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What is one piece of career advice you wish someone had given you when you were in high school?
I'm in high school, and looking for some good career advice. I'm honestly really open right now, so i've got a lot of choices. Thanks!
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30 answers
Updated
Roger’s Answer
You don’t have to figure out your entire career right now—and you’re not locked into just one path for life.
You’re likely going to have multiple careers over time possibly even over lapping jobs and/or hobbies that become income generating. As you grow, your interests, strengths, and opportunities will evolve. That’s normal—and it’s a good thing.
Instead of putting pressure on yourself to choose the “perfect” path, focus on discovering what you genuinely enjoy and what you’re naturally good at. Over time, you’ll find yourself gravitating toward those areas more and more.
History is full of people who didn’t limit themselves to just one identity. Take Leonardo da Vinci, for example. He’s often remembered as a painter, but he was also an inventor, engineer, scientist, and anatomist. He followed his curiosity across different fields and mastered many of them—not because he picked one path early, but because he kept learning and evolving.
Think of your career as a series of chapters, not a single decision. Each experience teaches you something and moves you closer to work that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
So stay curious, be open to change, and trust that you’ll keep refining your direction as you g
You’re likely going to have multiple careers over time possibly even over lapping jobs and/or hobbies that become income generating. As you grow, your interests, strengths, and opportunities will evolve. That’s normal—and it’s a good thing.
Instead of putting pressure on yourself to choose the “perfect” path, focus on discovering what you genuinely enjoy and what you’re naturally good at. Over time, you’ll find yourself gravitating toward those areas more and more.
History is full of people who didn’t limit themselves to just one identity. Take Leonardo da Vinci, for example. He’s often remembered as a painter, but he was also an inventor, engineer, scientist, and anatomist. He followed his curiosity across different fields and mastered many of them—not because he picked one path early, but because he kept learning and evolving.
Think of your career as a series of chapters, not a single decision. Each experience teaches you something and moves you closer to work that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
So stay curious, be open to change, and trust that you’ll keep refining your direction as you g
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Emerson Nikky
Updated
SREE LAKSHMY’s Answer
Don’t try to have everything figured out too early focus on exploring and building skills instead.
Use high school to try different interests (medicine, business, sports, etc.) but remember that interests may change over time what stays with you are the skills you develop, like communication, problem-solving, and confidence.
Work on skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and adaptability, and take on small exploratory projects (both tech and non-tech) to learn by doing.
Most importantly, stay curious, keep up with latest trends, and don’t compare your path to others careers are built step by step, not decided all at once.
Use high school to try different interests (medicine, business, sports, etc.) but remember that interests may change over time what stays with you are the skills you develop, like communication, problem-solving, and confidence.
Work on skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and adaptability, and take on small exploratory projects (both tech and non-tech) to learn by doing.
Most importantly, stay curious, keep up with latest trends, and don’t compare your path to others careers are built step by step, not decided all at once.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Wong’s Answer
I wish someone had told me, "Don't worry too much about finding the perfect career right away. Instead, focus on building skills that will be useful in any job."
First, you need to spend time exploring different interests. Join clubs, volunteer, take online courses, or try small projects. These experiences will help you discover what you enjoy and what you are good at.
Next, you should develop skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are valuable in every career and will help you stand out. Do not be afraid to change your mind. Many people start in one field and later move to another as they learn more about themselves and their interests.
First, you need to spend time exploring different interests. Join clubs, volunteer, take online courses, or try small projects. These experiences will help you discover what you enjoy and what you are good at.
Next, you should develop skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are valuable in every career and will help you stand out. Do not be afraid to change your mind. Many people start in one field and later move to another as they learn more about themselves and their interests.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Emerson Nikky
You're very welcome
Wong Loke Yuen
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1101
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Emerson:
I would tell my younger self to stay away from people who are self centered, lose control of their emotions, and are unable to handle adversity. Because they will never achieve their goals and will drag me down with them and prevent me from achieving mine.
