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I am interested in several fields, such as art, technology and education, but I don't know which one to choose as a career path. What should I do?
The reason I asked this question is because I'm contemplating my career path and want a clearer understanding of the options that best suit me. By asking this question, I can organize my interests, values, and goals, and gain advice or inspiration from others. It also helps me express my inner confusion, relieving me of the pressure of facing choices alone. Furthermore, this question can spark in-depth conversations, broadening my understanding of different career paths. Ultimately, I hope to find a direction that is both meaningful and something I'm passionate about.
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Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
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Paul’s Answer
There are several things that you can do in order to determine what you want in regards to a future college major or a career path.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Remember, you will have two years (until you declare a major at the beginning of your junior year in college), to make a final determination, of what you want to do. So, definitely take advantage of this time and complete your General University Requirements (during your first two years), so you can eventually progress into a major.
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like career assessments and the courses that you will be taking in your first two years. There will be a variety of things, that you will be taking. This includes Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other courses. So definitely use these classes to determine where your strongest interests are.
Next, research different majors, their course content, and potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with professors and people at the college career center, and investigating job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to start as an undecided student and change your major as you learn more about yourself and different fields.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a major or a future occupation related to that major. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar questions. I am glad to know that you have a wide range of interest. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Do you have interest to become web developer, media content creator, art teacher, web page designer, computer science teacher, etc.? You can find out more relevant 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 counselor, 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. Do you have interest to become web developer, media content creator, art teacher, web page designer, computer science teacher, etc.? You can find out more relevant 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 counselor, 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!
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Chi Cheng,
It is good that you have different interests in art, technology and education. There are many different things you can do to decide what you want to do which include assessing your skills/what you are good at, explore possible jobs in these fields, what type of schooling you would be interested in doing, trying different internships/jobs in these fields, assess your life goals/what you want to achieve and how these goals could be seen in these possible careers. I would suggest taking time, doing research and evaluating what you truly want with your career. I know that you will find something to pursue and I hope this advice will help you in your life. Best of luck to you!
It is good that you have different interests in art, technology and education. There are many different things you can do to decide what you want to do which include assessing your skills/what you are good at, explore possible jobs in these fields, what type of schooling you would be interested in doing, trying different internships/jobs in these fields, assess your life goals/what you want to achieve and how these goals could be seen in these possible careers. I would suggest taking time, doing research and evaluating what you truly want with your career. I know that you will find something to pursue and I hope this advice will help you in your life. Best of luck to you!
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Chi Cheng. It's normal to feel confused about what career to choose, especially when you have many interests like art, technology, and education. The first thing you can do is to learn more about each field. Read about jobs related to art, technology, and education. You can also watch videos or talk to people who work in these areas. Try to learn what their work is like every day, what skills they use, and what they enjoy or find hard about their jobs. This can help you see what kind of work fits you best.
Next, you need to think about your strengths and values. What are you good at? What makes you feel happy and proud? For example, if you like being creative and expressing yourself, maybe a career in art, such as design or animation, would be good for you. If you like solving problems or working with computers, a technology career might be a good match.
You can also try different experiences. Take short courses, join clubs, or volunteer in activities related to your interests. Doing these things helps you learn what you really enjoy in real life, not just in theory. Good luck.
Next, you need to think about your strengths and values. What are you good at? What makes you feel happy and proud? For example, if you like being creative and expressing yourself, maybe a career in art, such as design or animation, would be good for you. If you like solving problems or working with computers, a technology career might be a good match.
You can also try different experiences. Take short courses, join clubs, or volunteer in activities related to your interests. Doing these things helps you learn what you really enjoy in real life, not just in theory. Good luck.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Chi Cheng !
One of the best careers for your interests would be Art Education., The degree would be determined once you decide if you want to teach K through12, lower division Art at a college or upper division Art at a four year college. You would follow the education and certification guidelines as required in the state you'd like to teach in. This career is not just teaching and creating art, it could be much more. You can create and manage a gallery of your student's art. You can develop projects for the students in and outside of the school. While you do this career, you can also be an active Artist yourself, promoting your art in your town. Most likely the technology part would come in as a tool used in your student's and your art, so you would be able to use technology as well. This actually was my mother's career and it was awesome. It lends itself to constant creativity.
Another career that comes to mind would be to become a Graphic Artist and offer classes in it online. This way, you'd get to use your art talent and teach people as well. You also would become expert in all the technology out there for art. You can obtain a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Art and also obtain some professional certifications connected to the subject.
Another option would be to major in Education with a teacher focus on one of the aspects of technology and pursue a freelance Artist career at the same time. For inspiration, meet up with and join Project Artaud in your city as well as Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. Since you're in San Francisco, you can take workshops at Art and Craft Workshops at 360 Ritch St Suite 205. Look into the Sausalito Art Festival and attend it. There's also Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Community Arts Stabilization Trust (also known as CAST), ArtSpan, Drawing Room SF, Root Division for art programs and Internships, Gray Area Foundation for the Arts for digital and experimental art, technology, and creative innovation. Become familiar with and network with San Francisco Arts Commission which is the official agency in your city that supports and promotes art programs. There are more in San Francisco and you can also explore the surrounding Bay Area, too.
I refer you to those places because in order to be inspired, it helps to become active and integrate into your Artist Community. It's great for people to suggest things, but you need a real time experience around other artists as well as actively creating your own art in order to finally find your career niche. It just may be that you're not around art enough to decide on the exact career. Give it time, become active and enjoy each step of the way and inspiration for a career will surely come through.
I hope this helps to start you on your way and I wish you all the best moving forward for an awesome career !
One of the best careers for your interests would be Art Education., The degree would be determined once you decide if you want to teach K through12, lower division Art at a college or upper division Art at a four year college. You would follow the education and certification guidelines as required in the state you'd like to teach in. This career is not just teaching and creating art, it could be much more. You can create and manage a gallery of your student's art. You can develop projects for the students in and outside of the school. While you do this career, you can also be an active Artist yourself, promoting your art in your town. Most likely the technology part would come in as a tool used in your student's and your art, so you would be able to use technology as well. This actually was my mother's career and it was awesome. It lends itself to constant creativity.
Another career that comes to mind would be to become a Graphic Artist and offer classes in it online. This way, you'd get to use your art talent and teach people as well. You also would become expert in all the technology out there for art. You can obtain a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Art and also obtain some professional certifications connected to the subject.
Another option would be to major in Education with a teacher focus on one of the aspects of technology and pursue a freelance Artist career at the same time. For inspiration, meet up with and join Project Artaud in your city as well as Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. Since you're in San Francisco, you can take workshops at Art and Craft Workshops at 360 Ritch St Suite 205. Look into the Sausalito Art Festival and attend it. There's also Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Community Arts Stabilization Trust (also known as CAST), ArtSpan, Drawing Room SF, Root Division for art programs and Internships, Gray Area Foundation for the Arts for digital and experimental art, technology, and creative innovation. Become familiar with and network with San Francisco Arts Commission which is the official agency in your city that supports and promotes art programs. There are more in San Francisco and you can also explore the surrounding Bay Area, too.
I refer you to those places because in order to be inspired, it helps to become active and integrate into your Artist Community. It's great for people to suggest things, but you need a real time experience around other artists as well as actively creating your own art in order to finally find your career niche. It just may be that you're not around art enough to decide on the exact career. Give it time, become active and enjoy each step of the way and inspiration for a career will surely come through.
I hope this helps to start you on your way and I wish you all the best moving forward for an awesome career !