8 answers
Tahaa
Student
Srinagar
3
Questions
Updated
2799 views
Help me find a suitable career(based on the career assessments)?
I am planning on taking a gap year after my graduation as I don't feel passionate about the major i took in college (computer applications). I want to build a strong career (I have no idea which career i want to pursue), build skills from scratch and build child like experiences- Best words I can put it into. I literally have 0 experience on what I want to do. I am from India and I tried applying for online internships but got ignored. I will graduate in a few days and then I will be left questioning my life. I have hardly convened my parents on taking a drop cause I need to find myself. I lowkey find myself interested in - design (mostly Spatial design), business+ enterpreneurship. I have done various career assessments on Google too , here are some of the results:
* Holland code : Creating > persuading > organizing> building > helping> thinking
* MBTI - INFP-T
* Ikigai - You are a natural mix of creativity, structure, deep thinking. Your ideal path is somewhere between design, problem solving and leadership
(Did the johari window exercise)
{I don't believe in all of this but I have heard that career counsellors these days use all this data to figure out your career paths}
* learning style: Visual - INTP
* O*NET interest profiler - Realistic, Investigate, Artistic, Social , Enterprising, Conventional.
(*Need advice with both tech and non-tech careers)
* I want a job which would pay me well
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8 answers
Arush Anand
Associate Architect
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Arush’s Answer
Hi Tahaa,
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain at this stage, especially when you’re graduating into a world full of choices.
From what you’ve shared — your interest in design, business/entrepreneurship, and the fact that you’re visual, creative, and drawn to problem-solving — your strengths actually do point toward several promising career paths, both tech and non-tech.
Let’s break this into three parts: clarity, skill-building, and exploration.
1. Understanding Your Direction
From your assessments and interests, some patterns emerge:
Core strengths: creativity, structure, empathy, problem-solving.
Work style: visual, idea-oriented, prefers meaningful work.
Interest blend: design + strategy + people interaction.
Possible Career Themes (both tech & non-tech):
Design-Centric: UX/UI Design, Spatial/Interior Design, Product Design.
Business/Entrepreneurship: Product Management, Marketing Strategy, Brand Consulting.
Creative-Tech Blend: Game Design, AR/VR Experience Design, Digital Product Strategy.
Other Well-Paying Fields: Data Visualization, Digital Marketing, E-commerce Strategy.
2. Gap Year Plan to Build Skills From Scratch
Think of your gap year as a “career experiment lab” — you’ll sample different skill sets, see what you enjoy, and leave the year with portfolio-worthy work.
Phase 1 – Exploration (Months 1–3)
Try short online courses in 3–4 different areas:
UX/UI Design (Figma, Adobe XD)
Entrepreneurship basics (Lean Startup, marketing fundamentals)
Digital marketing & branding
3D/spatial design (SketchUp, Blender)
Use platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, Interaction Design Foundation.
Document your learning on LinkedIn — it helps you attract opportunities.
Phase 2 – Skill Deep Dive (Months 4–8)
Pick 1–2 areas you liked most in Phase 1 and go deeper.
Build portfolio projects:
For design: redesign an app or website, create a concept interior plan, design a game interface.
For business: create a business plan for a mock product, run a small online store, or launch a social media campaign.
Join online communities: Reddit design subs, IndieHackers, DesignShip.
Phase 3 – Real-World Exposure (Months 9–12)
Look for freelance gigs (Upwork, Fiverr, 99designs).
Volunteer for NGOs or small businesses — do branding, design, or social media work.
Apply for remote internships — even unpaid, if they give you a strong portfolio.
Network: attend design meetups, startup events in your city.
3. How to Convince Your Parents
Parents often worry about "wasted time" and financial stability.
Frame your gap year as:
“A structured 12-month career-building plan where I’ll learn marketable skills, create real projects, and prepare for a well-paying career instead of rushing into the wrong job.”
Share milestones — e.g., skills you’ll learn, certifications, and potential earnings.
4. Well-Paying Career Paths to Research
Given your mix of design + business interest:
UX/UI Designer – creative, in-demand, good pay globally.
Product Manager – blends design, tech, and business strategy.
Brand Strategist – creative + business impact.
Spatial Designer – interior/architectural experiences (could mix with VR/AR in future).
Digital Marketing Specialist – high demand, scalable into your own agency.
Entrepreneur – riskier, but combines all your strengths.
Key Mindset for This Year:
Think of yourself as a product — your goal is to increase your “market value” through skills, portfolio, and network. By the end of the year, you should be able to show concrete proof of what you can do, not just what you’ve studied.
Regards,
Arush
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain at this stage, especially when you’re graduating into a world full of choices.
