8 answers
cody
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
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what are the most important factors to consider when choosing a career?
I'm a sophomore in high school
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8 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Cody,
When you're thinking about what career to choose, there are a few key things to think about, especially since you're still in high school! First off, start with what excites you. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What subjects get you hyped? You don’t have to know everything right away, but pay attention to what sparks your interest, whether it's science, art, tech, or even something hands-on like cooking or mechanics. Interests are the best foundation to build on.
Now, don't forget to think about your skills and strengths. Maybe you're a natural problem-solver, or you're the person everyone turns to for advice. Or perhaps you love working with your hands, or you're super creative. Knowing what you’re good at helps you find a career that fits you, and it's always more rewarding to do something that comes naturally!
Also, consider the lifestyle and values tied to different careers. Some jobs demand a lot of hours or travel, while others might give you more flexibility. How do you want your work-life balance to look? This is super important because some careers can be a lot more demanding than others, and you want to make sure it fits your personal goals and happiness.
Think long-term about the job market too. Some industries are growing like crazy (like tech, healthcare, or environmental science), while others might be shrinking. It’s smart to keep an eye on the future to make sure there’s demand for the career you want to pursue. No one wants to end up in a field with zero jobs available.
Finally, a mentor or advisor can be an awesome resource here! Someone who’s been through it can give you guidance on how to pursue a certain field, whether it’s through internships, networking, or just offering perspective on what it’s really like in that career. It’s like getting a sneak peek into the job before you fully dive in.
So, explore what excites you, play to your strengths, understand the lifestyle and job market, and don't hesitate to reach out to a mentor to get some insights. It might feel overwhelming now, but trust me, this journey is all about discovery and growth. You’ve got time to figure it out, and all the best Cody, if you got furhher questions or anything I missed hit me up! 🤗
When you're thinking about what career to choose, there are a few key things to think about, especially since you're still in high school! First off, start with what excites you. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What subjects get you hyped? You don’t have to know everything right away, but pay attention to what sparks your interest, whether it's science, art, tech, or even something hands-on like cooking or mechanics. Interests are the best foundation to build on.
Now, don't forget to think about your skills and strengths. Maybe you're a natural problem-solver, or you're the person everyone turns to for advice. Or perhaps you love working with your hands, or you're super creative. Knowing what you’re good at helps you find a career that fits you, and it's always more rewarding to do something that comes naturally!
Also, consider the lifestyle and values tied to different careers. Some jobs demand a lot of hours or travel, while others might give you more flexibility. How do you want your work-life balance to look? This is super important because some careers can be a lot more demanding than others, and you want to make sure it fits your personal goals and happiness.
Think long-term about the job market too. Some industries are growing like crazy (like tech, healthcare, or environmental science), while others might be shrinking. It’s smart to keep an eye on the future to make sure there’s demand for the career you want to pursue. No one wants to end up in a field with zero jobs available.
Finally, a mentor or advisor can be an awesome resource here! Someone who’s been through it can give you guidance on how to pursue a certain field, whether it’s through internships, networking, or just offering perspective on what it’s really like in that career. It’s like getting a sneak peek into the job before you fully dive in.
So, explore what excites you, play to your strengths, understand the lifestyle and job market, and don't hesitate to reach out to a mentor to get some insights. It might feel overwhelming now, but trust me, this journey is all about discovery and growth. You’ve got time to figure it out, and all the best Cody, if you got furhher questions or anything I missed hit me up! 🤗
Adit Sheth
Senior Software Engineer
153
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Adit’s Answer
Choosing a career is a big step! Here are some key things to think about:
1. Interests & Passion
What do you love doing? Picking a career that matches your interests will keep you excited and motivated.
2. Skills & Strengths
Think about what you're good at and what skills you like to improve.
3. Job Opportunities & Growth
Look into careers that are in demand and have a bright future. Areas like AI, healthcare, and engineering are growing quickly.
4. Work-Life Balance & Lifestyle
Think about how much time and flexibility different jobs need and how they fit with your lifestyle.
