22 answers
Linda
Student
Naperville, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
2562 views
How can I start preparing for my career from now (I’m 15 years old)?
I love to draw, I’m still confused about my career path
Login to comment
20 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Some of us who are well into their career are still confused by their career. At your age, there is PLENTY of time to figure things out. Use your electives to explore new things. If you don’t figure it out before starting college, use the first two years to take General Ed and explore.
Join some after school groups. You might just find something you cherish.
Join some after school groups. You might just find something you cherish.
bouasy phonglom
customer service
1
Answer
Elk Grove, California
Updated
bouasy’s Answer
Hi Linda,
It is awesome that you are already thinking about your career path at such a young age. I would suggest start exploring with what you like or interest you the most and make a list of other interests that you may have and go from there.
-Start saving your artwork on file or folder so when you apply for programs, jobs, internships, you can show what you have done.
-Look for local art classes, summer camps, workshops
Also, keep in mind, art careers can be competitive but you can blend your art skills with other fields to.
Best of luck to you!
It is awesome that you are already thinking about your career path at such a young age. I would suggest start exploring with what you like or interest you the most and make a list of other interests that you may have and go from there.
-Start saving your artwork on file or folder so when you apply for programs, jobs, internships, you can show what you have done.
-Look for local art classes, summer camps, workshops
Also, keep in mind, art careers can be competitive but you can blend your art skills with other fields to.
Best of luck to you!
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
128
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Linda -
It's great you're thinking about your career now, and confusion is totally normal! Your love for drawing is a fantastic start.
Explore & Experiment (Especially Drawing!) Since you love to draw, dive in!
- Research Art Careers: Beyond "artist," consider graphic design, animation, illustration, architecture, game design, or industrial design.
- Try Different Mediums: Experiment with digital art, painting, or even photography to discover new passions.
- Take Local Classes: Check out art classes at your high school, College of DuPage, or Naperville art centers.
- Use Online Resources: YouTube and Skillshare offer endless tutorials and career insights.
Gain Experience & Knowledge: Start building real-world understanding and skills now.
- Informational Interviews: Talk to professionals in fields that interest you.
- Shadow/Volunteer: Even short experiences can be invaluable. Offer to help local non-profits with design.
- Build a Portfolio: Start saving your best creative work; it's essential for art-related fields.
- Consider Internships: Look for summer internships in your junior/senior year for experience and networking.
Academics & Skills: Foundational skills support any career.
- Strong Grades: Maintain good grades in all subjects, especially English, Math, and Science for critical thinking.
- Develop Soft Skills: Focus on communication, problem-solving, time management, and collaboration – vital for any job.
It's Okay to Be Confused!
Think of this as gathering clues, not picking your exact job. By exploring your interests and gaining experience, you'll uncover what truly excites you. The goal is to build skills and learn about yourself. Keep drawing and exploring!
Hope this helps!
It's great you're thinking about your career now, and confusion is totally normal! Your love for drawing is a fantastic start.
Explore & Experiment (Especially Drawing!) Since you love to draw, dive in!
- Research Art Careers: Beyond "artist," consider graphic design, animation, illustration, architecture, game design, or industrial design.
- Try Different Mediums: Experiment with digital art, painting, or even photography to discover new passions.
- Take Local Classes: Check out art classes at your high school, College of DuPage, or Naperville art centers.
- Use Online Resources: YouTube and Skillshare offer endless tutorials and career insights.
Gain Experience & Knowledge: Start building real-world understanding and skills now.
- Informational Interviews: Talk to professionals in fields that interest you.
- Shadow/Volunteer: Even short experiences can be invaluable. Offer to help local non-profits with design.
- Build a Portfolio: Start saving your best creative work; it's essential for art-related fields.
- Consider Internships: Look for summer internships in your junior/senior year for experience and networking.
Academics & Skills: Foundational skills support any career.
- Strong Grades: Maintain good grades in all subjects, especially English, Math, and Science for critical thinking.
- Develop Soft Skills: Focus on communication, problem-solving, time management, and collaboration – vital for any job.
It's Okay to Be Confused!
Think of this as gathering clues, not picking your exact job. By exploring your interests and gaining experience, you'll uncover what truly excites you. The goal is to build skills and learn about yourself. Keep drawing and exploring!