From what you’ve shared — your interest in design, business/entrepreneurship, and the fact that you’re visual, creative, and drawn to problem-solving — your strengths actually do point toward several promising career paths, both tech and non-tech.
Let’s break this into three parts: clarity, skill-building, and exploration.
1. Understanding Your Direction
From your assessments and interests, some patterns emerge:
Core strengths: creativity, structure, empathy, problem-solving.
Work style: visual, idea-oriented, prefers meaningful work.
Interest blend: design + strategy + people interaction.
Possible Career Themes (both tech & non-tech):
Design-Centric: UX/UI Design, Spatial/Interior Design, Product Design.
Business/Entrepreneurship: Product Management, Marketing Strategy, Brand Consulting.
Creative-Tech Blend: Game Design, AR/VR Experience Design, Digital Product Strategy.
Other Well-Paying Fields: Data Visualization, Digital Marketing, E-commerce Strategy.
2. Gap Year Plan to Build Skills From Scratch
Think of your gap year as a “career experiment lab” — you’ll sample different skill sets, see what you enjoy, and leave the year with portfolio-worthy work.
Phase 1 – Exploration (Months 1–3)
Try short online courses in 3–4 different areas:
UX/UI Design (Figma, Adobe XD)
Entrepreneurship basics (Lean Startup, marketing fundamentals)
Digital marketing & branding
3D/spatial design (SketchUp, Blender)
Use platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, Interaction Design Foundation.
Document your learning on LinkedIn — it helps you attract opportunities.
Phase 2 – Skill Deep Dive (Months 4–8)
Pick 1–2 areas you liked most in Phase 1 and go deeper.
Build portfolio projects:
For design: redesign an app or website, create a concept interior plan, design a game interface.
For business: create a business plan for a mock product, run a small online store, or launch a social media campaign.
Join online communities: Reddit design subs, IndieHackers, DesignShip.
Phase 3 – Real-World Exposure (Months 9–12)
Look for freelance gigs (Upwork, Fiverr, 99designs).
Volunteer for NGOs or small businesses — do branding, design, or social media work.
Apply for remote internships — even unpaid, if they give you a strong portfolio.
Network: attend design meetups, startup events in your city.
3. How to Convince Your Parents
Parents often worry about "wasted time" and financial stability.
Frame your gap year as:
“A structured 12-month career-building plan where I’ll learn marketable skills, create real projects, and prepare for a well-paying career instead of rushing into the wrong job.”
Share milestones — e.g., skills you’ll learn, certifications, and potential earnings.
4. Well-Paying Career Paths to Research
Given your mix of design + business interest:
UX/UI Designer – creative, in-demand, good pay globally.
Product Manager – blends design, tech, and business strategy.
Brand Strategist – creative + business impact.
Spatial Designer – interior/architectural experiences (could mix with VR/AR in future).
Digital Marketing Specialist – high demand, scalable into your own agency.
Entrepreneur – riskier, but combines all your strengths.
Key Mindset for This Year:
Think of yourself as a product — your goal is to increase your “market value” through skills, portfolio, and network. By the end of the year, you should be able to show concrete proof of what you can do, not just what you’ve studied.
Regards,
Arush
This is pure gold 🪙, thank you so much Arush for your advice. I can't wait to put this plan in execution.
Tahaa
Welcome Tahaa !!
Arush Anand
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tahaa !
It's great that you have come here to express your concern about not having selected a career as yet. That's fine. This decision always comes to people at different times so there's nothing to worry about. I believe that advice should be student centered and that general tests to see what a person is or likes can be a weak way to figure out a career. After all, you already know yourself. I also believe that one's career is usually brought about by inspiration and can have staying power if one allows it to happen naturally through getting experiences and meeting lots of people which develops personal growth.
The first thing that I would suggest is that you begin exploring through volunteer work and any projects that you may find interesting. Do not dismiss your college degree in computer, it may come in handy for a part time job while you explore other things. If you're having no results for online work, consider e-mailing a resume and cover letter directly to companies for work in person. If your University has an on campus career center, visit them and inquire about job openings. Even though it's cool to work from home, an in person job can turn into a hybrid or work at home job, so cover all bases. In the meantime, think of things that make you happy and that you find the most fun and focus on volunteer work connected to those activities.
Most of all, relax. Do some fun things. When one is in a positive frame of mind, often times inspiration comes forth. You have already accomplished a lot with graduating college soon (you said you majored in Computer Applications) so do take a break and also test the waters for your interests. Know that you have a strong foundation skill set and your degree is valuable.
