8 answers
1
Question
Updated
2880 views
what type of career or type of work do you see me doing
Hi! I'm a freshmen student in college . I am trying to understand what kind of work would suit me in the future. My strongest subject in highschool was journalism , where I enjoy creating fake magazines and ads for companies like Pepsi or NYX. I'm sort of outgoing or communicative, but I don't enjoy jobs that require you to sit for a long time. In Chemistry and Algebra I notice that I enjoy take notes about anything, and I notice I can learn a bit faster than normal, even if I don't like the subject. Considering these strengths and preferences, is it normal for someone like me to work in hospital-based or analytical jobs? What kind ofcareer should I consider ? Thank you
Login to comment
8 answers
Updated
Siva’s Answer
Hi Favor,
What you are experiencing is very normal, especially as a freshman. Very few people truly know what they want to do at this stage, and your mix of interests is actually a strength, not a confusion.
From what you shared, a few signals stand out. You enjoy storytelling, creativity, and communication (journalism, magazines, ads), but you are also detail-oriented, curious, and able to learn complex material even when it is not your favorite subject. That combination opens more doors than you may realize.
Careers are not just about liking a subject, they are about "how you think and work". For example, someone with your profile could thrive in "research-oriented roles that involve people", not just sitting behind a desk. In tech, a role like "UX Researcher" blends creativity, communication, and analysis. You would talk to users, study behavior and pain points, and help shape products based on real human needs. Similar paths exist in market research, communications strategy, healthcare research, public health, journalism-adjacent roles, or product research.
The key is not choosing the “right” major immediately, but choosing one that aligns with your strengths and lets you explore.
My strongest advice: Experiment early. Try internships, volunteer work, campus organizations, or part-time roles that involve research, communication, or creative problem-solving. Real exposure will tell you far more than any course catalog ever could.
Wish you the best!
- Siva
What you are experiencing is very normal, especially as a freshman. Very few people truly know what they want to do at this stage, and your mix of interests is actually a strength, not a confusion.
From what you shared, a few signals stand out. You enjoy storytelling, creativity, and communication (journalism, magazines, ads), but you are also detail-oriented, curious, and able to learn complex material even when it is not your favorite subject. That combination opens more doors than you may realize.
Careers are not just about liking a subject, they are about "how you think and work". For example, someone with your profile could thrive in "research-oriented roles that involve people", not just sitting behind a desk. In tech, a role like "UX Researcher" blends creativity, communication, and analysis. You would talk to users, study behavior and pain points, and help shape products based on real human needs. Similar paths exist in market research, communications strategy, healthcare research, public health, journalism-adjacent roles, or product research.
The key is not choosing the “right” major immediately, but choosing one that aligns with your strengths and lets you explore.
My strongest advice: Experiment early. Try internships, volunteer work, campus organizations, or part-time roles that involve research, communication, or creative problem-solving. Real exposure will tell you far more than any course catalog ever could.
Wish you the best!
- Siva
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1061
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Finding the right career requires deep self-reflection, and to basically identify activities you would do even if you weren't paid for them.
I strongly advocate for a philosophy where passion and genuine interest drive career choices, suggesting that when you love your work, high performance and eventual compensation will naturally follow.
The following are some suggestions, which include:
Find Your "Internal Drive" by asking yourself: "What do I love to do so much that I would do it anyway, even without pay?".
Maintain a Learning Mindset: I believe that it is a current life element to never feel "stuck" in a choice. A mindset of continuous learning and the willingness to pivot if you discover something more engaging is necessary for success
Conduct Thorough Research: Students should utilize college career centers, conduct informational interviews with professionals, and seek practical experience through internships or volunteering before fully committing to a path.
Evaluate Daily Satisfaction: Rather than just focusing on long-term goals, reflect on whether a typical workday brings joy and energy or feels like just "reaching expected milestones".
The "First-In, Last-Out" Rule: I would define a perfect job as one where you are excited enough to be the first in the office every morning and the last to leave in the evening.
I strongly advocate for a philosophy where passion and genuine interest drive career choices, suggesting that when you love your work, high performance and eventual compensation will naturally follow.