Many times, I wish that I could go back in time and write a letter to my future self, where I would have documented professional advice, emphasized a strong life philosophy and provided a clear picture of how one should build their future. Some of these elements would include:
# Protect Your Path: Actively avoid toxic, emotionally volatile, or self-centered individuals who drain your energy and stall your progress.
# Follow Non-Monetary Passions: Identify the things you love doing so much that you would do them without monetary compensation. I really believe that finding this intrinsic passion is the exact blueprint for a successful career path.
# Focus on Personal Effort: I heavily reference the philosophy of legendary UCLA coach John Wooden (who won 10 NCAA championships). I did not meet him, until my career was well underway, but he had a profound influence on my later transitions in life, which eventually led to success.
I always advise people to never compare themselves to others or obsess over things they cannot control. True peace of mind, according to Coach Wooden, only comes from knowing you did your absolute best.
# Maintain Agency: Avoid letting other people dictate your future. If a life plan makes you unhappy or unmotivated, you must take the reins and change it.
I hope this has been helpful in answering your question. Best of luck in achieving your future life goals.
I would tell my younger self to stay away from people who are self centered, lose control of their emotions, and are unable to handle adversity. Because they will never achieve their goals and will drag me down with them and prevent me from achieving mine.
Many times, I wish that I could go back in time and write a letter to my future self, where I would have documented professional advice, emphasized a strong life philosophy and provided a clear picture of how one should build their future. Some of these elements would include:
# Protect Your Path: Actively avoid toxic, emotionally volatile, or self-centered individuals who drain your energy and stall your progress.
# Follow Non-Monetary Passions: Identify the things you love doing so much that you would do them without monetary compensation. I really believe that finding this intrinsic passion is the exact blueprint for a successful career path.
# Focus on Personal Effort: I heavily reference the philosophy of legendary UCLA coach John Wooden (who won 10 NCAA championships). I did not meet him, until my career was well underway, but he had a profound influence on my later transitions in life, which eventually led to success.
I always advise people to never compare themselves to others or obsess over things they cannot control. True peace of mind, according to Coach Wooden, only comes from knowing you did your absolute best.
# Maintain Agency: Avoid letting other people dictate your future. If a life plan makes you unhappy or unmotivated, you must take the reins and change it.
I hope this has been helpful in answering your question. Best of luck in achieving your future life goals.
Paul, thank you!
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Rebecca Louise’s Answer
It's totally normal to not know what you want to do with the rest of your life when you're in university. It's also totally acceptable to take some time out after school, travel or do some work placements before going to university. Don't feel pressured to immediately go to university straight out of high school even if it feels like that's what everyone else is doing. Spending 3 to 4 years studying a particular topic is a big commitment and if you don't feel like you're ready for it. That's totally okay. When I was in university I came across many students who were a couple years older than me who had done work placements or travelled and taking some time to decide what it was that they actually did want to study. Having studied in the UK I went to university straight out of high school but in mainland Europe it's very normal for students to be in their mid-20s when they start their bachelors degree and I think that should be more normalised around in the world. Just because you study one subject in university that does not mean that that is gonna be the rest of your life. Very few of my chemical engineering friends ended up actually becoming engineers. Often it's just a stepping stone to open doors in many other industries. Engineering is a very powerful degree because it teaches you many valuable and transferable skills that allow you to enter many different sectors. In my first year of university I didn't love my degree, but I felt under a lot of pressure to have to complete it due to financial reasons. I had a few months where I really struggled to cope with the fact that my whole life was going to be spent in a field that I didn't love. It was only later on in my degree that I realised that my engineering degree was actually opening many other doors up for me. When I graduated, I actually ended up going into the world of tech sales. I started out in a company doing process automation and I'm now at a company doing marketing software, something I never would've thought of doing in university. You will likely go through many different phases in your life where you will go through different iterations of your career and you might have lots of different roles and lots of different sectors and there's always the opportunity to branch out and move between different roles if you're open to it. My biggest advice would be to remain open-minded and curious about what other people are doing adjacent to you even if you might not have originally considered that career path for you. I'm always curious as to what my colleagues and friends roles entail as there are so many jobs out there that I didn't even know exist but might even be a good fit for me. I also think it's entirely normal to go through waves of motivation or love for what you're doing at some point. You might be very passionate and driven and at other points experience lulls in motivation and that's totally okay. As your priorities and values in life change and shift so will your work life. The most important thing I believe at the end of the day is your own personal happiness and mental health. Something I learned early in university is that no degree or job or salary is worth losing my mental health over. I had a lot of friends who went through tough times in their lives due to putting themselves under immense pressure to achieve academically and professionally. When I was younger I used to take mental health and happiness for granted but I realised as I got older that is definitely not the case and I don't think that there's a price I can put on being happy in life. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed with expectations or pressures to succeed. Put onto you by either yourself or those around you. What I like to remember at the end of the day is that it's just life and there's a lot more to me as a person than my degree or my salary or my job title.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Keneil’s Answer
Whatever field you are interested in, ensure that it is something you enjoy and you can see yourself doing for a while without losing motivation. Try to find a mentor and network with people that have the same interest.