Other things about a computer job can be worth taking a job for just to have money coming in. One time I took a job for a year in a field of work that I had not one ounce of interest in - a home loan and mortgage company. It was a huge company with thousands of employees. What made me go to work every day was the people. They were great. Even the supervisors were charming. So sometimes, other things on a job can be not so bad and you'll need a paycheck in the meantime, so do all the exploring you can.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best. Whatever path you take from here, I think your heart will be in it and you'll finally discover your niche !
It's great that you have come here to express your concern about not having selected a career as yet. That's fine. This decision always comes to people at different times so there's nothing to worry about. I believe that advice should be student centered and that general tests to see what a person is or likes can be a weak way to figure out a career. After all, you already know yourself. I also believe that one's career is usually brought about by inspiration and can have staying power if one allows it to happen naturally through getting experiences and meeting lots of people which develops personal growth.
The first thing that I would suggest is that you begin exploring through volunteer work and any projects that you may find interesting. Do not dismiss your college degree in computer, it may come in handy for a part time job while you explore other things. If you're having no results for online work, consider e-mailing a resume and cover letter directly to companies for work in person. If your University has an on campus career center, visit them and inquire about job openings. Even though it's cool to work from home, an in person job can turn into a hybrid or work at home job, so cover all bases. In the meantime, think of things that make you happy and that you find the most fun and focus on volunteer work connected to those activities.
Most of all, relax. Do some fun things. When one is in a positive frame of mind, often times inspiration comes forth. You have already accomplished a lot with graduating college soon (you said you majored in Computer Applications) so do take a break and also test the waters for your interests. Know that you have a strong foundation skill set and your degree is valuable.
Other things about a computer job can be worth taking a job for just to have money coming in. One time I took a job for a year in a field of work that I had not one ounce of interest in - a home loan and mortgage company. It was a huge company with thousands of employees. What made me go to work every day was the people. They were great. Even the supervisors were charming. So sometimes, other things on a job can be not so bad and you'll need a paycheck in the meantime, so do all the exploring you can.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best. Whatever path you take from here, I think your heart will be in it and you'll finally discover your niche !
Somto Ezeaguba
Content writing
2
Answers
Enugu, Nigeria
Updated
Somto’s Answer
Hey Tahaa,
First off... breathe. I mean it. You’re standing at the edge of something that feels like a cliff, but it’s actually just the beginning of your own road. And roads… they don’t always start straight. Sometimes they’re just an open field and you have to take the first few steps to see the path appear.
Taking a gap year doesn’t mean “falling behind” — it means stepping aside from the conveyor belt everyone else is on, so you can figure out which direction you actually want to walk in. You said you want to “build child-like experiences”? That’s beautiful. Because that’s how curiosity works… it’s messy, playful, unexpected — and it’s often the best way to stumble into what you love.
Right now, you don’t know exactly what career you want. That’s not a failure… it’s a blank page. You like spatial design? Business? Entrepreneurship? You’re already holding the threads. In your gap year, you could:
Volunteer or work part-time in design-related spaces, even small local ones.
Take short online courses in both creative and business fields — see what sticks.
Start a tiny project of your own (design a small space, sell a product, create a brand concept) — you’ll learn 10x faster by doing.
Travel (even locally!) — new environments feed creativity.
And about internships ignoring you… hey, that’s normal when you’re just starting out. Don’t let that be the thing that convinces you you’re not worth it. Half of life is knocking on doors, the other half is building your own.
One more thing: your parents might not fully get it now, but they care about your stability. If you can show them you have a plan for your gap year — not just “time off” but “time invested” — they’ll be more willing to listen.
Tech or non-tech? Honestly… you have time to taste both. And in today’s world, the magic often happens where the two overlap.
So — don’t rush to “find” yourself. Build yourself. Piece by piece, day by day. And remember: the best careers aren’t picked off a list, they’re grown from the seeds you plant when you’re curious enough to try.
First off... breathe. I mean it. You’re standing at the edge of something that feels like a cliff, but it’s actually just the beginning of your own road. And roads… they don’t always start straight. Sometimes they’re just an open field and you have to take the first few steps to see the path appear.
Taking a gap year doesn’t mean “falling behind” — it means stepping aside from the conveyor belt everyone else is on, so you can figure out which direction you actually want to walk in. You said you want to “build child-like experiences”? That’s beautiful. Because that’s how curiosity works… it’s messy, playful, unexpected — and it’s often the best way to stumble into what you love.
Right now, you don’t know exactly what career you want. That’s not a failure… it’s a blank page. You like spatial design? Business? Entrepreneurship? You’re already holding the threads. In your gap year, you could:
Volunteer or work part-time in design-related spaces, even small local ones.
Take short online courses in both creative and business fields — see what sticks.
Start a tiny project of your own (design a small space, sell a product, create a brand concept) — you’ll learn 10x faster by doing.
Travel (even locally!) — new environments feed creativity.
