17 answers
19
Updated 1272 views

If I have many options in mind to study,what can I do to choose the best one?

I am in grade 8, some of my options are medicine, bussiness,biology,chemistry,space things ect.

medicine biology business-management chemistry careerexploration aerospace astronomy careerchoices decisionmaking academicchoices
Answer This
19

17 answers

1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have a wider variety of interest. Firstly, you need to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you have interest in maths, would you like to 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. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Nora
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Joe’s Answer

Here are some steps that can help guide you:

1. Look into each field to see which skills and personality traits thrive there. This can help you find where you might fit best.
2. Have a chat with your teachers. They can share their thoughts on which areas might suit your strengths.
3. Reach out to professionals in the field. Ask them about their experiences, their job, and future opportunities.
4. Try volunteering, shadowing, or getting an internship or summer job in these fields. This will give you a real feel for the work and help you decide what you enjoy.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Nora
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Nat’s Answer

If you have many options in mind, the best thing to do is not choose too fast.
First, learn more about each option and think about what you enjoy, what subjects you are good at, and what kind of work you would like to do in the future.
Talk to teachers, family members, or professionals, and try small activities or research projects related to medicine, business, biology, chemistry, or space.
Then compare your top choices and keep the ones that match both your interests and your abilities.
Since you are still in Grade 8, you still have time to explore before making a bigger study decision later

Nat recommends the following next steps:

Group your ideas into areas of interest e.g. i) Medicine - health, science, helping people ii) Business - leadership, money, organization, entrepreneurship iii) Biology / Chemistry - science, labs, research, health, environment iv) Space things - astronomy, physics, engineering, math, technology
Ask yourself key questions about the different areas of interest i) Do I enjoy learning about this or do I just think it sounds cool? ii) Am I good at the subjects it needs? iii) Would I enjoy the daily work? iv) How many years would I need to study? v) Does this option still interest me when I imagine the difficult parts?
Think honestly about your strengths at school i) Am I strong in science? ii) Am I strong in math? iii) Do I communicate well? iv) Do I enjoy reading and researching? v) Am I patient and disciplined?
Over the next few months try small experiments to test your interest e.g. i) If you are interested in medicine - watch videos about doctors, nurses, labs, anatomy. Then ask yourself do I still enjoy learning this even when it's difficult?
Talk to real people doing these professions e.g. science teacher, school counselor, doctor or nurse, business owner. Ask them i) What do you actually do every day? ii) What subjects were most important? iii) What is hard about this path? iv) What do you like most? v) If you were my age, what would you do to prepare?
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Nat Nora
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Hector’s Answer

Hi Nora. I would apply a very simple approach. Make a list of the things that you like to do and the things that you think you're good at or that you are interested in. Once you've completed your initial list you can score each item on the list to develop a new short list of things that you think you might want to do as a career. Next you can look at job descriptions on linkedin.com using key words from your short list. This process will help you to clearly see the things that you want to search for in a field, career or specific job.
Hope that helps.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Nora
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

It's great that you're interested in STEM! Finding the right career path will come with time, exploration, and experience. Focus on what truly excites you, the subjects you excel in, and your career goals. Dive into different STEM areas by talking to professionals, joining clubs, volunteering, shadowing, attending workshops, and trying out small projects or experiments. Repeat activities and think about what you enjoyed and found interesting, keeping simple notes to spot patterns. For now, concentrate on strengthening your skills in math, science, problem-solving, communication, and basic research. Keep exploring and learning—you're on a great path!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Nora
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James’s Answer

I appreciate Nat's response. It is wonderful that you have many interests. The worst thing you can do now is to narrow your focus. Everything you learn and explore is of value. The most successful people are lifelong learners. It is amazing how learning about something can help you understand the world and how you practice any profession better. Most professions involve interacting with others. As a physician, I would have been much worse at my job if I couldn't relate to farmers, bankers, artists, construction workers... If I had just learned the science of medicine, I would not have the ability to relate well to my patients and their families.
So - stretch yourself by trying things and seeing how doing that thing makes you feel. Don't limit yourself. I look forward to learning about your successes in whatever field you choose after you do your exploring.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, James. Nora
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Anthony’s Answer

Please, note the following, relating to how to choose a better option:-
1. Choose those you have more interest.
2. Choose those you have more understanding.
3. Choose those you can easily study.
4. The type of business or career you are interested in, can be a factor. For example, comparing Medicine and Business. You can consider whether to become a Medical Officer or a Businessman/Businesswoman in future.
Best regards.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Nora
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Phylicia’s Answer

Hi Nora,

It's great to see that you're already thinking about this at your age, that's incredible! My advice would be to do two things, the first is to shadow people in careers that you're interested in. This will give you an idea of what it could like for you in the future, does it energize you? Or would you like to pursue another variation of that career? The second would be to think about what genuinely brings you joy and happiness, then think about how that might become a career. Ask yourself what you like to do no matter how busy you are, how tired you may feel, etc. Your passion and the pursuit of that will motivate you for several lifetimes!

