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How do you find your career and what you want to do?
I am a current Junior and I am going to make my college application. I want to know that how to find a career and I can choose my major to study in. #careers #career-path #career-choice
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7 answers
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
Hi Jing! Figuring out what you want to major in might seem stressful. I remember during that time in my life, I thought my major and even where I went to school would make or break my life. Looking back, I think I could have attended almost any university, or pursued a variety of different majors to get to where I am today. So first of all- don't put too much stress on yourself about this decision. In terms of figuring out a path to put yourself on, start to brainstorm things you like to do or things that make you happy. You can even find quizzes on the internet about possible career paths based on your interests and talents. Once you identify a few different career paths you might like, you can do a bit of research about what majors align with those careers and then what colleges offer those majors. Perhaps applying to some liberal arts colleges with a variety of different majors would be something helpful for you. That way, you'd have many options to switch your major if you don't like what you initially start studying. You would be surprised how common this is for students! I wish you luck throughout your college application process and just remember things always work out the way they are supposed to!
Thank you for your answer. It was helpful.
Jing
Updated
Janet’s Answer
Hi Jing,
Good question! And a really big question...it's a lot to think about as a junior. I'd start with things you like to do, or some volunteer work that you enjoyed being part of. Also, it's important to remember when choosing major to study, many majors can support a very good career in a wide variety different fields. So what do you like to do? Are you good in a particular set of classes, like art, or science, or english? If you really like a specific set of High School classes, speak with those teachers to find out what careers may fall into those areas of study in college. I am betting they have some great ideas for you. If that does not help, then I suggest picking a good general university, and start your freshman year as undeclared...and find out what path seems to be the best for you. I wish you all the best as you walk this path into your future! Kind regards!
Good question! And a really big question...it's a lot to think about as a junior. I'd start with things you like to do, or some volunteer work that you enjoyed being part of. Also, it's important to remember when choosing major to study, many majors can support a very good career in a wide variety different fields. So what do you like to do? Are you good in a particular set of classes, like art, or science, or english? If you really like a specific set of High School classes, speak with those teachers to find out what careers may fall into those areas of study in college. I am betting they have some great ideas for you. If that does not help, then I suggest picking a good general university, and start your freshman year as undeclared...and find out what path seems to be the best for you. I wish you all the best as you walk this path into your future! Kind regards!
Thank you for your answer. It was helpful.
Jing
Updated
Eric’s Answer
I have several bits of advice I've given to my kids.
- First, you're still young and growing. There is a good chance that you will change your mind over the next few years, and that's ok. It's all part of the process.
- I tell my kids to form three career lists: (1) those things you really enjoy, (2) those things that you are good at, and (3) those things you can eventually do to support yourself. Now look for the careers that appear in all three lists; those might lead you to the best choice for you.
- Shadowing is a great way to learn more about a career. It lets you see what "a day in the life of ..." is like, and it also helps you build relationships with professionals in those careers you are considering.
- As you research, shadow, talk to professionals, etc., keep in mind it's ok to figure out that you DON'T like a career. Crossing something off your list can be helpful, too.
- And finally, nothing is cast in stone. Even when you are done with school and in the 'adult world', it's ok to change careers.
Good luck!
- First, you're still young and growing. There is a good chance that you will change your mind over the next few years, and that's ok. It's all part of the process.
- I tell my kids to form three career lists: (1) those things you really enjoy, (2) those things that you are good at, and (3) those things you can eventually do to support yourself. Now look for the careers that appear in all three lists; those might lead you to the best choice for you.
- Shadowing is a great way to learn more about a career. It lets you see what "a day in the life of ..." is like, and it also helps you build relationships with professionals in those careers you are considering.
- As you research, shadow, talk to professionals, etc., keep in mind it's ok to figure out that you DON'T like a career. Crossing something off your list can be helpful, too.
- And finally, nothing is cast in stone. Even when you are done with school and in the 'adult world', it's ok to change careers.
Good luck!
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Jing L.
Great question. Always my thoughts on such question is find your passion, talent and expertise and usefulness that you bring to the table. For this you need to keep asking the WHAT, what makes you feel engrossed and fulfilled on doing an activity. This is not easy but if you ponder and ruminate in solitude, you will figure.
Once you know that, you could then explore industries and verticals whether Transportation, Finance, Technology that aligns with your talent and passion. This could then help you to map those disciplines that you major in your school or college to take that progressive proclivity towards placement of yourself in a space where you could thrive and flourish and blossom into a wholesome person able to invigorate inner-self and outer-self.
Every such vertical industry has products that those organization pitch to the world to enable the company to serve the community. Be curious to know the Product in-and-out like yourself, Aligning your personality to your soul, is power and fulfillment.