The following are some suggestions, which include:
Find Your "Internal Drive" by asking yourself: "What do I love to do so much that I would do it anyway, even without pay?".
Maintain a Learning Mindset: I believe that it is a current life element to never feel "stuck" in a choice. A mindset of continuous learning and the willingness to pivot if you discover something more engaging is necessary for success
Conduct Thorough Research: Students should utilize college career centers, conduct informational interviews with professionals, and seek practical experience through internships or volunteering before fully committing to a path.
Evaluate Daily Satisfaction: Rather than just focusing on long-term goals, reflect on whether a typical workday brings joy and energy or feels like just "reaching expected milestones".
The "First-In, Last-Out" Rule: I would define a perfect job as one where you are excited enough to be the first in the office every morning and the last to leave in the evening.
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
45
Answers
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Favour -- one profession that occurs to me is Project Management. This is a very broad profession present in many industries and businesses. There is an association which focuses on the craft of project management and is membered by professional project managers. It is the Project Management Institute (www.pmi.org).
You may want to investigate this profession.
You may want to investigate this profession.
Thank you!
Favour
Updated
Ekta’s Answer
Have you considered working at an ad agency or becoming a content creator? You could try getting an internship with companies like EP+CO.
I've never really considered it that much as a kid. Thanks!
Favour
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Thanks for sharing a bit about your strengths and interests—it really helps to get a clearer picture. Since you enjoy journalism, creating ads, and are outgoing and communicative, careers that involve creativity, communication, and interaction with others could be a great fit. Your ability to learn quickly and take detailed notes is also a strong skill that can serve you well in many fields.
Regarding hospital-based or analytical jobs, it’s definitely possible for someone with your skills to work in those areas, but they often involve a lot of sitting and focused work, which you mentioned you might not enjoy. You might want to explore careers that blend your communication talents with some movement or variety—perhaps roles in healthcare communications, medical marketing, public relations for healthcare companies, or even health education and outreach. These positions allow you to use your creativity and people skills without being tied to a desk all day. Alternatively, fields like event planning, media production, or sales could also harness your outgoing nature and creativity.
It’s totally normal to feel uncertain, and exploring internships or informational interviews in different areas can help you discover what feels right. Keep paying attention to what excites you, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
Best of luck as you continue to explore!
Regarding hospital-based or analytical jobs, it’s definitely possible for someone with your skills to work in those areas, but they often involve a lot of sitting and focused work, which you mentioned you might not enjoy. You might want to explore careers that blend your communication talents with some movement or variety—perhaps roles in healthcare communications, medical marketing, public relations for healthcare companies, or even health education and outreach. These positions allow you to use your creativity and people skills without being tied to a desk all day. Alternatively, fields like event planning, media production, or sales could also harness your outgoing nature and creativity.
It’s totally normal to feel uncertain, and exploring internships or informational interviews in different areas can help you discover what feels right. Keep paying attention to what excites you, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
Best of luck as you continue to explore!
thank you! I plan to get an internship in the summer
Favour
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It's totally normal to feel a bit of a tug-of-war between your creative side and your knack for quick learning in technical subjects, and honestly, that combination is a bit of a superpower. Since you love the storytelling and design aspect of journalism but also have a sharp mind for taking notes and grasping complex things quickly, you'd actually be a fantastic fit for roles that bridge the gap between communication and science. While you've wondered about hospital-based or analytical jobs, you might find that traditional lab work feels too stationary for you, so you could look into being a medical science liaison or a pharmaceutical marketing specialist where you're constantly on the move, meeting people, and using those design skills to explain complicated data. You might also really enjoy a career in public relations for healthcare brands or even working as a forensic interviewer where your note-taking speed and outgoing personality would be huge assets. The fact that you can pick up subjects you don't even like suggests you've got the discipline for high-level analytical work, but your heart seems to beat for creating and connecting, so don't feel like you have to choose just one path when you can blend them together. You're clearly a talented and versatile student with so much to offer, and I'm excited to see which path you decide to forge. You've got a bright future ahead of you and the skills to make it whatever you want, and I wish you the very best of luck.
Thanks for the advice.
