14 answers
Brayden
Student
1
Question
Asked
985 views
How do you figure out what career you want to pursue in life?
I'm and advanced student and am on path to learn calculus when I'm a junior in highschool, I accel in all other courses I think hospitals are amazing and I once thought of becoming a psychiatrist as a long term goal. Recently I've looked into logistics as well and found it interesting, but I've been getting questions in school for my future career plan, and when I think I just get lost and don't know what what to put down. When I try to picture how people with great jobs got where they are I find myself in doubt that I would be able to accomplish something similar and what position it would be towards. How do you do it?
Login to comment
14 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1058
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
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.
Joseph Aseo
Freeelance Technical Writer
36
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Lao-Tzu, a wise Chinese philosopher, said that a long journey starts with a single step. In the same way, building a career is about making choices that lead to new opportunities. Each choice is shaped by your past and experiences. So, don't hesitate to take that first step toward your career and see where it leads. You might find new paths that you never thought were possible.
In my 45-year career, I started as a magazine editor, which was my dream job after college. However, the constant travel and tight deadlines led me to become a technical writer. I worked in 17 different roles, each lasting from 6 months to 6 years, because I enjoyed working with computers and it paid well.
Remember, taking that first step can open many doors.
In my 45-year career, I started as a magazine editor, which was my dream job after college. However, the constant travel and tight deadlines led me to become a technical writer. I worked in 17 different roles, each lasting from 6 months to 6 years, because I enjoyed working with computers and it paid well.
Remember, taking that first step can open many doors.
Bhuvana Coulagi
1
Answer
San Ramon, California
Updated
Bhuvana’s Answer
Feeling lost is completely normal. Instead of searching for the perfect job title, focus on the problems you enjoy solving. Psychiatry involves solving personal puzzles, while logistics deals with complex systems. If you love the hospital setting and also enjoy logistics, consider a career in Healthcare Administration or Operations. These roles involve managing the systems that keep hospitals running smoothly.
As for your doubts, remember that everyone in a great job started where you are, unsure of their path. Taking Calculus as a junior shows you have the ability to handle challenging work. Don't stress about the next 40 years; just choose something that sparks your interest now. You can always change direction later!
As for your doubts, remember that everyone in a great job started where you are, unsure of their path. Taking Calculus as a junior shows you have the ability to handle challenging work. Don't stress about the next 40 years; just choose something that sparks your interest now. You can always change direction later!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2423
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 if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer
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 counselor, 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 what you have interest,eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer
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 counselor, 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!
Jen Marini
Talent Strategy / HR
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jen’s Answer
This is a great question that I similarly faced while in high school, college and beyond! I started out choosing a certain major due to my high school job at a pharmacy. After some failure and realizing that wasn't for me, I leaned into what I enjoyed doing/what I was skilled at to help find my path. I liked math and found my way into business courses, including accounting, which seemed to come very naturally to me. Before graduating, I was hired by an accounting firm and even after a few years in accounting, I changed my path again by leaning into my strengths/interests and going into HR!
I wouldn't worry too much about choosing the "right" path, as it likely will and could change even after you start your career. I'd recommend leaning into what you enjoy and building your network through the opportunities available to you (school teachers, parents, coaches, volunteer orgs, etc.).
Hope this helps!!
I wouldn't worry too much about choosing the "right" path, as it likely will and could change even after you start your career. I'd recommend leaning into what you enjoy and building your network through the opportunities available to you (school teachers, parents, coaches, volunteer orgs, etc.).
Hope this helps!!
SHAKENDRA SINCLAIR
Claims Manager
3
Answers
Macon, Georgia
Updated
SHAKENDRA’s Answer
I LOVE that you are considering your options early! There is no easy answer here. Each piece of advice will depend on. You. Your willingness, your passion and what you see as your future.
First of all, think about what moves you, what are you passionate about, what do you feel you can do for free and always enjoy it? These are the areas you want to consider. Once you've identified these areas, find a mentor! Volunteer! Most medical fields have volunteer programs that gives you access to physicians working in the fields you are interested in! As to earnings, research what those fields pay in your area...and don't forget to consider the education requirements. Not only cost, but also the required curriculum.
Keep in mind, only YOU can decide what's right for you! However, it is very important that you expose yourself to real world experience before making a final decision.
First of all, think about what moves you, what are you passionate about, what do you feel you can do for free and always enjoy it? These are the areas you want to consider. Once you've identified these areas, find a mentor! Volunteer! Most medical fields have volunteer programs that gives you access to physicians working in the fields you are interested in! As to earnings, research what those fields pay in your area...and don't forget to consider the education requirements. Not only cost, but also the required curriculum.