5. Education & Training
Some jobs need special degrees or certifications, so consider the time and cost of getting educated.
6. Salary & Stability
While money isn't everything, it's important to choose a job that offers financial security.
Try different things, take online classes, and talk to people in the field—you’ll find the right career for you!
1. Interests & Passion
What do you love doing? Picking a career that matches your interests will keep you excited and motivated.
2. Skills & Strengths
Think about what you're good at and what skills you like to improve.
3. Job Opportunities & Growth
Look into careers that are in demand and have a bright future. Areas like AI, healthcare, and engineering are growing quickly.
4. Work-Life Balance & Lifestyle
Think about how much time and flexibility different jobs need and how they fit with your lifestyle.
5. Education & Training
Some jobs need special degrees or certifications, so consider the time and cost of getting educated.
6. Salary & Stability
While money isn't everything, it's important to choose a job that offers financial security.
Try different things, take online classes, and talk to people in the field—you’ll find the right career for you!
Dale Rose
Cloud Architect - Azure
2
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Dale’s Answer
Here’s the thing: choosing a career isn’t just about what sounds cool on paper. It’s about laying the foundation for your life—your finances, your daily happiness, even your long‑term sense of purpose. So let’s break down the core factors you really need to weigh, with a hard look at salary and career prospects, but also at the softer stuff that makes a job feel worth getting out of bed for.
1. What Fires You Up (And Pays the Bills)
You can spin your wheels in a field that bores you flat, even if it pays well. Conversely, you can love what you do but struggle to make rent. The sweet spot lies where your passions and market demand overlap. Ask yourself: which daily tasks make you lose track of time? If data puzzles get you jazzed, roles in analytics or software engineering not only offer six‑figure starting salaries in many markets, they’re also exploding in demand. On the flip side, creative gigs like graphic design or writing may start lower on salary, but with specialization and a strong portfolio you can ramp up your earnings pretty fast—especially as a freelancer or agency lead.
2. Salary Trajectory, Not Just Starting Pay
A $70K offer right out of college sounds great, but what’s your five‑year forecast? Some fields come with built‑in raises and clear promotion paths—think finance, engineering management or healthcare administration. In IT, for example, junior sysadmin roles might begin around $50–60K, but moving into cloud architecture or security leadership can push you into the $120–150K range within a few years. Meanwhile, other careers plateau more quickly: some nonprofit or education roles top out in the $60–70K range. Before you commit, research industry salary reports (Payscale, Glassdoor) and talk to people in your target roles to map out not just year‑one pay, but year‑five and year‑ten.
3. Growth Potential & Job Security
The world changes fast. A decade ago, “social media manager” wasn’t even a job title; now it’s everywhere. You want a career that can adapt or has a high ceiling. Fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI/ML and healthcare are on the upswing—and show no signs of slowing. That means better job security, more openings, and higher salaries as demand outstrips supply. On the other hand, jobs tied to outdated technologies or industries in decline risk layoffs or outsourcing. Do a little market detective work: check LinkedIn growth trends, government labor stats, even startup funding news to see where the money’s flowing.
4. Work Environment & Lifestyle Fit
Salary isn’t everything if the job sucks your soul dry. Do you thrive in a 9‑to‑5 office setting with clear structure, or do you need the freedom of remote or freelance work? Some high‑paying gigs (investment banking, consulting) demand 60–80‑hour weeks—you’ll clear $100K+ but risk burnout. Other roles (UX design, technical writing) might let you hit $80–90K on a 40‑hour schedule, with the option to work from a café or your couch. Think hard about the trade‑offs: commute time, travel requirements, on‑call duties. Your ideal career should align with the kind of work‑life balance you actually want.
