8 answers
ana
Student
Zagreb, Croatia
1
Question
Asked
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As a student, how do I know what I'm interesting in and what I want to do after college?
I'm still not sure what I want to do or what my interests are, so I want to know how can I discover these things for my future.
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8 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
835
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
This is a great time to explore and try things. I highly recommend attending after school clubs and taking electives. Attend career fares while also asking adults around you about their jobs. Volunteering for local nonprofits can also get you hands-on experience in different fields.
In my experience, the best way to find something you love is to start doing and exploring.
In my experience, the best way to find something you love is to start doing and exploring.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Ana! That is the most common question from everyone, Ana. What career suits me best? Look at your inherited characteristics from your ancestors. Look at what work they did, where their talents lay. There are many psychological tests you can do to determine what work you are suited to. It is a journey discovering what you are good at! The jobs which you are suited for will be very easy. Not only will they be easy, these jobs will be enjoyable too. They will 'come naturally'. There is a way of eating that supplies the body with the nutrients for the brain. If you adhere to this then there shall be no problems academically. SEE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Burrows T, Goldman S, Pursey K, Lim R. Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2017 Apr;30(2):117-140. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12407. Epub 2016 Sep 7. PMID: 27599886.) Make sure you get a job that suits you! You should not have to 'bend and fit' to a job. One of the most satisfying professions is teaching and training, where you help people decide what employment they are most suited to.
This was super helpful, thank you!
ana
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2436
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify related subjects
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you 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 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 criteria 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, favorite subjects, etc. and identify related subjects
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you 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 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 criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you, Rebecca for the advice.
ana
Amanda Clary
Pharmacist
6
Answers
Johnston, Iowa
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Honestly, the answer to this question is best answered by where you are AS a student right now. Because sadly, a LOT of understanding what you want to do with your life as a student, is REALLY based on experimenting, trying things, looking into things, shadowing, or just seeing if you like the course material or what the jobs are like in the first place.
Like for instance, if you are a student in college, I would recommend that if you don't know what you want to study yet, then I would recommend that you just take the general pre-reqs to anything at this point, but ask you, well, what interests you? Are you into business? Healthcare? Art? Teaching?
Because the basic foundations to ultimately finding out what you want to do in life is REALLY based on either taking jobs in those kinds of fields (ie like if you were interested into going into pharmacy, you would apply and start working as a pharmacy technician to see if that would be something that you actually wanted to realistically pursue and see if you WOULD or WOULDN'T enjoy). A lot of other jobs you can also either volunteer at or job shadow as well to see if those positions interest you as well.
In college also, a lot of trade schools especially such as law school, med school, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc, they ALL require you to take courses BEFORE they actually allow you into their "grad school" programs, which, honestly, are pretty competitive everywhere. If you were interested in any of those fields I would encourage you to take some of those courses IF you are currently IN college, to see if the material is something that interests you are not. Again, you can also take positions or job shadow to see if those jobs or careers are something you would want to pursue as a career as well.
Hopefully this answers some of your questions. If not I am happy to answer any other questions you have of me!
Like for instance, if you are a student in college, I would recommend that if you don't know what you want to study yet, then I would recommend that you just take the general pre-reqs to anything at this point, but ask you, well, what interests you? Are you into business? Healthcare? Art? Teaching?
Because the basic foundations to ultimately finding out what you want to do in life is REALLY based on either taking jobs in those kinds of fields (ie like if you were interested into going into pharmacy, you would apply and start working as a pharmacy technician to see if that would be something that you actually wanted to realistically pursue and see if you WOULD or WOULDN'T enjoy). A lot of other jobs you can also either volunteer at or job shadow as well to see if those positions interest you as well.
In college also, a lot of trade schools especially such as law school, med school, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc, they ALL require you to take courses BEFORE they actually allow you into their "grad school" programs, which, honestly, are pretty competitive everywhere. If you were interested in any of those fields I would encourage you to take some of those courses IF you are currently IN college, to see if the material is something that interests you are not. Again, you can also take positions or job shadow to see if those jobs or careers are something you would want to pursue as a career as well.
Hopefully this answers some of your questions. If not I am happy to answer any other questions you have of me!
Marianna Katorgina
23
Answers
Timonino, МО
Updated
Marianna’s Answer
Try taking as many career or personality tests as you can. They won’t give you all the answers, but they can help you start understanding what you might enjoy. If you don’t want to spend money on a professional coach, these tests are a great starting point. You could also try something like interviewing people from different fields to see what their jobs are really like.
