8 answers
Andre
Student
Ludington, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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How do you narrow down career options?
I have interests in business, criminal justices and sports management. What is the best way to choose what to go into?
Thanks
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8 answers
Sadie Czerwonky
Financial Data Analyst
3
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Sadie’s Answer
Hi Andre!
I was a lot like you when I started college. I first thought I'd study Nursing, then switched to Mechanical Engineering, and finally chose Business as my major. I figured this out by thinking about what I enjoy and how I work best.
I like fast-paced environments, working with numbers, and using Excel comes easy to me. I prefer working with organized people and feel less stressed when I'm not in a customer service role.
Now, I work in data analysis, which suits all these preferences. Think about whether you'd still enjoy sports if it became your daily job.
You can also talk to professionals in these fields to learn about their daily work. LinkedIn is a great resource, and many people are willing to share insights you might not find elsewhere.
I was a lot like you when I started college. I first thought I'd study Nursing, then switched to Mechanical Engineering, and finally chose Business as my major. I figured this out by thinking about what I enjoy and how I work best.
I like fast-paced environments, working with numbers, and using Excel comes easy to me. I prefer working with organized people and feel less stressed when I'm not in a customer service role.
Now, I work in data analysis, which suits all these preferences. Think about whether you'd still enjoy sports if it became your daily job.
You can also talk to professionals in these fields to learn about their daily work. LinkedIn is a great resource, and many people are willing to share insights you might not find elsewhere.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Andre
Salsabil Kouskoussi
14
Answers
Updated
Salsabil’s Answer
Hello Andre! I’d say try out different things or even talking to people in those fields. I started in customer service but found my passion in people engagement and communications by getting involved in projects I enjoyed. Go with what energizes you, your career can evolve over time!
Salsabil Kouskoussi
14
Answers
Updated
Salsabil’s Answer
Hey! I’d say try out different things or even talking to people in those fields. I started in customer service but found my passion in people engagement and communications by getting involved in projects I enjoyed. Go with what energizes you, your career can evolve over time!
Jayden Binford
Learning Program Manager
4
Answers
West Valley City, Utah
Updated
Jayden’s Answer
Hi there! First of all, it’s great that you have multiple interests — it means you’re curious and open to different paths, which is a huge strength!
When it comes to narrowing down career options, here’s what helped me (and what I recommend):
Get real-world exposure: Try to shadow someone, intern, volunteer, or even just have short conversations (called "informational interviews") with people working in business, criminal justice, and sports management. It’s amazing how much clarity you can get from hearing what the day-to-day is actually like.
Focus on how you like to work, not just what you like: Ask yourself questions like: Do I like fast-paced environments? Solving problems? Leading projects? Helping people? Sometimes how you want to work is a better guide than the title or industry itself.
Experiment early: If you can, take intro classes, join clubs, or work part-time in different areas while you’re still in school. Low-risk experimentation helps you figure out what feels exciting (and what doesn’t) without a huge commitment.
Pay attention to energy: Notice what topics or experiences you naturally get excited to talk about or dive into. That’s often a clue about where you’ll thrive long-term.
Remember you’re not stuck forever: Picking a major or first job doesn’t lock you into a career forever. A lot of people (myself included!) make pivots later. Focus on picking a good next step, not a perfect forever decision.
You’re asking the right questions already — and that’s a huge part of figuring it out. Keep exploring and trust that clarity will come with action, not just thinking about it. You’ve got this!
When it comes to narrowing down career options, here’s what helped me (and what I recommend):
Get real-world exposure: Try to shadow someone, intern, volunteer, or even just have short conversations (called "informational interviews") with people working in business, criminal justice, and sports management. It’s amazing how much clarity you can get from hearing what the day-to-day is actually like.
Focus on how you like to work, not just what you like: Ask yourself questions like: Do I like fast-paced environments? Solving problems? Leading projects? Helping people? Sometimes how you want to work is a better guide than the title or industry itself.
Experiment early: If you can, take intro classes, join clubs, or work part-time in different areas while you’re still in school. Low-risk experimentation helps you figure out what feels exciting (and what doesn’t) without a huge commitment.
Pay attention to energy: Notice what topics or experiences you naturally get excited to talk about or dive into. That’s often a clue about where you’ll thrive long-term.
