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How to select the perfect career path

I'm in grade 8, i need how to select the best career

computer-science computer management computer-software computer-engineering computer-engineer
Thank you comment icon Hi, Here's my best advice for you: Don't worry about it yet. You're still young- enjoy school. Enjoy clubs and you classes. Hang out with your friends. Worry about careers and things later. I can tell you with 100% certainty that I didn't even know that what I'm doing now was a potential job when I was your age. Heck, I didn't even know music was an option as a career for me. I promise you that you will have time to figure out what you want to do and it will most likely not even be the thing you're dreaming of being today. Don't worry too much about the future- live for TODAY. Thomas O'Shea
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Oghenemaro Olufemi’s Answer

Hello - I don't think there is a definite perfect career path. You will need to decide for yourself what motivates you. Motivation could be financial, job security, a good work life balance, rapid job growth, etc. I have seen people that are earning quite a lot in their career but they are unhappy because the career does not have good work life balance and they missed out on important family functions, travel with friends, etc. A perfect career path should be decided by YOU. Once you know what is important to you, discuss this with a career advisor. There are great career opportunities out there that will fit into your needs. Best of luck
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Carol’s Answer

Hello Oyadare,

The ideal career path for you is one that sparks your curiosity and ignites your passion. It should feel less like a job and more like a delightful activity that you genuinely enjoy. Of course, it won't always be smooth sailing, there will be hurdles and challenges, but these should serve as a driving force, motivating you to press on. If you're still unsure about what truly interests or excites you, don't worry. Start by identifying the things you typically enjoy and seek out opportunities that align with these interests. This approach will eventually lead you to something that resonates with you.

Speaking from personal experience: Even after graduating from college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I've had the opportunity to work in various jobs within my company, ranging from the call center to customer service, project management, and business transformation. Each role provided me with new insights and helped me acquire a unique set of skills. I discovered that I excel at building connections and rallying people towards a shared objective, which led me to become a people manager, a role I thoroughly enjoy. Could I have predicted this in 8th grade or even after college? Certainly not!

The fact that you're thinking about this shows your maturity. I have no doubt that you'll discover your ideal career path. Remember to be patient with yourself and continue to explore!
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Cynthia’s Answer

The perfect career varies from person to person, depending on individual interests and talents. I can't stress enough the importance of thorough research. Explore potential jobs on websites like https://www.indeed.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/ to understand the necessary skills. Remember, these skills may change by the time you graduate, and different careers may require more creative or technical abilities.

As a professional in security and compliance, I've noticed that many of my colleagues have a military background. This could be a path that interests you, but remember to do your homework. There are various ways to enter the field, including college, vocational schools, or the military. My journey started in college.

Keep growing and adapting to open up more opportunities. The technical field is fast-paced, and those who don't embrace continuous learning may find themselves left behind. So, stay curious, keep learning, and you'll always be ready for the next step in your career.
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Beckie’s Answer

Selecting the right career is a great starting point. It starts with what you love to do, even in eighth grade. Make a list of the subjects you like in school, the games you like to play, and what you like about those activities. Then see if those match to any jobs. Also, you can think about whether you want them as a job or if you want to keep that activity as a hobby. My daughter loves singing and has always loved singing. She could take that love and turn it into a job by singing at weddings or in a professional choir. However, she wants to keep it as something she does for relaxation and fun.

There are some people who really love their sport (soccer, football, softball, etc.). However, they may not get to do this as a professional who plays for Green Bay Packers. However, a great career choice would be an athletic trainer or a personal trainer. For this situation, I would suggest that the person gets a high school job at a fitness club or center. If they like that, then they know it would be a good career path to study in school.
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Biplab’s Answer

Hi Oyadere,

Kudos to you for an early start to thinking about your career.

My sincere advice to you is that there is no such thing as a 'best career' as it'll be different for everyone depending on what skills align best to your aptitude and match your willingness to put in effort to develop.