Thanks for the help.
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Taelyn’s Answer
You have your entire life to figure out what you want to do. You never have to hold a job or career you do not enjoy just because you think you need to. Opportunities will always come around, and you do not have to have it all figured out.
Just put one foot forward, and enjoy yourself, never give your self worth to a job. By being you and giving effort where effort is due you will find yourself having amazing opportunities arise in your jobs.
Just put one foot forward, and enjoy yourself, never give your self worth to a job. By being you and giving effort where effort is due you will find yourself having amazing opportunities arise in your jobs.
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Ashley’s Answer
I wish someone told me to serve more. Meaning, explore more opportunities to volunteer, join an extracurricular or outreach activity and give back to others within my community. It's very important to be in environments that will build the soft skills for a lasting career, regardless of industry. This includes: leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, conflict resolution, negotiation, public speaking, persuasion, emotional intelligence.
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you think about what careers you have interest. You can then select the relevant subjects in college and establish a career plan.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg if you have interest in maths, would you like to be 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. Seek guidance from your mentor, school careers counselor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Attend the information session host by relevant departments of college and find out the entry criteria
Hope this help! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
Eg if you have interest in maths, would you like to be 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. Seek guidance from your mentor, school careers counselor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Attend the information session host by relevant departments of college and find out the entry criteria
Hope this help! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Mya’s Answer
Explore different things to find out what you enjoy. Use the career center because many people overlook it. They can guide you to free summer programs at universities and community groups, giving you insight into various career paths. Keep your curiosity alive by asking people about their jobs and learning from them. Getting exposed to different fields is key!
Thank you, Mya!
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Cole’s Answer
Hello,
You have so much in front of you. Please don't commit to anything until you know that it is what you really want to do. There are plenty of opportunities to dip your toes into a career whether it is job shadowing, interning, temp/seasonal jobs, or anything else. Feel free to try a couple of industries out and figure out what truly works for you before jumping into college or a job. Also remember that while you should take pride in your job and work hard, you also have your own life to live. There should be a firm understanding with any employer that you have that your time outside of work is your own. Don't let anyone take advantage of you being new. Know your rights and know your contract.
You have so much in front of you. Please don't commit to anything until you know that it is what you really want to do. There are plenty of opportunities to dip your toes into a career whether it is job shadowing, interning, temp/seasonal jobs, or anything else. Feel free to try a couple of industries out and figure out what truly works for you before jumping into college or a job. Also remember that while you should take pride in your job and work hard, you also have your own life to live. There should be a firm understanding with any employer that you have that your time outside of work is your own. Don't let anyone take advantage of you being new. Know your rights and know your contract.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Simi’s Answer
Don't rush to have everything figured out. Instead, try different careers and industries by shadowing professionals, asking questions, and connecting with people who interest you. Start exploring early to gain an edge and learn about various career paths. While you're young, focus on learning and exploring with curiosity. The more you experience, the easier it will be to find what excites you and make informed choices about your future.
Remember to "be a sponge." Soak up all the knowledge and experiences you can. Every conversation, opportunity, and challenge can teach you something useful and guide you toward the right path.