Hope this helps!
Neha Peter
Graduate
1
Answer
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Neha’s Answer
Hi there,
It's fantastic that you're thinking about your future career at 15! Starting early gives you a great advantage. I began planning my career when I was just 11!
Be open to trying new things. Explore different subjects, activities, and hobbies to find what you love. It could be tech, art, business, writing, or anything else. Focus on doing well in core subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. These will give you a strong foundation for any career. Even if tech isn't your main interest, learning to code is a useful skill. Try beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript. If you have a passion, dive into it. Start a blog, make videos, open an online store, or try photography. Stay curious and keep learning. Talk to professionals to understand their careers better. Volunteer in your community or for a cause you care about. These steps will help you build skills, confidence, and experience for whatever path you choose.
Best of luck with your future plans!
Take care,
Neha
It's fantastic that you're thinking about your future career at 15! Starting early gives you a great advantage. I began planning my career when I was just 11!
Be open to trying new things. Explore different subjects, activities, and hobbies to find what you love. It could be tech, art, business, writing, or anything else. Focus on doing well in core subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. These will give you a strong foundation for any career. Even if tech isn't your main interest, learning to code is a useful skill. Try beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript. If you have a passion, dive into it. Start a blog, make videos, open an online store, or try photography. Stay curious and keep learning. Talk to professionals to understand their careers better. Volunteer in your community or for a cause you care about. These steps will help you build skills, confidence, and experience for whatever path you choose.
Best of luck with your future plans!
Take care,
Neha
Aparna Manoj
Technical Product Manager
46
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Aparna’s Answer
Hi Linda!
Start by exploring what you love. Try different hobbies, school subjects, and activities. School is a great place to start. See which subjects excite you and think about which ones you might want to study more in college. Also, try arts and sports to become a well-rounded person.
Find out what you're good at and what needs more work. What do you find easy? What takes more effort? You can choose to improve your weaker areas. For instance, if you're interested in a STEM career, focus on math. But if you're strong in arts and history and want to pursue them, spend time building your skills there. Aim to be good in all important subjects so you're ready for anything.
Talk to people! Chat with classmates, teachers, coaches, and others. If someone has a job you're curious about, ask them how they got there and what advice they have. If you're interested in medicine, try shadowing a doctor or nurse. The best way to learn is by diving in.
Get involved in your community by volunteering! High school offers many service opportunities. Volunteering helps you see the issues in your community and can spark interest in a future career.
These are just some steps to help you find your path. Good luck on your journey!
Start by exploring what you love. Try different hobbies, school subjects, and activities. School is a great place to start. See which subjects excite you and think about which ones you might want to study more in college. Also, try arts and sports to become a well-rounded person.
Find out what you're good at and what needs more work. What do you find easy? What takes more effort? You can choose to improve your weaker areas. For instance, if you're interested in a STEM career, focus on math. But if you're strong in arts and history and want to pursue them, spend time building your skills there. Aim to be good in all important subjects so you're ready for anything.
Talk to people! Chat with classmates, teachers, coaches, and others. If someone has a job you're curious about, ask them how they got there and what advice they have. If you're interested in medicine, try shadowing a doctor or nurse. The best way to learn is by diving in.
Get involved in your community by volunteering! High school offers many service opportunities. Volunteering helps you see the issues in your community and can spark interest in a future career.
These are just some steps to help you find your path. Good luck on your journey!
Valeria Vargas
Executive Recruiter Coordinator
14
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Valeria’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about your career path at this stage. The most important thing right now is to explore your interests and build your skills step by step. Since you love to draw, you already have a strong starting point.
Here’s how you can start preparing now:
- Connect with people in creative fields
- Practice regularly
- Set aside time to draw each day or week. Try different styles, subjects, or tools (both digital and traditional) to discover what you enjoy most.
- Build a portfolio: Start collecting your best work in a folder or on an online platform like Google Drive or Instagram. A portfolio will be valuable later when applying to schools, programs, or creative jobs.
- Look for beginner-friendly classes in drawing, design, or digital art.
