16 answers
mrRio
Student
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
4
Questions
Asked
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I am still worrying about what I should study in the future
I am 14 and still worrying about what I should study in the future and the career path that I needed to take in order for my future career. Can you give a an idea on how I can choose the correct path to take?
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16 answers
Yasmin Lara
Risk & People Management
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi there! It's awesome that you're thinking about your future. It's totally fine if you're not sure about your career path yet. Try to focus on what you enjoy doing because that can lead to a fulfilling job. Don't worry if you don't have all the answers right now. Good luck!
Leizl Urbano
9
Answers
Lingayen, Ilocos Region, Philippines
Updated
Leizl’s Answer
At 14, you don't need to have your whole future figured out yet. Start by paying attention to the subjects and activities you enjoy, and try different things to discover your interests and strengths.
You can also talk to your parents, teachers, or people who work in careers you're interested in. Most importantly, don't be afraid of choosing the “wrong” path. As you grow and learn more about yourself, you can always change your direction.
For now, focus on learning, exploring, and getting to know yourself. The right path will become clearer with time.
You can also talk to your parents, teachers, or people who work in careers you're interested in. Most importantly, don't be afraid of choosing the “wrong” path. As you grow and learn more about yourself, you can always change your direction.
For now, focus on learning, exploring, and getting to know yourself. The right path will become clearer with time.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2766
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
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 like music, would you like to be an musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, 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 careers counselor, uour parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria od relevant subjects in college
Hope this helps! 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 like music, would you like to be an musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, 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 careers counselor, uour parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria od relevant subjects in college
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you so much, Rebecca!
mrRio
Justin Galacki
2
Answers
Westport, Connecticut
Updated
Justin’s Answer
It's okay to not know! Take a diverse approach because you won't know until you get into it if you like it or not. Be patient with yourself and be comfortable being uncomfortable. The best approach now is to ask questions and expose yourself to as many different areas as you can. Whether it's reading books, articles online, or talking to people. You don't know what you don't know and that's okay.
Julie K
Senior Director HR Technology, Insights and AI
7
Answers
Zürich, Switzerland
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Assuming you can wait to pick your career path, I would recommend giving yourself time to explore broad topics to find what your interested in. Use the time to build up general skills that could be valuable across many jobs and sectors such as problem solving, analytical thinking, English and language skills, communication and public speaking. For example, I learned a lot from my years in the science fair even though I’m in HR today and nowhere near a science lab.
It sounds to me you’re a conscientious student who cares deeply. When I was in school, I was very serious and always tried to be perfect. Looking back, I wish I had worried less about getting everything right and instead tried things I might fail at. Resilience is a great skill that comes out of rejection and failure. Bouncing back quickly and learning from mistakes is such an important aspect of success.
In case you need to find a career direction now (for example Swiss students who go through the apprenticeship path already select their career at 14), then think through the school topics that give you energy. Is there any subject that when you do it you realize time zipped by and you were fully immersed in the problems? Any topic that you love because you feel it comes so naturally to you despite others thinking it’s hard? If you have something and don’t know what career could come from it, ask another question here to get ideas.
If you don’t have something, don’t stress! You can use the start as a trial run anyway. Once you pick a path, it isn’t linear from graduation to retirement. For example, I began my career in finance, shifted over to IT, and eventually found my true passion in HR (specifically in people analytics and HR tech). Back then, I couldn't have predicted where I’d end up (mainly because I didn’t know this job even existed!) But none of that early exploration was wasted time, every step along the way gave me differentiated skills that made me stand out later on.
Enjoy being 14! Work hard, stay curious, find hobbies outside of screens and school, and don't forget to have some fun along the way. You have plenty of time, and you will find your way.
Wishing you all the best in your bright future!
It sounds to me you’re a conscientious student who cares deeply. When I was in school, I was very serious and always tried to be perfect. Looking back, I wish I had worried less about getting everything right and instead tried things I might fail at. Resilience is a great skill that comes out of rejection and failure. Bouncing back quickly and learning from mistakes is such an important aspect of success.
In case you need to find a career direction now (for example Swiss students who go through the apprenticeship path already select their career at 14), then think through the school topics that give you energy. Is there any subject that when you do it you realize time zipped by and you were fully immersed in the problems? Any topic that you love because you feel it comes so naturally to you despite others thinking it’s hard? If you have something and don’t know what career could come from it, ask another question here to get ideas.
