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I need help for my future?

I am in 7th grade, and I am trying to find what I want to do for my future job but I am unsure because there are many options! I like technology, designing things, and I also like building things kind of like engineering are there any things that could let me do all of those and that would also help me get into a good school?

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Thank you comment icon Hi Betty !You’ve made your interest in Science and Technology very clear, which is great! Since you’re in 7th grade, I recommend focusing on strengthening your foundation in Mathematics and Science. In particular, try to advance as much as possible in Mathematics — a strong math background will make your profile stand out when applying to top colleges for Technology or Engineering programs. For co-curricular activities, you could explore opportunities such as Mathematics Olympiads, Robotics projects, or introductory AI projects. These experiences will not only deepen your knowledge but also help you apply what you learn in creative and practical ways. Indrani Mandal
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Wong’s Answer

Hi Betty, your interests in technology, design, and building things can actually work very well together. One career area that might be a good fit is engineering. There are many kinds of engineers like mechanical, electrical, software, and civil engineers, and they often use technology, design, and building skills. For example, mechanical engineers design machines and devices. Software engineers build apps and programs using technology and creativity. Architects also combine design and building, especially when creating homes, schools, or offices.

Another great option might be robotics. In robotics, you get to use technology, design how things look and work, and build machines that can move and do tasks. It's a fun field that’s growing quickly and is used in many industries.

To prepare now, focus on doing well in school, especially in math, science, and computer classes. Try joining clubs like robotics, coding, or STEM. At home, you can also explore free websites that teach programming or allow you to design simple projects.

Remember, you don't have to figure everything out right now. It's ok to explore and change your mind. The important thing is to stay curious, keep learning, and try new things. All the best!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Wong! Sienna
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Wong Betty
Thank you comment icon You are welcome! Wong Loke Yuen
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Steve’s Answer

Great question Betty and I love Wong's and Brian's answers. I want to give you a little different perspective. My suggestions are more about you exploring who you are and what your passion is rather than trying to nail everything down. Our job market, education and pretty much everything in life is changing very fast. Looking at very broad subjects like robotics, programming or anything is great as you can explore who you are, what really makes you excited and happy and what things you may want to pursue but be careful not to get so focused on one thing that you do not explore. With Technology and design together marrying the science with the creative you can go in many different directions, robotics, programming, architecture, CAD, fabrication, etc. You are in 7th grade and if you just look at a 4 year college it means it will be 10 years before you graduate the job market, technology and everything will have changed by them. If you asked this question in 2015 would anyone been have been able to tell you what AI, 5G Networks, IoT, Cloud Computing and many other changes have changed the landscape and what jobs are out there.

What I am trying to tell you is don't be so worried that you need to figure it all out right now instead take the time to explore, create, investigate who you are and what flips the switch and try to keep that exploration inside of you driving you to explore. The most successful people I know in my field (and most fields) don't define themselves by what they do or the skills they have but look more general: not I am a programmer or a systems architect btu I am a technologist, not I am an architect or a graphic designer but I am and artist or creative soul. When you define who you are but what you love and what makes you happy and you work hard (which often does not feel like work) and whatever you do provide value with the output you will be surprised how many doors open up.

Good Luck to whatever paths you choose and I look forward to all you will accomplish!!!
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Cory’s Answer

You really should reads Steve answer again with your parents or trusted adult.

I have a 12 year old and 16 year old. If my 12 year old asked me this question I would tell them to go eat some popcorn and watch a movie. If they asked again I would want to k ow why they are concerned about something 5-10 years down the road.

I admire your sense of preparedness and readiness but working so hard so soon to be something now rather than later means you are cheating yourself experiences that will balance your perspective.

If you understand the previous paragraph then maybe discussing which clubs and chat rooms would be good to spur your interest. If you don’t understand than give yourself time to grow some more.

Here is a good question for you to try to answer that should help you along the way:

Why do buildings stand up?
Why do robots function?
How does electricity work?
Can I program an AI program?

If you want to be really good at something I agree to start early but you have to also start small…crawl, walk, run…. Find a question you want to answer and then answer again cause the answer is always changing with age and experience.


Good Luck
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Betty
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Emily’s Answer

Hey Betty!

You mentioned wanting to get into a good school. Firstly, I want to say don't fret about school choice. While it can be impactful, there are many different paths to get to a certain position in life. You can still achieve your long-term goals even if you don't get into your dream school and it doesn't mean that you aren't smart of hard-working. I for one did not get into Stanford haha.

I think the best school for you is the one that is the least financial burden. You will have much more choice in life if you are not burdened with debt, so while it is AWESOME you are thinking about your career now, I would say also look at scholarships, particularly niche ones that may be unclaimed (e.g. piccolo scholarships). For example, not needing to worry about working over the summer in order to pay for school opens you up to unpaid internships that could provide valuable information.

At the end of the day though, college is what YOU make of it and the people and opportunities you seize on the way. You can excel just as much at a community college as Harvard if you play it right. Also keep in mind being a big fish in a small pond can sometime be more beneficial than being a small fish in a big pond because you have less competition for the same opportunities.

