networking with professionals in fields you are interested in can also provide valuable insights and guidance. Remember, finding the right career is a journey, and it's okay to explore different paths before settling on one. Stay curious and open-minded, and trust that your dedication and passion will guide you to a fulfilling career. You have the potential to find a career that excites and motivates you!
Updated
Ron’s Answer
Hi David,
in my mind, you should think about the following things when considering your ideal career
1) What are you great at?
2) What excites you?
3) What does the world need?
4) What can you make a living with?
The ideal career will combine all four of the elements above.
If a potential candidate for a career is something you are great at and excites you but the world does not need it and you can not make a living with it then it is probably more of a hobby and not a career.
If something is useful to the world and you can make a living with it but you're not great at it and it doesn't excite you then it's probably just 'a job' and not a long-term career.
The path to finding your career and calling is likely not linear and you will need to go through a sequence of 'trial and error' in which you try out different things until you find the best career for you.
You should likely consult several sources in assessing potential candidates for a career:
1) Friends and family
2) Career fairs
3) Job sites
4) Review sites
Etc.
in my mind, you should think about the following things when considering your ideal career
1) What are you great at?
2) What excites you?
3) What does the world need?
4) What can you make a living with?
The ideal career will combine all four of the elements above.
If a potential candidate for a career is something you are great at and excites you but the world does not need it and you can not make a living with it then it is probably more of a hobby and not a career.
If something is useful to the world and you can make a living with it but you're not great at it and it doesn't excite you then it's probably just 'a job' and not a long-term career.
The path to finding your career and calling is likely not linear and you will need to go through a sequence of 'trial and error' in which you try out different things until you find the best career for you.
You should likely consult several sources in assessing potential candidates for a career:
1) Friends and family
2) Career fairs
3) Job sites
4) Review sites
Etc.
Updated
Austin’s Answer
Hey David - I would think about a few things when considering different careers.
- Values and Interests: What matters most to you? What activities do you enjoy?
- Skills and Strengths: What are you naturally good at? What skills have you developed?
- Personality: Do you prefer working alone or in teams? Do you like routine or variety?
Based on your answers, I'd look into different fields and industries that align with your interests and values. It is always helpful to talk to people in various professions to learn about their experiences.
Finding the perfect career is a process and will often take many iterations. Best of luck!
- Values and Interests: What matters most to you? What activities do you enjoy?
- Skills and Strengths: What are you naturally good at? What skills have you developed?
- Personality: Do you prefer working alone or in teams? Do you like routine or variety?
Based on your answers, I'd look into different fields and industries that align with your interests and values. It is always helpful to talk to people in various professions to learn about their experiences.
Finding the perfect career is a process and will often take many iterations. Best of luck!