If you don’t have something, don’t stress! You can use the start as a trial run anyway. Once you pick a path, it isn’t linear from graduation to retirement. For example, I began my career in finance, shifted over to IT, and eventually found my true passion in HR (specifically in people analytics and HR tech). Back then, I couldn't have predicted where I’d end up (mainly because I didn’t know this job even existed!) But none of that early exploration was wasted time, every step along the way gave me differentiated skills that made me stand out later on.
Enjoy being 14! Work hard, stay curious, find hobbies outside of screens and school, and don't forget to have some fun along the way. You have plenty of time, and you will find your way.
Wishing you all the best in your bright future!
Aml Omar
Marketing & Business Development Consultant
26
Answers
Egypt
Updated
Aml’s Answer
At 14, you really don’t need to have your entire career figured out yet. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend choosing a specific career just because you feel you need to decide early.
Instead, focus on exploring and collecting evidence about yourself.
Try different subjects, hobbies, projects, and activities, and pay attention to:
What subjects genuinely interest you
What type of problems you enjoy solving
What you’re naturally good at
What kind of work environment you like
What careers you want to learn more about
You can also talk to people who actually work in careers you’re considering and ask what their day-to-day work is really like.
Think of the next few years as exploration, not commitment. You don’t need to find the “perfect career”; you need to gradually narrow down your options as you learn more about yourself and the world of work.
Your goal right now should be: explore → try things → learn → reflect → narrow your options.
And remember, choosing a path at 14 doesn’t mean you’re locked into it forever. Careers can change, and your interests will probably change too.
Instead, focus on exploring and collecting evidence about yourself.
Try different subjects, hobbies, projects, and activities, and pay attention to:
What subjects genuinely interest you
What type of problems you enjoy solving
What you’re naturally good at
What kind of work environment you like
What careers you want to learn more about
You can also talk to people who actually work in careers you’re considering and ask what their day-to-day work is really like.
Think of the next few years as exploration, not commitment. You don’t need to find the “perfect career”; you need to gradually narrow down your options as you learn more about yourself and the world of work.
Your goal right now should be: explore → try things → learn → reflect → narrow your options.
And remember, choosing a path at 14 doesn’t mean you’re locked into it forever. Careers can change, and your interests will probably change too.
Anjana Rudra
Technical writer
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anjana’s Answer
At 14, it's all about exploring and staying curious. Here's how to approach it:
Pay attention to what interests you—topics, hobbies, or projects where time flies by. This is more important than focusing on what might pay well right now.
Try new things without spending much—join clubs, start small projects, take online tutorials, volunteer, get part-time jobs, or enter competitions. You'll learn more by doing than just thinking about it.
Talk to people in different jobs—ask about their daily routine, what they like or dislike, and how they got there. Real stories are better than guessing.
Keep your academic options open—focus on math, reading, writing, and problem-solving. These skills are useful in almost any field, whether it's science, business, arts, trades, or tech.
Don't worry about finding one "right" path—careers today often aren't straight lines. People change, mix skills, and try new things. Right now, aim for a general direction, not a final decision.
Check in with yourself regularly—what you love at 14 may change by 16, 18, or 21. That's normal and not a failure to plan.
A simple next step: pick 2-3 things you're curious about now and find a small way to try each. It could be a free online course, joining a school club, talking to someone in that field, or starting a weekend project. See what you enjoy and adjust from there.
Pay attention to what interests you—topics, hobbies, or projects where time flies by. This is more important than focusing on what might pay well right now.
Try new things without spending much—join clubs, start small projects, take online tutorials, volunteer, get part-time jobs, or enter competitions. You'll learn more by doing than just thinking about it.
Talk to people in different jobs—ask about their daily routine, what they like or dislike, and how they got there. Real stories are better than guessing.
Keep your academic options open—focus on math, reading, writing, and problem-solving. These skills are useful in almost any field, whether it's science, business, arts, trades, or tech.
Don't worry about finding one "right" path—careers today often aren't straight lines. People change, mix skills, and try new things. Right now, aim for a general direction, not a final decision.
