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A struggling 16 yr old!(pre-med,MBA,Business, fashion)
Hi, I’m currently a 16 year old who recently got homeschooled and in my junior year of high school. I’m on a journey on rediscovering myself of what I’m capable of doing( I’m trying to learn what I’m good at and I’m not and who I am). I used to run my own candy business and it was fun interacting with people and getting their feedback on my candy so it got me thinking for quite some time that I love knowing what I do makes people happy and makes their day a bit better with a snack so I was wondering if something in the medical field or maybe fashion because I like the way fashion is and the way it hold confidence over me maybe can be an option because I don’t want to work where I will be behind a computer while working a 9-5 job. I like helping people, marketing objects, social media, being my own boss, making discoveries.
Things to know about me:
-I get bored to easily if it’s a repeating cycle of the same day
-I like to travel
-my family plays a big role
- I like to challenge myself
- I have an ENTP personality
-I want to make an impact on people’s life's
- I want to make my make name known in the world and leave history behind
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8 answers
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
1. Take a Step Back
Reflect on Your Passions: Think about what excites you most. Do you enjoy solving complex problems (medicine)? Do you love strategizing and organizing (MBA or business)? Write down what makes you feel alive and purposeful.
Identify Overlaps: Some fields, like healthcare management, combine medicine and business. Exploring these intersections can ease the pressure of “choosing.”
2. Start Exploring Now
Pre-Med Path: Take science classes (biology, chemistry), and consider shadowing a doctor or volunteering in healthcare settings.
Business/Management: Join a school business club, attend entrepreneurship workshops, or even start a small project to understand the basics.
Broaden Horizons: Watch videos, read articles, and talk to professionals in both fields.
3. Don’t Rush Decisions
At 16, you have time to test the waters before committing. Use high school to explore and figure out your strengths and interests.
Your first career decision doesn’t define your entire future. Many people pivot as they learn and grow.
4. Build Foundational Skills
Regardless of which path you choose, these skills will help:
Time Management: Juggling coursework and extracurriculars will prepare you for any career.
Communication: Learn to speak and write effectively. It’s critical for medicine and business alike.
Problem-Solving: Engage in activities that challenge your critical thinking, like debates, STEM competitions, or starting a small project.
5. Seek Guidance
Mentorship: Reach out to a teacher, counselor, or family member who can help you navigate your options.
Online Communities: Join forums, groups, or local meetups for students interested in pre-med or business.
Professional Insights: If possible, arrange informational interviews with professionals in medicine or business.
6. Experiment with Small Steps
Pre-Med: Enroll in an anatomy or healthcare-related class, or try out a summer program for aspiring medical students.
Business: Start a mini side hustle, like selling handmade items or tutoring, to experience running something on your own.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
It’s okay to feel uncertain. Most people don’t have it all figured out at 16.
Focus on learning and growing rather than putting pressure on yourself to “choose the right path.”
Reflect on Your Passions: Think about what excites you most. Do you enjoy solving complex problems (medicine)? Do you love strategizing and organizing (MBA or business)? Write down what makes you feel alive and purposeful.
Identify Overlaps: Some fields, like healthcare management, combine medicine and business. Exploring these intersections can ease the pressure of “choosing.”
2. Start Exploring Now
Pre-Med Path: Take science classes (biology, chemistry), and consider shadowing a doctor or volunteering in healthcare settings.
Business/Management: Join a school business club, attend entrepreneurship workshops, or even start a small project to understand the basics.
Broaden Horizons: Watch videos, read articles, and talk to professionals in both fields.
3. Don’t Rush Decisions
At 16, you have time to test the waters before committing. Use high school to explore and figure out your strengths and interests.
Your first career decision doesn’t define your entire future. Many people pivot as they learn and grow.
4. Build Foundational Skills
Regardless of which path you choose, these skills will help:
Time Management: Juggling coursework and extracurriculars will prepare you for any career.
Communication: Learn to speak and write effectively. It’s critical for medicine and business alike.
Problem-Solving: Engage in activities that challenge your critical thinking, like debates, STEM competitions, or starting a small project.
5. Seek Guidance
Mentorship: Reach out to a teacher, counselor, or family member who can help you navigate your options.