And about internships ignoring you… hey, that’s normal when you’re just starting out. Don’t let that be the thing that convinces you you’re not worth it. Half of life is knocking on doors, the other half is building your own.
One more thing: your parents might not fully get it now, but they care about your stability. If you can show them you have a plan for your gap year — not just “time off” but “time invested” — they’ll be more willing to listen.
Tech or non-tech? Honestly… you have time to taste both. And in today’s world, the magic often happens where the two overlap.
So — don’t rush to “find” yourself. Build yourself. Piece by piece, day by day. And remember: the best careers aren’t picked off a list, they’re grown from the seeds you plant when you’re curious enough to try.
Mustapha Yusuf
I'm a writer
13
Answers
Offa, KW
Updated
Mustapha’s Answer
You’re not behind. You’re just at that weird junction after graduation where everyone expects you to have a master plan, but you’re still figuring out what actually lights you up. That’s completely normal, most people just pretend they have it figured out.
From what you’ve shared, three things stand out:
1. You’re creative (design, spatial thinking, visual learning).
2. You’re curious (you like problem-solving and want to build something of your own).
3. You want meaning + money (good pay but not soulless work).
Here’s how I’d approach your gap year so it doesn’t turn into a lost year.
1. Treat it as an exploration project, not a pause.
Give yourself permission to try different fields quickly — 2–3 months per area.
Example:
First 3 months: Learn a design tool (e.g., Figma for UX/UI or Blender for 3D spatial design). Do small projects, share them online.
Next 3 months: Try business/entrepreneurship by building a small online store or freelancing service. Even a tiny win will teach you more than theory.
Last 6 months: Combine both worlds — maybe create a portfolio that mixes design and business thinking.
2. Pick skill + proofover certificates.
Instead of piling up random courses, pick 1–2 high-value skills you can show on a portfolio or LinkedIn. For you, that could be:
UX/UI design (good pay, creative, global demand, remote-friendly)
3D visualization / spatial design (interior, architectural, game design)
Brand + business strategy (creative meets entrepreneurship)
Do free/low-cost projects for friends or hypothetical companies so you have proof of skill — that’s what employers and clients look at more than grades.
3. Stop waiting for internship approvals.
If they’re ignoring your applications, flip the script:
Make your own projects.
Post them online.
DM people showing your work, not just your resume.
4. Keep money in mind.
Creative work can pay well — but you need either:
High-value niche skills (e.g., UX /UI design + psychology of user behavior)
Or ownership (running your own service/product.
If you want a safety net, you could start with freelance design or remote creative jobs while slowly building your own business idea on the side.
5. Tell your parents this:
You’re not dropping out of life, you’re creating a structured self-designed program to explore your career fit. Show them your 12 month plan and how you’ll track progress. They’ll still worry, but they’ll see you’re serious.
💡 My guess for you is that,
You might thrive in something like UX/UI design, product design, or creative entrepreneurship,something where you design solutions, use your eye for visuals, and have the freedom to lead projects. But you won’t know for sure until you taste it, so your gap year should be about testing rather than deciding forever.
From what you’ve shared, three things stand out:
1. You’re creative (design, spatial thinking, visual learning).
2. You’re curious (you like problem-solving and want to build something of your own).
3. You want meaning + money (good pay but not soulless work).
Here’s how I’d approach your gap year so it doesn’t turn into a lost year.
1. Treat it as an exploration project, not a pause.
Give yourself permission to try different fields quickly — 2–3 months per area.
Example:
First 3 months: Learn a design tool (e.g., Figma for UX/UI or Blender for 3D spatial design). Do small projects, share them online.
Next 3 months: Try business/entrepreneurship by building a small online store or freelancing service. Even a tiny win will teach you more than theory.
Last 6 months: Combine both worlds — maybe create a portfolio that mixes design and business thinking.
2. Pick skill + proofover certificates.
Instead of piling up random courses, pick 1–2 high-value skills you can show on a portfolio or LinkedIn. For you, that could be:
UX/UI design (good pay, creative, global demand, remote-friendly)
3D visualization / spatial design (interior, architectural, game design)
Brand + business strategy (creative meets entrepreneurship)
Do free/low-cost projects for friends or hypothetical companies so you have proof of skill — that’s what employers and clients look at more than grades.
3. Stop waiting for internship approvals.
If they’re ignoring your applications, flip the script:
Make your own projects.
Post them online.
DM people showing your work, not just your resume.
4. Keep money in mind.
Creative work can pay well — but you need either:
High-value niche skills (e.g., UX /UI design + psychology of user behavior)
Or ownership (running your own service/product.
If you want a safety net, you could start with freelance design or remote creative jobs while slowly building your own business idea on the side.