Check in with yourself regularly—what you love at 14 may change by 16, 18, or 21. That's normal and not a failure to plan.
A simple next step: pick 2-3 things you're curious about now and find a small way to try each. It could be a free online course, joining a school club, talking to someone in that field, or starting a weekend project. See what you enjoy and adjust from there.
Jezlea Ortega
Tech Architecture
102
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jezlea’s Answer
First, take a breath. Worrying about your future at 14 actually says a lot of great things about you, but the pressure you're putting on yourself to have it all figured out right now is more than you need to carry at this stage. Very few adults knew exactly what they wanted to do at your age, and many of the most successful people took winding, unexpected paths to get where they are. You have more time than it feels like right now.
The best thing you can do at 14 is not pick a career. It's start paying attention to yourself. Notice what subjects make time fly by when you're engaged in them. Notice what kinds of problems you enjoy solving, what activities leave you feeling energized rather than drained, and what topics you find yourself reading about or watching videos on just out of pure curiosity. Those patterns are telling you something important about who you are and what you're naturally drawn to, and they are far more useful right now than trying to force a decision. Try as many things as you can over the next few years. Join clubs, take electives outside your comfort zone, pick up hobbies, volunteer, and talk to people in careers that sound interesting to you. Every experience, even the ones you end up not liking teaches you something valuable about your own preferences and strengths. Ruling something out is just as useful as finding something you love.
When you do get closer to choosing a college major, know that most majors do not lock you into one specific career forever. People change directions, combine interests in unexpected ways, and build careers that didn't even exist when they were your age. The goal right now is not to find the perfect answer. It's to keep growing, stay curious, and trust that clarity comes with experience. You are doing better than you think just by asking the question.
The best thing you can do at 14 is not pick a career. It's start paying attention to yourself. Notice what subjects make time fly by when you're engaged in them. Notice what kinds of problems you enjoy solving, what activities leave you feeling energized rather than drained, and what topics you find yourself reading about or watching videos on just out of pure curiosity. Those patterns are telling you something important about who you are and what you're naturally drawn to, and they are far more useful right now than trying to force a decision. Try as many things as you can over the next few years. Join clubs, take electives outside your comfort zone, pick up hobbies, volunteer, and talk to people in careers that sound interesting to you. Every experience, even the ones you end up not liking teaches you something valuable about your own preferences and strengths. Ruling something out is just as useful as finding something you love.
When you do get closer to choosing a college major, know that most majors do not lock you into one specific career forever. People change directions, combine interests in unexpected ways, and build careers that didn't even exist when they were your age. The goal right now is not to find the perfect answer. It's to keep growing, stay curious, and trust that clarity comes with experience. You are doing better than you think just by asking the question.
Samantha Metcalf
Sales
11
Answers
Needham, Massachusetts
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
At 14, I truly wouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself to have your future career figured out yet! By the time you’re actually entering the workforce, so much could change. Think about how quickly AI alone is changing certain jobs and creating entirely new ones. There’s really no way to perfectly predict what the job landscape will look like years from now.
My advice would be to “ride the wave” a little and focus on what you can control right now: getting decent grades, exploring subjects that genuinely interest you, and getting involved in extracurriculars, volunteering, sports, clubs, or other activities that help you build skills and learn more about yourself. Those experiences can also help you figure out what you enjoy (and what you don’t!).
Also remember that choosing a career isn’t a one-time decision. You can change your major, change industries, or end up in a career you didn’t even know existed at 14. I studied Supply Chain Management and Marketing in college, and today I work in software sales!
If you’re looking for careers to explore, I’d definitely recommend learning a little about sales. Almost every industry needs people who can communicate, build relationships, and help sell a product or service, so those skills can take you in a lot of different directions.
My advice would be to “ride the wave” a little and focus on what you can control right now: getting decent grades, exploring subjects that genuinely interest you, and getting involved in extracurriculars, volunteering, sports, clubs, or other activities that help you build skills and learn more about yourself. Those experiences can also help you figure out what you enjoy (and what you don’t!).
Also remember that choosing a career isn’t a one-time decision. You can change your major, change industries, or end up in a career you didn’t even know existed at 14. I studied Supply Chain Management and Marketing in college, and today I work in software sales!