Hope this helps!
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Rami’s Answer

Hi Betty,

I'm really proud of you for thinking about your future career early on. It's completely normal not to have everything figured out yet. My advice is to start by learning what different careers are really like. For instance, if you're interested in mechanical engineering, you might think it's all about fixing cars. While that's true for some, many engineers do very different things.

To explore your interests, try talking to family or trusted friends who work in fields you're curious about. If it's safe and possible, see if you can visit their workplace to get a real feel for the job.

Hope this helps!
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Taylen’s Answer

Hi Betty, seventh grade is a bit early to know exactly what you want to do in life, but it's great to start thinking about it. First, figure out what activities you enjoy the most and don't find boring or tiring. Then, ask yourself if you could see yourself doing that activity for a long time. If the answer is "yes," spend more time learning about it. As you become more skilled, it could turn into your future career.
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Goodera’s Answer

Hi Betty!

It's fantastic that you love building things! The world truly benefits from people who create helpful and meaningful technology. Advances in AI are making it easier for many to follow their dreams by breaking down barriers.

Aspiring to get into a good school is wonderful, but remember, you can succeed even if you don't attend a top institution. Many schools offer similar courses, and there are plenty of resources for self-learning, like certifications and online tutorials.

The key is to find what truly inspires you and go after it! Helping others is a rewarding way to contribute to the world, and we need more people like you.

Keep going, Betty!
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Goodera’s Answer

Hi Betty, think about exploring a career in the mainframe environment. It's a field with a strong future. Mainframes handle billions of dollars daily, supporting banks, airlines, credit card companies, and many other businesses. As a Senior Software Engineer, I write code, fix bugs, and help customers with their questions. I truly enjoy my work, and I encourage you to consider a career in the mainframe world too.
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Brian’s Answer

Hi Betty,

I recommend looking for Robotics classes in your area. Also depending on what highschool you go to, they may have a robotics club.
If you ever have the opportunity to take woodshop/metal shop classes, I strongly recommend you do so. Designing things and making things go hand in hand, so as you learn how stuff is made, you'll start to get an idea of some of the design limitations.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck.
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Howard’s Answer

Yes, Betty, you do have many choices. The good thing is that you have time to make your decision. Ask yourself questions like: What do I enjoy doing? What makes me happy? What am I good at? Can I make money or get a job doing what I like? As you answer these questions, a path should start forming. Then you need to see what schools, companies, and training you need to follow that path. Stay focused on what you like, what you are good at, and what makes you happy when you do it. I hope this helps you. Good luck.
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William’s Answer

Hi Betty,
Great opportunities await you in the field of engineering. All the things you are interested in fit into it. Your curiosity is a great strength. Your interest, too, puts you in great position to pursue a career in engineering. The profession has many branches: civil, mechanical, electrical, biomedical, aerospace, software, robotics, AI etc. You need to explore, at this stage, what you might be truly interested in.
Loving what you do remains an important consideration in choosing a career. Our world is full of challenges. Engineering thrives on providing solutions to some of these challenges. Your contribution to making our world a better place to live in will indeed be a noble cause. I'm confident that you have the potential to rise to the occasion.
Best regards.
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Don’s Answer

Hello Betty,

It is good that you have so many different interests. There are many different jobs that either include all three or jobs that you can be successful in each with each career path. Here are some examples that include all three. Best of luck to you on your journey!

List:
Project Engineer/Construction Project Engineer
Design-Build Project Manager
Civil Engineer
Construction Engineering Technologist
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Rahil’s Answer

Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

- Join a STEM or robotics club at school to learn and have fun.
- Try out 3D printing, coding, or design projects; many resources are free online.
- Check out YouTube channels like "Mark Rober" or "Engineering Explained" for cool ideas.
- Focus on doing well in math and science, and don't forget to explore your creative side with art or design projects.
- When you reach high school, consider taking classes like engineering design, computer science, or CAD if they are available.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Betty
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in engineering and designing.
Below are my suggestions :
1. There are many careers related to design and engineering careers, e.g. Web Designer, Automobile Designer, Architect, Product Designer, Aerospace Engineer, Robotics Engineer, etc. You can find out more related careers online.
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!
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Shabana’s Answer

Hi Betty,

That’s a great question according to grade 7! Since you enjoy technology, designing, and building things, engineering is a wonderful field to explore. There are many types of engineering you could look into in the future, such as:

Mechanical Engineering – where you design and build machines.

Computer Science & Software Engineering – where you learn coding and create apps, games, and even AI.

Biomedical/Medical Engineering – where you design medical devices and technology to help people.

Robotics – where coding and engineering come together to build robots.

Since you’re in 7th grade, a good starting point would be to explore robotics kits, coding (like Scratch or Python), and simple design projects. These will give you a taste of different areas while keeping it fun.

The good thing is, you don’t need to decide your exact career right now—you can just explore your interests, and later you can choose engineering, design, or technology fields that match what you enjoy most. All the best. My daughter is pursuing medical engeneering and that's an interesting one.

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