6 answers
Itai
Student
Oceanside, New York
2
Questions
Updated
1055 views
How do I know the potential careers to choose from based on my strengths #fall25 ?
I’m a college freshman that wants to make sure my education is targeted to a career that can leverage my strengths to be successful and make a good living.
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like taking career assessments, at a local job or employment center. This will help you determine where your greatest strengths are, whether it be in things like Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, Sports Careers and other career concentrations.
Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. 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.
Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.
Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.
I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. 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.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Itai
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Itai. You need to figure out your strengths, and think about the school subjects, hobbies, or tasks that feel easy or enjoyable for you. Maybe you're good at explaining things, solving problems, staying organized, or coming up with creative ideas. Pay attention to what teachers, friends, or family say you're good at, too. If you want more clarity, you can take free or low-cost online quizzes that help identify your strengths and personality traits.
Once you know your strengths, you can look for careers that use those skills. For example, if you like solving problems and working with numbers, you might look into engineering, computer science, or finance. If you're creative, fields like design, marketing, or writing could be a good fit. If you enjoy helping people, you might consider healthcare, teaching, or counseling. Read job descriptions online, talk to your professors, or ask professionals you know about what they do. This helps you understand what different jobs are really like and whether they match your strengths.
It's also important to think about what you want in your future. Making good money is important, but so is enjoying your work. Ask yourself: Do I want a flexible schedule? Do I want a fast-paced job or something steady and predictable? Look into fields that are growing and pay well, like technology or healthcare, but also consider what genuinely interests you. A career is more rewarding when it fits both your strengths and what you enjoy doing.
Once you know your strengths, you can look for careers that use those skills. For example, if you like solving problems and working with numbers, you might look into engineering, computer science, or finance. If you're creative, fields like design, marketing, or writing could be a good fit. If you enjoy helping people, you might consider healthcare, teaching, or counseling. Read job descriptions online, talk to your professors, or ask professionals you know about what they do. This helps you understand what different jobs are really like and whether they match your strengths.
It's also important to think about what you want in your future. Making good money is important, but so is enjoying your work. Ask yourself: Do I want a flexible schedule? Do I want a fast-paced job or something steady and predictable? Look into fields that are growing and pay well, like technology or healthcare, but also consider what genuinely interests you. A career is more rewarding when it fits both your strengths and what you enjoy doing.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Itai
You are most welcome!
Wong Loke Yuen
Marisa Cinelli
HR Manager
8
Answers
Oldsmar, Florida
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
Discovering a career that suits you can be an exciting journey. Start by looking at your main skills and traits using tools like CliftonStrengths or the MBTI. Then, explore careers that match these strengths and your interests by checking out online resources like ONET. Talking to career counselors, mentors, or professionals in fields you're interested in can give you valuable insights. Trying out internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs can also help you see what roles you enjoy. As you go through this process, think about activities you love and do well, and see how they connect to different careers. If you need help finding resources or tools, I'm here to assist you.
I appreciate your support, Marisa
Itai
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 what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg of you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Select the subjects that are relevant to the careers you have interest
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg of you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Select the subjects that are relevant to the careers you have interest
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Rebecca, thank you!
Itai
Kim Gravell
Retired Principal at Gravell Insights, LLC
157
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Itai
You have been given some excellent advice from mentors already. One additional thought for you to consider is to gain insight into your natural strengths through an assessment as a starting point. My favorite is StrengthsFinder, but there are other assessments that do a great job too. Here are the links to a couple I am familiar with:
CareerOneStop (https://www.careeronestop.org): This website provides various tools and resources to help you assess your strengths, explore occupations, find training programs, and build a career plan.
StrengthsFinder
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx
My best wishes to you for a successful journey.
You have been given some excellent advice from mentors already. One additional thought for you to consider is to gain insight into your natural strengths through an assessment as a starting point. My favorite is StrengthsFinder, but there are other assessments that do a great job too. Here are the links to a couple I am familiar with:
CareerOneStop (https://www.careeronestop.org): This website provides various tools and resources to help you assess your strengths, explore occupations, find training programs, and build a career plan.
StrengthsFinder
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx
My best wishes to you for a successful journey.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
480
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Itai. You have asked an excellent question and Wong has given you excellent advice. I would suggest re-reading his post because he has included good detail.
I would add that your college should have resources to assist you. They are usually housed in a careers center or office. These typically include advisor and tests to assist with career matching as well as internship and job opportunities. Freshman year is a good time to get to know them.
Secondly, I might suggest thinking more about what "good money" means to you since it could mean something different to different people. For example, you would need more money to live comfortably in New York City than in Omaha, Nebraska. The same goes for whether having a fancy car makes a difference to you, how you like to vacation, etc. Having a clearer definition of your income and savings goals will help you plan your career.
Wishing you good luck!
I would add that your college should have resources to assist you. They are usually housed in a careers center or office. These typically include advisor and tests to assist with career matching as well as internship and job opportunities. Freshman year is a good time to get to know them.
Secondly, I might suggest thinking more about what "good money" means to you since it could mean something different to different people. For example, you would need more money to live comfortably in New York City than in Omaha, Nebraska. The same goes for whether having a fancy car makes a difference to you, how you like to vacation, etc. Having a clearer definition of your income and savings goals will help you plan your career.
Wishing you good luck!