Remember you’re not stuck forever: Picking a major or first job doesn’t lock you into a career forever. A lot of people (myself included!) make pivots later. Focus on picking a good next step, not a perfect forever decision.
You’re asking the right questions already — and that’s a huge part of figuring it out. Keep exploring and trust that clarity will come with action, not just thinking about it. You’ve got this!
Valeria Vargas
Executive Recruiter Coordinator
5
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Valeria’s Answer
I was in your shoes - I had multiple interests and no clear direction. What really helped me was taking small, practical steps to figure out what actually fit me, not just what sounded good on paper.
Start with “Why”: Think about why business, criminal justice, or sports management interests you. What parts excite you—leadership, justice, competition, helping others?
Try Things Out: I did internships and job shadowing, even just for a day or two. Real-world experience showed me what I liked and what I didn’t.
Reaching out to professionals helped me see what the day-to-day job is really like—and whether I could see myself doing it long-term. Careers aren’t always one-track. I looked into paths that combined my interests—like sports law, business in law enforcement, or managing athletic organizations.
I realized it’s okay to choose a direction without having everything figured out.
Start with “Why”: Think about why business, criminal justice, or sports management interests you. What parts excite you—leadership, justice, competition, helping others?
Try Things Out: I did internships and job shadowing, even just for a day or two. Real-world experience showed me what I liked and what I didn’t.
Reaching out to professionals helped me see what the day-to-day job is really like—and whether I could see myself doing it long-term. Careers aren’t always one-track. I looked into paths that combined my interests—like sports law, business in law enforcement, or managing athletic organizations.
I realized it’s okay to choose a direction without having everything figured out.
Mike Delman
District manager for support
1
Answer
Freehold Township, New Jersey
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Having many interests is wonderful.
To find out which one suits you best, try getting some hands-on experience. Look for internships, volunteer work, or temporary positions and give them a try.
I've switched careers several times, even in my 30s, before I found the perfect job and employer for me.
To find out which one suits you best, try getting some hands-on experience. Look for internships, volunteer work, or temporary positions and give them a try.
I've switched careers several times, even in my 30s, before I found the perfect job and employer for me.
Vanessa Boggs
Business Planning
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Aside from careers like doctors or lawyers, not many people end up doing exactly what they planned when they graduated. Remember, the journey itself is valuable, not just the job you land. When you talk to people in the roles you want, whether through internships, volunteering, or interviews, ask them if this is what they originally planned to do. Find out what parts of their job they love or dislike that they didn't expect. Ask what makes them different from others in the same role. Try to discover any hidden aspects that might not suit you. Good luck!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Andre
Emmanuel M'bra
Screenwriter and Film Analyst
27
Answers
Abidjan, Lagunes Region, Côte d'Ivoire
Updated
Emmanuel’s Answer
Hello Andre,
Exactly, when we are supposed to choose our career, we may be confronted to this kind of situation (making choices)
Indeed, keep in mind that it is about your career, future and tomorrow job in society, that’s why you should try to make a deep analysis.
When talking about analysis, I mean: Among these three options
(Business, criminal justices and sports management), try to prioritize some. You can do it through your grades at school.
For instance, find where you are good, what is easy and pleasure for you, where is your passion, talent and motivation.
Then, try to set a list about jobs related to these three options, and then analyze them. Maybe, by seeing the different jobs related to your options, you could now make a choice easily.
Furthermore, read books about your three options. Reading is another great way to open your mind and facilitate your choice. Why? Because when reading, you’ll meet people’s testimony, determination, experience, and goal’s achievement.
Andre, have a nice career, God bless you.
Exactly, when we are supposed to choose our career, we may be confronted to this kind of situation (making choices)
Indeed, keep in mind that it is about your career, future and tomorrow job in society, that’s why you should try to make a deep analysis.
When talking about analysis, I mean: Among these three options
(Business, criminal justices and sports management), try to prioritize some. You can do it through your grades at school.
For instance, find where you are good, what is easy and pleasure for you, where is your passion, talent and motivation.
Then, try to set a list about jobs related to these three options, and then analyze them. Maybe, by seeing the different jobs related to your options, you could now make a choice easily.
Furthermore, read books about your three options. Reading is another great way to open your mind and facilitate your choice. Why? Because when reading, you’ll meet people’s testimony, determination, experience, and goal’s achievement.
Andre, have a nice career, God bless you.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Andre