Keep in mind, only YOU can decide what's right for you! However, it is very important that you expose yourself to real world experience before making a final decision.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Feeling uncertain about your future career is more common than it seems, especially when you’re an advanced student and feel the pressure to have everything figured out. Many people with successful careers didn’t know their exact path in high school. They often changed majors, switched directions, or found their interests through unexpected experiences. Being good at subjects like calculus shows you have strong learning skills, but it doesn’t mean you need to decide on one career now. Your interest in hospitals, psychiatry, and logistics shows you’re curious and open to different possibilities, which is a great strength.
Instead of focusing on job titles, think about what activities you enjoy each day. Do you like solving problems, working with people, analyzing systems, helping others, or creating things? Fields like psychiatry, logistics, and hospital roles share skills like critical thinking and decision making. You don’t need to have the “perfect” answer for school forms. It’s fine to write something like “exploring healthcare and analytical fields” or “interested in medicine and operations.” These answers show you’re exploring without limiting yourself.
It’s normal to doubt whether you can achieve what others have. Remember, many successful people felt unsure at your age. Confidence often comes after you gain experience. Right now, focus on staying curious, challenging yourself in school, and exploring through classes, volunteering, or reading about different careers. You’re not behind for not knowing your path yet. You’re exactly where you should be, learning about yourself and keeping your options open.
Instead of focusing on job titles, think about what activities you enjoy each day. Do you like solving problems, working with people, analyzing systems, helping others, or creating things? Fields like psychiatry, logistics, and hospital roles share skills like critical thinking and decision making. You don’t need to have the “perfect” answer for school forms. It’s fine to write something like “exploring healthcare and analytical fields” or “interested in medicine and operations.” These answers show you’re exploring without limiting yourself.
It’s normal to doubt whether you can achieve what others have. Remember, many successful people felt unsure at your age. Confidence often comes after you gain experience. Right now, focus on staying curious, challenging yourself in school, and exploring through classes, volunteering, or reading about different careers. You’re not behind for not knowing your path yet. You’re exactly where you should be, learning about yourself and keeping your options open.
Thank you, Vianne for the advice.
Brayden
Ryan Morgan
Software Engineer
3
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi there Brayden! You're in great company as I too had no idea what avenues to pursue when I was in high school. If you had asked me where I thought I was heading, I certainly wouldn't have thought about working as a Software Engineer at what I consider to be one of the top tech companies in the Portland, OR area.
When I was thinking about choosing a career, I found it tough because saying 'yes' to one option necessarily means saying 'no' to many others. Luckily success looks differently for everyone and I would argue it's much more about leveraging your innate abilities and interests than chasing a title, prestige, salary etc. If you make $1 million a year, but dread going to work every day, I would argue that's not success.
It's taken me a long time and a lot of self-reflection to recognize my strong abilities to focus intensely, learn quickly, take initiative etc. However, just as important as realizing your strengths is also recognizing your weaknesses. While I like people, I'm an introvert which means that large gatherings drain me. Although I might admire public speakers, choosing a career path as a public speaker in front of large crowds all day probably wouldn't allow me to succeed in the way that I want to.
My best piece of advice for High School is to explore widely. As I mentioned previously Software Engineering wasn't even on my radar at that time, which I really regretted. Not only was I not interested, I didn't even know of anyone interested in the field. Pretty unfortunate considering this is the type of role where even if I'm sick, I prefer to come to work because I enjoy what I do so much!
While you're exploring, try new clubs, volunteer, take diverse school subjects, try out a new sport, travel to a new place, make a new friend, learn a new language, perhaps learn a musical instrument if it speaks to you. As you're exploring, reflect from time to time on your new experiences. Ask yourself what do I tend to do very well at? As a follow up question, just because I do well at it, do I enjoy it or does it feel draining?
If you can find a career at the crossroads of your interests and abilities - the world is your oyster, so to speak!
When I was thinking about choosing a career, I found it tough because saying 'yes' to one option necessarily means saying 'no' to many others. Luckily success looks differently for everyone and I would argue it's much more about leveraging your innate abilities and interests than chasing a title, prestige, salary etc. If you make $1 million a year, but dread going to work every day, I would argue that's not success.