Online Communities: Join forums, groups, or local meetups for students interested in pre-med or business.
Professional Insights: If possible, arrange informational interviews with professionals in medicine or business.
6. Experiment with Small Steps
Pre-Med: Enroll in an anatomy or healthcare-related class, or try out a summer program for aspiring medical students.
Business: Start a mini side hustle, like selling handmade items or tutoring, to experience running something on your own.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
It’s okay to feel uncertain. Most people don’t have it all figured out at 16.
Focus on learning and growing rather than putting pressure on yourself to “choose the right path.”
Thank you, Hakeem Ola
Blanca
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi Blanca,
It's great to see you taking a proactive approach to your future, and it sounds like you're already on an exciting journey of self-discovery! With your interest in both the medical field and fashion, you have a wealth of possibilities ahead of you.
Since you enjoy helping people and have a passion for creating positive experiences, have you considered exploring a career in healthcare that allows for direct patient interaction, such as nursing or a physician's assistant? These roles are dynamic and offer a chance to meet and help people daily while being involved in the critical aspects of healthcare. Plus, you can even specialize in areas like pediatric medicine or outpatient care, where you can have more engaging interactions with patients.
Alternatively, the fashion world offers tremendous opportunities to make an impact, especially in areas like fashion marketing or brand management. You could start by reaching out to local fashion boutiques or designers to see if they need help with social media or marketing strategies. Consider starting a blog or Instagram page focused on fashion trends, combining your love for creativity and engaging with others. The key is to keep testing different activities until you find what resonates most with you.
Don't hesitate to take advantage of internships or part-time opportunities where you can gain experience in both fields. The more exposure you have to different aspects, the clearer your path may become!
Best of luck in finding your passion and making your mark in the world!
Warm regards,
Aman
It's great to see you taking a proactive approach to your future, and it sounds like you're already on an exciting journey of self-discovery! With your interest in both the medical field and fashion, you have a wealth of possibilities ahead of you.
Since you enjoy helping people and have a passion for creating positive experiences, have you considered exploring a career in healthcare that allows for direct patient interaction, such as nursing or a physician's assistant? These roles are dynamic and offer a chance to meet and help people daily while being involved in the critical aspects of healthcare. Plus, you can even specialize in areas like pediatric medicine or outpatient care, where you can have more engaging interactions with patients.
Alternatively, the fashion world offers tremendous opportunities to make an impact, especially in areas like fashion marketing or brand management. You could start by reaching out to local fashion boutiques or designers to see if they need help with social media or marketing strategies. Consider starting a blog or Instagram page focused on fashion trends, combining your love for creativity and engaging with others. The key is to keep testing different activities until you find what resonates most with you.
Don't hesitate to take advantage of internships or part-time opportunities where you can gain experience in both fields. The more exposure you have to different aspects, the clearer your path may become!
Best of luck in finding your passion and making your mark in the world!
Warm regards,
Aman
Thank u amen, this means a lot!
Blanca
Updated
Ann’s Answer
Occupational therapy could be the perfect career path for you! With more than three decades of experience under my belt, I've delved into numerous facets of both the medical and educational spheres of this field. I dedicated the initial 20 years of my journey to serving the elderly community in various settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, and homecare.
In recent years, my focus has shifted towards children. I began by providing homecare to young children with disabilities, then moved on to early childhood intervention for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 3 years. Currently, I'm offering virtual support in schools to students grappling with developmental or learning disabilities.
Additionally, I am a certified lymphedema therapist, assisting individuals suffering from chronic swelling due to cancer or other chronic diseases. The opportunities in Occupational therapy are truly limitless!
Go to AOTA to read more about the field of occupational therapy
In recent years, my focus has shifted towards children. I began by providing homecare to young children with disabilities, then moved on to early childhood intervention for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 3 years. Currently, I'm offering virtual support in schools to students grappling with developmental or learning disabilities.
Additionally, I am a certified lymphedema therapist, assisting individuals suffering from chronic swelling due to cancer or other chronic diseases. The opportunities in Occupational therapy are truly limitless!
Ann recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Blanca !
