10 answers
Khadija
Student
Beaverton, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
1013 views
Anyone who does career counseling ?
I am trying to figure out what I want to study in either for trade school or college. I currently am unemployed and 17. I need a job now as well that pays well and long term but I am not sure if I should do a program or internship at PCC instead because the job market is really bad right now. I am also not sure whether I want to have a remote job or in-person job after I finish either college or trade. If anyone who was in a similar situation or is currently doing trade/college/internship/program what your advice is. I am just really lost right now and I don’t have much time because I finish high school in about 5 months so I need to have a plan after that. I know there is different topics any questions but if anyone can please share your feedback on this I would appreciate it.
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10 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1417
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Khadija,
First, try not to panic because you don't have everything figured out yet. A lot of students feel pressured to have a complete career plan before graduation, but that's rarely how careers actually develop.
What stood out to me is that you're trying to answer several big questions at the same time. Should you go to college or trade school? Should you get a job now? Should you pursue an internship or training program? Do you want remote or in-person work? That's a lot for anyone to sort through at 17.
My advice would be to focus first on learning more about yourself rather than trying to choose a career immediately. Think about what kinds of activities you enjoy, what subjects interest you, whether you like working with people, technology, tools, data, or creative projects. Those clues are often more useful than trying to pick a job title right away.
Trade school can be a great option if you're interested in hands-on work and want to enter the workforce relatively quickly. Many skilled trades offer strong earning potential and steady demand. College can open a wider range of career options, but it usually requires a larger investment of time and money. Neither path is automatically better. It depends on your interests, goals, and circumstances.
Since you're also looking for income, there's nothing wrong with finding a part-time or entry-level job while exploring your next steps. In fact, work experience can help you learn what you like and don't like. An internship, workforce program, or community college program can also be valuable because it gives you exposure to different fields before making a bigger commitment.
I wouldn't worry too much about choosing between remote and in-person work right now. Many careers offer both options, and your preferences may change as you gain experience. Focus first on identifying fields that interest you and developing skills that employers value.
Over the next few months, try talking to people in different careers, attending career fairs, exploring programs at PCC, and researching occupations that match your strengths and interests. You don't need a perfect plan. You need a next step.
The fact that you're thinking seriously about your future is a good sign. Give yourself permission to explore. Most people don't discover the right path all at once. They find it by taking one informed step at a time.
Best wishes!
First, try not to panic because you don't have everything figured out yet. A lot of students feel pressured to have a complete career plan before graduation, but that's rarely how careers actually develop.
What stood out to me is that you're trying to answer several big questions at the same time. Should you go to college or trade school? Should you get a job now? Should you pursue an internship or training program? Do you want remote or in-person work? That's a lot for anyone to sort through at 17.
My advice would be to focus first on learning more about yourself rather than trying to choose a career immediately. Think about what kinds of activities you enjoy, what subjects interest you, whether you like working with people, technology, tools, data, or creative projects. Those clues are often more useful than trying to pick a job title right away.
Trade school can be a great option if you're interested in hands-on work and want to enter the workforce relatively quickly. Many skilled trades offer strong earning potential and steady demand. College can open a wider range of career options, but it usually requires a larger investment of time and money. Neither path is automatically better. It depends on your interests, goals, and circumstances.
Since you're also looking for income, there's nothing wrong with finding a part-time or entry-level job while exploring your next steps. In fact, work experience can help you learn what you like and don't like. An internship, workforce program, or community college program can also be valuable because it gives you exposure to different fields before making a bigger commitment.
I wouldn't worry too much about choosing between remote and in-person work right now. Many careers offer both options, and your preferences may change as you gain experience. Focus first on identifying fields that interest you and developing skills that employers value.
Over the next few months, try talking to people in different careers, attending career fairs, exploring programs at PCC, and researching occupations that match your strengths and interests. You don't need a perfect plan. You need a next step.