Explore related careers that involve drawing, such as:
1. Illustrator
2. Animator
3. Graphic Designer
4. Concept Artist
5. Comic Book Artist
6. Fashion Designer
Note: Learn what each role involves and what skills or education are required. If possible, reach out to artists, designers, or teachers and ask about their work. You can also watch interviews or read blogs and articles from professionals in creative industries.
Important Callout: Stay Open-Minded.
Your interests may grow or shift over time, and that’s completely okay. Focus on building your skills, staying curious, and trying new things. Every step you take helps bring you closer to a career path that fits you.
Here’s how you can start preparing now:
- Connect with people in creative fields
- Practice regularly
- Set aside time to draw each day or week. Try different styles, subjects, or tools (both digital and traditional) to discover what you enjoy most.
- Build a portfolio: Start collecting your best work in a folder or on an online platform like Google Drive or Instagram. A portfolio will be valuable later when applying to schools, programs, or creative jobs.
- Look for beginner-friendly classes in drawing, design, or digital art.
Explore related careers that involve drawing, such as:
1. Illustrator
2. Animator
3. Graphic Designer
4. Concept Artist
5. Comic Book Artist
6. Fashion Designer
Note: Learn what each role involves and what skills or education are required. If possible, reach out to artists, designers, or teachers and ask about their work. You can also watch interviews or read blogs and articles from professionals in creative industries.
Important Callout: Stay Open-Minded.
Your interests may grow or shift over time, and that’s completely okay. Focus on building your skills, staying curious, and trying new things. Every step you take helps bring you closer to a career path that fits you.
Shannon Krupnicki
Supply Chain
5
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Hi Linda,
This is a very common struggle people go through, you're not alone. I would encourage you to take a step back and reflect on a few things that should help point you in the right direction. One, understand your personality and what sort of environments you work best in. I love the enneagram tool as it deep dives into different areas of your life. Truity has a great starting place if you've never heard of this before. https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test and https://www.truity.com/test/career-personality-profiler-test
From there, I would get clear on your core values - what are non-negotiables you are looking for in the life you want to create. Hint, think bigger than just your future role (but more holistically). For example, what motivates you to get up in the morning and start your day? What things do you do throughout your day that light you up? What are some organizations or missions that you feel led towards? Let those drive your core values ex (Freedom, Flexibility, Culture, Advancement Opportunities, Mentorship, etc) and ask your self if the future career path and serve you in these areas.
Lastly, write down everything you're good at and everything you are passionate about. I'm sure you will find some commonalities between your personality, core values, and interests into a role in the business world that you can excel in! It will take some soul searching, journalling, and/or listening to podcasts, reading books, and hearing stories from others in their field, but I am confident you will find your path ahead!
All the best!
Shannon
This is a very common struggle people go through, you're not alone. I would encourage you to take a step back and reflect on a few things that should help point you in the right direction. One, understand your personality and what sort of environments you work best in. I love the enneagram tool as it deep dives into different areas of your life. Truity has a great starting place if you've never heard of this before. https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test and https://www.truity.com/test/career-personality-profiler-test
From there, I would get clear on your core values - what are non-negotiables you are looking for in the life you want to create. Hint, think bigger than just your future role (but more holistically). For example, what motivates you to get up in the morning and start your day? What things do you do throughout your day that light you up? What are some organizations or missions that you feel led towards? Let those drive your core values ex (Freedom, Flexibility, Culture, Advancement Opportunities, Mentorship, etc) and ask your self if the future career path and serve you in these areas.
Lastly, write down everything you're good at and everything you are passionate about. I'm sure you will find some commonalities between your personality, core values, and interests into a role in the business world that you can excel in! It will take some soul searching, journalling, and/or listening to podcasts, reading books, and hearing stories from others in their field, but I am confident you will find your path ahead!
All the best!
Shannon
Poornima Sethumadhava
Program Management Advisor
4
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Poornima’s Answer
You're already on the right track by being self-aware and curious about your future. Here are some steps you can take to explore your interests and start preparing:
1. Explore Your Passion for Drawing
Try different styles: cartoons, realism, digital art, animation, etc.
Use free tools like Krita, Medibang, or Autodesk SketchBook to experiment with digital drawing.
Share your work on platforms like DeviantArt, ArtStation, or even Instagram to get feedback and build confidence.