It's taken me a long time and a lot of self-reflection to recognize my strong abilities to focus intensely, learn quickly, take initiative etc. However, just as important as realizing your strengths is also recognizing your weaknesses. While I like people, I'm an introvert which means that large gatherings drain me. Although I might admire public speakers, choosing a career path as a public speaker in front of large crowds all day probably wouldn't allow me to succeed in the way that I want to.
My best piece of advice for High School is to explore widely. As I mentioned previously Software Engineering wasn't even on my radar at that time, which I really regretted. Not only was I not interested, I didn't even know of anyone interested in the field. Pretty unfortunate considering this is the type of role where even if I'm sick, I prefer to come to work because I enjoy what I do so much!
While you're exploring, try new clubs, volunteer, take diverse school subjects, try out a new sport, travel to a new place, make a new friend, learn a new language, perhaps learn a musical instrument if it speaks to you. As you're exploring, reflect from time to time on your new experiences. Ask yourself what do I tend to do very well at? As a follow up question, just because I do well at it, do I enjoy it or does it feel draining?
If you can find a career at the crossroads of your interests and abilities - the world is your oyster, so to speak!
Kim Camacho
Human Resources, Inclusion & Belonging, Employee Experience
4
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hey Brayden, it's perfectly fine not to have everything figured out yet! Start by exploring different industries and jobs. Since you mentioned an interest in healthcare/psychiatry and logistics, dive into these fields to learn more about the roles and the education they require. If something catches your interest, look into related courses. If you enjoy them, you can continue to build on that knowledge.
There are also some great books that can help you get inspired and learn from professionals. Here are a few suggestions:
- "What Color Is Your Parachute?" by Richard N. Bolles: A helpful guide for job seekers and those considering career changes.
- "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: Offers insights on creating a joyful and fulfilling career.
- "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport: Focuses on developing valuable skills instead of just chasing passion.
- "I Could Do Anything if I Only Knew What It Was" by Barbara Sher: Helps you discover your passion and tackle procrastination.
- "StrengthsFinder 2.0" by Tom Rath: Assists in identifying and using your strengths for career success.
- "The Career Manifesto" by Mike Steib: Provides practical advice for finding your purpose and setting goals.
- "The Squiggly Career" by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis: Offers tips for navigating flexible, modern career paths.
Good luck on your journey!
There are also some great books that can help you get inspired and learn from professionals. Here are a few suggestions:
- "What Color Is Your Parachute?" by Richard N. Bolles: A helpful guide for job seekers and those considering career changes.
- "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: Offers insights on creating a joyful and fulfilling career.
- "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport: Focuses on developing valuable skills instead of just chasing passion.
- "I Could Do Anything if I Only Knew What It Was" by Barbara Sher: Helps you discover your passion and tackle procrastination.
- "StrengthsFinder 2.0" by Tom Rath: Assists in identifying and using your strengths for career success.
- "The Career Manifesto" by Mike Steib: Provides practical advice for finding your purpose and setting goals.
- "The Squiggly Career" by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis: Offers tips for navigating flexible, modern career paths.
Good luck on your journey!
Tracy Buono
Data Quality Analyst
1
Answer
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
The world of work is changing fast—especially with AI—and it’s totally normal to feel unsure about what that means for your future. The truth is, you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Being flexible matters way more than having a perfect plan. Most people don’t end up in one straight-line career anyway. What you study in college might not be what you do forever—and that’s okay. That’s not failing. That’s learning.
If there are jobs or careers you’re curious about, try them out early if you can. Internships, summer jobs, part-time work, or apprenticeships are great ways to explore without pressure. Think of them as “test drives,” not lifetime commitments. They help you build skills, gain confidence, and figure out what you like—and what you don’t. It also helps to pay attention to how technology and AI are changing jobs. Some careers are shifting, new ones are popping up, and a lot of opportunities didn’t even exist a few years ago.
It can help to narrow things down to one or two interests and talk to people who already work in those fields. Ask them what their jobs are really like day to day. You’ll learn way more from a real conversation than from just researching online. Reaching out and requesting a call—like through LinkedIn—can feel awkward at first, but you’d be surprised how many people actually enjoy helping students and sharing advice.
One thing I wish I had known sooner is how powerful mentorship can be. Having someone who believes in you can make a huge difference. A good mentor doesn’t expect you to have all the answers—they help you grow.
One of the best pieces of advice I received from a mentor was not to let feeling “not ready” stop me from trying. No one starts a job knowing everything. You learn by doing—by asking questions, making mistakes, taking classes, reading, and trying again. What really matters is curiosity, effort, and being open to change. You might start in one field and later realize something else fits you better—and that’s completely fine.
