5 answers
Angel
Student
Hammond, Indiana
1
Question
Updated
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How do I really start thinking about my future and setting goals?
I'm 17 and a high school senior. I hate being asked what my goals are and where I see myself in the future because I rarely ever think deeply about it. So, it's a real problem when I want to do something like apply for a scholarship and have to write an essay about it. Am I supposed to know exactly what I want to do?
My interests:
I'm currently going on a business career pathway, though I've never been entirely sure why. I can't figure out why I'm drawn to business.
I'm also really into making music, specifically instrumental composition and production.
I also have experience editing videos through my YouTube channel where I've made many video mashups for fun.
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5 answers
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
485
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
You ask a good question, but I encourage you to throw away that question and ask another: Why am I going to college? If the response is 'to prepare for a career', that translates quickly to 'get a job.' That doesn't excite, does it? My suggestion is to look at college as your first real opportunity to find yourself. Until now, you were in the classic 'secondary school bubble,' where all or most decisions were made for you, and you probably received encouragement from friends and family on what careers to consider. This is the time to STOP. Do take courses that interest you, topics that expand outward, not inward. This is also the place to explore your social and private interests, as the opportunity for parties, more intimate personal relationships, clubs, and activities await you. Including time for these is important, as these are your years to explore and expand your horizons.
By the time you're in your senior year, you will have identified some possibilities, but many possibilities of careers are actually combinations of a variety of topics you will have already explored. Spending some 'work' time during summer months can be a big payoff in learning what you DO NOT want to do in a career. Very few people graduate from college with a specific career goal, other than doctors, lawyers, and other professionals. For the rest of us, we enter the work force by evaluating what opportunities are available, and then packaging our knowledge to compare against the perceived work requirements.
OK, I didn't give concrete advice, nor did I intend to. College is an experience, not a road map. I wish you well; my hope is that you gleaned something from these words to help you move forward.
By the time you're in your senior year, you will have identified some possibilities, but many possibilities of careers are actually combinations of a variety of topics you will have already explored. Spending some 'work' time during summer months can be a big payoff in learning what you DO NOT want to do in a career. Very few people graduate from college with a specific career goal, other than doctors, lawyers, and other professionals. For the rest of us, we enter the work force by evaluating what opportunities are available, and then packaging our knowledge to compare against the perceived work requirements.
OK, I didn't give concrete advice, nor did I intend to. College is an experience, not a road map. I wish you well; my hope is that you gleaned something from these words to help you move forward.
Anthony Kofi Hene-Amoah
Translation, Editing, Project Management, Research and Evangelism
203
Answers
Jema, Brong Ahafo Region
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Please, note the following, about your goals for the future:-
1. Focus on your studies.
2. Consider the type or kind of courses or programs.
3. Your general interest and ability in the courses.
4. Many goals will be on the way whilst you are studying, and you will naturally choose those you have more INTEREST and ABILITY to put into practice. This comes through SCALE OF PREFERENCES. That is, choosing those you like first.
Best regards.
1. Focus on your studies.
2. Consider the type or kind of courses or programs.
3. Your general interest and ability in the courses.
4. Many goals will be on the way whilst you are studying, and you will naturally choose those you have more INTEREST and ABILITY to put into practice. This comes through SCALE OF PREFERENCES. That is, choosing those you like first.
Best regards.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Angel,
It's good to think about your future and what kind of career you would like to have so you can put in the work to prepare and go in the right direction. If you can identify a broader field of interest (and talent) that you want to pursue, you don't need to know exactly what job you want to do within that broader field though.
You said you are going into a business direction but don't know why. That deserves some more thought. Business is of course a good career choice, but what do you want to do with it? Since you also like music and video production, can you see yourself in the music/video/entertainment business? It might be worth exploring career options in the music/video/entertainment sector. Maybe that gives you some inspiration.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's good to think about your future and what kind of career you would like to have so you can put in the work to prepare and go in the right direction. If you can identify a broader field of interest (and talent) that you want to pursue, you don't need to know exactly what job you want to do within that broader field though.
You said you are going into a business direction but don't know why. That deserves some more thought. Business is of course a good career choice, but what do you want to do with it? Since you also like music and video production, can you see yourself in the music/video/entertainment business? It might be worth exploring career options in the music/video/entertainment sector. Maybe that gives you some inspiration.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2398
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about the careers related to your hobbies, interest, etc.
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in 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
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. Think about the careers related to your hobbies, interest, etc.
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you have interest in 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
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Angel. To start thinking about your future, you need to look at the things you enjoy right now. You mentioned being interested in business, music, and video editing. Instead of thinking of them as separate things, ask yourself what you like most about each. Do you enjoy the creative side of making music and videos, or are you more interested in how business works? Understanding what excites you about each area can help you figure out how they might connect in the future. For example, you could end up working in a business role within the music industry.
You don't need to know exactly what you want to do yet, but setting some small goals can help you figure things out over time. These goals don't have to be huge. You may think about what you'd like to accomplish in the next couple of years, whether it's choosing a college major, applying for internships, or even starting a side project. For example, you could aim to join a business club, start working on music production, or learn more about video editing. Small goals like these can help guide you, even if you're still figuring things out.
It might also help to get more experience in the areas you're interested in. Since you're not sure why you're drawn to business, it could be useful to try out some internships, volunteer work, or personal projects related to both business and creativity. By exploring different roles or activities, you can get a better sense of your interests and strengths. All the best.
You don't need to know exactly what you want to do yet, but setting some small goals can help you figure things out over time. These goals don't have to be huge. You may think about what you'd like to accomplish in the next couple of years, whether it's choosing a college major, applying for internships, or even starting a side project. For example, you could aim to join a business club, start working on music production, or learn more about video editing. Small goals like these can help guide you, even if you're still figuring things out.
It might also help to get more experience in the areas you're interested in. Since you're not sure why you're drawn to business, it could be useful to try out some internships, volunteer work, or personal projects related to both business and creativity. By exploring different roles or activities, you can get a better sense of your interests and strengths. All the best.