2. Learn About Creative Careers
There are many careers where drawing is a key skill:
Graphic Designer
Animator
Illustrator
Game Artist
Architect
Fashion Designer
Industrial Designer
You don’t have to choose now but learning about these can help you see what excites you most.
3. Build Skills Beyond Drawing
Learn basic design principles (color theory, composition, typography).
Try beginner courses on platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, or YouTube.
Explore storytelling, writing, or coding if you're curious—these can complement your art in fields like animation or game design.
4. Talk to People
Ask teachers, family, or online communities about their careers.
If possible, talk to someone working in a creative field to understand what their day-to-day looks like.
5. Stay Curious and Open
It’s totally okay to be unsure. Many people change paths multiple times. What matters is that you keep learning, trying new things, and following what excites you.
1. Explore Your Passion for Drawing
Try different styles: cartoons, realism, digital art, animation, etc.
Use free tools like Krita, Medibang, or Autodesk SketchBook to experiment with digital drawing.
Share your work on platforms like DeviantArt, ArtStation, or even Instagram to get feedback and build confidence.
2. Learn About Creative Careers
There are many careers where drawing is a key skill:
Graphic Designer
Animator
Illustrator
Game Artist
Architect
Fashion Designer
Industrial Designer
You don’t have to choose now but learning about these can help you see what excites you most.
3. Build Skills Beyond Drawing
Learn basic design principles (color theory, composition, typography).
Try beginner courses on platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, or YouTube.
Explore storytelling, writing, or coding if you're curious—these can complement your art in fields like animation or game design.
4. Talk to People
Ask teachers, family, or online communities about their careers.
If possible, talk to someone working in a creative field to understand what their day-to-day looks like.
5. Stay Curious and Open
It’s totally okay to be unsure. Many people change paths multiple times. What matters is that you keep learning, trying new things, and following what excites you.
David Cox
Internal Audit
6
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Linda,
Don't worry too much; you're just 15, and it's perfectly fine not to have everything sorted out yet. It's normal for people to try different careers throughout their lives. Exploring new paths and growing over time is more common than you might think.
Since you love drawing, that's a wonderful place to start. Look into creative areas like illustration, animation, graphic design, or even architecture. But remember, you don't have to make any big decisions now. Try different things, see where they take you, and you'll discover more about what you like and don't like. This is how you'll find something that truly matches your passions.
Stay curious, keep learning, and give yourself the chance to grow. You've got time, and you can do this!
Don't worry too much; you're just 15, and it's perfectly fine not to have everything sorted out yet. It's normal for people to try different careers throughout their lives. Exploring new paths and growing over time is more common than you might think.
Since you love drawing, that's a wonderful place to start. Look into creative areas like illustration, animation, graphic design, or even architecture. But remember, you don't have to make any big decisions now. Try different things, see where they take you, and you'll discover more about what you like and don't like. This is how you'll find something that truly matches your passions.
Stay curious, keep learning, and give yourself the chance to grow. You've got time, and you can do this!
Wyatt .
Retired Corporate Executive
54
Answers
United States
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hello Rebecca,
I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do for a career until I was 25, so you’re already way ahead just by thinking about it now!
At 15, it’s totally okay to feel unsure about your future career especially if you know you love to draw but aren’t sure what to do with that passion. The good news is that now is a great time to start exploring and preparing for different possibilities. Start by thinking about why you enjoy drawing. Do you like creating characters, telling stories, or just expressing yourself? Understanding what you enjoy can help you figure out if you might want to go into things like animation, graphic design, game art, or something else creative. You don’t have to choose a career yet, but try different kinds of drawing and maybe even learn digital tools like Procreate or Adobe Photoshop. Practicing now helps you improve and gives you a head start. It’s also smart to pay attention in school even subjects like business and math can be helpful in creative jobs. If your school has art classes or clubs, join them. Outside of school, you can look up free art tutorials online or try creating your own projects. Start saving your best drawings in a folder or portfolio so you can look back and see how much you’ve grown. You can also start learning about different careers by watching videos or talking to adults who work in creative fields. The most important thing is to stay curious and open to new things. Your path might change over time, and that’s okay. Every step you take from sketching at home to learning new skills is part of building your future. Keep drawing, keep learning, and trust that you’re on the right track.
Here are some career options you may want to explore.
