7 answers
Aiden
Student
Newton Falls, Ohio
3
Questions
Asked
641 views
How do I find out what I want to do after high school?
I am a 16 year old student in high school trying to figure out what I want to do after I graduate. I've never been sure of what I would like to do after graduation. I would like to try out college, though I don't know what for. Any tips?
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7 answers
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
147
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Aiden,
Feeling unsure about your future after high school is completely normal, and you are not alone. It's great that you are thinking about it now, as it shows you are planning ahead.
Here are some steps to help you figure out your path:
Explore Your Interests:
Think about the subjects or activities you love. Do you enjoy writing, science, helping others, or working with your hands?
Try joining different clubs, taking electives, or getting part-time jobs to see what you like.
Consider College as Exploration:
You don't need to know your exact career path before going to college. Many students start with general courses and find their interests over time.
Look for programs that offer flexibility, like liberal arts or community colleges, where you can explore before choosing a major.
Gain Real-World Experience:
Volunteer, intern, or shadow professionals in fields you are curious about.
Even short experiences can help you understand what you enjoy and what you don't.
Set Small Goals:
Work on skills that are valuable in any job, like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
These skills will be helpful whether you go to college, vocational training, or straight into work.
My Personal Advice: Think of this time as a chance to explore, not as pressure to decide. It's okay not to have all the answers now. What matters is staying curious, trying new things, and learning about yourself.
You are asking the right questions, and your curiosity will help you find a path that suits your strengths and interests.
Wishing you clarity and confidence as you explore your future.
Feeling unsure about your future after high school is completely normal, and you are not alone. It's great that you are thinking about it now, as it shows you are planning ahead.
Here are some steps to help you figure out your path:
Explore Your Interests:
Think about the subjects or activities you love. Do you enjoy writing, science, helping others, or working with your hands?
Try joining different clubs, taking electives, or getting part-time jobs to see what you like.
Consider College as Exploration:
You don't need to know your exact career path before going to college. Many students start with general courses and find their interests over time.
Look for programs that offer flexibility, like liberal arts or community colleges, where you can explore before choosing a major.
Gain Real-World Experience:
Volunteer, intern, or shadow professionals in fields you are curious about.
Even short experiences can help you understand what you enjoy and what you don't.
Set Small Goals:
Work on skills that are valuable in any job, like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
These skills will be helpful whether you go to college, vocational training, or straight into work.
My Personal Advice: Think of this time as a chance to explore, not as pressure to decide. It's okay not to have all the answers now. What matters is staying curious, trying new things, and learning about yourself.
You are asking the right questions, and your curiosity will help you find a path that suits your strengths and interests.
Wishing you clarity and confidence as you explore your future.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Aiden
Steven Young
Business Owner
33
Answers
Glen Cove, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
You could use one of the many career exploration tools that are available online. Some college selection sites such as niche have them as well. Lastly there is the Occupational Outlook Handbook available online that describes jobs, related jobs, and salaries.
Marwa Noori
3
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Marwa’s Answer
Hey, you should try different activities, clubs, classes and electives to see what you enjoy. and also explore different careers, and talk to people who work in different jobs. Volunteer, get part time job, or join activities that give you real world experience. So this can help you learn what you enjoy and find a career or skill that interests you. Don't worry if you don't know yet-take your time and explore your subjects and choose a path that feels right for you.
Wendy Lowe
Director of Student Engagement
8
Answers
Abingdon, Virginia
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
It's alright to be uncertain of what you'd like to do post-highschool. If college is on your radar, you could start by going to a local community college first. This would give you exposure. I would recommend that you take courses that you are most interested in to try to discover where your passion lies. With this information, you can always continue at that community college or transfer to another college. I would recommend you start to pay attention to what you enjoy. And, what jobs can you do with that? Good luck.
David K
Marketing
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Aiden, exciting times are ahead with many opportunities waiting for you. Think about what you enjoy doing and what you'd like to do more in the future. If you love building or fixing things and using tools, construction or trade school could be a great path. If helping people or animals makes you happy, consider studying medical or veterinary sciences in college. If airplanes fascinate you and you dream of being a pilot, the military could be a great start to get closer to planes and earn your pilot license.
Look around at what you like to do or see others doing that interests you for your future. Once you have some ideas, you can explore how to turn them into a career by researching or asking for advice.
Remember, it's okay to change your path if your first choice doesn't feel right. Many people switch careers after college, the military, or trade school, so you're not alone.
Look around at what you like to do or see others doing that interests you for your future. Once you have some ideas, you can explore how to turn them into a career by researching or asking for advice.
Remember, it's okay to change your path if your first choice doesn't feel right. Many people switch careers after college, the military, or trade school, so you're not alone.
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
342
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Ask people you know who have jobs that you might interested what they did to reach that goal. As a high school student, you should consider taking as many dual credit or AP level courses while you can. This way you will save lots of money and time in college by not having to take those courses then. Be curious, ask alot of questions and look for internship opportunities as well. Consider these questions.
Where do you want to live? (This will determine the job market you will be in)
What do you like? (Are you a people person, do you like solving problems, do you like working in an office or outdoors?)
Who do you know? ( The best way to find a job is to know someone who already works in that field and have them help you get hired)
Good luck, you will do well.
Where do you want to live? (This will determine the job market you will be in)
What do you like? (Are you a people person, do you like solving problems, do you like working in an office or outdoors?)
Who do you know? ( The best way to find a job is to know someone who already works in that field and have them help you get hired)
Good luck, you will do well.
Diana Liang
Technical Writer
5
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Aiden,
This is a great question and I give kudos to you for thinking about it this early. You already have a head start! Like Sijoy mentioned, it's totally normal to feel unsure in high school. You're still discovering who you are, so it makes sense you're also figuring out what comes next.
Here's my advice: go to college if you can. It's a bit of a controversial topic, but personally, I believe a degree opens more doors down the road. As for what to major in, start by asking yourself what you enjoy and what you're good at:
- Like helping people? Consider nursing.
- Good with numbers? Consider accounting.
- Love writing? Consider English literature.
If you really have no idea yet, go general: business, communications, or healthcare are great options. They open infinite doors into countless jobs and industries.
Most importantly, don't freak out! There's no "wrong" major, because you can always change direction later. You never fully know where you'll end up. I majored in nursing, moved into software engineering, and eventually became a technical writer. My nursing degree doesn't directly apply to tech, but it's still what got my career started and helped me pivot.
Hope this helps! <3
This is a great question and I give kudos to you for thinking about it this early. You already have a head start! Like Sijoy mentioned, it's totally normal to feel unsure in high school. You're still discovering who you are, so it makes sense you're also figuring out what comes next.
Here's my advice: go to college if you can. It's a bit of a controversial topic, but personally, I believe a degree opens more doors down the road. As for what to major in, start by asking yourself what you enjoy and what you're good at:
- Like helping people? Consider nursing.
- Good with numbers? Consider accounting.
- Love writing? Consider English literature.
If you really have no idea yet, go general: business, communications, or healthcare are great options. They open infinite doors into countless jobs and industries.
Most importantly, don't freak out! There's no "wrong" major, because you can always change direction later. You never fully know where you'll end up. I majored in nursing, moved into software engineering, and eventually became a technical writer. My nursing degree doesn't directly apply to tech, but it's still what got my career started and helped me pivot.
Hope this helps! <3