Thank you for coming to Career Village to express something very special ! Finding your life's works is a journey of self-discovery and inspiration that I have no doubt you will eventually find.
You are probably one of the ideal types of home schooled students since you are ENTP which is very versatile and helpful in life in general. Being extraverted, intuitive, thinking and perceiving is highly helpful for your journey and any path you choose. It means that you are adaptable, curious and have a strong desire to innovate and create !
Something that I think would be helpful for this and next year would be to choose one or two subjects for yourself, design the curriculum and present it to one of your home school teachers. This would be a good way to delve into a subject that you may be thinking about but haven't focused on yet. Present some field activities to your teachers, too. It's all about you when being home schooled and it is a very special experience. You can make the most of it !
It is perfectly fine to not have situated your future work at your age. Many people do not know till later in life. It happens for people at different times and there are no rules about this. Trust the process and yourself to make a great decision when the time is right. There are still more exciting experiences waiting for you to help you choose careers.
Follow your instincts and not how a particular career looks or sounds to be. Your career will not be like anyone else's. Do not be afraid to give it time - the time you specifically need.
You are already making discoveries and have a clear self-identity which will support your quest. Remember that you do not have to choose just one career. I get the vibe that you are someone who will make an impact on the world in more than one field of work. Give it time.
Best wishes in all that you do !
Thank you for coming to Career Village to express something very special ! Finding your life's works is a journey of self-discovery and inspiration that I have no doubt you will eventually find.
You are probably one of the ideal types of home schooled students since you are ENTP which is very versatile and helpful in life in general. Being extraverted, intuitive, thinking and perceiving is highly helpful for your journey and any path you choose. It means that you are adaptable, curious and have a strong desire to innovate and create !
Something that I think would be helpful for this and next year would be to choose one or two subjects for yourself, design the curriculum and present it to one of your home school teachers. This would be a good way to delve into a subject that you may be thinking about but haven't focused on yet. Present some field activities to your teachers, too. It's all about you when being home schooled and it is a very special experience. You can make the most of it !
It is perfectly fine to not have situated your future work at your age. Many people do not know till later in life. It happens for people at different times and there are no rules about this. Trust the process and yourself to make a great decision when the time is right. There are still more exciting experiences waiting for you to help you choose careers.
Follow your instincts and not how a particular career looks or sounds to be. Your career will not be like anyone else's. Do not be afraid to give it time - the time you specifically need.
You are already making discoveries and have a clear self-identity which will support your quest. Remember that you do not have to choose just one career. I get the vibe that you are someone who will make an impact on the world in more than one field of work. Give it time.
Best wishes in all that you do !
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Dive into the world of sports such as soccer or tennis, or explore any other games popular in high school. Embrace the joy of life and take time to "smell the roses." Engage in activities that draw you outdoors, like action sports or other outdoor games. Participate in extra-curricular activities. It's all about having fun and enjoying every moment!
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Your struggle as a 16-year old trying to figure out a career path is very very real.
It’s especially difficult for someone with a lot of different talents and interests, and success in very different pursuits!
But you are doing a great job analyzing your likes and dislikes, imagining your work days and the level of human connection you’re comfortable with. All of that matters, and you are absolutely right putting a lot of thought into the complexity of it all.
Id like to express my own point of view as a Fashion Industry professional of many years.
It definitely makes sense for you to go into Fashion Design as a career if you have a very strong creative force that needs to be expressed, if you can’t stop sketching and coming up with new ideas for clothing or accessories, or if you’d rather spend your days at the sewing machine than go out with friends.
If this is not you, and you choose to go to a Fashion Design school for a degree, you’re still going to be ok. There are plenty of job openings for Technical Designers right now. But that is a job with very repetitive-tasks, usually 9-5, with significant overtime hours, stuck most of the day by a computer screen. It doesn’t sound you’re going to be happy doing that.
Why don’t you just use your fashion sense to enrich your life experiences by styling your own outfits in a unique way, and possibly learning how to sew or knit or crochet in your own time, as a hobby. This was the advice I got when I was 16. I couldn’t stop making clothes, tho, and I still keep sketching, almost 40 years later, after having chosen it as my profession.