So for now if I were you I'd focus on maintaining good study habits, expressing curiosity in different subjects at school and learning both course material as well as how to think critically, communicate effectively, problem solve, analyze, and work well with others. This will serve you in any career.
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Aqeel’s Answer

From my own experience, I've discovered that switching jobs every couple of years has been really beneficial. Over the past decade, this approach has helped me gather a wide range of skills. I believe that sticking to one job for too long might prevent growth and progress.
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Violaine’s Answer

Hi Oyadare, Selecting the perfect career path is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration, self-reflection, and exploration. Here are steps to help you identify and choose a career path that aligns with your interests, values, and goals:

1. **Self-Assessment:** Start by assessing your interests, strengths, values, and personality traits. Reflect on activities, subjects, and tasks that you enjoy and excel at. Consider your passions, hobbies, and the things that energize and motivate you.

2. **Skills Inventory:** Identify your skills, talents, and areas of expertise. Consider both hard skills (technical skills related to specific tasks or industries) and soft skills (communication, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork) that you possess. Evaluate how your skills and strengths align with different career paths.

3. **Research Careers:** Explore different careers and industries to gain a better understanding of the opportunities available. Research job descriptions, educational requirements, salary expectations, growth prospects, and day-to-day responsibilities for various career paths. Use resources like career websites, informational interviews, and job shadowing to learn more about different professions.

4. **Set Goals:** Clarify your short-term and long-term career goals. Consider factors such as desired lifestyle, work-life balance, income expectations, and opportunities for advancement. Define what success means to you and what you hope to achieve in your career.

5. **Education and Training:** Determine the educational and training requirements for your chosen career path. Assess whether you need to pursue additional education, certifications, or skills development to qualify for your desired roles. Research educational programs, training opportunities, and professional development resources that can help you achieve your goals.

6. **Gain Experience:** Gain practical experience and exposure to your chosen field through internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or freelance projects. Seek out opportunities to apply your skills and test different career paths to gain insights into what you enjoy and excel at.

7. **Network:** Build relationships and network with professionals in your desired industry or field. Attend industry events, conferences, workshops, and networking sessions to connect with professionals, learn from their experiences, and explore potential career opportunities. Seek mentorship from individuals who can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career path.

8. **Evaluate and Adjust:** Continuously evaluate your career path and make adjustments as needed. Be open to exploring new opportunities, changing directions, and adapting to evolving circumstances. Regularly assess whether your career aligns with your values, interests, and goals, and make decisions accordingly.

Choosing the perfect career path is a journey that may involve exploration, trial and error, and ongoing self-discovery. By taking a proactive and intentional approach to career planning, you can identify a path that is fulfilling, rewarding, and aligned with your aspirations.
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Arjun’s Answer

Always keep in mind, no matter how much you prepare, there's no such thing as a flawless career path for anyone. Life is a journey, and as you navigate through it, your objectives and priorities will evolve. You'll experience highs and lows, and there might be times when you need to alter your career trajectory. So, muster up courage and select a path that you're passionate about at this moment.
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David’s Answer

Selecting the perfect career path is an important decision that can seem daunting, especially at a young age. However, there are steps you can take to explore your interests, strengths, and values to make an informed decision. Firstly, take the time to reflect on your passions and hobbies. What activities do you enjoy doing in your free time? Are there any subjects in school that you find particularly interesting or exciting? Pay attention to what sparks your curiosity and enthusiasm, as this can provide valuable insight into potential career paths.

Next, consider your skills and strengths. What are you naturally good at? Are you a creative thinker, a problem-solver, or a strong communicator? Identifying your strengths can help you narrow down career options that align with your abilities and talents. Additionally, think about your values and what matters most to you in a career. Do you want to make a positive impact on the world, have a flexible schedule, or pursue opportunities for advancement? Understanding your values can help you prioritize career paths that align with your personal goals and aspirations.

Once you have a better understanding of your interests, strengths, and values, take the time to research different career options that match your criteria. Look into the educational requirements, job outlook, salary potential, and day-to-day responsibilities of various careers to determine which ones resonate with you the most. Consider talking to professionals in fields you're interested in, shadowing or interning in different workplaces, and seeking guidance from teachers, counselors, or career advisors. Remember that your career path may evolve over time, so stay open-minded and flexible as you explore your options. By taking these steps and staying true to yourself, you can select a career path that brings you fulfillment and success.
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Mei’s Answer

Hello Oyadare,

The field of computer science is a treasure trove of knowledge, and the best part is, much of it is readily available online! I encourage you to take advantage of your free time, especially during the summer, to delve into the world of coding. Keep an open mind and let your curiosity guide you. Remember, you're at the perfect age to explore and learn new things.