Animator
Creates moving images for movies, TV shows, and video games. This job often involves character design, storyboarding, and using digital tools to bring drawings to life.
Illustrator
Draws images for books, magazines, advertisements, and product packaging. Some illustrators also work on comics or graphic novels.
Graphic Designer
Uses images, fonts, and layouts to create posters, websites, logos, and branding materials. It’s a mix of creativity and problem-solving.
Architect
Designs buildings and structures. Drawing is a big part of coming up with ideas and showing how things will look before they’re built.
Fashion Designer (My niece is currently studying this in college.)
Sketches clothing and accessory ideas. Fashion designers use drawing to bring their styles and collections to life before they’re made.
Concept Artist
Designs characters, environments, and props for movies, video games, and animation. This job is all about using art to bring imagination to reality.
Comic Artist/Cartoonist
Creates comics or cartoons for books, newspapers, or online platforms. This career blends storytelling with drawing.
Industrial Designer
Draws and designs products like furniture, electronics, cars, or toys. It combines creativity with an understanding of how things are made and used.
Art Teacher
Shares your love of drawing with others by teaching students how to express themselves through art.
Stay curious with an open mind and you will find your correct path.
Best wishes,
Wyatt
I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do for a career until I was 25, so you’re already way ahead just by thinking about it now!
At 15, it’s totally okay to feel unsure about your future career especially if you know you love to draw but aren’t sure what to do with that passion. The good news is that now is a great time to start exploring and preparing for different possibilities. Start by thinking about why you enjoy drawing. Do you like creating characters, telling stories, or just expressing yourself? Understanding what you enjoy can help you figure out if you might want to go into things like animation, graphic design, game art, or something else creative. You don’t have to choose a career yet, but try different kinds of drawing and maybe even learn digital tools like Procreate or Adobe Photoshop. Practicing now helps you improve and gives you a head start. It’s also smart to pay attention in school even subjects like business and math can be helpful in creative jobs. If your school has art classes or clubs, join them. Outside of school, you can look up free art tutorials online or try creating your own projects. Start saving your best drawings in a folder or portfolio so you can look back and see how much you’ve grown. You can also start learning about different careers by watching videos or talking to adults who work in creative fields. The most important thing is to stay curious and open to new things. Your path might change over time, and that’s okay. Every step you take from sketching at home to learning new skills is part of building your future. Keep drawing, keep learning, and trust that you’re on the right track.
Here are some career options you may want to explore.
Animator
Creates moving images for movies, TV shows, and video games. This job often involves character design, storyboarding, and using digital tools to bring drawings to life.
Illustrator
Draws images for books, magazines, advertisements, and product packaging. Some illustrators also work on comics or graphic novels.
Graphic Designer
Uses images, fonts, and layouts to create posters, websites, logos, and branding materials. It’s a mix of creativity and problem-solving.
Architect
Designs buildings and structures. Drawing is a big part of coming up with ideas and showing how things will look before they’re built.
Fashion Designer (My niece is currently studying this in college.)
Sketches clothing and accessory ideas. Fashion designers use drawing to bring their styles and collections to life before they’re made.
Concept Artist
Designs characters, environments, and props for movies, video games, and animation. This job is all about using art to bring imagination to reality.
Comic Artist/Cartoonist
Creates comics or cartoons for books, newspapers, or online platforms. This career blends storytelling with drawing.
Industrial Designer
Draws and designs products like furniture, electronics, cars, or toys. It combines creativity with an understanding of how things are made and used.
Art Teacher
Shares your love of drawing with others by teaching students how to express themselves through art.
Stay curious with an open mind and you will find your correct path.
Best wishes,
Wyatt
Raisa Anan Mustakin
Writer
25
Answers
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Raisa Anan’s Answer
Hi Linda!
At 15, I think you should explore art as you like. You should try different styles. Try to notice which style you are most comfortable with or you enjoy creating the most. Use this time for exploration and for fun. Don't think of creating art as work yet. You'll have your entire adulthood for that.
It is very impressive to see that you are already thinking about career prospects at 15. This shows you have determination. I wish you all the luck!
At 15, I think you should explore art as you like. You should try different styles. Try to notice which style you are most comfortable with or you enjoy creating the most. Use this time for exploration and for fun. Don't think of creating art as work yet. You'll have your entire adulthood for that.