5. Alignment with Your Values & Long‑Term Goals
Money matters—no doubt—but so does meaning. If you care deeply about environmental sustainability, a corporate finance role at an oil company may fill your wallet but leave you hollow. On the flip side, some sectors pay a premium for impact: renewable energy, biotech, or ed‑tech companies that scale high growth. And if entrepreneurship or leadership tops your list, pick a field where it’s realistic to start your own shop or move into C‑suite roles. The clearer you are on your north star—whether that’s wealth accumulation, social impact, or creative freedom—the better you’ll navigate your career path.
6. Your Skills & How Fast You Can Level Up
Nobody expects you to know everything day one. But some careers reward quick learning and certifications with big salary jumps. In IT, grabbing a couple of mid‑level certs—like CompTIA Security+ or AWS Solutions Architect Associate—can bump your pay by $10–15K in your first few years. In project management, a PMP might be the ticket to a six‑figure role. Other paths rely more on formal education: roles in medicine or engineering typically require advanced degrees before you hit the high‑pay mark. Consider the investment—both time and money—required to get the credentials you need, and whether the ROI makes sense.
7. The Network Effect
Finally, remember that your peers, mentors and professional community are game‑changers. Getting into a field where there’s a strong alumni network or active industry groups can fast‑track your career. Those golden “back‑door” referrals often come from people you meet at meetups, conferences or online communities. And that network frequently translates into higher salaries—companies tend to pay up to lock in someone with proven connections and a solid reputation.
What this really means is that your career choice shouldn’t hinge on a single factor. Instead, draw a simple chart: list your top five priorities—say, passion, salary trajectory, market demand, lifestyle fit and alignment with values. Give each a weight (e.g., 1–10) and score your top three career options. Suddenly, you have a data‑driven way to see which path checks the most boxes. That approach keeps you honest—and it’s exactly how seasoned pros make these big life decisions.
At the end of the day, no one besides you will wake up each morning in that role. So invest the time to research, talk to insiders, and run the numbers. Once you strike that balance between “I love it” and “I can afford it,” you’ll know you’ve found your career sweet spot.
1. What Fires You Up (And Pays the Bills)
You can spin your wheels in a field that bores you flat, even if it pays well. Conversely, you can love what you do but struggle to make rent. The sweet spot lies where your passions and market demand overlap. Ask yourself: which daily tasks make you lose track of time? If data puzzles get you jazzed, roles in analytics or software engineering not only offer six‑figure starting salaries in many markets, they’re also exploding in demand. On the flip side, creative gigs like graphic design or writing may start lower on salary, but with specialization and a strong portfolio you can ramp up your earnings pretty fast—especially as a freelancer or agency lead.
2. Salary Trajectory, Not Just Starting Pay
A $70K offer right out of college sounds great, but what’s your five‑year forecast? Some fields come with built‑in raises and clear promotion paths—think finance, engineering management or healthcare administration. In IT, for example, junior sysadmin roles might begin around $50–60K, but moving into cloud architecture or security leadership can push you into the $120–150K range within a few years. Meanwhile, other careers plateau more quickly: some nonprofit or education roles top out in the $60–70K range. Before you commit, research industry salary reports (Payscale, Glassdoor) and talk to people in your target roles to map out not just year‑one pay, but year‑five and year‑ten.
3. Growth Potential & Job Security
The world changes fast. A decade ago, “social media manager” wasn’t even a job title; now it’s everywhere. You want a career that can adapt or has a high ceiling. Fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI/ML and healthcare are on the upswing—and show no signs of slowing. That means better job security, more openings, and higher salaries as demand outstrips supply. On the other hand, jobs tied to outdated technologies or industries in decline risk layoffs or outsourcing. Do a little market detective work: check LinkedIn growth trends, government labor stats, even startup funding news to see where the money’s flowing.
4. Work Environment & Lifestyle Fit
Salary isn’t everything if the job sucks your soul dry. Do you thrive in a 9‑to‑5 office setting with clear structure, or do you need the freedom of remote or freelance work? Some high‑paying gigs (investment banking, consulting) demand 60–80‑hour weeks—you’ll clear $100K+ but risk burnout. Other roles (UX design, technical writing) might let you hit $80–90K on a 40‑hour schedule, with the option to work from a café or your couch. Think hard about the trade‑offs: commute time, travel requirements, on‑call duties. Your ideal career should align with the kind of work‑life balance you actually want.