5. Tell your parents this:
You’re not dropping out of life, you’re creating a structured self-designed program to explore your career fit. Show them your 12 month plan and how you’ll track progress. They’ll still worry, but they’ll see you’re serious.
💡 My guess for you is that,
You might thrive in something like UX/UI design, product design, or creative entrepreneurship,something where you design solutions, use your eye for visuals, and have the freedom to lead projects. But you won’t know for sure until you taste it, so your gap year should be about testing rather than deciding forever.
Romina Nallar Madrid
7
Answers
Updated
Romina’s Answer
I completely identify with you. I studied three majors: I started with industrial design, then I earned a degree in optometry, and at 30, I began studying dentistry. I also earned my professional dental degree and completed a diploma in orthodontics.
As you'll see, the only limitation to studying as many courses as you want is financial.
The important thing is that you always FINISH WHAT YOU START, otherwise frustration will prevent you from moving forward in life.
As you'll see, the only limitation to studying as many courses as you want is financial.
The important thing is that you always FINISH WHAT YOU START, otherwise frustration will prevent you from moving forward in life.
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
38
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
Got it — you’re basically saying:
You’re about to graduate with a degree you’re not passionate about (computer applications).
You want to take a gap year to explore, learn new skills, and rediscover curiosity ("childlike experiences").
You have some interests leaning toward design (spatial), business, and entrepreneurship.
You’ve done personality/interest tests, which point toward creative + problem-solving + leadership-oriented careers.
You want a well-paying job in the long term, tech or non-tech.
You’re starting from “zero” in terms of direction and practical experience.
Here’s how I’d approach this so your gap year doesn’t feel like “wasting time” but instead sets you up for a strong career pivot.
1. Understand What Your Gap Year Is For
Your gap year will serve three main purposes:
Career Exploration – Try out multiple paths quickly to see what excites you.
Skill Building – Gain marketable, high-demand skills (both tech and creative).
Portfolio & Network Creation – Produce work and meet people so future employers/clients take you seriously.
We’ll structure it so by the end you have both clarity and employable proof of skills.
2. Career Direction Shortlist Based on Your Profile
Given your mix of creativity, structure, and leadership potential, here are tech and non-tech high-pay potential career clusters to explore:
Area Example Roles Why It Fits You Pay Potential
UX / Spatial / Product Design UX Designer, Service Designer, Interior/Spatial Designer Uses creativity + problem solving + user empathy ₹10L+ in India (more remote/global)
Product Management Associate PM, Startup Founder, Business Analyst Leadership + creativity + strategic thinking ₹15L+ in India, $100k+ remote
Entrepreneurship / Startups Your own product, agency, or studio You like business + design Unlimited, but riskier
Data Visualization / Info Design Data Viz Designer, Info Architect Combines tech + design ₹12L+ India / $80k+ US remote
Marketing + Branding Strategy Brand Strategist, Creative Director Persuasion + creativity + business ₹8–15L+ India, high freelance rates
Creative Tech AR/VR Designer, 3D Environment Artist Spatial + tech + visual learning ₹8L+ entry in India, higher remote
3. Gap Year Roadmap
This is a 12-month skill + exploration plan broken into quarters.
Months 1–3: Exploration Sprint
Daily: 2–3 hours exploring one skill/field at a time (YouTube tutorials, free courses).
Try:
Design: Figma (UX/UI), SketchUp or Blender (spatial/3D)
Business: “Lean Startup” basics, marketing
Tech: Python basics, HTML/CSS
Deliverable: One small project per field (example: redesign an app UI, model your room in 3D, build a landing page for a fake startup).
Goal: Identify 2–3 paths that spark excitement and have income potential.
Months 4–6: Deep Dive Skill Building
Pick your top path from exploration.
Go from beginner to intermediate with a paid structured course (Coursera, Domestika, Udemy, or a mentorship bootcamp).
Join online communities for that field (Discords, LinkedIn groups, Reddit).
Start posting your learning journey on LinkedIn/Instagram → helps you get noticed for opportunities.
Months 7–9: Real-World Practice
Create portfolio projects (3–5 strong examples).
Volunteer for NGOs, student orgs, or startups (unpaid at first if necessary, but aim for tangible results).
Start applying to freelance gigs (Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, Toptal if advanced).
Months 10–12: Career Launch
Start applying for paid internships/remote jobs in your chosen field.
Network intentionally:
Reach out to 3 professionals/week on LinkedIn
Ask for short “coffee chats” to learn about their work
Keep building public presence: portfolio website + LinkedIn with your projects.