It is very impressive to see that you are already thinking about career prospects at 15. This shows you have determination. I wish you all the luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2431
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. It's right time to start thinking about you r future career.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges and choose relevant subjects in high school
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges and choose relevant subjects in high school
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Fabiola Mejías
Recruiter /Psychologist
3
Answers
San José, Costa Rica
Updated
Fabiola’s Answer
Hi Linda I love that you’re already exploring and thinking about how to prepare for your career. First of all, don’t get frustrated — choosing a career can often feel overwhelming, and sometimes what you thought you liked doesn’t turn out exactly how you expected, and that’s totally normal.The great thing is you already have a starting point: you love drawing, and that’s awesome! I recommend you look into careers related to your passion, such as:
Graphic design
Illustration (books, comics, games)
Animation
Fashion design
Digital art
Architecture (which also involves drawing)
Art therapy
UX/UI design (user-friendly app and website design with a creative twist)
Also, start creating a portfolio where you save your best drawings — either in a physical folder or on online platforms like Instagram, Behance, or ArtStation. This will help you track your progress and showcase your work to others.Consider combining skills too, for example, mixing your passion for drawing with technology or digital design.
Good luck on your journey! Keep exploring and learning you’re on the right path.
Graphic design
Illustration (books, comics, games)
Animation
Fashion design
Digital art
Architecture (which also involves drawing)
Art therapy
UX/UI design (user-friendly app and website design with a creative twist)
Also, start creating a portfolio where you save your best drawings — either in a physical folder or on online platforms like Instagram, Behance, or ArtStation. This will help you track your progress and showcase your work to others.Consider combining skills too, for example, mixing your passion for drawing with technology or digital design.
Good luck on your journey! Keep exploring and learning you’re on the right path.
Igenter McCoy III
Business Account Manager
1
Answer
Chesterfield, Virginia
Updated
Igenter’s Answer
Hello Linda,
Starting to think about your future at 15 is fantastic! It's a great time to explore your interests and lay a strong foundation, even if you don't know exactly what career you want yet.
Here's some advice to guide you on this journey:
1. Explore Your Interests, Don't Choose a Career
At 15, the goal isn't to pick a career path, but to figure out what you genuinely enjoy doing.
Make a "Passion List": What subjects do you love in school? What hobbies do you have? What topics do you find yourself researching just for fun? Write them all down. Don't limit yourself to "traditional" jobs. If you love video games, maybe you're interested in art, coding, storytelling, or marketing.
Try New Things: Join a club you've never considered. Take an elective class that sounds interesting. Volunteer for a cause you care about. This is the time to experiment and see what clicks.
Follow Your Curiosity: If you're curious about how a movie is made, look it up. If you wonder how a skyscraper stays up, read about it. Every rabbit hole you go down is a potential clue to your future interests.
2. Focus on Skills, Not Just Knowledge
While good grades are important, the skills you develop are what will truly set you apart.
Soft Skills are Crucial: Practice skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. You can do this by working on group projects, participating in debates, or even just helping a friend with a problem.
Build Your Digital Literacy: Learn how to use common software, understand social media marketing, or even try learning a basic programming language like Python. These are valuable skills no matter what you do.
Learn to Learn: The world is constantly changing. The most valuable skill you can have is the ability to quickly learn new things. Challenge yourself to learn something new on your own, whether it's a new instrument or how to fix a bicycle.
3. Talk to People
The best way to learn about different jobs is to talk to people who have them.
Interview Adults: It might sound formal, but it's really just a conversation. Talk to your parents' friends, teachers, neighbors, and relatives. Ask them about their jobs: What do they do all day? What do they love about their work? What do they find challenging? How did they get where they are?
Don't Just Talk to the "Cool" Jobs: Talk to the accountant, the electrician, the librarian, the marketing professional. You never know what might surprise you and spark an interest.
4. Get Real-World Experience
Even at 15, there are ways to get a taste of the working world.
Part-Time Jobs or Volunteering: A part-time job, even at a local restaurant or store, teaches you discipline, responsibility, and how to work with others. Volunteering shows initiative and helps you understand the inner workings of an organization.