You don’t need to have your entire future planned right now. Give yourself permission to go at your own pace. This is a journey, not a race. Trust that each step you take is helping you move closer to where you’re meant to be—even if the path isn’t clear yet.
If there are jobs or careers you’re curious about, try them out early if you can. Internships, summer jobs, part-time work, or apprenticeships are great ways to explore without pressure. Think of them as “test drives,” not lifetime commitments. They help you build skills, gain confidence, and figure out what you like—and what you don’t. It also helps to pay attention to how technology and AI are changing jobs. Some careers are shifting, new ones are popping up, and a lot of opportunities didn’t even exist a few years ago.
It can help to narrow things down to one or two interests and talk to people who already work in those fields. Ask them what their jobs are really like day to day. You’ll learn way more from a real conversation than from just researching online. Reaching out and requesting a call—like through LinkedIn—can feel awkward at first, but you’d be surprised how many people actually enjoy helping students and sharing advice.
One thing I wish I had known sooner is how powerful mentorship can be. Having someone who believes in you can make a huge difference. A good mentor doesn’t expect you to have all the answers—they help you grow.
One of the best pieces of advice I received from a mentor was not to let feeling “not ready” stop me from trying. No one starts a job knowing everything. You learn by doing—by asking questions, making mistakes, taking classes, reading, and trying again. What really matters is curiosity, effort, and being open to change. You might start in one field and later realize something else fits you better—and that’s completely fine.
You don’t need to have your entire future planned right now. Give yourself permission to go at your own pace. This is a journey, not a race. Trust that each step you take is helping you move closer to where you’re meant to be—even if the path isn’t clear yet.
Emma Anderson
Human Resources
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Emma’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel lost when people ask you what you want to “do for the rest of your life.”
Most adults you meet didn’t figure it out at your age, many still haven’t. What you’re feeling isn’t a sign of confusion, it’s a sign that you’re actually thinking about your future instead of just picking something because everyone expects an answer.
A few things might help:
1. Stop trying to predict your entire career at once.
Careers don’t unfold in straight lines. Most people find their path by following small clues like what they enjoy, what they’re good at, what energizes them and adjusting over time. Think of it as exploring, not committing forever.
2. Get curious, not decisive.
If hospitals fascinate you, dig into why.
If logistics interests you, explore what part of it appeals to you.
The “why behind your interest” tells you more than the job title.
3. Try low-stakes exposure.
Shadow someone, volunteer, take an intro class, watch a day-in-the-life video, talk to people who work in those fields. One small experience often tells you more than months of thinking.
4. Use tools that help you understand yourself.
You don’t have to guess.
There are career assessments designed to help you understand your strengths, motivations, and what environments you’ll thrive in. Some popular ones are:
Strong Interest Inventory (focuses on interest patterns)
Pigment Self-discovery (suited for modern work scenarios)
Holland Codes (RIASEC) (helps narrow down broad directions)
CliftonStrengths (shows what comes naturally to you)
O*NET Interest Profiler (free and useful for early exploration)
These don’t choose your career for you, but they give you language and direction so you’re not starting from zero.
5. Remember this: confidence often comes after action, not before.
When you look at someone with a “great job,” you’re seeing the result of many small steps, not a fully formed decision they made at 16. You don’t need to feel ready, you just need to stay curious and keep moving.
If you’re already asking these questions, you’re ahead of most people your age.
You don’t need the perfect answer right now. You just need the next clue.
Most adults you meet didn’t figure it out at your age, many still haven’t. What you’re feeling isn’t a sign of confusion, it’s a sign that you’re actually thinking about your future instead of just picking something because everyone expects an answer.
A few things might help:
1. Stop trying to predict your entire career at once.
Careers don’t unfold in straight lines. Most people find their path by following small clues like what they enjoy, what they’re good at, what energizes them and adjusting over time. Think of it as exploring, not committing forever.
2. Get curious, not decisive.
If hospitals fascinate you, dig into why.
If logistics interests you, explore what part of it appeals to you.
The “why behind your interest” tells you more than the job title.
3. Try low-stakes exposure.
Shadow someone, volunteer, take an intro class, watch a day-in-the-life video, talk to people who work in those fields. One small experience often tells you more than months of thinking.
4. Use tools that help you understand yourself.
You don’t have to guess.
