2 answers
Aileen
Student
Evergreen Park, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
91 views
How do I find a career that I am truly passionate about?
I have a lot of passions and don't know how to turn them into a career or hobby.
Login to comment
2 answers
C Venkat
38
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
C’s Answer
Hi Aileen,
It is great that you have many passions.
You can pursue any of them as a hobby - which implies that you don't care if thay earns you money or not. Depending on what it is, some hobbies are practically cost-free while others may be expensive to continue over a period of time. At the same time, hobbies are a way to hone your talents and provide mental relaxation.
On the other hand, if you want to turn one of your passions into a career, you need to keep the following in mind:
1. You need to develop expertise now and in the future in that field. You could do this through practice (e.g. Dancing, singing, Sports etc.), formal learning (e.g. Computer Science, Gaming, Photography etc.).
2. Find internships with companies that align with your passion during summer and winter breaks - this will give you real-world experience. It will also help you decide if this is something you are willing to do every day.
3. Look for free online courses or low-cost online courses (e.g. Udemy, LinkedIn etc.) in your area of interest. These can be good resume boosters when you apply for a job.
4. Speak with other adults who are working in the same field - they can share their perspectives on what their jobs require. If you are able to, request to shadow them for a day. Again, the goal is to get a sense of what a day in your work life would look like.
Regardless of what career you choose, remember that employers value the following:
1. Timeliness (be punctual to work, to meetings etc.)
2. Learning mindset (you are not expected to walk into your 1st job knowing everything, but be enthusiastic about learning & do everything you can to learn fast and show what you can do)
3. Feedback: Ask for feedback (even if you are an intern). This helps you to identify areas where you need to learn more or do better. This is especially helpful in early career. Do not take negative feedback as criticism; instead look at it as someone taking the time to grow you.
4. Be kind, pilote and helpful to those you meet or work with - this goes a long way in building trust and good relationships.
Good luck on identifying your true passions and career!
It is great that you have many passions.
You can pursue any of them as a hobby - which implies that you don't care if thay earns you money or not. Depending on what it is, some hobbies are practically cost-free while others may be expensive to continue over a period of time. At the same time, hobbies are a way to hone your talents and provide mental relaxation.
On the other hand, if you want to turn one of your passions into a career, you need to keep the following in mind:
1. You need to develop expertise now and in the future in that field. You could do this through practice (e.g. Dancing, singing, Sports etc.), formal learning (e.g. Computer Science, Gaming, Photography etc.).
2. Find internships with companies that align with your passion during summer and winter breaks - this will give you real-world experience. It will also help you decide if this is something you are willing to do every day.
3. Look for free online courses or low-cost online courses (e.g. Udemy, LinkedIn etc.) in your area of interest. These can be good resume boosters when you apply for a job.
4. Speak with other adults who are working in the same field - they can share their perspectives on what their jobs require. If you are able to, request to shadow them for a day. Again, the goal is to get a sense of what a day in your work life would look like.
Regardless of what career you choose, remember that employers value the following:
1. Timeliness (be punctual to work, to meetings etc.)
2. Learning mindset (you are not expected to walk into your 1st job knowing everything, but be enthusiastic about learning & do everything you can to learn fast and show what you can do)
3. Feedback: Ask for feedback (even if you are an intern). This helps you to identify areas where you need to learn more or do better. This is especially helpful in early career. Do not take negative feedback as criticism; instead look at it as someone taking the time to grow you.
4. Be kind, pilote and helpful to those you meet or work with - this goes a long way in building trust and good relationships.
Good luck on identifying your true passions and career!
Milla Pañella
Artistic Director
25
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Milla’s Answer
Dear Aileen,
It’s completely normal to have many passions and feel unsure about which one could become a career. This is part of the discovery process.
One helpful step is taking a career or vocational test, which can give you direction and help you understand your strengths, interests, and personality. It won’t give you a final answer, but it can guide your thinking.
You can also try small experiences, like short courses, volunteering, internships, or personal projects. Testing different areas helps you understand what you truly enjoy in practice.
Over time, your passions, skills, and opportunities will naturally connect and show you a clearer career path.
Greetings from Brazil! 🇧🇷
It’s completely normal to have many passions and feel unsure about which one could become a career. This is part of the discovery process.
One helpful step is taking a career or vocational test, which can give you direction and help you understand your strengths, interests, and personality. It won’t give you a final answer, but it can guide your thinking.
You can also try small experiences, like short courses, volunteering, internships, or personal projects. Testing different areas helps you understand what you truly enjoy in practice.
Over time, your passions, skills, and opportunities will naturally connect and show you a clearer career path.
Greetings from Brazil! 🇧🇷