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Alexia
Student
Jersey City, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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When do I start thinking about choosing a career?
Hi, I'm Alexia and I want to know when to start thinking about choosing a career
6 answers
Twilio Volunteers
Volunteer
52
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Twilio’s Answer
You can also wait to find the right career. Career paths are rarely a straight line. They follow different directions based on your interests, market opportunities and jobs that may not even exist yet. Keep yourself open to keep learning and and you can find your way. It is never too soon or too late to choose a career. Even later in life there are ways to find new opportunities you have never considered before.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Alexia!
When to Start Thinking About Choosing a Career
Choosing a career is a significant decision that can shape your future, and it’s important to approach this process thoughtfully. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of when and how to start thinking about your career:
1. Early Exposure (Middle School Years)
Many experts suggest that the journey of career exploration can begin as early as middle school (around ages 11-14). During these years, students are encouraged to explore various subjects and extracurricular activities. This exposure helps them identify interests and strengths, which are crucial for making informed career choices later on.
2. High School Exploration (Ages 14-18)
High school is a critical period for career exploration. Students should take advantage of opportunities such as:
Career assessments: Many schools offer tests that help identify potential career paths based on interests and skills.
Job shadowing: Spending time with professionals in fields of interest can provide insight into daily responsibilities and required skills.
Internships or part-time jobs: Gaining real-world experience can clarify what you enjoy doing and what you might want to pursue further.
3. College Preparation (Junior Year Onwards)
By the time students reach their junior year of high school, they should start focusing more seriously on their career options. This includes:
Researching potential majors: Understanding how different college programs align with various careers is essential.
Networking: Engaging with teachers, counselors, and professionals can provide valuable guidance and connections in chosen fields.
4. College Experience (Ages 18+)
Once in college, students should continue exploring their interests through:
Elective courses: Taking classes outside of their major can help uncover new passions.
Clubs and organizations: Joining groups related to specific fields can enhance skills and expand networks.
Career services: Most colleges have resources available for resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement.
5. Continuous Reflection
Career planning is not a one-time event; it requires ongoing reflection throughout life. As you gain experiences—whether through education or work—you may find your interests evolve. Regularly assessing your goals will help ensure that your career path remains aligned with your aspirations.
In summary, while it’s beneficial to start thinking about careers early in middle school, serious consideration typically begins in high school, especially during the junior year. The college experience further refines these choices but remember that career development is an ongoing process.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. National Career Development Association (NCDA)
The NCDA provides comprehensive guidelines on career development stages and emphasizes the importance of early exposure to various careers.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed information on job outlooks, educational requirements for different careers, and insights into workforce trends that help inform students’ decisions about their futures.
3. American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA discusses psychological aspects related to career choice, including developmental stages where individuals begin considering their professional futures and factors influencing those decisions.
God Bless!
JC.
When to Start Thinking About Choosing a Career
Choosing a career is a significant decision that can shape your future, and it’s important to approach this process thoughtfully. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of when and how to start thinking about your career:
1. Early Exposure (Middle School Years)
Many experts suggest that the journey of career exploration can begin as early as middle school (around ages 11-14). During these years, students are encouraged to explore various subjects and extracurricular activities. This exposure helps them identify interests and strengths, which are crucial for making informed career choices later on.
2. High School Exploration (Ages 14-18)
High school is a critical period for career exploration. Students should take advantage of opportunities such as:
Career assessments: Many schools offer tests that help identify potential career paths based on interests and skills.
Job shadowing: Spending time with professionals in fields of interest can provide insight into daily responsibilities and required skills.
Internships or part-time jobs: Gaining real-world experience can clarify what you enjoy doing and what you might want to pursue further.
3. College Preparation (Junior Year Onwards)
By the time students reach their junior year of high school, they should start focusing more seriously on their career options. This includes:
Researching potential majors: Understanding how different college programs align with various careers is essential.
Networking: Engaging with teachers, counselors, and professionals can provide valuable guidance and connections in chosen fields.
4. College Experience (Ages 18+)
Once in college, students should continue exploring their interests through:
Elective courses: Taking classes outside of their major can help uncover new passions.
Clubs and organizations: Joining groups related to specific fields can enhance skills and expand networks.
Career services: Most colleges have resources available for resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement.
5. Continuous Reflection
Career planning is not a one-time event; it requires ongoing reflection throughout life. As you gain experiences—whether through education or work—you may find your interests evolve. Regularly assessing your goals will help ensure that your career path remains aligned with your aspirations.