Remember to "be a sponge." Soak up all the knowledge and experiences you can. Every conversation, opportunity, and challenge can teach you something useful and guide you toward the right path.
Thank you, Simi for the advice.
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Elandria’s Answer
Investigate your "nevers"--the things you said you'd never do/be able to do. I've recently found that my nevers have led me to exactly where I am most happy being. I said I'd never work in a patient facing role within psychiatric treatment nor with children. The children I work with now are some of my favorite patients. We often clip our own potential short by discounting our own abilities and/or letting fear prevent us from ever trying something new. Now, I'm not suggesting every never is a secret desire--many nevers are true nevers. The thing is, you never know what you'll fall in love with next if you do not give it a try. You don't have to stick with it. You can leave halfway through that class if it's really not for you. I've found that no time spent exploring our options is ever wasted. Every experience we have allows us to learn more about ourselves and the world around us; and you never know when that knowledge will come up again and be useful in the future.
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Emma’s Answer
Don't wait until you feel ready. Many people spend years waiting for the perfect moment, like the right age or experience, before trying something new. But usually, you feel ready by actually doing it. The people who succeed the fastest are often those who jump in before they feel fully prepared. They say yes before knowing exactly how they'll manage and learn as they go, instead of waiting on the sidelines.
In high school, this could mean going for an opportunity you think you're not ready for, talking to someone who seems intimidating, or starting something you've been putting off. Remember, confidence comes from taking action, not the other way around.
In high school, this could mean going for an opportunity you think you're not ready for, talking to someone who seems intimidating, or starting something you've been putting off. Remember, confidence comes from taking action, not the other way around.
Your advice was so helpful!
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Anusha’s Answer
Grades alone don't guarantee success in life. Follow your interests and learn from your mistakes. Set goals to improve yourself both professionally and personally. Always strive to be a good person.
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Matthew’s Answer
Two pieces of advice from me.
1. Be curious.
2. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
If something interests you then go and explore it more to work out what does and doesn’t work. What the limits might be. How you can use it in a different way.
I also see lots of people who do amazing things but are always too scared of judgement to share what they’ve done. If you’ve done something you’re proud of or excited about then share it with others. Even if they don’t like it they will like the passion you’re sharing. Putting yourself out there and sharing in this way takes guts but people notice it and it will work in your favour.
1. Be curious.
2. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
If something interests you then go and explore it more to work out what does and doesn’t work. What the limits might be. How you can use it in a different way.
I also see lots of people who do amazing things but are always too scared of judgement to share what they’ve done. If you’ve done something you’re proud of or excited about then share it with others. Even if they don’t like it they will like the passion you’re sharing. Putting yourself out there and sharing in this way takes guts but people notice it and it will work in your favour.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
In high school, I wish I had known that your first job doesn't have to be your dream job. Many people feel pressured to find the perfect career right away, but careers are built gradually. Every job, internship, volunteer role, or class teaches you something valuable about what you like and dislike. These experiences are more important than you might think.
Also, don't choose a career just because you're good at it. Notice what energizes you. You might be skilled at something but still dislike doing it every day. The happiest people I know in their jobs found a balance between their skills, interests, and the lifestyle they wanted. Allow yourself to explore, ask questions, and change your mind. This isn't failing; it's part of discovering what works for you.
Also, don't choose a career just because you're good at it. Notice what energizes you. You might be skilled at something but still dislike doing it every day. The happiest people I know in their jobs found a balance between their skills, interests, and the lifestyle they wanted. Allow yourself to explore, ask questions, and change your mind. This isn't failing; it's part of discovering what works for you.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Suraayah’s Answer
Emerson — I wish someone had told me to slow down and explore before choosing a career. Taking a gap year or even a “gap season” can teach you more about yourself than any class. Travel if you can, get roommates, work different jobs, meet people from different backgrounds, and stay open to new cultures and new ways of doing things. Don’t let where you grew up limit what you think is possible.
Pay attention to the things you were naturally drawn to as a kid or teen — those early interests usually point toward your real strengths. Use your time after high school to test those interests in the real world through internships, volunteering, part‑time jobs, or short courses. Experience will give you clarity faster than guessing.