The fact that you're thinking seriously about your future is a good sign. Give yourself permission to explore. Most people don't discover the right path all at once. They find it by taking one informed step at a time.
Best wishes!
Hello Chinyere, I first want to say thank you so much. I think I will try to first find internships and programs through Worksource, Workforce, and PCC. I will explore more of what strengths and interests I have. I found your advice really helpful.
Thank you so much!
Khadija
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
104
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi, Khadija, you are asking excellent questions and have already gotten great advice. To add /reiterate:
- Notice what you are good at and what you enjoy (hopefully, there is a lot of overlap) and research what jobs use those skills
- Ask trusted adults what they observe about you and what jobs they think you would excel in (not to follow every piece of advice but to look for patterns)
- Use career resources at your high school; your guidance counselor should be able to direct you
- Use career resources at your public library; the reference librarian should be able to guide you
- Understand, as Chinyere said, this is a journey, not necessarily one and done. Finding out you don't like something could be almost as helpful as finding something you do like.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
- Notice what you are good at and what you enjoy (hopefully, there is a lot of overlap) and research what jobs use those skills
- Ask trusted adults what they observe about you and what jobs they think you would excel in (not to follow every piece of advice but to look for patterns)
- Use career resources at your high school; your guidance counselor should be able to direct you
- Use career resources at your public library; the reference librarian should be able to guide you
- Understand, as Chinyere said, this is a journey, not necessarily one and done. Finding out you don't like something could be almost as helpful as finding something you do like.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Mike K
Retired Law Enforcement
24
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi there. Yes, this can be a very difficult stage in life but you are 100% thinking in the right direction. A trade school nowadays is strongly recommended as they lead to a wide range of careers that are often safe from recessions, AI, etc.. I would first recommend thinking about something you are interested in then doing some research to see what kind of jobs are available in that field (ie: "What careers are good for people who like _________.") If nothing comes to mind I would suggest trade schools that are geared toward plumbers, electricians, HVAC, IT, and even auto mechanics. These fields often offer paid training and you can usually work your way up as you put in time. And down the road you may even be able to operate your own business.
If you choose to go the remote route, I'd suggest an IT, or coding program. Most remote jobs - the better paying ones - will look for IT professionals, coders, etc.
All the best!
Think about what your interested in.
Do some online research to see what jobs might be related to your interest(s).
If you choose to go the remote route, I'd suggest an IT, or coding program. Most remote jobs - the better paying ones - will look for IT professionals, coders, etc.
All the best!
Mike recommends the following next steps:
Okay, thank you!
Khadija
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
317
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
Focus on one practical next step each week: learn one in-demand skill, complete one portfolio task, and connect with one person in the field. Consistent action creates momentum and makes career direction much clearer over time.
Okay, I will do that, thank you!
Khadija
Innocent Zero
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Innocent’s Answer
since ur not sure about what you want too do, think about it, we arnt the one that will pick your life choice, its up too you, when you pick your life choice,then you ask for advice on how too go about it. Keep ya head up khadija, u got it.
Okay, thank you!
Khadija
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
317
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
Start by narrowing your options to a few realistic paths, then test each through small projects, networking chats, and hands-on experiences. Keep notes on what energizes you, where you perform well, and which skills are in demand. This evidence-based approach helps you choose confidently while building transferable strengths like communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
Thank you!
Khadija
Anilkumar Hanchinal
Learning and Development
89
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anilkumar’s Answer
I work in consulting and felt the same way when I was a teenager. I really enjoy my job because it helps me grow and learn new things. It lets me mix my love for humanities and STEM, and I get to work mostly from home. Cyber consulting offers many chances for people with all kinds of personalities. It's an excellent starting point for many different career paths.
Thank you!
Khadija
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
317
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
PCC programs or internships are your best move right now because they offer fast, affordable pathways to steady employment without a massive financial risk.
Choose a trade certificate (like electrical or radiology tech) for high-paying in-person work, or an IT/accounting track at PCC if you prefer future remote flexibility.