Set yourself a target of completing a few online courses and participating in school clubs related to computer science. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also give you a sense of accomplishment.

Here are a few programs that I highly recommend:
1. Girls Who Code: https://girlswhocode.com/
2. Stanford Online Free Program: https://codeinplace.stanford.edu/
3. Khan Academy JavaScript: https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming/programming

Also, why not make learning more fun by teaming up with your friends and participating in hackathons?

There's a wealth of resources available on platforms like YouTube and other online sites. So, keep exploring!

Best of luck on your coding journey! Stay motivated and enjoy every bit of it!

Warm Regards,
Mei
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Francis’s Answer

Hey Oyadare! 👋🚀 Choosing the perfect career path can feel like a daunting task, especially when you're in grade 8 and the world of possibilities seems endless. But don't worry, with a little guidance and a positive mindset, you'll be able to find a path that aligns with your interests, values, and goals. Let's explore this exciting journey together!

First things first, it's important to take some time to reflect on your passions and natural talents. 💡 What subjects do you find yourself gravitating towards? What activities or hobbies bring you the most joy and fulfillment? These clues can help you identify potential career paths that could be a great fit for you.

Next, don't be afraid to explore and experiment! 🔍 Try out different clubs, activities, or internships to get a taste of various fields. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in helping you discover what you truly enjoy and what you might want to steer clear of.

As you narrow down your interests, it's also helpful to research different careers and the educational paths required to pursue them. 📚 Talk to professionals in fields that pique your curiosity, and ask them about their day-to-day responsibilities, the challenges they face, and the rewards they experience.

Remember, Oyadare, there's no rush to have everything figured out just yet. 🙌 Many successful people have taken winding paths and changed careers multiple times throughout their lives. The most important thing is to stay open-minded, curious, and willing to learn and grow.

Finally, don't forget to factor in your values and lifestyle preferences. 💫 Some careers may offer higher salaries but require long hours or frequent travel, while others may prioritize work-life balance or opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.

No matter what path you choose, Oyadare, the key is to pursue something that ignites your passion and allows you to contribute your unique talents to the world. 🌟 With a positive attitude, a willingness to work hard, and a commitment to continuous learning, you'll be well on your way to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey!
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Sarah’s Answer

Grade 8 is quite an early time to think about what career path to pursue, so if you try thinking now, it might be even more challenging because you need more life experience to choose a career path. By life experience, I mean clubs, classes (inside and outside of school), volunteering, jobs, internships, extracurricular activities, and much more. If you are considering a few career paths, you may want to ask a mentor (people who have experience in those career paths) about their career, coursework, internships, and experiences.
More suggestions:
1) If there is a subject that you excel in and that is relevant to a career path you are considering, explore that subject more. You may want to take more math classes, for example. To challenge yourself, take AP, honor, and dual enrollment classes in high school. These classes are more advanced (AP and dual enrollment classes are around college level and will give you an idea of what your introductory major courses in college will be like).
2) Consider a career path that you enjoy and will make you financially stable after college. Research job market predictions for the career paths you are interested in for the next ten or twenty years.
3) Research the educational requirements for the career paths you are interested in. A career path you are interested in may require a higher-level degree, like a Master's, Doctorate, or PhD, that you may not want to pursue.
4) As Arjun said, the perfect career path for you will change over time, even after graduating college. Some students, for example, initially planned to attend medical school but then changed their minds around or shortly after college graduation.
5) Some students change their minds about what career path they want to take throughout college and thus may need to switch majors. The earlier and less often you switch your major, the better because you may want to graduate college in four years (you will have to do general education requirements in addition to your major courses). In college, you will have an advisor who will guide you as you make such difficult choices.
6) In college, you can pursue a double major to get a career relevant to both majors. You can also pursue a minor in a subject you are interested in but do not want to do a job in. There are also college majors with courses from at least two subject areas, but a double major may give you more exposure to both subjects.