4. Resources to Start
Design & Spatial
Figma for UX/UI – Free, beginner-friendly
Blender Guru’s YouTube tutorials – For 3D
SketchUp Free – Spatial modeling
Business/Entrepreneurship
Book: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Y Combinator Startup School – Free
Tech
FreeCodeCamp.org – HTML/CSS/JavaScript
Python: “Automate the Boring Stuff” (book + online)
5. Convincing Your Parents
Frame your gap year as:
“I’m taking 12 months to systematically build real-world skills and a career portfolio so I can land a well-paying, meaningful job — rather than rushing into a role I’ll quit.”
Parents respond better to structure + clear outcomes than “finding myself” alone.
You’re about to graduate with a degree you’re not passionate about (computer applications).
You want to take a gap year to explore, learn new skills, and rediscover curiosity ("childlike experiences").
You have some interests leaning toward design (spatial), business, and entrepreneurship.
You’ve done personality/interest tests, which point toward creative + problem-solving + leadership-oriented careers.
You want a well-paying job in the long term, tech or non-tech.
You’re starting from “zero” in terms of direction and practical experience.
Here’s how I’d approach this so your gap year doesn’t feel like “wasting time” but instead sets you up for a strong career pivot.
1. Understand What Your Gap Year Is For
Your gap year will serve three main purposes:
Career Exploration – Try out multiple paths quickly to see what excites you.
Skill Building – Gain marketable, high-demand skills (both tech and creative).
Portfolio & Network Creation – Produce work and meet people so future employers/clients take you seriously.
We’ll structure it so by the end you have both clarity and employable proof of skills.
2. Career Direction Shortlist Based on Your Profile
Given your mix of creativity, structure, and leadership potential, here are tech and non-tech high-pay potential career clusters to explore:
Area Example Roles Why It Fits You Pay Potential
UX / Spatial / Product Design UX Designer, Service Designer, Interior/Spatial Designer Uses creativity + problem solving + user empathy ₹10L+ in India (more remote/global)
Product Management Associate PM, Startup Founder, Business Analyst Leadership + creativity + strategic thinking ₹15L+ in India, $100k+ remote
Entrepreneurship / Startups Your own product, agency, or studio You like business + design Unlimited, but riskier
Data Visualization / Info Design Data Viz Designer, Info Architect Combines tech + design ₹12L+ India / $80k+ US remote
Marketing + Branding Strategy Brand Strategist, Creative Director Persuasion + creativity + business ₹8–15L+ India, high freelance rates
Creative Tech AR/VR Designer, 3D Environment Artist Spatial + tech + visual learning ₹8L+ entry in India, higher remote
3. Gap Year Roadmap
This is a 12-month skill + exploration plan broken into quarters.
Months 1–3: Exploration Sprint
Daily: 2–3 hours exploring one skill/field at a time (YouTube tutorials, free courses).
Try:
Design: Figma (UX/UI), SketchUp or Blender (spatial/3D)
Business: “Lean Startup” basics, marketing
Tech: Python basics, HTML/CSS
Deliverable: One small project per field (example: redesign an app UI, model your room in 3D, build a landing page for a fake startup).
Goal: Identify 2–3 paths that spark excitement and have income potential.
Months 4–6: Deep Dive Skill Building
Pick your top path from exploration.
Go from beginner to intermediate with a paid structured course (Coursera, Domestika, Udemy, or a mentorship bootcamp).
Join online communities for that field (Discords, LinkedIn groups, Reddit).
Start posting your learning journey on LinkedIn/Instagram → helps you get noticed for opportunities.
Months 7–9: Real-World Practice
Create portfolio projects (3–5 strong examples).
Volunteer for NGOs, student orgs, or startups (unpaid at first if necessary, but aim for tangible results).
Start applying to freelance gigs (Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, Toptal if advanced).
Months 10–12: Career Launch
Start applying for paid internships/remote jobs in your chosen field.
Network intentionally:
Reach out to 3 professionals/week on LinkedIn
Ask for short “coffee chats” to learn about their work
Keep building public presence: portfolio website + LinkedIn with your projects.
4. Resources to Start
Design & Spatial
Figma for UX/UI – Free, beginner-friendly
Blender Guru’s YouTube tutorials – For 3D
SketchUp Free – Spatial modeling
Business/Entrepreneurship
Book: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Y Combinator Startup School – Free
Tech
FreeCodeCamp.org – HTML/CSS/JavaScript
Python: “Automate the Boring Stuff” (book + online)
5. Convincing Your Parents
Frame your gap year as:
“I’m taking 12 months to systematically build real-world skills and a career portfolio so I can land a well-paying, meaningful job — rather than rushing into a role I’ll quit.”
Parents respond better to structure + clear outcomes than “finding myself” alone.