If you’re interested in building something of your own one day, start learning the basics of business early. Take classes part‑time, find mentors, and let people guide you while you’re still young. By the time you finish school, you’ll either already be building something — or you’ll know it’s not your path and can pivot confidently. The foundation you build now will make every future choice easier.
1. Explore different environments during a gap year or gap season to learn more about yourself.
2. Try internships, part‑time jobs, or volunteer roles to test your interests in the real world.
3. Reflect on the hobbies and interests you loved as a kid or teen to identify natural strengths.
4. Start learning basic business skills early through classes, mentors, or online resources.
5. Build relationships with mentors who can guide you as you explore and shape your future path.
Pay attention to the things you were naturally drawn to as a kid or teen — those early interests usually point toward your real strengths. Use your time after high school to test those interests in the real world through internships, volunteering, part‑time jobs, or short courses. Experience will give you clarity faster than guessing.
If you’re interested in building something of your own one day, start learning the basics of business early. Take classes part‑time, find mentors, and let people guide you while you’re still young. By the time you finish school, you’ll either already be building something — or you’ll know it’s not your path and can pivot confidently. The foundation you build now will make every future choice easier.
Suraayah recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Emily’s Answer
It's okay not to know exactly what you want to do right after high school. While my family encouraged me to focus on one career path early on, I missed out on truly enjoying my high school years. Here's what I've learned and want to share with you:
1. If you can volunteer in high school, go for it. Try different areas that interest you as possible careers. This helps you learn about those fields before deciding on a degree.
2. Enjoy your high school years without worrying too much about what comes next. Find a job that lets you start working while you continue your education and explore your interests.
3. If you find a field you're passionate about, look online for ways to learn and grow in that area. Seek opportunities to get involved or start with entry-level jobs.
4. Don't worry too much about the experience required for entry-level jobs. Believe in yourself and apply for positions that interest you. You might find someone who values what you offer.
5. Work on your resume and build a portfolio. Create a personal brand that shows your strengths and skills when you interview.
1. If you can volunteer in high school, go for it. Try different areas that interest you as possible careers. This helps you learn about those fields before deciding on a degree.
2. Enjoy your high school years without worrying too much about what comes next. Find a job that lets you start working while you continue your education and explore your interests.
3. If you find a field you're passionate about, look online for ways to learn and grow in that area. Seek opportunities to get involved or start with entry-level jobs.
4. Don't worry too much about the experience required for entry-level jobs. Believe in yourself and apply for positions that interest you. You might find someone who values what you offer.
5. Work on your resume and build a portfolio. Create a personal brand that shows your strengths and skills when you interview.
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Cassandra’s Answer
To explore your options, and don't just settle for what's easy.
Thank you so much, Cassandra!
Emerson Nikky
Mahima Khurana
Support Engagement Lead (Technical Support)
6
Answers
Updated
Mahima’s Answer
It's perfectly okay to take a step back or start fresh to protect your mental health. Many people feel stuck in their jobs because of good pay or how it looks on their resume. They push themselves all week and have no energy left for their days off. Some keep chasing promotions because they've invested so much time in their careers that leaving feels impossible.
This can lead to burnout, making it hard to find new opportunities. Sometimes, the only options are sideways moves, lower job titles, or pay cuts. While a pay cut is tough, if you can still meet your needs and the new job is less demanding, it might be worth it for your well-being.
You might start in a new field at a lower position, but it could offer better prospects or simply be more enjoyable. This new start can help you learn from the past, set better work-life boundaries, and create routines that prioritize you. Remember, it's never too late to change paths and start anew. Most jobs have skills that transfer, so you're not really starting from scratch.
This can lead to burnout, making it hard to find new opportunities. Sometimes, the only options are sideways moves, lower job titles, or pay cuts. While a pay cut is tough, if you can still meet your needs and the new job is less demanding, it might be worth it for your well-being.