Sarah recommends the following next steps:

Try internships, volunteering, jobs, classes, clubs, and extracurricular activities to see what career paths you are interested in
Ask a mentor (someone who has experience in the career paths you are interested in)
Take honor, AP, and dual enrollment classes in high school
Think about career paths that you enjoy and will make you financially stable
Consider the educational requirements for the career paths that interest you
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Amit’s Answer

Selecting the perfect career path is a personal journey that depends on various factors including your interests, skills, values, and personality. Here are some steps to help guide your process:

Self-Assessment: Begin by identifying your interests, strengths, values, and personality traits. This will provide a clear understanding of what you enjoy, what you are good at, and what's important to you in a job. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Strong Interest Inventory, or the MAPP Career Assessment Test can be beneficial here.

Explore Careers: Research various careers and industries that align with your self-assessment. Understand the nature of the jobs, work environment, required skills, educational requirements, and advancement opportunities. Sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook can provide valuable information.

Set Career Goals: Based on your self-assessment and career exploration, define your career goals. Your long-term goal might be a specific job title or a particular level of leadership, while short-term goals could be gaining certain skills or changing jobs.

Develop a Career Plan: Create a roadmap to reach your career goals. This could involve gaining certain skills, pursuing specific educational qualifications, or gaining experience in a certain area. The plan should be flexible to accommodate changes in your career interests or the job market.

Gain Relevant Skills and Experience: Look for opportunities like internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering that can help you gain relevant skills and experience. This will make you more marketable to potential employers.

Network: Networking is crucial in any career path. Connect with professionals in your field of interest, attend industry events, and use platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships and gain insights about your desired career.

Continual Review and Adjustment: Career planning is not a one-time event but a continuous process of self-exploration and action. Review your career plan periodically and make adjustments as necessary to stay on track.

Remember, there's no such thing as a "perfect" career path. Everyone's career journey is unique and it's okay to change your path or goals as you grow and evolve. The most important thing is to find a career that aligns with your personal interests and professional goals.
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Ted’s Answer

Choosing a specific career path can be challenging until you discover your true passion. So for now, focus on expanding your knowledge and skills. As you continue to learn, you'll naturally gravitate towards one or two areas that truly captivate you. Don't hesitate to join a club or an online community that shares your interest. And remember, it's perfectly okay to change your mind if you realize that it's not the right fit for you. There's always another path to explore! Wishing you all the best on your journey!
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Alberto’s Answer

I'm a 30 y/o man with 2 younger sisters in their 20's and my advice to you is the same I gave them as they were growing up: identify your passion and build a career around it instead of identifying a career first and then trying to fit in that box or follow a predetermined path. There are very clear paths for traditional careers, but there doesn't need to be anything traditional about your career; nothing wrong with traditional careers, but don't be afraid to think outside of the box and be creative with your future and career. Picture what you see yourself waking up to do every morning, what makes you happy? what makes you feel useful? what do you do very well with the least amount of effort? what do people often ask your help with that you also enjoy doing? Through questions like this, identify what your true calling is and build a career around that. Money will always come but it will be secondary if you're doing something you truly love.
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Georgette’s Answer

Hi Oyadare,

Discover a profession that resonates with your core beliefs. After identifying what these values are, think about how they can be incorporated into your work life. Additionally, make a list of activities that you genuinely enjoy. Being in a job where you find the tasks and daily operations engaging can help maintain your enthusiasm and boost your overall joy.

Best of Luck!
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Heather’s Answer

Hi, Oyadare!

It seems your interests lie within computer engineering, programming, science, etc. I love it!

Things are changing so fast in the fields at the moment. AI is huge and by the time you are of age to begin your career, it will undoubtedly be way more advanced than it is now. My advice is to definitely enjoy life for now. Things are going to change. Your interests are going to change. You will meet people who will influence you and introduce you to new things that may change your interests.

One thing is for sure. Stay in school and pursue all of the things it has to offer! Your education is the most important thing. But make sure to have fun!

Best of luck!
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