Side Hustles: Are you good at something? Can you tutor a younger student, mow lawns, or walk dogs? Starting a small side business teaches you about responsibility and managing money.
5. Don't Worry About Making the "Wrong" Choice
This is the most important piece of advice.
Your Path Will Change: Most adults don't have the same job they thought they would when they were 15. The average person will change careers multiple times. This is not a failure; it's a normal part of life.
Everything is a Stepping Stone: The classes you take, the skills you learn, and the people you meet will all be useful in some way, even if you end up in a completely different field. The goal is to build a strong foundation of skills and experience that you can adapt to any path you choose.
By focusing on exploration, skill-building, and curiosity, you're not just preparing for a career—you're preparing for a full, interesting, and adaptable life. You've got this!
Starting to think about your future at 15 is fantastic! It's a great time to explore your interests and lay a strong foundation, even if you don't know exactly what career you want yet.
Here's some advice to guide you on this journey:
1. Explore Your Interests, Don't Choose a Career
At 15, the goal isn't to pick a career path, but to figure out what you genuinely enjoy doing.
Make a "Passion List": What subjects do you love in school? What hobbies do you have? What topics do you find yourself researching just for fun? Write them all down. Don't limit yourself to "traditional" jobs. If you love video games, maybe you're interested in art, coding, storytelling, or marketing.
Try New Things: Join a club you've never considered. Take an elective class that sounds interesting. Volunteer for a cause you care about. This is the time to experiment and see what clicks.
Follow Your Curiosity: If you're curious about how a movie is made, look it up. If you wonder how a skyscraper stays up, read about it. Every rabbit hole you go down is a potential clue to your future interests.
2. Focus on Skills, Not Just Knowledge
While good grades are important, the skills you develop are what will truly set you apart.
Soft Skills are Crucial: Practice skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. You can do this by working on group projects, participating in debates, or even just helping a friend with a problem.
Build Your Digital Literacy: Learn how to use common software, understand social media marketing, or even try learning a basic programming language like Python. These are valuable skills no matter what you do.
Learn to Learn: The world is constantly changing. The most valuable skill you can have is the ability to quickly learn new things. Challenge yourself to learn something new on your own, whether it's a new instrument or how to fix a bicycle.
3. Talk to People
The best way to learn about different jobs is to talk to people who have them.
Interview Adults: It might sound formal, but it's really just a conversation. Talk to your parents' friends, teachers, neighbors, and relatives. Ask them about their jobs: What do they do all day? What do they love about their work? What do they find challenging? How did they get where they are?
Don't Just Talk to the "Cool" Jobs: Talk to the accountant, the electrician, the librarian, the marketing professional. You never know what might surprise you and spark an interest.
4. Get Real-World Experience
Even at 15, there are ways to get a taste of the working world.
Part-Time Jobs or Volunteering: A part-time job, even at a local restaurant or store, teaches you discipline, responsibility, and how to work with others. Volunteering shows initiative and helps you understand the inner workings of an organization.
Side Hustles: Are you good at something? Can you tutor a younger student, mow lawns, or walk dogs? Starting a small side business teaches you about responsibility and managing money.
5. Don't Worry About Making the "Wrong" Choice
This is the most important piece of advice.
Your Path Will Change: Most adults don't have the same job they thought they would when they were 15. The average person will change careers multiple times. This is not a failure; it's a normal part of life.
Everything is a Stepping Stone: The classes you take, the skills you learn, and the people you meet will all be useful in some way, even if you end up in a completely different field. The goal is to build a strong foundation of skills and experience that you can adapt to any path you choose.
By focusing on exploration, skill-building, and curiosity, you're not just preparing for a career—you're preparing for a full, interesting, and adaptable life. You've got this!
Mukta Joshi
Solution Engineer
1
Answer
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Mukta’s Answer
Hi Linda,
It's fantastic that you're already thinking about your career! Your love for drawing is a great start. At your age, it's a wonderful idea to explore different areas and discover where you want to make a difference. It took me a while to realize how important it is to act on your thoughts, so always start with a plan!
There are many exciting career paths related to drawing, such as architecture, fashion design, website design, or being a sketch artist. Keep trying new things to find what truly resonates with you. You've got this!