Mustapha Yusuf
I'm a writer
13
Answers
Offa, KW
Updated
Mustapha’s Answer
I once felt this way too. Back then, I didn’t know my skill, my voice, or who I truly was until around 26. Everyone in life faces that confusing stage, where you’re unsure of your dream, your path, or what you’re meant to do. And I’ve learned it’s completely normal.
Children are the leaders of tomorrow, that’s why parents, even when they worry, still learn to respect our decisions once they see us becoming adults with purpose. Your parents will understand you when they see that you’re not running away from life, but instead trying to build one that feels true to you.
You see, Tahaa, your story represents millions of young people who feel lost after graduation. You’re not behind; you’re just beginning. Sometimes life makes you pause so that you can learn who you really are before running in the wrong direction.
From what you’ve shared, your interests in design, business, entrepreneurship, and your creative personality, it’s clear you’re not someone meant for a routine life. You’re a creative builder, someone who imagines possibilities and wants to make them real. The assessments you took confirm this too:
You’re imaginative, visual, thoughtful, and drawn to things that mix creativity with problem-solving and leadership. You’re the type who wants to design something meaningful, not just work for the sake of it.
That’s why taking a gap year isn’t a mistake for you it’s an opportunity.
But this year has to be more than a break; it should be your exploration year, your time to test ideas, experiment, and discover what truly excites you.
Start small. Learn by doing. Try things like:
Design and visual creation, explore tools like Figma, Blender, or SketchUp. You might discover that you love UI/UX design or spatial design.
Business and entrepreneurship, learn marketing, branding, and storytelling. You could build a small personal project or help a friend grow their idea online.
Tech for creatives, experiment with no-code tools like Webflow or Notion. You’ll be surprised how creative tech can feel when you use it to bring ideas to life.
This doesn’t have to be perfect. The goal isn’t to “find” your career immediately, it’s to build curiosity, skills, and clarity. By the time your gap year ends, you’ll not only know yourself better, you’ll have work, designs, or projects that speak for you.
If you keep exploring, some possible directions for you could include:
UI/UX or Product Design, designing how apps and products look and feel.
Brand Strategy or Marketing, telling stories that connect people with ideas.
3D or Spatial Design, bringing imagination into spaces and visuals.
Entrepreneurship or Product Management, leading your own ideas or helping others grow theirs.
All of these paths connect creativity, structure, and purpose just like your personality does.
But above all, remember this: You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. The world changes too fast for that. What matters is your willingness to keep learning, experimenting, and creating. The combination of curiosity, courage, and patience will take you further than any degree ever could.
I’ve learned that your 20s aren’t about finding one “final career.” They’re about collecting experiences that teach you who you are. Every skill you learn, every person you meet, every project you try, it all adds up.
So take this year, Tahaa, and turn it into your laboratory. Treat every idea like a small experiment. Some will fail, and that’s okay, each one will teach you something new. Share what you learn, keep your heart open, and don’t rush to compare your journey with anyone else’s.
One day you’ll look back and realize this moment, the one that feels uncertain right now, was actually where everything began. The year you stopped chasing what others expected and started becoming yourself.
So go on, explore, build, learn, and dream. You’re not lost. You’re in the process of creating your own map.
Children are the leaders of tomorrow, that’s why parents, even when they worry, still learn to respect our decisions once they see us becoming adults with purpose. Your parents will understand you when they see that you’re not running away from life, but instead trying to build one that feels true to you.
You see, Tahaa, your story represents millions of young people who feel lost after graduation. You’re not behind; you’re just beginning. Sometimes life makes you pause so that you can learn who you really are before running in the wrong direction.
From what you’ve shared, your interests in design, business, entrepreneurship, and your creative personality, it’s clear you’re not someone meant for a routine life. You’re a creative builder, someone who imagines possibilities and wants to make them real. The assessments you took confirm this too:
You’re imaginative, visual, thoughtful, and drawn to things that mix creativity with problem-solving and leadership. You’re the type who wants to design something meaningful, not just work for the sake of it.
That’s why taking a gap year isn’t a mistake for you it’s an opportunity.
But this year has to be more than a break; it should be your exploration year, your time to test ideas, experiment, and discover what truly excites you.
Start small. Learn by doing. Try things like:
Design and visual creation, explore tools like Figma, Blender, or SketchUp. You might discover that you love UI/UX design or spatial design.
Business and entrepreneurship, learn marketing, branding, and storytelling. You could build a small personal project or help a friend grow their idea online.
Tech for creatives, experiment with no-code tools like Webflow or Notion. You’ll be surprised how creative tech can feel when you use it to bring ideas to life.
This doesn’t have to be perfect. The goal isn’t to “find” your career immediately, it’s to build curiosity, skills, and clarity. By the time your gap year ends, you’ll not only know yourself better, you’ll have work, designs, or projects that speak for you.
