3 answers
Braelyn
Student
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
1
Question
Updated
453 views
How do I find out exactly what I want to do?
I know what I'm good at and what I enjoy, and I have a broad idea of what I could do. I just don't know where to go from there. (Coming from a current College Freshman)
Login to comment
3 answers
Shannon Zulauf
Risk & Independence
67
Answers
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Hi Braelyn,
It's totally normal to feel unsure about what you want to do right now. Many people are in the same boat, even if it seems like they have it all figured out. Knowing your strengths and what you enjoy is a great start—you’re doing better than you might think.
Instead of trying to find the perfect answer, start exploring different options. Careers often become clearer with experience. Try taking classes that challenge you, join clubs or projects that match your interests, and talk to people working in jobs you find interesting. Ask them about their daily work, any surprises they faced, and what they wish they had known earlier.
Remember, it's okay to change your path. As you grow, your interests and strengths will change too. In my career, I've tried different paths and learned from each one, which helped me make better choices later. No experience is wasted; it all adds to your skills and understanding.
Instead of asking, "What do I want to do forever?" try asking:
What do I want to learn next?
What problems do I enjoy solving?
What kind of place helps me do my best work?
These questions can guide you better than focusing on one job title.
Also, look for mentors—not to give you all the answers, but to help you think through your options. Good mentors ask helpful questions, share their stories, and show you new possibilities.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Keep learning, exploring, and staying curious. Understanding comes from trying things, not from being perfect.
It's totally normal to feel unsure about what you want to do right now. Many people are in the same boat, even if it seems like they have it all figured out. Knowing your strengths and what you enjoy is a great start—you’re doing better than you might think.
Instead of trying to find the perfect answer, start exploring different options. Careers often become clearer with experience. Try taking classes that challenge you, join clubs or projects that match your interests, and talk to people working in jobs you find interesting. Ask them about their daily work, any surprises they faced, and what they wish they had known earlier.
Remember, it's okay to change your path. As you grow, your interests and strengths will change too. In my career, I've tried different paths and learned from each one, which helped me make better choices later. No experience is wasted; it all adds to your skills and understanding.
Instead of asking, "What do I want to do forever?" try asking:
What do I want to learn next?
What problems do I enjoy solving?
What kind of place helps me do my best work?
These questions can guide you better than focusing on one job title.
Also, look for mentors—not to give you all the answers, but to help you think through your options. Good mentors ask helpful questions, share their stories, and show you new possibilities.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Keep learning, exploring, and staying curious. Understanding comes from trying things, not from being perfect.
J D
Managed Investment Operations Sr specialist
15
Answers
Arlington, Texas
Updated
J’s Answer
Start with networking. If you have an idea of the field you want to pursue, look for those studying or practicing in that discipline. At best they will become friends and business resources in the future, at worst you find out from those who are doing what you consider, that it may not be what you want
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
650
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Choosing a path takes time, and you learn the most by exploring different options, not by having everything decided right away.
A good first step is to think about what makes you feel excited or confident. You can ask yourself: What school subjects do I enjoy? What kinds of tasks or activities feel natural to me? Do I like working with people, solving problems, being creative, organizing things, or working with numbers? Writing these ideas down can help you see patterns. Most colleges also offer simple career or personality tests through the career center. These tests won't tell you your perfect job, but they can help point you in the right direction.
Once you have a few ideas, try to get real-world experience. You can go to campus workshops, join a club related to your interests, or attend career events where employers talk about what they do. You can also try shadowing someone at their job for a day. These experiences help you understand what different careers are actually like. Sometimes they confirm you're on the right path, and sometimes they show you that something isn't your style. Both are helpful.
A good first step is to think about what makes you feel excited or confident. You can ask yourself: What school subjects do I enjoy? What kinds of tasks or activities feel natural to me? Do I like working with people, solving problems, being creative, organizing things, or working with numbers? Writing these ideas down can help you see patterns. Most colleges also offer simple career or personality tests through the career center. These tests won't tell you your perfect job, but they can help point you in the right direction.
Once you have a few ideas, try to get real-world experience. You can go to campus workshops, join a club related to your interests, or attend career events where employers talk about what they do. You can also try shadowing someone at their job for a day. These experiences help you understand what different careers are actually like. Sometimes they confirm you're on the right path, and sometimes they show you that something isn't your style. Both are helpful.