5 answers
Sharlene
Student
Milpitas, California
1
Question
Asked
428 views
How do people figure out what career they want after college? And is it ever too late to decide what you want to do?
11th Grade
interested in pediatrics
Hobby: listening to music
Login to comment
5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There are several things that you can do in order to determine what you want in regards to a future major or 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.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Sharlene. Since you're already interested in pediatrics, that's a great starting point. Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on taking care of children and helping them stay healthy. If you like science, enjoy being around kids, and want to help people, this could be a good fit for you. You can start exploring this career by talking to pediatricians, volunteering at hospitals, or joining health-related clubs at school. These experiences can help you understand what the job is like and if it matches what you enjoy.
When you get to college, you'll have even more chances to explore different subjects. You might take classes in biology, psychology, or child development to see what interests you the most. College is a time to try new things, meet people from different backgrounds, and discover your strengths. Many students change their major or career ideas along the way, and that's totally normal. What matters is finding something that makes you feel motivated to learn.
It's also important to know that it's never too late to change your mind. Some people don't figure out their dream job until years after college, and that's ok. Life is about learning who you are and what makes you happy.
When you get to college, you'll have even more chances to explore different subjects. You might take classes in biology, psychology, or child development to see what interests you the most. College is a time to try new things, meet people from different backgrounds, and discover your strengths. Many students change their major or career ideas along the way, and that's totally normal. What matters is finding something that makes you feel motivated to learn.
It's also important to know that it's never too late to change your mind. Some people don't figure out their dream job until years after college, and that's ok. Life is about learning who you are and what makes you happy.
Misha D'Andrea
Learning + Development
55
Answers
New York, NY
Updated
Misha’s Answer
It’s never too late to decide the direction of your career. A helpful first step is to identify what you don’t want—sometimes that’s easier and provides more clarity than trying to immediately define what you do want.
As you grow and gain experience, your interests and goals will naturally evolve. This is completely normal, especially early in your career. Once you discover an area that interests you, take initiative and pursue it proactively.
Suggested Next Steps:
- Deepen Your Knowledge: Do everything you can to thoroughly learn about that topic.
- Strategic Networking: Actively network with those already working in the field using platforms like LinkedIn and similar professional avenues. To broaden your understanding of the professional world and discover unexpected possibilities, try to reach out to people who have unique or "foreign-sounding" job titles. Request an informational chat to hear about what they genuinely do on a day-to-day basis and how they navigated their way into that specific role. This can provide invaluable, real-world insight.
Answer on behalf of Cloudera new hires: Megan, Andrey, Gopi, and Joe
As you grow and gain experience, your interests and goals will naturally evolve. This is completely normal, especially early in your career. Once you discover an area that interests you, take initiative and pursue it proactively.
Suggested Next Steps:
- Deepen Your Knowledge: Do everything you can to thoroughly learn about that topic.
- Strategic Networking: Actively network with those already working in the field using platforms like LinkedIn and similar professional avenues. To broaden your understanding of the professional world and discover unexpected possibilities, try to reach out to people who have unique or "foreign-sounding" job titles. Request an informational chat to hear about what they genuinely do on a day-to-day basis and how they navigated their way into that specific role. This can provide invaluable, real-world insight.
Answer on behalf of Cloudera new hires: Megan, Andrey, Gopi, and Joe
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
36
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
People figure out what career they want after college in many different ways. Some people try different classes, internships, or part-time jobs to see what they enjoy. Others talk to teachers, career counselors, or adults who work in jobs they find interesting. Many people also pay attention to what they are naturally good at and what makes them feel excited or proud. It’s kind of like exploring—testing things out until something feels right.
It’s never too late to decide what you want to do. A lot of adults change careers even after working for many years. People grow, learn new things, and discover new interests all the time. Since you’re in 11th grade and interested in pediatrics, you already have a great starting point. Your hobby of listening to music can also help you relax and think clearly about your future. There is no rush! Choosing a career is a journey, and you can make decisions at your own pace.
It’s never too late to decide what you want to do. A lot of adults change careers even after working for many years. People grow, learn new things, and discover new interests all the time. Since you’re in 11th grade and interested in pediatrics, you already have a great starting point. Your hobby of listening to music can also help you relax and think clearly about your future. There is no rush! Choosing a career is a journey, and you can make decisions at your own pace.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest. You can then look for the subjects that are relevant to the career you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers.
E.g. If you have interest in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you like 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 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. You can then focus on the relevant subjects of the careers.
5. Explore the entry criteria of the 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 the related careers.
E.g. If you have interest in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you like 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 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. You can then focus on the relevant subjects of the careers.
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subjects in colleges.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!