If you keep exploring, some possible directions for you could include:
UI/UX or Product Design, designing how apps and products look and feel.
Brand Strategy or Marketing, telling stories that connect people with ideas.
3D or Spatial Design, bringing imagination into spaces and visuals.
Entrepreneurship or Product Management, leading your own ideas or helping others grow theirs.
All of these paths connect creativity, structure, and purpose just like your personality does.
But above all, remember this: You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. The world changes too fast for that. What matters is your willingness to keep learning, experimenting, and creating. The combination of curiosity, courage, and patience will take you further than any degree ever could.
I’ve learned that your 20s aren’t about finding one “final career.” They’re about collecting experiences that teach you who you are. Every skill you learn, every person you meet, every project you try, it all adds up.
So take this year, Tahaa, and turn it into your laboratory. Treat every idea like a small experiment. Some will fail, and that’s okay, each one will teach you something new. Share what you learn, keep your heart open, and don’t rush to compare your journey with anyone else’s.
One day you’ll look back and realize this moment, the one that feels uncertain right now, was actually where everything began. The year you stopped chasing what others expected and started becoming yourself.
So go on, explore, build, learn, and dream. You’re not lost. You’re in the process of creating your own map.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Tahaa!
You have done the homework to elucidate your psychological profile, which is admirable. This profile is multi-talented! Remember this impression is just a snapshot, it is at a certain point. Barely can any such evaluation elucidate the human dynamic for change - development, evolution and learning.
One snapshot vista has you as a leading architect-builder-designer, another as a sensitive career advisor- counselor. Your persuasive powers may extend to modifying customer behavior to the point of pioneering a new entrepreneurial venture! Vide Infra the Ikigai assessment and the Johari window evaluation. [Your ideal path is somewhere between design, problem solving and leadership] can indicate for your talents being in business consulting. [Rescuing unprofitable ventures.]
Sometimes such a test can be misleading because it cannot anticipate what the future holds - either in internal self-development, let alone external novel opportunities! These can be a gold-mine! Just steer your vessel in the right direction to meet with success! That can involve some intuition! Very often that involves the helping professions. You can glean appreciation from people too! That may manifest as professional favors as well.
Bear in mind that the human organism can easily modify itself, so that the profile tests are diametrically different later on! I say this in light of any evaluations that indicate negative or undesirable attributes! These changes are part of the process of adaptation to stimuli and trials. Be aware of your self-talk about your skills and how you interact with others. New skills are continuously learnt. No person is static, they learn new behaviors!
Filter out any negative conclusions you may arrive at. Do not be limited by other's judgements of you. Because you can and will change! Focus on your best attributes, like caring for people, collaborating and improving their situations. There are many professions that achieve this. One is medicine, another is nursing!
You would really benefit from positive input from an advisor or a mentor to allay any self-doubts and reassure you. Online internships are difficult to access at the best of times! Very often you have to be an established consultant with a track record to get hired! Remember when you solve problems, you set examples for a young generation!
GOD BLESS!
You have done the homework to elucidate your psychological profile, which is admirable. This profile is multi-talented! Remember this impression is just a snapshot, it is at a certain point. Barely can any such evaluation elucidate the human dynamic for change - development, evolution and learning.
One snapshot vista has you as a leading architect-builder-designer, another as a sensitive career advisor- counselor. Your persuasive powers may extend to modifying customer behavior to the point of pioneering a new entrepreneurial venture! Vide Infra the Ikigai assessment and the Johari window evaluation. [Your ideal path is somewhere between design, problem solving and leadership] can indicate for your talents being in business consulting. [Rescuing unprofitable ventures.]
Sometimes such a test can be misleading because it cannot anticipate what the future holds - either in internal self-development, let alone external novel opportunities! These can be a gold-mine! Just steer your vessel in the right direction to meet with success! That can involve some intuition! Very often that involves the helping professions. You can glean appreciation from people too! That may manifest as professional favors as well.
Bear in mind that the human organism can easily modify itself, so that the profile tests are diametrically different later on! I say this in light of any evaluations that indicate negative or undesirable attributes! These changes are part of the process of adaptation to stimuli and trials. Be aware of your self-talk about your skills and how you interact with others. New skills are continuously learnt. No person is static, they learn new behaviors!
Filter out any negative conclusions you may arrive at. Do not be limited by other's judgements of you. Because you can and will change! Focus on your best attributes, like caring for people, collaborating and improving their situations. There are many professions that achieve this. One is medicine, another is nursing!
You would really benefit from positive input from an advisor or a mentor to allay any self-doubts and reassure you. Online internships are difficult to access at the best of times! Very often you have to be an established consultant with a track record to get hired! Remember when you solve problems, you set examples for a young generation!
GOD BLESS!