5. Alignment with Your Values & Long‑Term Goals
Money matters—no doubt—but so does meaning. If you care deeply about environmental sustainability, a corporate finance role at an oil company may fill your wallet but leave you hollow. On the flip side, some sectors pay a premium for impact: renewable energy, biotech, or ed‑tech companies that scale high growth. And if entrepreneurship or leadership tops your list, pick a field where it’s realistic to start your own shop or move into C‑suite roles. The clearer you are on your north star—whether that’s wealth accumulation, social impact, or creative freedom—the better you’ll navigate your career path.
6. Your Skills & How Fast You Can Level Up
Nobody expects you to know everything day one. But some careers reward quick learning and certifications with big salary jumps. In IT, grabbing a couple of mid‑level certs—like CompTIA Security+ or AWS Solutions Architect Associate—can bump your pay by $10–15K in your first few years. In project management, a PMP might be the ticket to a six‑figure role. Other paths rely more on formal education: roles in medicine or engineering typically require advanced degrees before you hit the high‑pay mark. Consider the investment—both time and money—required to get the credentials you need, and whether the ROI makes sense.
7. The Network Effect
Finally, remember that your peers, mentors and professional community are game‑changers. Getting into a field where there’s a strong alumni network or active industry groups can fast‑track your career. Those golden “back‑door” referrals often come from people you meet at meetups, conferences or online communities. And that network frequently translates into higher salaries—companies tend to pay up to lock in someone with proven connections and a solid reputation.
What this really means is that your career choice shouldn’t hinge on a single factor. Instead, draw a simple chart: list your top five priorities—say, passion, salary trajectory, market demand, lifestyle fit and alignment with values. Give each a weight (e.g., 1–10) and score your top three career options. Suddenly, you have a data‑driven way to see which path checks the most boxes. That approach keeps you honest—and it’s exactly how seasoned pros make these big life decisions.
At the end of the day, no one besides you will wake up each morning in that role. So invest the time to research, talk to insiders, and run the numbers. Once you strike that balance between “I love it” and “I can afford it,” you’ll know you’ve found your career sweet spot.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
When choosing a career, it’s important to think about what you enjoy. If you like certain subjects or activities, try to find a job that lets you do those things. Enjoying your work makes it easier to stay motivated.
You should also think about what you’re good at. Everyone has different strengths. Maybe you're good at math, talking to people, writing, or working with your hands. A career that matches your skills can help you succeed.
Think about the kind of life you want. Do you want to work from home, travel, have free weekends, or earn a high income? Different jobs offer different lifestyles.
Also, consider how many jobs will be available in the future. Some careers are growing fast, like those in technology and healthcare. A job with strong demand can be more stable.
Pay attention to how much education or training the job needs. Some careers require college, while others only need short courses or training programs.
Money isn’t everything, but it’s still important. Learn about how much different jobs usually pay.
Lastly, think about your values. Do you want to help others, solve problems, or make the world better? A job that matches your values can be more meaningful.
You should also think about what you’re good at. Everyone has different strengths. Maybe you're good at math, talking to people, writing, or working with your hands. A career that matches your skills can help you succeed.
Think about the kind of life you want. Do you want to work from home, travel, have free weekends, or earn a high income? Different jobs offer different lifestyles.
Also, consider how many jobs will be available in the future. Some careers are growing fast, like those in technology and healthcare. A job with strong demand can be more stable.
Pay attention to how much education or training the job needs. Some careers require college, while others only need short courses or training programs.
Money isn’t everything, but it’s still important. Learn about how much different jobs usually pay.
Lastly, think about your values. Do you want to help others, solve problems, or make the world better? A job that matches your values can be more meaningful.
Ritesh Jain
I help team building software with my functional knowledge.
