8 answers
Riley
Student
3
Questions
Asked
2661 views
If my strengths are problem solving and my hobbies are debate, what types of careers or industries might best fit me?
I want to know the best job field for me to work in so I may succeed
Login to comment
8 answers
Logan Leal, M.A.
Communications Consultant
6
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Logan’s Answer
Hi Riley,
Just by being on CareerVillage, you are already taking a step in the right direction and investing in your future success. Good stuff!
If you excel at problem solving and enjoy debate, careers in law, consulting, public policy, business strategy, or technology (like data analysis or product management) could be a great fit—these fields value critical thinking, communication, and persuasive skills, helping you succeed and grow.
I would start by creating accounts on LinkedIn, Indeed, and perhaps other sites that post job opportunities (and search for the fields I mentioned above). Start looking at some of the open ones when you have some free time. This will help you know what to expect.
Biggest piece of advice is to widen your network. You will hear this all the time, but you should consider joining as many different groups as you can. By increasing your opportunities to talk to others, you increase your chances of meeting someone who will give you great advice, and maybe a career! I got my first paid internship through a professor. I'll never forget him.
Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Just by being on CareerVillage, you are already taking a step in the right direction and investing in your future success. Good stuff!
If you excel at problem solving and enjoy debate, careers in law, consulting, public policy, business strategy, or technology (like data analysis or product management) could be a great fit—these fields value critical thinking, communication, and persuasive skills, helping you succeed and grow.
I would start by creating accounts on LinkedIn, Indeed, and perhaps other sites that post job opportunities (and search for the fields I mentioned above). Start looking at some of the open ones when you have some free time. This will help you know what to expect.
Biggest piece of advice is to widen your network. You will hear this all the time, but you should consider joining as many different groups as you can. By increasing your opportunities to talk to others, you increase your chances of meeting someone who will give you great advice, and maybe a career! I got my first paid internship through a professor. I'll never forget him.
Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Ravini Gunaratne
Internal auditor
3
Answers
New Albany, Ohio
Updated
Ravini’s Answer
I have always enjoyed solving problems, and now I'm lucky to have a job where I do just that for clients. I work in accounting, specifically in internal audit. While I don't love confrontation, I often need to discuss different options with clients to help them choose the best one.
In my role, I handle various challenges, like improving production strategies, reducing risks without overspending, and ensuring efficiency across different systems. Sometimes, the solution is simple and just needs to be implemented correctly.
My team and I often debate when things don't work out the first time or when there are several options. We present the pros and cons to help clients make informed decisions. It's a surprising amount of interaction and problem-solving, especially since I once thought I'd be stuck in a cubicle. But internal audit has changed a lot over time.
In my role, I handle various challenges, like improving production strategies, reducing risks without overspending, and ensuring efficiency across different systems. Sometimes, the solution is simple and just needs to be implemented correctly.
My team and I often debate when things don't work out the first time or when there are several options. We present the pros and cons to help clients make informed decisions. It's a surprising amount of interaction and problem-solving, especially since I once thought I'd be stuck in a cubicle. But internal audit has changed a lot over time.
Macy Marx
Recruiter
1
Answer
Weston, Florida
Updated
Macy’s Answer
This is a great question and a great place to start! Finding a career that aligns to strengths that fill your cup is so important.
If you excel at problem solving and enjoy debate, you’re likely to thrive in roles that require critical thinking, analysis, and strong communication. Which, especially now, are enduring human skills that almost every role will likely benefit from!
Here are some potential career paths and industries to consider (although again, you could take those strengths and apply them to most roles!):
1. Consulting
Why: Consultants tackle complex business challenges and communicate solutions to clients.
Industries: Management consulting, strategy consulting, human capital consulting.
2. Law
Why: Lawyers use debate and problem-solving skills to advocate, negotiate, and analyze cases.
Roles: Attorney, legal analyst, mediator.
3. Public Policy & Government
Why: These roles involve analyzing issues, crafting solutions, and debating policy impacts.
Roles: Policy analyst, legislative aide, public affairs specialist.
4. Business & Strategy
Why: Business analysts and strategists solve organizational problems and communicate recommendations.
Industries: Corporate strategy, operations, project management.
5. Technology & Data Analytics
Why: Tech roles often require breaking down complex problems and explaining solutions to stakeholders.
Roles: Data analyst, product manager, IT consultant.
6. Education & Training
Why: Teaching, coaching, or training leverages your ability to explain concepts and facilitate discussions.
Roles: Educator, debate coach, corporate trainer.
7. Sales & Negotiation
Why: Sales professionals solve client problems and use persuasive communication to close deals.
Industries: B2B sales, account management, business development.
If none of these options feel like the right fit, take a moment to think about what really matters to you in a future career. Is it the company’s mission, making a difference in your community, having a good work-life balance, where the job is located, or the salary? Figuring out what’s most important to you can help narrow down your choices and find a path that truly excites you.