Favour
Updated
Heather’s Answer
From what you shared, it’s clear that you’re creative and communicative, you enjoy storytelling and visual ideas through journalism and advertising, and you’re comfortable learning technical material even when it’s not your favorite subject. At the same time, you prefer variety, interaction, and movement over sitting for long periods of time. That combination is not only normal, it’s valuable.
Being good at chemistry or algebra doesn’t mean you’re expected to pursue a hospital‑based or highly analytical career. Many people can learn technical subjects quickly without wanting to build a career around them. In fact, a lot of careers need people who can understand technical information and then communicate it clearly to others. Your ability to take good notes, learn quickly, and explain ideas is a strength that translates across many fields.
If you’re open to exploring U.S. Navy options, there are several paths that could align well with what you enjoy. One strong fit could be a Mass Communication Specialist role, which directly connects to your interest in journalism and creative work. This type of role involves writing stories, creating content, interviewing people, and helping tell real‑world stories about missions and people. It’s hands‑on, communicative, and not a desk‑only job. Another option, especially if you’re interested in leadership down the road, is public affairs or strategic communications, where the focus is on shaping messaging, briefing leaders, and translating complex topics into clear, engaging communication.
There are also Navy intelligence or information roles that emphasize briefings, collaboration, and explaining insights rather than sitting alone doing analysis all day. Even in healthcare settings, there are non‑clinical roles that focus on coordination, communication, and operations rather than lab work or heavy data analysis. Someone like you can absolutely work in healthcare or analytical environments without being locked into purely technical or sedentary roles.
The most important thing to know is that you don’t need everything figured out right now. You already understand a lot about how you work best: you learn quickly, you like people and communication, you enjoy creativity, and you want variety in your day. Those traits are well‑suited for careers in communications, leadership, media, operations, and service‑oriented roles. You’re asking the right questions at the right time, and that’s a great place to be. Best of Luck!
Being good at chemistry or algebra doesn’t mean you’re expected to pursue a hospital‑based or highly analytical career. Many people can learn technical subjects quickly without wanting to build a career around them. In fact, a lot of careers need people who can understand technical information and then communicate it clearly to others. Your ability to take good notes, learn quickly, and explain ideas is a strength that translates across many fields.
If you’re open to exploring U.S. Navy options, there are several paths that could align well with what you enjoy. One strong fit could be a Mass Communication Specialist role, which directly connects to your interest in journalism and creative work. This type of role involves writing stories, creating content, interviewing people, and helping tell real‑world stories about missions and people. It’s hands‑on, communicative, and not a desk‑only job. Another option, especially if you’re interested in leadership down the road, is public affairs or strategic communications, where the focus is on shaping messaging, briefing leaders, and translating complex topics into clear, engaging communication.
There are also Navy intelligence or information roles that emphasize briefings, collaboration, and explaining insights rather than sitting alone doing analysis all day. Even in healthcare settings, there are non‑clinical roles that focus on coordination, communication, and operations rather than lab work or heavy data analysis. Someone like you can absolutely work in healthcare or analytical environments without being locked into purely technical or sedentary roles.
The most important thing to know is that you don’t need everything figured out right now. You already understand a lot about how you work best: you learn quickly, you like people and communication, you enjoy creativity, and you want variety in your day. Those traits are well‑suited for careers in communications, leadership, media, operations, and service‑oriented roles. You’re asking the right questions at the right time, and that’s a great place to be. Best of Luck!
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Hi Favour! It seems like you enjoy being creative so I would encourage you to think of that list of things that make you happy / sparks joy.
An idea I have for you - maybe consider doing work around client experience or communications. This may give you a chance to leverage your creativity, writing skills and strength in understanding from capturing notes. With client experience it starts with understanding what a client needs / wants to create an experience then coming up with creative solutions, or co-designing through a workshop approach - allowing you to be on your feet and not just at a desk :).
Best of luck!
Julie
An idea I have for you - maybe consider doing work around client experience or communications. This may give you a chance to leverage your creativity, writing skills and strength in understanding from capturing notes. With client experience it starts with understanding what a client needs / wants to create an experience then coming up with creative solutions, or co-designing through a workshop approach - allowing you to be on your feet and not just at a desk :).
Best of luck!
Julie