There are career assessments designed to help you understand your strengths, motivations, and what environments you’ll thrive in. Some popular ones are:
Strong Interest Inventory (focuses on interest patterns)
Pigment Self-discovery (suited for modern work scenarios)
Holland Codes (RIASEC) (helps narrow down broad directions)
CliftonStrengths (shows what comes naturally to you)
O*NET Interest Profiler (free and useful for early exploration)
These don’t choose your career for you, but they give you language and direction so you’re not starting from zero.
5. Remember this: confidence often comes after action, not before.
When you look at someone with a “great job,” you’re seeing the result of many small steps, not a fully formed decision they made at 16. You don’t need to feel ready, you just need to stay curious and keep moving.
If you’re already asking these questions, you’re ahead of most people your age.
You don’t need the perfect answer right now. You just need the next clue.
S I
Finance
24
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
S’s Answer
This is a very normal place to be—especially for someone who is clearly capable and curious.
One thing that often helps is shifting the question from “What exact job should I pick?” to a few deeper questions that guide direction, not a single title:
1. What genuinely energizes you?
Pay attention to moments when you feel engaged rather than drained. Is it problem-solving, helping people one-on-one, building systems, analyzing data, understanding how things work, or supporting others emotionally? Energy is often a better signal than prestige.
2. What are you naturally good at (or praised for)?
Strengths can be academic, but also interpersonal: listening, explaining complex ideas, staying calm under pressure, organizing chaos, or thinking strategically. Careers tend to feel more sustainable when they lean into strengths instead of fighting them.
3. What kind of life do you want long-term?
This matters more than people admit. Some paths prioritize high income and intensity; others prioritize flexibility, meaning, or impact. Neither is “better,” but clarity here helps narrow choices early.
4. Don’t aim for a final answer—aim for experiments.
At your stage, the goal isn’t certainty. It’s exposure. Shadow professionals, take varied classes, volunteer, do internships, or talk to people actually doing the jobs you’re curious about. Real experience cuts through imagination-based doubt.
5. Trust that intuition develops with time.
You don’t have to force a decision now. Taking space to reflect—without pressure—often brings clarity. Many people find direction not by thinking harder, but by noticing patterns in what keeps pulling them back.
Lastly: most people with “great jobs” didn’t see the full picture when they were your age. Careers evolve. Choosing a direction now doesn’t lock you in—it just gives you a starting point.
You’re exploring thoughtfully, which is exactly what you should be doing.
One thing that often helps is shifting the question from “What exact job should I pick?” to a few deeper questions that guide direction, not a single title:
1. What genuinely energizes you?
Pay attention to moments when you feel engaged rather than drained. Is it problem-solving, helping people one-on-one, building systems, analyzing data, understanding how things work, or supporting others emotionally? Energy is often a better signal than prestige.
2. What are you naturally good at (or praised for)?
Strengths can be academic, but also interpersonal: listening, explaining complex ideas, staying calm under pressure, organizing chaos, or thinking strategically. Careers tend to feel more sustainable when they lean into strengths instead of fighting them.
3. What kind of life do you want long-term?
This matters more than people admit. Some paths prioritize high income and intensity; others prioritize flexibility, meaning, or impact. Neither is “better,” but clarity here helps narrow choices early.
4. Don’t aim for a final answer—aim for experiments.
At your stage, the goal isn’t certainty. It’s exposure. Shadow professionals, take varied classes, volunteer, do internships, or talk to people actually doing the jobs you’re curious about. Real experience cuts through imagination-based doubt.
5. Trust that intuition develops with time.
You don’t have to force a decision now. Taking space to reflect—without pressure—often brings clarity. Many people find direction not by thinking harder, but by noticing patterns in what keeps pulling them back.
Lastly: most people with “great jobs” didn’t see the full picture when they were your age. Careers evolve. Choosing a direction now doesn’t lock you in—it just gives you a starting point.
You’re exploring thoughtfully, which is exactly what you should be doing.
Divyanshu Bhuria
Systems Analyst
9
Answers
Princeton, New Jersey
Updated
Divyanshu’s Answer
Totally normal to not know yet. The goal in high school isn’t to “pick the one perfect career,” it’s to learn what you like, what you’re good at.
1) Keep options open with “stackable” skills
Even if you don’t know your career, you can build skills that transfer almost everywhere:
Writing & speaking (presentations, essays, debate)
Basic data skills (spreadsheets, later SQL if you want)
People skills (customer service, leadership, mentoring)
Building/creating (portfolio projects)
Reliability (showing up, finishing, being easy to work with)
These skills make you competitive no matter what you choose.
2) Start with 3 simple lists (30 minutes)
Energizers: classes/activities that make time pass fast (even if you’re not “the best” at them).