After choosing one (or a few!) potential ideas, I would recommend finding a way to experience those first-hand. You could do this through volunteering, internships, shadowing someone in the field, and reaching out on career sites like LinkedIn (or here!) to learn more.
I wish you the best of luck in your journey!
If you excel at problem solving and enjoy debate, you’re likely to thrive in roles that require critical thinking, analysis, and strong communication. Which, especially now, are enduring human skills that almost every role will likely benefit from!
Here are some potential career paths and industries to consider (although again, you could take those strengths and apply them to most roles!):
1. Consulting
Why: Consultants tackle complex business challenges and communicate solutions to clients.
Industries: Management consulting, strategy consulting, human capital consulting.
2. Law
Why: Lawyers use debate and problem-solving skills to advocate, negotiate, and analyze cases.
Roles: Attorney, legal analyst, mediator.
3. Public Policy & Government
Why: These roles involve analyzing issues, crafting solutions, and debating policy impacts.
Roles: Policy analyst, legislative aide, public affairs specialist.
4. Business & Strategy
Why: Business analysts and strategists solve organizational problems and communicate recommendations.
Industries: Corporate strategy, operations, project management.
5. Technology & Data Analytics
Why: Tech roles often require breaking down complex problems and explaining solutions to stakeholders.
Roles: Data analyst, product manager, IT consultant.
6. Education & Training
Why: Teaching, coaching, or training leverages your ability to explain concepts and facilitate discussions.
Roles: Educator, debate coach, corporate trainer.
7. Sales & Negotiation
Why: Sales professionals solve client problems and use persuasive communication to close deals.
Industries: B2B sales, account management, business development.
If none of these options feel like the right fit, take a moment to think about what really matters to you in a future career. Is it the company’s mission, making a difference in your community, having a good work-life balance, where the job is located, or the salary? Figuring out what’s most important to you can help narrow down your choices and find a path that truly excites you.
After choosing one (or a few!) potential ideas, I would recommend finding a way to experience those first-hand. You could do this through volunteering, internships, shadowing someone in the field, and reaching out on career sites like LinkedIn (or here!) to learn more.
I wish you the best of luck in your journey!
Connor Nicholson
Accounting
14
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Connor’s Answer
Consulting, engineering, and law most align with your interests and strengths. Consulting is ideal because it centers on analyzing complex business challenges, developing strategic solutions, and communicating recommendations clearly to clients—skills that align perfectly with both your analytical mindset and your ability to articulate and defend ideas. Engineering is another strong option, as it requires creative problem solving, logical thinking, and the capacity to work through technical challenges, often in collaborative environments where clear communication is key. Law is also a natural fit, since it not only demands rigorous critical thinking and the ability to construct persuasive arguments, but also offers opportunities to engage in debates, both in and out of the courtroom. Each of these fields values individuals who can approach problems methodically, think on their feet, and express their ideas convincingly, making them well suited to your unique combination of strengths and interests. Any of these careers would set you up for a culture you would both thrive in and earn a lot of money in. You can study a variety of careers to reach your goals, but I would most recommend studying engineering as this would allow you to enter any of the three fields mentioned-- whether you want to go to law school, be an engineer, or enter consulting, an engineer background will set you up for success in any of these fields!
Jatinder Koharki
Client Relationship Executive
12
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Jatinder’s Answer
Consulting or Law
Nick Cheng
Consultant
7
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Hi Riley,
To narrow down a response to your question, you will have to ask yourself some more questions.
Most roles will require problem solving so it's a matter of what do you want to apply it in? For example, is there a specific industry you are interested in (e.g., education, financial services, etc.) and is there a function you like (e.g., HR, PR, marketing, etc.).
Debate is a good hobby as it translates to jobs that require you to be persuasive or make a convincing case for something. Jobs like that could be in law (e.g., corporate law, family law, etc.), consulting, and sales. Note, you won't be necessarily debating in those jobs, but you it would require incorporating the skills you build from being a strong debater.
To narrow down a response to your question, you will have to ask yourself some more questions.
Most roles will require problem solving so it's a matter of what do you want to apply it in? For example, is there a specific industry you are interested in (e.g., education, financial services, etc.) and is there a function you like (e.g., HR, PR, marketing, etc.).
Debate is a good hobby as it translates to jobs that require you to be persuasive or make a convincing case for something. Jobs like that could be in law (e.g., corporate law, family law, etc.), consulting, and sales. Note, you won't be necessarily debating in those jobs, but you it would require incorporating the skills you build from being a strong debater.
Lakshmi Parameswaran
DC Manager
11
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Lakshmi’s Answer
Great question! If you’re strong in problem solving and enjoy debate, you have a valuable mix of analytical and communication skills.
1. Law & Policy
- Lawyer or Legal Analyst: Use logic and argumentation to solve cases and advocate for clients.