2
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Ritesh’s Answer
Start with your interests and dreams, as they are your guiding stars. Let them lead you on the right path. Pick something you love to do and give it your all. With determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2430
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. The most important is to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical artist, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an engineer, accountant, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine 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 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical artist, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an engineer, accountant, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine 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 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Molly Metcalf
Tech Employee Impact Strategy
8
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hi Cody-
Choosing a career can feel like a huge decision, but don’t worry—you don’t have to have everything figured out right now! The best career for you will depend on a mix of what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what kind of life you want to build.
Here are a few things to think about:
1. What are your interests? Think about what excites you. Do you like solving problems, working with people, being creative, or building things? Look for a career that gives you an opportunity to dig into the type of work you like to do.
2. What are your skills and strengths? If you are good at writing, explaining things, or working with numbers, look for careers that match those strengths. You will continue to learn new skills in any career but starting off with what you're good at makes it easier.
3. Consider the job market and available opportunities- certain sectors and roles have more opportunities than others. It's good to research whether your chosen career has opportunities in the future.
4. How much education & training will you need- Some careers require additional schooling (doctors, lawyers, etc.) while others offer faster entry points. Consider how much time you want to invest in education.
Don't feel pressure to chose a specific career in high school or even in the early years of college. This is a great time to test out different sectors to see what type of work you enjoy. Apply for internships and shadow professionals in fields you're interested in. And remember, just because you chose a career path doesn't mean you need to stick with it forever!
Choosing a career can feel like a huge decision, but don’t worry—you don’t have to have everything figured out right now! The best career for you will depend on a mix of what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what kind of life you want to build.
Here are a few things to think about:
1. What are your interests? Think about what excites you. Do you like solving problems, working with people, being creative, or building things? Look for a career that gives you an opportunity to dig into the type of work you like to do.
2. What are your skills and strengths? If you are good at writing, explaining things, or working with numbers, look for careers that match those strengths. You will continue to learn new skills in any career but starting off with what you're good at makes it easier.
3. Consider the job market and available opportunities- certain sectors and roles have more opportunities than others. It's good to research whether your chosen career has opportunities in the future.
4. How much education & training will you need- Some careers require additional schooling (doctors, lawyers, etc.) while others offer faster entry points. Consider how much time you want to invest in education.
Don't feel pressure to chose a specific career in high school or even in the early years of college. This is a great time to test out different sectors to see what type of work you enjoy. Apply for internships and shadow professionals in fields you're interested in. And remember, just because you chose a career path doesn't mean you need to stick with it forever!
Stephanie Han
Senior Program Manager
14
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Cody,
Choosing a career might feel overwhelming, but remember, even experienced adults are still figuring it out! Think of each job as a step closer to finding the perfect fit for you. I started in accounting for 12 years and learned a lot about myself, and now I’m a Senior Program Manager in Human Resources. Those years in accounting were valuable and taught me many lessons.
When picking a career, consider these factors:
- What makes you happy and excited?
- What are your strengths?
- How important is financial stability for you?
- What do you value most in life?
One helpful thing I did was talk to people in different fields to learn about their jobs. This gave me insights into what I might enjoy. I also took online personality tests for fun to explore new possibilities.
Remember, your career path can change and grow with you, so don't worry about making a perfect choice right now!
Choosing a career might feel overwhelming, but remember, even experienced adults are still figuring it out! Think of each job as a step closer to finding the perfect fit for you. I started in accounting for 12 years and learned a lot about myself, and now I’m a Senior Program Manager in Human Resources. Those years in accounting were valuable and taught me many lessons.
When picking a career, consider these factors:
- What makes you happy and excited?
- What are your strengths?
- How important is financial stability for you?
- What do you value most in life?
One helpful thing I did was talk to people in different fields to learn about their jobs. This gave me insights into what I might enjoy. I also took online personality tests for fun to explore new possibilities.
Remember, your career path can change and grow with you, so don't worry about making a perfect choice right now!