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Jocelyn
Student
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Is it true that most people do not know what career they want to go into until they have to decide (about half way through college)?
I am a Junior in high school and have no clue what I even want to study. Many people have started asking what I want to be - which seems like more of a senior question. However most of my friends at least have an idea of what field they want to study in while I am left questioning.
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4 answers
Darya Tsitova
110
Answers
Grodno, Hrodna Region, Belarus
Updated
Darya’s Answer
Hi, Jocelyn!The same situation was me, i still cant be 100% sure am i right in what i chose, so it is true that it's quite common for high school students, even those in their senior years, to feel uncertain about their future career paths. Many people do not solidify their career choices until they are well into college or even after they graduate. In fact, studies suggest that a significant portion of college students change their majors at least once, and some multiple times.
There are a few reasons for this uncertainty:
- Self-discovery, like high school is a time for exploring interests and figuring out personal strengths and weaknesses. Many students are still in the process of discovering what they are passionate about.
- Not everyone has had the exposure to different careers and fields, which can make it hard to form a clear idea of what they want to pursue.
- The pressure to choose a career path can be overwhelming, especially when friends seem to have everything figured out. It's important to remember that everyone's timeline is different.
- The job market changes rapidly, and new career fields are emerging all the time, making it difficult to predict what will be relevant or viable in the future.
It’s okay to not have a definitive answer right now. Focus on exploring your interests, taking a variety of classes, and engaging in extracurricular activities that excite you. You might also consider talking to a school counselor, who can provide guidance and support as you navigate this decision. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to take your time in figuring things out. I believr that you will managed with it, good luck! With love, Darya
There are a few reasons for this uncertainty:
- Self-discovery, like high school is a time for exploring interests and figuring out personal strengths and weaknesses. Many students are still in the process of discovering what they are passionate about.
- Not everyone has had the exposure to different careers and fields, which can make it hard to form a clear idea of what they want to pursue.
- The pressure to choose a career path can be overwhelming, especially when friends seem to have everything figured out. It's important to remember that everyone's timeline is different.
- The job market changes rapidly, and new career fields are emerging all the time, making it difficult to predict what will be relevant or viable in the future.
It’s okay to not have a definitive answer right now. Focus on exploring your interests, taking a variety of classes, and engaging in extracurricular activities that excite you. You might also consider talking to a school counselor, who can provide guidance and support as you navigate this decision. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to take your time in figuring things out. I believr that you will managed with it, good luck! With love, Darya
Lynn Hutchison
Director Strategic Integrated Planning
24
Answers
Dacula, Georgia
Updated
Lynn’s Answer
From my own journey, I can assure you that it's not at all unusual to be unsure about your major. It's a smart move to keep your options open and delve into your interests rather than hastily committing to a path and potentially wasting resources on unnecessary classes. That's why I recommend enrolling in a school that offers a wide range of majors and focusing on general education classes that are applicable to all majors during your first year. I myself changed majors early on, but thanks to the general classes I took in my first year, I was able to use them for my new major. I believe we often put too much pressure on ourselves to have it all figured out early in life. It's perfectly fine to have dreams and even to know your path early on, but it's equally fine to be unsure. You have a lifetime ahead of you, and spending a year or two to genuinely explore and comprehend what you want to do is not only acceptable, but commendable!
Yisel Andujar
Pharmacy Healthcare Professional
65
Answers
Vineland, New Jersey
Updated
Yisel’s Answer
Hey there Jocelyn,
It's completely okay to feel a bit uncertain about what you want to study after high school, or even if college is the right path for you. Here's a little tip I often share: Grab a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, then switch off all distractions like your phone, TV, music, and computer. Now, sit down and jot down things that spark your interest.
For instance, if you're an animal lover, you might want to explore careers such as a zoologist or a veterinarian. If history fascinates you, consider becoming a history teacher or an archaeologist. Are you drawn to the beauty of flowers? You could look into becoming a botanist or even opening your own flower shop. The possibilities are endless!
Don't feel pressured to decide right away, but it's a good idea to start exploring your passions. If you love to travel, for instance, you might enjoy being a flight attendant or working on cruise or train liners. Even dreams of being a princess can lead to a fun job at Disney!
Remember, there are also plenty of rewarding careers that don't require a college degree. Here are a couple of websites that might help you kickstart your research:
https://money.usnews.com/money/careers/slideshow/best-jobs-that-dont-require-a-college-degree
https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu/blog/80-Jobs-that-pay-over-50k-without-a-degree
It's completely okay to feel a bit uncertain about what you want to study after high school, or even if college is the right path for you. Here's a little tip I often share: Grab a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, then switch off all distractions like your phone, TV, music, and computer. Now, sit down and jot down things that spark your interest.
For instance, if you're an animal lover, you might want to explore careers such as a zoologist or a veterinarian. If history fascinates you, consider becoming a history teacher or an archaeologist. Are you drawn to the beauty of flowers? You could look into becoming a botanist or even opening your own flower shop. The possibilities are endless!
Don't feel pressured to decide right away, but it's a good idea to start exploring your passions. If you love to travel, for instance, you might enjoy being a flight attendant or working on cruise or train liners. Even dreams of being a princess can lead to a fun job at Disney!
Remember, there are also plenty of rewarding careers that don't require a college degree. Here are a couple of websites that might help you kickstart your research:
https://money.usnews.com/money/careers/slideshow/best-jobs-that-dont-require-a-college-degree
https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu/blog/80-Jobs-that-pay-over-50k-without-a-degree
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
369
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Yes, it's completely normal not to know your career path by junior year of high school. Many people don't fully decide on a career until later in college, as interests evolve. It's okay to explore different subjects and fields. Take your time, and focus on discovering what excites you.