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I don't have any interests I want to pursue at the moment, how do I decide on a major or career path?
I am currently a senior in high school. I play a lot of video games at home and the only thing I do outside of school is work at farmers market on the weekends. I'm not interested in a job involving either of those things. I do like drawing, but I prefer to keep that as a hobby.
Any tips regarding self discovery or ways to decide on a career path are very much appreciated!
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3 answers
Updated
Lamia’s Answer
1. Explore your Strengths and Weakness - identify some skills that come naturally to you and activities that you enjoy.
For example you like drawing, what part of that excites you? Is it creating new concepts, detailing, self-expression?
Identifying some of these skills can help recognize patterns in other fields too. Eg: this creativity may help if you want to explore careers in marketing, design or product management.
2. Try new things - Take advantage of school clubs, maybe some interesting online courses in subjects perhaps you have not tried before like coding or business
3. Consider your personality and core values - what kind of work environment do you prefer? Do you want to work on your own or alongside others?
4. Internships & Shadowing - look at internships or volunteering opportunities in fields that interest you.
5. Take career and skills assessment tests - online career assessments can help you identify career paths that align with your personality and skills.
For example you like drawing, what part of that excites you? Is it creating new concepts, detailing, self-expression?
Identifying some of these skills can help recognize patterns in other fields too. Eg: this creativity may help if you want to explore careers in marketing, design or product management.
Lamia recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Lamia’s Answer
1. Explore your Strengths and Weakness - identify some skills that come naturally to you and activities that you enjoy.
For example you like drawing, what part of that excites you? Is it creating new concepts, detailing, self-expression?
Identifying some of these skills can help recognize patterns in other fields too. Eg: this creativity may help if you want to explore careers in marketing, design or product management.
2. Try new things - Take advantage of school clubs, maybe some interesting online courses in subjects perhaps you have not tried before like coding or business
3. Consider your personality and core values - what kind of work environment do you prefer? Do you want to work on your own or alongside others?
4. Internships & Shadowing - look at internships or volunteering opportunities in fields that interest you.
5. Take career and skills assessment tests - online career assessments can help you identify career paths that align with your personality and skills.
For example you like drawing, what part of that excites you? Is it creating new concepts, detailing, self-expression?
Identifying some of these skills can help recognize patterns in other fields too. Eg: this creativity may help if you want to explore careers in marketing, design or product management.
2. Try new things - Take advantage of school clubs, maybe some interesting online courses in subjects perhaps you have not tried before like coding or business
3. Consider your personality and core values - what kind of work environment do you prefer? Do you want to work on your own or alongside others?
4. Internships & Shadowing - look at internships or volunteering opportunities in fields that interest you.
5. Take career and skills assessment tests - online career assessments can help you identify career paths that align with your personality and skills.
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Dear Amy,
After conducting a swift online investigation, I've compiled a series of steps that could potentially guide you towards your ideal profession:
Self-Exploration
* Pinpoint Interests: Jot down your hobbies, the subjects you enjoyed most at school, and activities that invigorate you.
* Acknowledge Strengths: Reflect on the skills you're proficient in, such as writing, math, sports, or leadership.
* Contemplate Values: Ponder on what you hold dear (assisting others, creativity, financial security, etc.).
Career Investigation
* Utilize tools like career assessment instruments (e.g., Myers-Briggs, ONET Interest Profiler*).
* Delve into career groups or sectors that coincide with your interests.
* Peruse job descriptions and investigate the daily tasks of professionals in those domains.
Acquiring Experience
* Offer your services voluntarily in areas that pique your interest.
* Seek part-time employment, internships, or job shadowing opportunities.
* Participate in school societies or extracurricular activities (e.g., debate club, robotics team, theater).
Engage with Professionals
* Arrange informational discussions with individuals in careers you're intrigued by.
* Participate in career exhibitions or networking gatherings.
* Request teachers or counselors for introductions to alumni or local experts.
Investigate Educational Routes
* Examine college majors, vocational schools, certifications, or apprenticeships linked to desired sectors.
* Consult with a school counselor to align your classes with career aspirations (e.g., enrolling in advanced STEM courses for engineering).
Formulate Goals
* Compose short-term objectives (e.g., "Volunteer at a local animal shelter").
* Construct long-term objectives (e.g., "Pursue a degree in environmental science").
Maintain Flexibility
* Be aware that interests and goals may evolve—stay receptive to uncovering new possibilities!
* Reevaluate annually or whenever something ignites your curiosity.
I trust you'll find this information beneficial.
Best regards,
Matthew Trull
After conducting a swift online investigation, I've compiled a series of steps that could potentially guide you towards your ideal profession:
Self-Exploration
* Pinpoint Interests: Jot down your hobbies, the subjects you enjoyed most at school, and activities that invigorate you.
* Acknowledge Strengths: Reflect on the skills you're proficient in, such as writing, math, sports, or leadership.
* Contemplate Values: Ponder on what you hold dear (assisting others, creativity, financial security, etc.).
Career Investigation
* Utilize tools like career assessment instruments (e.g., Myers-Briggs, ONET Interest Profiler*).
* Delve into career groups or sectors that coincide with your interests.
* Peruse job descriptions and investigate the daily tasks of professionals in those domains.
Acquiring Experience
* Offer your services voluntarily in areas that pique your interest.
* Seek part-time employment, internships, or job shadowing opportunities.
* Participate in school societies or extracurricular activities (e.g., debate club, robotics team, theater).
Engage with Professionals
* Arrange informational discussions with individuals in careers you're intrigued by.
* Participate in career exhibitions or networking gatherings.
* Request teachers or counselors for introductions to alumni or local experts.
Investigate Educational Routes
* Examine college majors, vocational schools, certifications, or apprenticeships linked to desired sectors.
* Consult with a school counselor to align your classes with career aspirations (e.g., enrolling in advanced STEM courses for engineering).
Formulate Goals
* Compose short-term objectives (e.g., "Volunteer at a local animal shelter").
* Construct long-term objectives (e.g., "Pursue a degree in environmental science").
Maintain Flexibility
* Be aware that interests and goals may evolve—stay receptive to uncovering new possibilities!
* Reevaluate annually or whenever something ignites your curiosity.
I trust you'll find this information beneficial.
Best regards,
Matthew Trull