Drainers: things that consistently stress you out or bore you.
Pride moments: times you felt proud—winning, helping someone, building something, solving a tough problem, leading, performing, fixing.
Patterns here are more useful than a single “favorite subject.”
3) Use a “career ingredient” formula
Instead of naming a job title, define ingredients:
People level: mostly solo / small team / lots of people
Work style: hands-on / creative / analytical / organizing
Pace: calm & steady / fast & changing
Meaning: helping people directly / building useful stuff / making money & stability / prestige / creativity
Environment: outdoors / office / hospital / lab / remote / travel
When you know your ingredients, many careers start to fit naturally.
4) Turn curiosity into experiments (the fastest way)
Pick 2–3 careers you’re curious about and do tiny, low-risk tests:
Ask someone (15 minutes): “What do you do all day? What’s hard? What skills matter? What would you do differently?”
Mini-projects:
interested in business → run a small reselling project and track profit
interested in healthcare → volunteer + learn basic anatomy/first aid
After each experiment, rate it 1–10 on: “Would I do more of this?”
5) Ask adults the right questions (and ask more than one)
Talk to teachers, counselors, family friends, coaches, local business owners. Use questions that reveal reality:
“What does a normal week look like?”
“What skills make someone great at this?”
“What do people think this job is, vs what it actually is?”
“What education/training is truly required?”
“If I wanted to explore this in high school, what should I try first?”
6) Make a short list and choose a “next step,” not a forever decision
Pick 3 possible directions (not 1), then choose one next step for each:
Direction A → join a club / take a class / do a project
Direction B → Ask someone working in the same career
Direction C → volunteer / part-time job related to it
After a month or a semester, reassess. Keep iterating until you find the right career.
1) Keep options open with “stackable” skills
Even if you don’t know your career, you can build skills that transfer almost everywhere:
Writing & speaking (presentations, essays, debate)
Basic data skills (spreadsheets, later SQL if you want)
People skills (customer service, leadership, mentoring)
Building/creating (portfolio projects)
Reliability (showing up, finishing, being easy to work with)
These skills make you competitive no matter what you choose.
2) Start with 3 simple lists (30 minutes)
Energizers: classes/activities that make time pass fast (even if you’re not “the best” at them).
Drainers: things that consistently stress you out or bore you.
Pride moments: times you felt proud—winning, helping someone, building something, solving a tough problem, leading, performing, fixing.
Patterns here are more useful than a single “favorite subject.”
3) Use a “career ingredient” formula
Instead of naming a job title, define ingredients:
People level: mostly solo / small team / lots of people
Work style: hands-on / creative / analytical / organizing
Pace: calm & steady / fast & changing
Meaning: helping people directly / building useful stuff / making money & stability / prestige / creativity
Environment: outdoors / office / hospital / lab / remote / travel
When you know your ingredients, many careers start to fit naturally.
4) Turn curiosity into experiments (the fastest way)
Pick 2–3 careers you’re curious about and do tiny, low-risk tests:
Ask someone (15 minutes): “What do you do all day? What’s hard? What skills matter? What would you do differently?”
Mini-projects:
interested in business → run a small reselling project and track profit
interested in healthcare → volunteer + learn basic anatomy/first aid
After each experiment, rate it 1–10 on: “Would I do more of this?”
5) Ask adults the right questions (and ask more than one)
Talk to teachers, counselors, family friends, coaches, local business owners. Use questions that reveal reality:
“What does a normal week look like?”
“What skills make someone great at this?”
“What do people think this job is, vs what it actually is?”
“What education/training is truly required?”
“If I wanted to explore this in high school, what should I try first?”
6) Make a short list and choose a “next step,” not a forever decision
Pick 3 possible directions (not 1), then choose one next step for each:
Direction A → join a club / take a class / do a project
Direction B → Ask someone working in the same career
Direction C → volunteer / part-time job related to it
After a month or a semester, reassess. Keep iterating until you find the right career.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Brayden
Stavroula Kostaki
Program Manager
1
Answer
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Stavroula’s Answer
One of the hardest things is deciding on a career. Instead of choosing a job for life, try small experiments. Set 5-7 criteria like enjoyment, skills, impact, environment, training, pay, and lifestyle. Explore fields like psychiatry, logistics/operations, and healthcare operations/analytics. Conduct 3-6 informational interviews, volunteer or shadow at a hospital, and take mini-courses or projects. After 90 days, evaluate your options and pick a temporary path. On forms, share this plan and timeline.