In summary, while it’s beneficial to start thinking about careers early in middle school, serious consideration typically begins in high school, especially during the junior year. The college experience further refines these choices but remember that career development is an ongoing process.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. National Career Development Association (NCDA)
The NCDA provides comprehensive guidelines on career development stages and emphasizes the importance of early exposure to various careers.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed information on job outlooks, educational requirements for different careers, and insights into workforce trends that help inform students’ decisions about their futures.
3. American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA discusses psychological aspects related to career choice, including developmental stages where individuals begin considering their professional futures and factors influencing those decisions.
God Bless!
JC.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad you started to think about this question now.
It is better to consider this early.
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 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!
It is better to consider this early.
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 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!
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
177
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Hi Alexia! It’s great that you’re thinking about your career early on. You can start considering your career path as soon as you begin high school, or even earlier if you’re feeling inspired. During this time, explore your interests and strengths through various subjects and activities.
Participating in clubs, volunteering, or trying out different hobbies can give you insight into what you enjoy. As you progress through high school, consider researching potential careers, talking to professionals, and looking into internships.
Remember, it’s a journey, and it’s perfectly okay to explore different options along the way. The key is to stay curious and open-minded! You’ve got this!
Participating in clubs, volunteering, or trying out different hobbies can give you insight into what you enjoy. As you progress through high school, consider researching potential careers, talking to professionals, and looking into internships.
Remember, it’s a journey, and it’s perfectly okay to explore different options along the way. The key is to stay curious and open-minded! You’ve got this!
Monica Chibuogwu
Educational Consulting/Counseling
70
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Hi Alexia, trust you are fine ☺️
Thanks for sharing your thoughts🙏🏽
Choosing a career can seem daunting, but also interesting to explore🔭🔭 You're already taking the first step by thinking about your future and that's great💪🏽
You can start thinking about choosing a career from👇🏽👇🏽
🥳 As early as 13-14 years old (8th grade): Explore interests, strengths, and passions.
🥳 15-16 years old (9th-10th grade): Research careers, job markets, and required education.
🥳 17-18 years old (11th-12th grade): Narrow down options, seek guidance, and gain experience.
You why you should start early? Here's why👇🏽👇🏽
💪🏽 It Increases self-awareness and clarity.
💪🏽 Will help you prioritize education and training.
💪🏽 Will enhance your focus and motivation.
💪🏽 Will allow you have enough time explore and adjustment.
To start thinking about your career path, you can👇🏽
🎉 Reflect on your:
- Interests (hobbies, passions).
- Strengths (skills, talents).
- Values (what matters most).
🎉 Explore careers:
- Research online (O*NET, CareerOneStop).
- Talk to professionals (informational interviews).
- Job shadow or volunteer.
🎉 Identify education and training requirements.
🎉 Create a preliminary career plan.
Remember that🤔
🥰 Your career path may evolve.
🥰 It's okay to change your mind.
🥰 Just be open to new experiences.
🥰 Seek guidance when necessary
You've got this, Alexia💪🏽
Thanks for sharing your thoughts🙏🏽
Choosing a career can seem daunting, but also interesting to explore🔭🔭 You're already taking the first step by thinking about your future and that's great💪🏽
You can start thinking about choosing a career from👇🏽👇🏽
🥳 As early as 13-14 years old (8th grade): Explore interests, strengths, and passions.
🥳 15-16 years old (9th-10th grade): Research careers, job markets, and required education.
🥳 17-18 years old (11th-12th grade): Narrow down options, seek guidance, and gain experience.
You why you should start early? Here's why👇🏽👇🏽
💪🏽 It Increases self-awareness and clarity.
💪🏽 Will help you prioritize education and training.
💪🏽 Will enhance your focus and motivation.
💪🏽 Will allow you have enough time explore and adjustment.
To start thinking about your career path, you can👇🏽
🎉 Reflect on your:
- Interests (hobbies, passions).
- Strengths (skills, talents).
- Values (what matters most).
🎉 Explore careers:
- Research online (O*NET, CareerOneStop).
- Talk to professionals (informational interviews).
- Job shadow or volunteer.
🎉 Identify education and training requirements.
🎉 Create a preliminary career plan.
Remember that🤔
🥰 Your career path may evolve.
🥰 It's okay to change your mind.
🥰 Just be open to new experiences.
🥰 Seek guidance when necessary
You've got this, Alexia💪🏽
Twilio Volunteers
Volunteer
52
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Twilio’s Answer
You can start thinking about it as early as you’d like, but also remember that it doesn’t need to be permanent. Take time to learn and explore things you like and don’t like. Look for opportunities to get real life experience doing the job if possible.
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