You might start in a new field at a lower position, but it could offer better prospects or simply be more enjoyable. This new start can help you learn from the past, set better work-life boundaries, and create routines that prioritize you. Remember, it's never too late to change paths and start anew. Most jobs have skills that transfer, so you're not really starting from scratch.
Thank you!
Emerson Nikky
Updated
susan stauber’s Answer
When you start college, consider choosing "Undeclared" as your major. At Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, we didn't have to declare a major until our sophomore year, and even then, it wasn't required. I originally aimed to be a nurse, but an elective class called Kiddies Lit completely changed my path. I discovered my passion for teaching and spent 35 wonderful years teaching elementary school. I'm now 78 and still enjoy substitute teaching. So, try an elective—you never know, it might lead you to a new and exciting goal. Best of luck!
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Christopher’s Answer
If I could offer one piece of career advice to my younger self, it would be to take your time when choosing a career. Discover what you truly enjoy and what you're good at. It's okay to start college without a declared major and explore different subjects and career paths. Many students change their majors as they learn more about their interests and career options, and that's perfectly normal.
Don't just focus on broad fields like business, technology, healthcare, or education. Dive into the specific jobs within those fields. Two careers in the same industry can be very different from each other. The more you explore, the more likely you'll find something that matches your interests and strengths.
Another important tip is to develop good study habits early on. There's no one-size-fits-all method for studying, and it took me time to learn what worked best for me. If one way isn't working, don't think you're a bad student. Try different techniques, environments, and note-taking methods until you find what suits your learning style. Learning how to learn is a skill that will benefit you throughout college and your career.
Remember, choosing a career isn't a race. Those who take the time to understand themselves, their interests, and how they learn often make better long-term decisions than those who rush into things.
Don't just focus on broad fields like business, technology, healthcare, or education. Dive into the specific jobs within those fields. Two careers in the same industry can be very different from each other. The more you explore, the more likely you'll find something that matches your interests and strengths.
Another important tip is to develop good study habits early on. There's no one-size-fits-all method for studying, and it took me time to learn what worked best for me. If one way isn't working, don't think you're a bad student. Try different techniques, environments, and note-taking methods until you find what suits your learning style. Learning how to learn is a skill that will benefit you throughout college and your career.
Remember, choosing a career isn't a race. Those who take the time to understand themselves, their interests, and how they learn often make better long-term decisions than those who rush into things.
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Kris’s Answer
It's okay that you don't have your direction figured out yet. Often people who make up their mind on a career too early end up going all the way through school only to discover they don't like their chosen field after all.
Take the time to explore your options. Start with a general idea in mind (because you have to start somewhere!) but be open to changing as you learn more about your passions, strengths and options. As you take classes or gain job experience, pay attention to what energizes you. Listen to what others tell you you're good at. If you're interested in a particular career, ask someone already working in that field if you could do an informational interview with them or shadow them on the job. You'd be surprised how many people will be happy to share their experience. (You can even ask here on Career Village if you don't know anyone personally). Ask what they like and dislike about their job, what skills are most important and what they would do differently if they had it to do all over again.
Try to get some early work experience, even if you're still going to school. Not only will it give you a head start on your resume and savings account, but it will also help you start to build your network and find out what you enjoy. Have fun along the way, keep an open mind and never stop learning. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at what you find!
Take the time to explore your options. Start with a general idea in mind (because you have to start somewhere!) but be open to changing as you learn more about your passions, strengths and options. As you take classes or gain job experience, pay attention to what energizes you. Listen to what others tell you you're good at. If you're interested in a particular career, ask someone already working in that field if you could do an informational interview with them or shadow them on the job. You'd be surprised how many people will be happy to share their experience. (You can even ask here on Career Village if you don't know anyone personally). Ask what they like and dislike about their job, what skills are most important and what they would do differently if they had it to do all over again.
Try to get some early work experience, even if you're still going to school. Not only will it give you a head start on your resume and savings account, but it will also help you start to build your network and find out what you enjoy. Have fun along the way, keep an open mind and never stop learning. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at what you find!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Ash’s Answer
Follow your passion! Don't get too fixated on what other people are doing or what you think your parents or others think you should do.
