4 answers
Shanna
Student
4
Questions
Asked
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How should I start preparing for my future career or job?
I'm a freshman in high school. I have interests in many art and computer based careers.
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4 answers
Laurie Redmond
Business Analyst
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Laurie’s Answer
Hi Shanna,
You've asked a fantastic question, and I'm excited to share some ideas with you!
First, dive into researching three different career paths in the fields of Art and Computer-Based careers. You might even consider blending the two, like exploring web design or similar roles.
Look into three specific jobs and carefully review their descriptions. It might be helpful to jot down the pros and cons for future reference. Check out the current and projected salaries for these careers—salary.com is a great resource for this.
Keep an open mind about various job opportunities. Sometimes, the job title can be less revealing than the actual description, so be ready for pleasant surprises!
Another step is to reach out to your family and friends. They might know someone in your field of interest who could offer valuable insights. Ask if you can have an informational interview with them to learn about their daily work life and how they began their journey. Remember, people spend about 90,000 hours of their life working, so they often enjoy sharing their experiences. It's a wonderful chance for you to gain firsthand knowledge.
Wishing you the very best, and I hope these suggestions brighten your path a bit!
You've asked a fantastic question, and I'm excited to share some ideas with you!
First, dive into researching three different career paths in the fields of Art and Computer-Based careers. You might even consider blending the two, like exploring web design or similar roles.
Look into three specific jobs and carefully review their descriptions. It might be helpful to jot down the pros and cons for future reference. Check out the current and projected salaries for these careers—salary.com is a great resource for this.
Keep an open mind about various job opportunities. Sometimes, the job title can be less revealing than the actual description, so be ready for pleasant surprises!
Another step is to reach out to your family and friends. They might know someone in your field of interest who could offer valuable insights. Ask if you can have an informational interview with them to learn about their daily work life and how they began their journey. Remember, people spend about 90,000 hours of their life working, so they often enjoy sharing their experiences. It's a wonderful chance for you to gain firsthand knowledge.
Wishing you the very best, and I hope these suggestions brighten your path a bit!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Shanna
Lyndsey Becker
Technology Consultant Associate
1
Answer
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Lyndsey’s Answer
Hi Shanna! I totally understand how you're feeling. I balanced both dance and computer science in high school and ended up majoring in both in college. The best way to start preparing for your future is to follow what truly excites you. High school is the perfect time to explore different classes and electives to discover what you love. These days, computer skills and art often go hand in hand!
A great first step is to talk to your teachers about your interests. I might not have pursued a degree in computer science if I hadn’t spoken with my high school computer teacher outside of class. Teachers can really get to know you and your passions, and they can guide you toward career paths you might not have considered.
When I started college, I thought I’d go into Web Development, but I ended up getting my MBA and now work in technology consulting with cloud systems. The best advice I can offer is to chase anything that sparks your interest, even if it doesn’t seem to fit your current goals. Join clubs related to your passions to meet like-minded people. Many of my internships and research opportunities came from friends or from reaching out directly to someone about my interests. School clubs are a fantastic way to connect with others and learn from their experiences.
A great first step is to talk to your teachers about your interests. I might not have pursued a degree in computer science if I hadn’t spoken with my high school computer teacher outside of class. Teachers can really get to know you and your passions, and they can guide you toward career paths you might not have considered.
When I started college, I thought I’d go into Web Development, but I ended up getting my MBA and now work in technology consulting with cloud systems. The best advice I can offer is to chase anything that sparks your interest, even if it doesn’t seem to fit your current goals. Join clubs related to your passions to meet like-minded people. Many of my internships and research opportunities came from friends or from reaching out directly to someone about my interests. School clubs are a fantastic way to connect with others and learn from their experiences.
Thanks for the advice.
Shanna
Frank Scalia
21
Answers
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hi Shanna,
You are on the right track. Steve Jobs once said: "It's in Apple's DNA that technology alone is not enough. It's technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that make our hearts sing".
I would suggest exploring areas of interest while in high school. Both in Computer Science and the Arts. Talk to your counselor and teachers. They can help you select the right elective courses according to your interests . Good luck in your future endeavors.
You are on the right track. Steve Jobs once said: "It's in Apple's DNA that technology alone is not enough. It's technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that make our hearts sing".
I would suggest exploring areas of interest while in high school. Both in Computer Science and the Arts. Talk to your counselor and teachers. They can help you select the right elective courses according to your interests . Good luck in your future endeavors.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Shanna
Billy Vardharajan
Manager
23
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Billy’s Answer
Hi Shanna, Glad you are preparing for a career so well in advance. Here are some thoughts I would like to share with you:
1. A career spans many years. This is surely a longer span than high school and college. This means you would need to choose a career where you will enjoy working day after day and will thrive in the career due to your innate passion for the work. This may need some introspection and discussion with others to choose wisely.
2. Once you have selected a career build a solid foundation of skills needed through education in High School and College and internships. This should also include skills to take care of your health (Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual).
3. Build your network of advisors and well-wishers to steer/cheer you when you have questions on the path ahead.
4. Learn financial skills early so that you can set yourself up for a comfortable life ahead.
5. Have a clear destination in mind as you undertake this journey. Keep an open mind as you may need to change the destination based on your personal experience of the path.
This may all seem to be too much to do at once. The idea is to develop a framework that is best suited for your circumstances and then work on it incrementally. I wish you the very best in the journey ahead.
Billy Vardharajan
1. A career spans many years. This is surely a longer span than high school and college. This means you would need to choose a career where you will enjoy working day after day and will thrive in the career due to your innate passion for the work. This may need some introspection and discussion with others to choose wisely.
2. Once you have selected a career build a solid foundation of skills needed through education in High School and College and internships. This should also include skills to take care of your health (Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual).
3. Build your network of advisors and well-wishers to steer/cheer you when you have questions on the path ahead.
4. Learn financial skills early so that you can set yourself up for a comfortable life ahead.
5. Have a clear destination in mind as you undertake this journey. Keep an open mind as you may need to change the destination based on your personal experience of the path.
This may all seem to be too much to do at once. The idea is to develop a framework that is best suited for your circumstances and then work on it incrementally. I wish you the very best in the journey ahead.
Billy Vardharajan
Thank you so much!
Shanna