4 answers
Isabel
Student
Las Vegas, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
310 views
How did you know what career path was best for you?
I keep changing my plans and I feel like I need to know now at 17, currently I want to eventually become a dentist, but even then I’m worried that maybe in the future I’ll regret it.
Login to comment
4 answers
Srinivasa Pathagunti
Dentistry
6
Answers
Abilene, Texas
Updated
Srinivasa’s Answer
I keep changing my plans and I feel like I need to know now at 17, currently I want to eventually become a dentist, but even then I’m worried that maybe in the future I’ll regret it.
Dentistry in modern world changing a lot with pace with AI improving all the all industries , Dentistry is not exempt. Considering dentistry will be definitely good , if it is your true passion towards profession. Its recommended, first identify what is your goal and objectives of the career or profession you want to be. Choose up to five mentors, they can be your parents too. Ask questions , shadow them at work if possible , write pros and cons of each. Then map them with your personality and career goals. what ever you do please be consistent and focused, you will be good. All the best for professional career.
Dentistry in modern world changing a lot with pace with AI improving all the all industries , Dentistry is not exempt. Considering dentistry will be definitely good , if it is your true passion towards profession. Its recommended, first identify what is your goal and objectives of the career or profession you want to be. Choose up to five mentors, they can be your parents too. Ask questions , shadow them at work if possible , write pros and cons of each. Then map them with your personality and career goals. what ever you do please be consistent and focused, you will be good. All the best for professional career.
Adrienne Isham, RDH
Content Writer
10
Answers
Vernon, Connecticut
Updated
Adrienne’s Answer
Hi, Isabel!
It's totally fine if you’re unsure about what you want to do at 17. I didn’t figure out my career path until later.
I always thought I’d end up in the medical field because I loved medical sciences. My dad was a lab technologist, and I enjoyed visiting his work. Seeing the different blood cells and everything else was fascinating.
After high school, I took time to explore different paths to find out what I really liked and what kind of impact I wanted to make.
I never imagined working in the dental field until I got a job as an assistant. I did that for six or seven years before deciding to go to dental hygiene school.
I guess you could say I was a late bloomer. I started dental hygiene school at 27 and finished at 30.
Some people try several careers before finding what they love, and that’s okay. Every experience teaches you something, even if it doesn’t work out.
So take your time figuring out what you really want. Best of luck to you!
It's totally fine if you’re unsure about what you want to do at 17. I didn’t figure out my career path until later.
I always thought I’d end up in the medical field because I loved medical sciences. My dad was a lab technologist, and I enjoyed visiting his work. Seeing the different blood cells and everything else was fascinating.
After high school, I took time to explore different paths to find out what I really liked and what kind of impact I wanted to make.
I never imagined working in the dental field until I got a job as an assistant. I did that for six or seven years before deciding to go to dental hygiene school.
I guess you could say I was a late bloomer. I started dental hygiene school at 27 and finished at 30.
Some people try several careers before finding what they love, and that’s okay. Every experience teaches you something, even if it doesn’t work out.
So take your time figuring out what you really want. Best of luck to you!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Isabel. When I was your age, I also felt like I needed to choose a career immediately. But over time, I realized that careers don't always have to be permanent. You can change your path if you find something new that excites you. So, while it's good to have an idea of what you want to do, you don't need to rush into a final decision.
If you're thinking about becoming a dentist, that’s a great start! It shows you're interested in healthcare and helping people, which are both important things. To make sure dentistry is right for you, try to learn more about it. You can shadow a dentist, volunteer at a dental office, or talk to people who work in the field. These experiences will give you a better idea of what the job is really like.
Also, it's helpful to ask yourself some questions. Why do you want to be a dentist? Is it because you like science, enjoy helping others, or because you think it's a stable job? Thinking about these things can help you decide if dentistry is the right career for you, or if maybe there's something else you'd enjoy even more.
Wishing you all the best.
If you're thinking about becoming a dentist, that’s a great start! It shows you're interested in healthcare and helping people, which are both important things. To make sure dentistry is right for you, try to learn more about it. You can shadow a dentist, volunteer at a dental office, or talk to people who work in the field. These experiences will give you a better idea of what the job is really like.
Also, it's helpful to ask yourself some questions. Why do you want to be a dentist? Is it because you like science, enjoy helping others, or because you think it's a stable job? Thinking about these things can help you decide if dentistry is the right career for you, or if maybe there's something else you'd enjoy even more.
Wishing you all the best.
Romina Nallar Madrid
7
Answers
Updated
Romina’s Answer
Hello Srinivasa!
I want you to know that it's normal to be unsure about your future career path at 17. Some teenagers, even younger than you, have already decided. So don't despair, because in my experience, it was incredibly frustrating to make a bad decision at 17 based on the opinions of those around me. Take your time, explore all the career options that align with your skills and interests, get hold of the course outlines (since the first few years often include courses that act as a "filter" to prevent a massive influx of graduates each year), and most importantly, remember that you're not yet an adult, so society shouldn't pressure you to make this decision (remember, this is why you don't yet have the right to vote in presidential elections, for example).
I wish you all the success in the world, and remember that fixing a mistake is much more complicated than doing things right from the start!
I want you to know that it's normal to be unsure about your future career path at 17. Some teenagers, even younger than you, have already decided. So don't despair, because in my experience, it was incredibly frustrating to make a bad decision at 17 based on the opinions of those around me. Take your time, explore all the career options that align with your skills and interests, get hold of the course outlines (since the first few years often include courses that act as a "filter" to prevent a massive influx of graduates each year), and most importantly, remember that you're not yet an adult, so society shouldn't pressure you to make this decision (remember, this is why you don't yet have the right to vote in presidential elections, for example).
I wish you all the success in the world, and remember that fixing a mistake is much more complicated than doing things right from the start!