- Policy Analyst: Research and debate public policies, propose solutions to societal issues.
2. Consulting
- Management or Strategy Consultant: Solve business problems for clients, present and defend recommendations.
3. Technology
- Product Manager: Balance technical problem solving with communication between teams.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Investigate and solve security issues, explain risks to stakeholders.
4. Public Speaking & Advocacy
- Public Relations Specialist: Craft arguments, manage communication during crises.
- Advocacy/Nonprofit Roles: Debate and promote causes, solve community challenges.
5. Education & Academia
- Professor or Debate Coach: Teach, mentor, and engage in intellectual debate.
1. Law & Policy
- Lawyer or Legal Analyst: Use logic and argumentation to solve cases and advocate for clients.
- Policy Analyst: Research and debate public policies, propose solutions to societal issues.
2. Consulting
- Management or Strategy Consultant: Solve business problems for clients, present and defend recommendations.
3. Technology
- Product Manager: Balance technical problem solving with communication between teams.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Investigate and solve security issues, explain risks to stakeholders.
4. Public Speaking & Advocacy
- Public Relations Specialist: Craft arguments, manage communication during crises.
- Advocacy/Nonprofit Roles: Debate and promote causes, solve community challenges.
5. Education & Academia
- Professor or Debate Coach: Teach, mentor, and engage in intellectual debate.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Riley !
You certainly have great interests right now and the advice I can provide to you may come from a different perspective but may be valuable for figuring out your future calling. Your interests are awesome skills, not careers, and can be used in whatever you eventually end up being inspired by when you are well informed about the career.
You really can't base picking a career out of a hat based on the skills you have, it has to come from experience, observation and knowing in your heart exactly what career you want and it's for you to choose. It sometimes does take time and that's okay, there's really no deadline, but the more involved with public speaking and being in situations for solving problems both at school and in your personal life, you will eventually be inspired and that's the best way to know about if a career is meant for you.
How can someone tell you what the "best" career for you would be ? You know yourself better than anyone else and that's why if you want to explore careers, you should base it on your mission, how you want to contribute and the skills you have now and skills you can develop in the future. I have used both public speaking and problem solving at every career job and non-career job I ever had. It's perfectly fine if you haven't discovered a specific field of work right now. As well, you will be in charge of your own success. Remember that this is all a process and you should give yourself time to live life and make personal discoveries. Everyone wants to be a success. You will learn all the beneficial things to do to succeed through school and later in college. College is where you will develop great social, intellectual and professional growth so try not to a pick career based on random suggestions. There are some ways that you can be inspired for a career.
One way to find out what type of career is good for you personally would be to start doing volunteer work. Another way would be to do some Shadow experiences of various careers you think you may like. Observe and read books about different careers. There are numerous specific careers that utilize public speaking and you will need to solve issues in any career as well as in your personal life. You may want to keep in mind that presentational skills and solving issues are wonderful skills to have, but it doesn't mean they are a career. Having those skills will allow you to shine in any career that you eventually choose.
I hope that this helps for a somewhat different angle on what you've asked about and I wish you all the best moving forward !
You certainly have great interests right now and the advice I can provide to you may come from a different perspective but may be valuable for figuring out your future calling. Your interests are awesome skills, not careers, and can be used in whatever you eventually end up being inspired by when you are well informed about the career.
You really can't base picking a career out of a hat based on the skills you have, it has to come from experience, observation and knowing in your heart exactly what career you want and it's for you to choose. It sometimes does take time and that's okay, there's really no deadline, but the more involved with public speaking and being in situations for solving problems both at school and in your personal life, you will eventually be inspired and that's the best way to know about if a career is meant for you.
How can someone tell you what the "best" career for you would be ? You know yourself better than anyone else and that's why if you want to explore careers, you should base it on your mission, how you want to contribute and the skills you have now and skills you can develop in the future. I have used both public speaking and problem solving at every career job and non-career job I ever had. It's perfectly fine if you haven't discovered a specific field of work right now. As well, you will be in charge of your own success. Remember that this is all a process and you should give yourself time to live life and make personal discoveries. Everyone wants to be a success. You will learn all the beneficial things to do to succeed through school and later in college. College is where you will develop great social, intellectual and professional growth so try not to a pick career based on random suggestions. There are some ways that you can be inspired for a career.
One way to find out what type of career is good for you personally would be to start doing volunteer work. Another way would be to do some Shadow experiences of various careers you think you may like. Observe and read books about different careers. There are numerous specific careers that utilize public speaking and you will need to solve issues in any career as well as in your personal life. You may want to keep in mind that presentational skills and solving issues are wonderful skills to have, but it doesn't mean they are a career. Having those skills will allow you to shine in any career that you eventually choose.
I hope that this helps for a somewhat different angle on what you've asked about and I wish you all the best moving forward !