Always eventually ask the question What you like doing and WHY. Real desire to master, duty to deliver and love to improve is an essential characteristic of any career.
https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/graduate-career-advice/no-idea-what-do/start-thinking/ Research and Read Topics that interest you and how you could map to a Discipline you want to focus and major.
Best wishes.
Great question. Always my thoughts on such question is find your passion, talent and expertise and usefulness that you bring to the table. For this you need to keep asking the WHAT, what makes you feel engrossed and fulfilled on doing an activity. This is not easy but if you ponder and ruminate in solitude, you will figure.
Once you know that, you could then explore industries and verticals whether Transportation, Finance, Technology that aligns with your talent and passion. This could then help you to map those disciplines that you major in your school or college to take that progressive proclivity towards placement of yourself in a space where you could thrive and flourish and blossom into a wholesome person able to invigorate inner-self and outer-self.
Every such vertical industry has products that those organization pitch to the world to enable the company to serve the community. Be curious to know the Product in-and-out like yourself, Aligning your personality to your soul, is power and fulfillment.
Always eventually ask the question What you like doing and WHY. Real desire to master, duty to deliver and love to improve is an essential characteristic of any career.
https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/graduate-career-advice/no-idea-what-do/start-thinking/ Research and Read Topics that interest you and how you could map to a Discipline you want to focus and major.
Best wishes.
Updated
Jessica Sera’s Answer
Hi Jing!
Instead of "finding" a career, I think people "build" their career. The first jobs and experiences you have help to build your skills that will translate to a career. You will gain crucial knowledge and skills while going to college. There will be many opportunities during college - on campus jobs, internships, clubs and organizations. etc. I encourage you to take part in these opportunities and it will surely help to build a career. For example, perhaps you are interested in teaching and there is a teaching club on campus. A club or opportunity that relates to your career goals will help you realize what background and experiences you need to attain a certain career.
Also, it is important to note that your first job will not necessarily be the job you end up doing the rest of your life. Even after college, young professionals still gain more job experiences or education to help build their careers.
Good luck to you!
Instead of "finding" a career, I think people "build" their career. The first jobs and experiences you have help to build your skills that will translate to a career. You will gain crucial knowledge and skills while going to college. There will be many opportunities during college - on campus jobs, internships, clubs and organizations. etc. I encourage you to take part in these opportunities and it will surely help to build a career. For example, perhaps you are interested in teaching and there is a teaching club on campus. A club or opportunity that relates to your career goals will help you realize what background and experiences you need to attain a certain career.
Also, it is important to note that your first job will not necessarily be the job you end up doing the rest of your life. Even after college, young professionals still gain more job experiences or education to help build their careers.
Good luck to you!
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hello Jing,
I would suggest you do a couple things to decide on what career you would like to embark on. Consider taking a Myers Briggs assessment with a qualified person who can administer and reflect back the results to you. This assessment will match up your beliefs and core values to the type of career which aligns in the highest manner. Another suggestion is to perform an online search of several careers and read the many job descriptions to determine a few that make you smile. If you can, secure a mentor in the field you find appealing, at first blush, then ask many questions of your mentor.
Happy career hunting!
Take a Myers Briggs assessment.
I would suggest you do a couple things to decide on what career you would like to embark on. Consider taking a Myers Briggs assessment with a qualified person who can administer and reflect back the results to you. This assessment will match up your beliefs and core values to the type of career which aligns in the highest manner. Another suggestion is to perform an online search of several careers and read the many job descriptions to determine a few that make you smile. If you can, secure a mentor in the field you find appealing, at first blush, then ask many questions of your mentor.
Happy career hunting!
Steve recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hi Jing,
In addition to all the great advice here, there is another important consideration when deciding on a career.
Location - Location - Location... is important, especially starting out as a young adult.
During these times, you should consider if it would be beneficial to live near family or friends. Great to have this options for the times you need support or assistance with all things life! - (to start free rent and occasional free meals)
Do you like the city or more suburban type living?
What hobbies and activities do you enjoy? (Ex. - don't live near the beach, if you don't enjoy water activities)
This will serve you better for long-term stability and happiness.
-Susie
In addition to all the great advice here, there is another important consideration when deciding on a career.
Location - Location - Location... is important, especially starting out as a young adult.
During these times, you should consider if it would be beneficial to live near family or friends. Great to have this options for the times you need support or assistance with all things life! - (to start free rent and occasional free meals)
Do you like the city or more suburban type living?
What hobbies and activities do you enjoy? (Ex. - don't live near the beach, if you don't enjoy water activities)
This will serve you better for long-term stability and happiness.
-Susie