Best of luck!
Phylicia
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Brian’s Answer

Hi Nora, I would recommend if you can shadow someone in the different areas you're interested in that would be best. Therefore you can get a real time idea of what a day in the life of someone in that field would be like. Most importantly, pick something your are passionate about and would do for free. This way you will enjoy your job and it would not feel like a job but more like a hobby. You enjoyment will pay off in the long run, because you will be recognized and promoted for doing an excellent job for doing something your truly enjoy. The trick is to find that something. Every job even the not so sexy or exciting ones are rewarding if you are doing something you like. So think of what you are passionate about and would do even if you're not being paid.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Erik’s Answer

In 8th grade, there are so many options so there is no need to choose right now. Go through the remaining high school years and enjoy classes like chemistry and math and history, etc., and if you are passionate about any of these topics, you can choose them as a future career choice as you pick colleges.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Cathy’s Answer

Hi Nora - it’s great that you have so many options in mind, though I know that can sometimes feel just as overwhelming. I would recommend choosing one or two areas to focus on over the next six months. For example, if you’re interested in medicine and business, you could reach out to a local doctor’s office or a local business to see whether there are opportunities to volunteer and gain experience in the field. After those six months, you can decide whether you want to keep going or try something new. You can let go of what no longer interests you and continue narrowing your interests over time until you get to college. College will also be a great opportunity to take classes in different disciplines and discover what aligns most closely with your interests.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Stephanie’s Answer

Hi, its great that you have so many wonderful interests in 8th grade, but there maybe one that you gravitate towards more so, something you naturally excel at or truly holds your interest. That's most likely where you should focus and spend time researching and learning about more. You maybe able to volunteer your time in the area you love once you are of age to do so. Spending time around people in that industry will give you some insight into that career's day to day work.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lindsey’s Answer

It's great that you have a variety of interests - and you don't need to choose right now! Stay curious and keep an open mind. Talk to current students who are studying in these areas and ask what they like and what they don't like about their courses. Look for local professionals who are in these spaces and ask them what a "day in the life" looks like. As you progress in school and college, attend as many career fairs and information sessions as possible - this will help broaden your understanding of these careers and will expose you to others you might not have thought of! Good luck - you got this!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer
Don’t try to pick “the perfect” option right now—you’re too early for that.

Instead:

Try small experiences in each interest (science projects, business ideas, space videos, etc.)
Notice what you enjoy doing for long hours without getting bored
Ask yourself what feels exciting vs what feels forced
Keep your grades strong so you have more options later

At your age, the goal is exploring, not deciding. Your interests will get clearer over time
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Isabel’s Answer

Hi Nora! As someone who had similar interests in middle school/high school, my best advice is to explore all the options and stick with the one that comes to you easiest and you feel a passion for. Although this may sound broad, the answer becomes more and more clear the more you expose yourself to different interests and classes. For example in college, I took many science classes but found that my business technology classes came to me easy and I enjoyed it. That is how I chose to pursue a degree in Management Information Systems. On the other hand, I REALLY struggled with math so I knew that I should stay away from a career path that was math heavy. Ultimately - trust yourself and your passions. I hope this helps and best of luck!!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Anuj’s Answer

Since you are in the 8th grade, it is completely normal—and actually great—to have so many different interests! You do not need to pick just one right now.

Here is a brief, step-by-step guide to help you narrow down your choices over the next few years:

1. Combine Your Interests
You don't always have to choose between your options; many of them naturally blend together. For example:

Biology + Space = Astrobiology (Studying how life could survive on other planets).

Medicine + Chemistry = Pharmacology (Designing new medicines and cures).

Business + Biology/Chemistry = Biotechnology Entrepreneurship (Running a company that creates new medical or scientific tech).

2. The "Elimination Game"
Instead of trying to pick the "best" one, focus on ruling out what you don't like. Pay close attention in your school classes:

Do you enjoy learning about cells, or do you get bored? (Tests Biology)

Do you like solving chemical equations, or do you prefer looking at stars? (Tests Chemistry vs. Space)

3. Do Micro-Experiments
Spend just 30 minutes a week testing each field in the real world:

For Space: Watch a documentary on black holes or NASA missions.

For Business: Look up how a company like Apple or Nike actually makes money, or try selling something small at a school fair.

For Medicine: Watch videos of a day in the life of a surgeon or pediatrician.

4. Talk to People
Ask your parents if they know anyone working in these fields. Interview them for 5 minutes. Ask them: "What is the best and worst part of your job?"

Summary Rule for 8th Grade
Keep your options broad. Focus on building a strong foundation in Science and Math, because a strong background in science allows you to easily switch into Business, Medicine, or Space later on.

Which of those topics on your list is your absolute favorite to watch videos or read books about right now?
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

George’s Answer

Hello Nora
First of all, your ambition is impressive, great to see you thinking far ahead.
Keep an open mind - in your next few years of school you may learn that some topics no longer interest you, and you may learn of new interesting career paths. What is important is that you don't shut down other paths at your young age.
In a few years you will have a chance to meet with school guidance counselors who can give advice & share evaluation tools that will help you match your personality to careers.
So keep an open mind, stay interested and inquisitive in what inspires you today but be open to something new.
0