It's fantastic that you're already thinking about your career! Your love for drawing is a great start. At your age, it's a wonderful idea to explore different areas and discover where you want to make a difference. It took me a while to realize how important it is to act on your thoughts, so always start with a plan!
There are many exciting career paths related to drawing, such as architecture, fashion design, website design, or being a sketch artist. Keep trying new things to find what truly resonates with you. You've got this!
Evan Barnes-Wallace
Recruiting
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Evan’s Answer
Hi Linda,
You're doing an amazing job planning for your future!
Consider exploring careers that align with your love for illustration. In my experience at a VFX company, many talented artists like you were involved in creating stunning work.
Try taking your illustrations into the digital world. Adobe has plenty of tools that can help you expand your skills.
Wishing you all the best in your career journey!
You're doing an amazing job planning for your future!
Consider exploring careers that align with your love for illustration. In my experience at a VFX company, many talented artists like you were involved in creating stunning work.
Try taking your illustrations into the digital world. Adobe has plenty of tools that can help you expand your skills.
Wishing you all the best in your career journey!
Hazel Zúñiga Alvarado
Business Architect
4
Answers
Cartago, Cartago Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Hazel’s Answer
My advise is to go out there and participate! You like to draw? Go and learn about different techniques, ask your family and friends to connect you with people that work on that area and to show what a "day in the life of" looks like, and determine if that is something you would like.
What kind of drawings do you like to create? You could be a web designer or gaming designer, or become a painter... so go and try all the different options so you can orient yourself.
Good luck!
What kind of drawings do you like to create? You could be a web designer or gaming designer, or become a painter... so go and try all the different options so you can orient yourself.
Good luck!
Elena Elizondo
Fraud Prevention
4
Answers
Alajuela, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Elena’s Answer
I remember when I was 15 years old, my mind was just thinking about finishing high school; for this reason, your curiosity at your age is so valuable and your love for drawing can be the beginning of your career path. I would highly recommend taking a drawing course to learn more skills and put your personal touches on your creations. I encourage you to keep practicing and mastering your drawings skills and during that process you will be able to analyze plenty of opportunities for your dream job from a Graphic Designer to a 3D Designer. Wish you the best!
Vincent Tzeng
Business Planning
1
Answer
Taipei, Taiwan
Updated
Vincent’s Answer
Hi Linda,
If I could go back and give my 15-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be this:
Try everything.
You have at least another 5 to 7 years before your career truly begins. This is a golden window to explore widely and discover what excites you. Drawing is a fantastic start—why not also try photography, literature, pottery, or anything else that sparks your curiosity? I’d even encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and experiment with things like sports or music. The more you try, the more you’ll learn about yourself.
The truth is, many of today’s “cool” jobs—and even the not-so-cool ones—may be transformed or replaced by AI in the coming years. It’s hard to predict what careers will be in demand. But one thing is certain: knowing yourself well will help you navigate the future with confidence and purpose.
Cheers
Vincent
If I could go back and give my 15-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be this:
Try everything.
You have at least another 5 to 7 years before your career truly begins. This is a golden window to explore widely and discover what excites you. Drawing is a fantastic start—why not also try photography, literature, pottery, or anything else that sparks your curiosity? I’d even encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and experiment with things like sports or music. The more you try, the more you’ll learn about yourself.
The truth is, many of today’s “cool” jobs—and even the not-so-cool ones—may be transformed or replaced by AI in the coming years. It’s hard to predict what careers will be in demand. But one thing is certain: knowing yourself well will help you navigate the future with confidence and purpose.
Cheers
Vincent
Patricia Marques, PMP
Manager
3
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Hi Linda,
I encourage you to wholeheartedly pursue your passion for drawing. Embrace courses that enhance your distinctive skills and creativity. By harnessing your artistic talents and dedication, you'll undoubtedly carve out your own path in the world of art. Your enthusiasm and love for drawing will guide you toward fulfilling opportunities and experiences. Keep nurturing that passion!
I encourage you to wholeheartedly pursue your passion for drawing. Embrace courses that enhance your distinctive skills and creativity. By harnessing your artistic talents and dedication, you'll undoubtedly carve out your own path in the world of art. Your enthusiasm and love for drawing will guide you toward fulfilling opportunities and experiences. Keep nurturing that passion!