4 answers
Anika
Student
Milpitas, California
1
Question
Updated
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How do you go about figuring out your career?
11th grade
interested in psychology and neuroscience
hobby: art
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4 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.
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
36
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Anika,
I think figuring out your career in 11th grade is all about exploring what you enjoy and learning more about yourself. It appears you already know you like psychology, neuroscience, and art, which is a great start. These interests show that you enjoy understanding people, learning how the brain works, and expressing yourself creatively.
From my knowledge, there are quite a few careers that can connect to your interests. For example, neuropsychologists study how the brain affects behavior and help people who have brain injuries or learning problems. Art therapists use art to help people express their feelings and heal emotionally. If you like technology and design, UX/UI design lets you use psychology and art to make apps and websites easier to use. You can also explore neuroscience research, where scientists study the brain in labs, or medical illustration, where artists draw the brain and other body parts for doctors and textbooks.
Right now, the best thing you can do is try different activities to see what you enjoy most. You can take psychology classes, keep practicing art, watch videos about the brain, or join school clubs. If possible, talk to people who work in these careers or shadow them for a day. This helps you see what the job is like in real life.
Most importantly, you don’t need to pick your exact career right now. Think about what kind of daily life you want in the future—more talking to people, more science, or more creativity. As you explore, your interests will guide you.
I think figuring out your career in 11th grade is all about exploring what you enjoy and learning more about yourself. It appears you already know you like psychology, neuroscience, and art, which is a great start. These interests show that you enjoy understanding people, learning how the brain works, and expressing yourself creatively.
From my knowledge, there are quite a few careers that can connect to your interests. For example, neuropsychologists study how the brain affects behavior and help people who have brain injuries or learning problems. Art therapists use art to help people express their feelings and heal emotionally. If you like technology and design, UX/UI design lets you use psychology and art to make apps and websites easier to use. You can also explore neuroscience research, where scientists study the brain in labs, or medical illustration, where artists draw the brain and other body parts for doctors and textbooks.
Right now, the best thing you can do is try different activities to see what you enjoy most. You can take psychology classes, keep practicing art, watch videos about the brain, or join school clubs. If possible, talk to people who work in these careers or shadow them for a day. This helps you see what the job is like in real life.
Most importantly, you don’t need to pick your exact career right now. Think about what kind of daily life you want in the future—more talking to people, more science, or more creativity. As you explore, your interests will guide you.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Anika, I appreciate you reaching out to ask your question. Quite honestly many people struggle with this. One option I used with my son is to use a career assessment tool that might analyzed the things you are interested in and then show you some relevant choices for a career. For example, my son wanted to major in Art and one thing it provided was "art therapy", which I would have never guess was a profession. You can also talk to a career counselor at school. I also believe that if you find jobs that combine your passions rather than choosing one path you will enjoy it more. Just keep in mind that most companies value mixed skills.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Anika. Since you're interested in psychology and neuroscience, you're already on an exciting path. Both of these fields focus on understanding how people think, feel, and behave. Psychology studies the mind and behavior, while neuroscience looks at how the brain and nervous system work. If you enjoy learning about why people act the way they do, how the brain affects emotions, or how mental health can be improved, then exploring these subjects further could help you find a career you'll enjoy.
One way to start figuring out your path is to take classes that relate to your interests. In high school and later in college, look for courses in biology or psychology. You can also read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts about the brain and human behavior. Joining psychology clubs or science fairs can help you meet people with similar interests and give you hands-on experience. Volunteering at hospitals or research labs is another great way to learn what working in these fields is really like.
Your hobby in art can also help you in your career journey. Art can connect with psychology in ways like art therapy, where people use creative activities to express feelings and cope with challenges.
It's important to remember that it's normal if your plans change over time. Many people try different paths before they find the one that fits best.
One way to start figuring out your path is to take classes that relate to your interests. In high school and later in college, look for courses in biology or psychology. You can also read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts about the brain and human behavior. Joining psychology clubs or science fairs can help you meet people with similar interests and give you hands-on experience. Volunteering at hospitals or research labs is another great way to learn what working in these fields is really like.
Your hobby in art can also help you in your career journey. Art can connect with psychology in ways like art therapy, where people use creative activities to express feelings and cope with challenges.
It's important to remember that it's normal if your plans change over time. Many people try different paths before they find the one that fits best.