In my experience, your life calling pretty much finds you. You don’t need to stress all that much about finding it right now, at 16. Try different things, just like you have been. Follow up on what excites you the most, keeps you engaged for longest, brings the results that make you feel accomplished.
Good luck finding your true calling! Give yourself some more time to explore and it will come to you…
It’s especially difficult for someone with a lot of different talents and interests, and success in very different pursuits!
But you are doing a great job analyzing your likes and dislikes, imagining your work days and the level of human connection you’re comfortable with. All of that matters, and you are absolutely right putting a lot of thought into the complexity of it all.
Id like to express my own point of view as a Fashion Industry professional of many years.
It definitely makes sense for you to go into Fashion Design as a career if you have a very strong creative force that needs to be expressed, if you can’t stop sketching and coming up with new ideas for clothing or accessories, or if you’d rather spend your days at the sewing machine than go out with friends.
If this is not you, and you choose to go to a Fashion Design school for a degree, you’re still going to be ok. There are plenty of job openings for Technical Designers right now. But that is a job with very repetitive-tasks, usually 9-5, with significant overtime hours, stuck most of the day by a computer screen. It doesn’t sound you’re going to be happy doing that.
Why don’t you just use your fashion sense to enrich your life experiences by styling your own outfits in a unique way, and possibly learning how to sew or knit or crochet in your own time, as a hobby. This was the advice I got when I was 16. I couldn’t stop making clothes, tho, and I still keep sketching, almost 40 years later, after having chosen it as my profession.
In my experience, your life calling pretty much finds you. You don’t need to stress all that much about finding it right now, at 16. Try different things, just like you have been. Follow up on what excites you the most, keeps you engaged for longest, brings the results that make you feel accomplished.
Good luck finding your true calling! Give yourself some more time to explore and it will come to you…
Updated
Deeshani’s Answer
Hello,
It sounds like you're exploring multiple paths, and your interests in helping others, marketing, fashion, and entrepreneurship give you a lot of options. If you want to make an impact and be your own boss, combining your love for fashion and helping people could lead to a career in fashion entrepreneurship, like starting your own brand or launching fashion-related products that promote confidence and self-expression.
Alternatively, in the medical field, there are roles like medical marketing, healthcare entrepreneurship, or even tech-driven healthcare solutions, where you can make discoveries and improve lives without being tied to a 9-5 desk job. Whatever path you choose, your creativity, drive, and social nature will help you succeed.
Wishing you all the best!
It sounds like you're exploring multiple paths, and your interests in helping others, marketing, fashion, and entrepreneurship give you a lot of options. If you want to make an impact and be your own boss, combining your love for fashion and helping people could lead to a career in fashion entrepreneurship, like starting your own brand or launching fashion-related products that promote confidence and self-expression.
Alternatively, in the medical field, there are roles like medical marketing, healthcare entrepreneurship, or even tech-driven healthcare solutions, where you can make discoveries and improve lives without being tied to a 9-5 desk job. Whatever path you choose, your creativity, drive, and social nature will help you succeed.
Wishing you all the best!
Deeshani, thank you!
Blanca
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
You may like healthcare consulting! It's never boring because you get new projects all the time, and I have travelled to some really cool places for work! Healthcare or life science consulting is a perfect mix of healthcare/medicine and business.
I am a senior life science consultant and I work on so many different types of projects. Some are more business-focused (such as helping with new drug marketing campaigns) and others are more science-focused (such as putting together a data package for a new drug so the company can try to get US health insurance companies to cover it).
My degrees are in science (PhD in biomedical science), but I just went back to school for a part time MBA so I can get more business background. A lot of people in my field have either science OR business backgrounds and are still successful.
Happy to talk more if you have questions!
I am a senior life science consultant and I work on so many different types of projects. Some are more business-focused (such as helping with new drug marketing campaigns) and others are more science-focused (such as putting together a data package for a new drug so the company can try to get US health insurance companies to cover it).
My degrees are in science (PhD in biomedical science), but I just went back to school for a part time MBA so I can get more business background. A lot of people in my field have either science OR business backgrounds and are still successful.
Happy to talk more if you have questions!
This sounds interesting I’ve never heard of that, it’s like why choose one thing to do when you can combine both.
Blanca