AI can help too. You can even ask it to generate 100 self-discovery questions to reflect on your interests, values, and strengths.
And one more thing: whatever you choose now, it’s not a life sentence. You’ll change, the world will change, and it’s completely okay to try a path and later realize it’s not for you. What matters is that you keep exploring.
AI can help too. You can even ask it to generate 100 self-discovery questions to reflect on your interests, values, and strengths.
And one more thing: whatever you choose now, it’s not a life sentence. You’ll change, the world will change, and it’s completely okay to try a path and later realize it’s not for you. What matters is that you keep exploring.
Jon. Restani
Account Manager
22
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Jon.’s Answer
Hi Ana,
In college, try exploring various subjects and joining different clubs. Colleges offer many opportunities to help you discover your interests and passions, which can guide you in choosing a fulfilling career. Don't just stick to the degree program you initially chose. It's a great starting point, but be open to exploring other areas that might bring you more joy. Best of luck!
In college, try exploring various subjects and joining different clubs. Colleges offer many opportunities to help you discover your interests and passions, which can guide you in choosing a fulfilling career. Don't just stick to the degree program you initially chose. It's a great starting point, but be open to exploring other areas that might bring you more joy. Best of luck!
Autymn Harris
Culture & Community Program Manager
23
Answers
Wake Forest
Updated
Autymn’s Answer
Hi Ana :),
Please know that it is totally normal to feel unsure about what you want to do after college, especially when you’re still figuring out your interests. The best way to discover what excites you is to explore and try different things. Take a variety of classes, join clubs, or volunteer in areas that catch your attention. Talk to people who work in different fields and ask about their jobs and what they enjoy. Internships, part-time jobs, or shadowing professionals can also give you a real taste of different careers. Pay attention to what activities make you feel energized! Remember, it’s okay for your interests and goals to change over time. The important part is staying curious, open-minded, and willing to learn about yourself along the way.
Please know that it is totally normal to feel unsure about what you want to do after college, especially when you’re still figuring out your interests. The best way to discover what excites you is to explore and try different things. Take a variety of classes, join clubs, or volunteer in areas that catch your attention. Talk to people who work in different fields and ask about their jobs and what they enjoy. Internships, part-time jobs, or shadowing professionals can also give you a real taste of different careers. Pay attention to what activities make you feel energized! Remember, it’s okay for your interests and goals to change over time. The important part is staying curious, open-minded, and willing to learn about yourself along the way.
Kadar Anwar
Linux Architect
3
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Kadar’s Answer
Hi Ana,
Its great that you're asking the question ahead of time - this will save time, effort and (most importantly) money on switching majors or finding things that aren't your passion.
A great way to discover new interests is to join clubs on campus, but you might also get value from watching YouTube videos on topics that interest you. With ChatGPT so widely-available these days, you might also be able to provide a list to ChatGPT (or an AI tool of your choice) with a list of things you've done in the past, and maybe it can suggest fields that might interest you.
For instance, you might use a prompt that says you enjoyed swimming, volunteering at your local boys & girls club, taking part in youth groups in your community, etc. Based on that, it might be able to suggest related areas of interest.
Another example could be someone who is interested in building computers, programming, and security, but they aren't sure on which field to specialize in, so they might use GPT to help them get some guidance.
Good luck on your journey, and remember it might not happen overnight and sometimes things might fall right into place when you least expect it!
Its great that you're asking the question ahead of time - this will save time, effort and (most importantly) money on switching majors or finding things that aren't your passion.
A great way to discover new interests is to join clubs on campus, but you might also get value from watching YouTube videos on topics that interest you. With ChatGPT so widely-available these days, you might also be able to provide a list to ChatGPT (or an AI tool of your choice) with a list of things you've done in the past, and maybe it can suggest fields that might interest you.
For instance, you might use a prompt that says you enjoyed swimming, volunteering at your local boys & girls club, taking part in youth groups in your community, etc. Based on that, it might be able to suggest related areas of interest.
Another example could be someone who is interested in building computers, programming, and security, but they aren't sure on which field to specialize in, so they might use GPT to help them get some guidance.
Good luck on your journey, and remember it might not happen overnight and sometimes things might fall right into place when you least expect it!