3 answers
Savanna
Student
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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How did you figure out what career path was right for you, and what helped you feel confident in that decision?
I’m planning to start college this fall, but I’m still unsure about what I want to study. I haven’t found a strong passion yet, so I’m trying to explore my options and make a decision I feel confident about. I would really value any guidance on how to approach choosing a career path?
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3 answers
Cynthia Thompson
Higher Education Professional
15
Answers
Springfield, Illinois
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Unfortunately, there isn't one clear way to figure out what you want to do for a career. There are several methods you can use to help you begin to focus on a career path. Work your way through one or all of the suggestions below:
1. Think about those things you love to do so much that you lose track of time. Don't focus yet on whether you can get paid for them - only whether those activities interest you.
2. Consider those problems/issues in society that you feel strongly about - and that you would be willing to put your energy toward solving. Are you interested in helping to find homes for neglected animals? Improving education for children? Saving the environment? Creating a safer or more beautiful community?
3. Another way to think about it is to think about the environment in which you would work. Are there places in which you feel especially at home? There was a college near my house growing up and I found myself drawn to it at a very young age. I ended up working in higher education almost my entire career.
3. One other way to narrow your list is to eliminate those things you have no interest in doing, such as Nathalye mentioned above. I volunteered at a hospital when I was in high school and fainted at the sight of blood. I ruled out a position in the medical field very quickly!
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
1. Think about those things you love to do so much that you lose track of time. Don't focus yet on whether you can get paid for them - only whether those activities interest you.
2. Consider those problems/issues in society that you feel strongly about - and that you would be willing to put your energy toward solving. Are you interested in helping to find homes for neglected animals? Improving education for children? Saving the environment? Creating a safer or more beautiful community?
3. Another way to think about it is to think about the environment in which you would work. Are there places in which you feel especially at home? There was a college near my house growing up and I found myself drawn to it at a very young age. I ended up working in higher education almost my entire career.
3. One other way to narrow your list is to eliminate those things you have no interest in doing, such as Nathalye mentioned above. I volunteered at a hospital when I was in high school and fainted at the sight of blood. I ruled out a position in the medical field very quickly!
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Nathalye Lopez
40
Answers
Updated
Nathalye’s Answer
Hi Savanna, I suggest shadowing people in different jobs to get a feel for their careers. Also, talk to your academic advisor about internship opportunities. I once interned at a research lab as an undergraduate. Even though I didn't enjoy it, it was a valuable experience because it showed me that research wasn't the right path for me.
Nancy Uthke
Programmer
28
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Great question! Let me share my story.
In high school, I got good grades, but no one in my family had ever gone to college. My counselor suggested I give it a try, so I enrolled in a challenging Science program. I soon realized my high school math wasn't strong enough, so I had to leave the program. It felt like a setback, but then I took a computer programming class. I discovered I was good at it, and it felt like solving puzzles. When I learned there were many well-paying jobs in this field, I knew it was the right path for me. Now, years later, I still work with computers and love it.
The lesson here is that even if you think you know what you want, you might find your true passion in an unexpected place. Try different subjects and see what excites you. Good luck on your journey!
In high school, I got good grades, but no one in my family had ever gone to college. My counselor suggested I give it a try, so I enrolled in a challenging Science program. I soon realized my high school math wasn't strong enough, so I had to leave the program. It felt like a setback, but then I took a computer programming class. I discovered I was good at it, and it felt like solving puzzles. When I learned there were many well-paying jobs in this field, I knew it was the right path for me. Now, years later, I still work with computers and love it.
The lesson here is that even if you think you know what you want, you might find your true passion in an unexpected place. Try different subjects and see what excites you. Good luck on your journey!