Contact PCC's career counseling center immediately; their services are free, and they can help you enroll in paid apprenticeships before you finish high school.
Choose a trade certificate (like electrical or radiology tech) for high-paying in-person work, or an IT/accounting track at PCC if you prefer future remote flexibility.
Contact PCC's career counseling center immediately; their services are free, and they can help you enroll in paid apprenticeships before you finish high school.
Thank you!
Khadija
Addison Surratt
Cyber/Government Consultant
12
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Addison’s Answer
Hello! Try not to worry too much, as things usually work out, and you have time.
I work in consulting and felt the same way when I was a teenager. I enjoy my job because it offers growth opportunities. It also lets me mix my interests in both humanities and STEM while mostly working from home. Cyber consulting has many opportunities for people with different personalities. It is a great starting point for many different career paths.
I work in consulting and felt the same way when I was a teenager. I enjoy my job because it offers growth opportunities. It also lets me mix my interests in both humanities and STEM while mostly working from home. Cyber consulting has many opportunities for people with different personalities. It is a great starting point for many different career paths.
Okay, thank you!
Khadija
ANTHONY SYLVESTER
School counselor
33
Answers
Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria
Updated
ANTHONY’s Answer
Hi Khadija,
First, I want to reassure you that feeling uncertain at 17 is completely normal. You're not behind—you’re at the stage of life where exploring your options is exactly what you should be doing.
Rather than feeling like you have to make one life changing decision right now, think about making your next best decision. Since you need income as well as career direction, I think your idea of exploring programs through PCC, Work source, or your local workforce development services is a smart one. These programs often provide career assessments, internships, apprenticeships, and connections to employers while helping you discover what suits you.
You also don't have to choose between college and trade school today. Try to narrow your interests to two or three fields, then find ways to experience each one through job shadowing, volunteering, internships, or talking to professionals. Real-world exposure often provides more clarity than endless online research.
As for remote versus in-person work, I wouldn't make that your deciding factor yet. Focus on finding a career that matches your interests, strengths, and values. Many professions now offer both remote and in-person opportunities, and your preferences may change as you gain experience.
If I could leave you with one piece of advice, it would be this: don't wait until you're 100% certain before taking action. Career clarity usually comes from experience, not from thinking alone. Every job, internship, class, or program will teach you something about yourself and move you closer to a career that fits.
You're already asking thoughtful questions and planning ahead, which tells me you're taking your future seriously. Keep exploring, stay curious, and remember that your first choice doesn't have to be your final destination. Careers are built one step at a time.
Wishing you all the best on your journey.
First, I want to reassure you that feeling uncertain at 17 is completely normal. You're not behind—you’re at the stage of life where exploring your options is exactly what you should be doing.
Rather than feeling like you have to make one life changing decision right now, think about making your next best decision. Since you need income as well as career direction, I think your idea of exploring programs through PCC, Work source, or your local workforce development services is a smart one. These programs often provide career assessments, internships, apprenticeships, and connections to employers while helping you discover what suits you.
You also don't have to choose between college and trade school today. Try to narrow your interests to two or three fields, then find ways to experience each one through job shadowing, volunteering, internships, or talking to professionals. Real-world exposure often provides more clarity than endless online research.
As for remote versus in-person work, I wouldn't make that your deciding factor yet. Focus on finding a career that matches your interests, strengths, and values. Many professions now offer both remote and in-person opportunities, and your preferences may change as you gain experience.
If I could leave you with one piece of advice, it would be this: don't wait until you're 100% certain before taking action. Career clarity usually comes from experience, not from thinking alone. Every job, internship, class, or program will teach you something about yourself and move you closer to a career that fits.
You're already asking thoughtful questions and planning ahead, which tells me you're taking your future seriously. Keep exploring, stay curious, and remember that your first choice doesn't have to be your final destination. Careers are built one step at a time.
Wishing you all the best on your journey.
Thank you!
Khadija