If you follow your passion you will probably be good at what you do. Also remember you can always change at a later stage. I've done so many different things before doing what I am doing now and it always adds to your experience! :)
If you follow your passion you will probably be good at what you do. Also remember you can always change at a later stage. I've done so many different things before doing what I am doing now and it always adds to your experience! :)
Thank you, Ash!
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Christelle G.’s Answer
Hello Nikky, It is totally okay if don’t know what you want to do yet. I will suggest to speak with your advisor or professor. But first, create a list of 10 to 20 you see yourself doing in the future, or you can just pick some career you see people succeed. Before you go to them see the courses that you’ve already completed or you are currently taking compare the courses with all the careers that you wrote down, make another list for those courses that align with any of the careers that wrote.
Once you done meet with your advisor or teacher etc… and explain what you did, and you will be able to make a good choice at the end of high school.
Once you done meet with your advisor or teacher etc… and explain what you did, and you will be able to make a good choice at the end of high school.
Your advice was so helpful!
Emerson Nikky
Hussain Al Banna
Chief executive officer of a governmental entity
5
Answers
Updated
Hussain’s Answer
If I could go back and tell my high school self one thing, it’s this: the engineers who end up leading aren’t the ones who were best at the technical work — they’re the ones who learned to explain technical work to people who don’t have the technical background. I spent years assuming competence would speak for itself. It doesn’t. The people who got promoted past good engineers were the ones who could sit in a budget meeting and explain why a bridge inspection mattered to someone who’d never read a structural report.
Don’t pick a major — pick a problem you want to work on. I didn’t choose civil engineering because I loved concrete. I chose it because I cared about whether people could get to work safely and on time. That distinction matters more than it sounds: it means when the industry shifts — and infrastructure has shifted enormously, from pure construction to data-driven traffic systems to climate resilience — you move with the problem instead of feeling stuck in a major that no longer fits.
Don’t pick a major — pick a problem you want to work on. I didn’t choose civil engineering because I loved concrete. I chose it because I cared about whether people could get to work safely and on time. That distinction matters more than it sounds: it means when the industry shifts — and infrastructure has shifted enormously, from pure construction to data-driven traffic systems to climate resilience — you move with the problem instead of feeling stuck in a major that no longer fits.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Understand what makes you tick as a person, what do you enjoy? Do you like solving problems? Do you like talking to people and building relationships? Do you like to be creative?
There are so many different careers and industries out there, don't try and fit yourself into a box too soon. Find what makes you happy, find what you enjoy and then find the best types of industries/careers that offer opportunities with your natural talents. Longer term this will hopefully give you more career satisfaction and will help make work interesting, enjoyable and fulfilling.
There are so many different careers and industries out there, don't try and fit yourself into a box too soon. Find what makes you happy, find what you enjoy and then find the best types of industries/careers that offer opportunities with your natural talents. Longer term this will hopefully give you more career satisfaction and will help make work interesting, enjoyable and fulfilling.
Thank you!
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Here's some career advice I wish I had in high school: You don't have to choose the perfect career right away. Focus on exploring and building your skills. Many people change their paths several times, and that's okay. What's important is discovering what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what kind of work suits your lifestyle.
If I could do it over, I would start at a community college for the first two years. It would have saved me money and allowed me more time to decide on a major or a more expensive school.
Remember, it's not about having all the answers right now. It's about giving yourself the chance to grow, try different things, and make better choices over time.
Key takeaway: Explore first, commit later, and consider community college as a smart place to start.
If I could do it over, I would start at a community college for the first two years. It would have saved me money and allowed me more time to decide on a major or a more expensive school.
Remember, it's not about having all the answers right now. It's about giving yourself the chance to grow, try different things, and make better choices over time.
Key takeaway: Explore first, commit later, and consider community college as a smart place to start.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Emerson Nikky
Updated
Katrine’s Answer
A piece of advice I wish someone had given me in high school is...it's okay not to have it all figured out and take a break if it is needed. It's okay to start in a general area of interest for your career and over time, lock in on something more specific.
Thank you, Katrine!
Emerson Nikky