9 answers
Madison
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How do i find out what career i want to go i to?
I have done many quizzes and asked this question to many people but i still dont know what career i want to go into
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9 answers
Bina N
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Bina’s Answer
The best way would be to explore what is it that you are passionate about. While you are in school is the best time to try out different career options.
Get a temporary job or even an unpaid volunteer opportunity in a field you're interested in to find out if it really is something you'd like to pursue. If yes, may be consider taking a formal course or two and if it still holds your interest then you can enroll in a program to pursue further. Ask questions on forums like LinkedIn to professionals in the area to share their experience of what attracted them to the field.
Don't be disheartened if your first or second choice doesn't turn out to be something you want to follow. The average person changes careers four times in their life, so keep at it till you find something that you enjoy and makes what you're doing fun and not "work".
Your city
Get a temporary job or even an unpaid volunteer opportunity in a field you're interested in to find out if it really is something you'd like to pursue. If yes, may be consider taking a formal course or two and if it still holds your interest then you can enroll in a program to pursue further. Ask questions on forums like LinkedIn to professionals in the area to share their experience of what attracted them to the field.
Don't be disheartened if your first or second choice doesn't turn out to be something you want to follow. The average person changes careers four times in their life, so keep at it till you find something that you enjoy and makes what you're doing fun and not "work".
Your city
Shirley Zhang
Product Manager
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
I find that there can be a huge difference between the major we choose and the jobs related to the major. If I could go back in time I would look into the college majors I was interest in, look at the common jobs that lead from the major and do my best to understand what the day to day of those jobs look like. The best way to learn about a job is obviously taking to people 1-1 in person, but if that's not possible using forums like career village could really help. For example, if you're interested in computer science, asking about real life examples of software engineer's day to day would then help you ask yourself 'can I imagine myself doing this? does this sound interesting'?
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
188
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Great question Madison!
First things first - that's ok! Most people do not know what they want to do the rest of their lives and it can be stressful to think about. I felt the same way a couple of years ago right before I graduated high school. My suggestion is to go to a community college to obtain your basics. This will help you have time to try some different jobs in completely different fields. Also, by going to a community college you will be saving money and giving yourself more time to decide on a career/job while making progress on your degree. Don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide now on the rest of your work life. I had a teacher in high school tell me that I would be a failure if I did not know what degree/career I wanted by the time I graduated high school. Well, I did not by graduation but decided a year later on what I wanted to do and absolutely love it (operations)
I really think business is a great field to go into since it keeps your options wide open. That way you are not committing to one specific field and find out later that you hate it. Some fields in business include:
1. Operations
2. Finance
3. Sales
4. Marketing
5. Human Resources
I decided to go into Business Operations since operations touches almost every facet of the organization. I enjoy the different challenges and operations also gives me the flexibility to try new things. Another great aspect about operations is they usually support the other divisions of an organization. Since, there are many divisions of an company if you do not enjoy one area its not a big deal since you can support other areas of the business.
Many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
Lastly, I know its hard but do your best not to stress out. Life is to short to waste time stressing out. I suggest reading the book below. Good luck on the journey!
Read Dream Big by Bob Goff
First things first - that's ok! Most people do not know what they want to do the rest of their lives and it can be stressful to think about. I felt the same way a couple of years ago right before I graduated high school. My suggestion is to go to a community college to obtain your basics. This will help you have time to try some different jobs in completely different fields. Also, by going to a community college you will be saving money and giving yourself more time to decide on a career/job while making progress on your degree. Don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide now on the rest of your work life. I had a teacher in high school tell me that I would be a failure if I did not know what degree/career I wanted by the time I graduated high school. Well, I did not by graduation but decided a year later on what I wanted to do and absolutely love it (operations)
I really think business is a great field to go into since it keeps your options wide open. That way you are not committing to one specific field and find out later that you hate it. Some fields in business include:
1. Operations
2. Finance
3. Sales
4. Marketing
5. Human Resources
I decided to go into Business Operations since operations touches almost every facet of the organization. I enjoy the different challenges and operations also gives me the flexibility to try new things. Another great aspect about operations is they usually support the other divisions of an organization. Since, there are many divisions of an company if you do not enjoy one area its not a big deal since you can support other areas of the business.
Many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
Lastly, I know its hard but do your best not to stress out. Life is to short to waste time stressing out. I suggest reading the book below. Good luck on the journey!
Daniel recommends the following next steps:
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
408
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
This is not uncommon. It's hard to decide at age 18 (or whatever) what you want to do for the next 50 years.
But the good news is you can change. I have had four careers in my life - retail manager, teacher, airline agent, and now I.T. Further, my bachelors degree is in none of those fields - it's in theatre. Many people change careers several times in their life.
You can also go to college and take lots of "intro to XYZ" classes, to see what you like. You may end up picking a major and doing that forever, or you may (like me) graduate with a degree in a field that you never directly use, but that doesn't mean it's not worthwhile.
If you don't want to commit to a college four year program, take some classes at a community college. Many will transfer if you do decide later to attend a 4-year program, and they are often much cheaper. You want to try out many different things, and see which feels right to you. Nobody can tell you what is right for you - it's something you have to figure out for yourself.
But the good news is you can change. I have had four careers in my life - retail manager, teacher, airline agent, and now I.T. Further, my bachelors degree is in none of those fields - it's in theatre. Many people change careers several times in their life.
You can also go to college and take lots of "intro to XYZ" classes, to see what you like. You may end up picking a major and doing that forever, or you may (like me) graduate with a degree in a field that you never directly use, but that doesn't mean it's not worthwhile.
If you don't want to commit to a college four year program, take some classes at a community college. Many will transfer if you do decide later to attend a 4-year program, and they are often much cheaper. You want to try out many different things, and see which feels right to you. Nobody can tell you what is right for you - it's something you have to figure out for yourself.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1554
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. A lot of students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what your hobbies, your favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be an musician, singer, music producer, music composer, music teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what your hobbies, your favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be an musician, singer, music producer, music composer, music teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Desirae Bailey
Teller
3
Answers
New London, Connecticut
Updated
Desirae’s Answer
It's completely natural for some people to discover their true calling later in life, and that's absolutely okay! Embrace the journey by exploring various opportunities and trying different kinds of jobs. This will allow you to uncover your passions and learn more about yourself along the way. Remember, life is an exciting adventure that's all about discovering your unique path. So, dive into diverse experiences with enthusiasm, and you'll surely find the career that truly resonates with your heart. Let life guide you as you go with the flow and embrace every new experience with open arms!
Swee Chiah
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Swee’s Answer
It's a hard question to answer and takes time to discover whether the career is what you are looking for.
For a start, listing down a few potential areas that interest you. Talking to people with experience in those industries will give you a good idea on what entails for that career. Learning other people's journey on how they get to where they are today really helps me when I was deciding my career. This eventually leads me to banking industry for my first career.
Finding the right career is a lifelong journey. Sometimes, you will only realize whether it is a good fit when you are in the industry itself. Don't be afraid to switch career if the current job isn't the right fit! As long as you have the willingness to learn and interest in your role, it's never too late to start a new journey! :)
For a start, listing down a few potential areas that interest you. Talking to people with experience in those industries will give you a good idea on what entails for that career. Learning other people's journey on how they get to where they are today really helps me when I was deciding my career. This eventually leads me to banking industry for my first career.
Finding the right career is a lifelong journey. Sometimes, you will only realize whether it is a good fit when you are in the industry itself. Don't be afraid to switch career if the current job isn't the right fit! As long as you have the willingness to learn and interest in your role, it's never too late to start a new journey! :)
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
461
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Taking more quiz will only confuse you.
Do not ask others what you should do - you already know what you want to do but have not discovered your skills/talents.
1) Do you enjoy Math? Try Finance, Accounting or Software.
2) You have a people skills? Try BS in Marketing.
3) Do you like to help people? Try Nursing.
4) Are you hands on person or like to fix things? Try Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
5) Do you enjoy Chemistry? Try pursuing field in Pharmaceutical or Medicine.
6) Are you good at History or English? Try pursuing Education major.
Do not ask others what you should do - you already know what you want to do but have not discovered your skills/talents.
1) Do you enjoy Math? Try Finance, Accounting or Software.
2) You have a people skills? Try BS in Marketing.
3) Do you like to help people? Try Nursing.
4) Are you hands on person or like to fix things? Try Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
5) Do you enjoy Chemistry? Try pursuing field in Pharmaceutical or Medicine.
6) Are you good at History or English? Try pursuing Education major.
Brianna C., MS, SLP
Speech language pathology
148
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Hi, Madison,
It's perfectly okay to not be sure of what career path you want, especially at a young age. Instead of focusing on a specific career, trying thinking more about what types of settings and environments you work best in. Working with people or independently? Indoors or outdoors? Structured or flexible work schedule? Fast paced or slow paced? What salary would you be comfortable making in a year? Do you want options to get promoted and ladder climb or are you interested in a stable, consistent position?
If you ask yourself these questions, it can open the doors to many job options that you previously hadn't considered.
It's perfectly okay to not be sure of what career path you want, especially at a young age. Instead of focusing on a specific career, trying thinking more about what types of settings and environments you work best in. Working with people or independently? Indoors or outdoors? Structured or flexible work schedule? Fast paced or slow paced? What salary would you be comfortable making in a year? Do you want options to get promoted and ladder climb or are you interested in a stable, consistent position?
If you ask yourself these questions, it can open the doors to many job options that you previously hadn't considered.