If you’re looking for careers to explore, I’d definitely recommend learning a little about sales. Almost every industry needs people who can communicate, build relationships, and help sell a product or service, so those skills can take you in a lot of different directions.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
mrRio
Murtaza Savliwala
CPA
4
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Murtaza’s Answer
Hello - while it is completely normal to be unclear at your stage of your journey recognize that eventually things will always work out. I speak from personal experience, wherein I used to be an engineering major and now manage the technical accounting and reporting for a public company. Your career path is unlikely to be a straight linear path based on decisions you make in your teenage years. The key characteristic that you should not compromise on is the willingness to work hard and remain curious - always be interested in learning more and your unique path will lead to a fulfilling career.
Best wishes!
Best wishes!
Colleen Zou
Human Resources Administrator
14
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Hi,
You are still incredibly young, so this is the perfect time for you to explore as much as you can! Time is on your side.
I highly recommend taking a career placement test, to see some options that might be best for you (your personality + values + strengths).
Also, if there is anything that interests you, even just a little bit, you can find introductory books on it. Read them to see if the topic is something you want to explore more on.
Your interests and goals can change over time, which is perfectly okay, but the first step is to stay curious!
You are still incredibly young, so this is the perfect time for you to explore as much as you can! Time is on your side.
I highly recommend taking a career placement test, to see some options that might be best for you (your personality + values + strengths).
Also, if there is anything that interests you, even just a little bit, you can find introductory books on it. Read them to see if the topic is something you want to explore more on.
Your interests and goals can change over time, which is perfectly okay, but the first step is to stay curious!
Kristen Harrison
FP&A
3
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
The world is changing rapidly; think about how Ai will impact different careers and how people might work in the future. You could think about how Ai might alter certain careers - will some careers be eliminated in the future because of Ai? Will jobs be automated? Will Ai create new types of jobs and careers that don't even exist today? Open your horizons and think outside of the box! Anything is possible in this new environment.
Veronica White
Community Outreach
1
Answer
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Veronica’s Answer
Begin your education by enrolling in a general program like Liberal Arts or Science. This allows you to explore different courses and find what interests you and where your strengths lie. Look for volunteer opportunities that offer hands-on experience with little commitment. Make sure to research thoroughly.
Good luck! This is a great time to start focusing on your future and exploring your options.
Find volunteer opportunities in the field(s) you are interested in to see if you enjoy it
Set up a time to chat with a career counsellor at a school you are considering to ask them questions
Good luck! This is a great time to start focusing on your future and exploring your options.
Veronica recommends the following next steps:
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
55
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Mr. Rio -- now is the time in your life to begin learning about the world you live in and the world that came before you. It is too early for you to choose a career path. Now is the time to grow your knowledge of your country and your world.
Even if you don't eventually entered into a science-related career, you should focus on the sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, since that knowlege and information will serve you throughout your life. Just as important is to understand through courses in history, literature and language how your life came to be as it is.
As you grow older, you will find that you are more interested in some areas of learning than others. Also, your outside activities may influence you. For now, concentrate on learning in all your areas of study.
Even if you don't eventually entered into a science-related career, you should focus on the sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, since that knowlege and information will serve you throughout your life. Just as important is to understand through courses in history, literature and language how your life came to be as it is.
As you grow older, you will find that you are more interested in some areas of learning than others. Also, your outside activities may influence you. For now, concentrate on learning in all your areas of study.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
mrRio
Cressida Leonard, M.A.
Advising, Psychology, Counseling, Academic, Employment
5
Answers
Suffolk, Virginia
Updated
Cressida’s Answer
This is a great question. I want you to know that it is ok to not know what it is that you want to major in at this time, or what to do in the future. Look into the things that interests you now. What excites you. The world is changing rapidly, and there are so many cool and wonderful careers that are available. Things that interest you now, may not interest you in a few years, and that is ok. Trust me. I changed my mind a few times lol. But I am in a career that brings me so much fulfillment. You got this. I hope this helps. Have a great day.
Thank you for the advice.
mrRio
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
474
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Great you are thinking ahead and want to make a plan. Perhaps the best thing you can do for now is to talk to a wide variety of adults to find out what they do and what they like and don't like about it. That might help to give you ideas of what is appealing to you. Ask relatives, neighbors, friends of your parents, and others who you might see at places that interest you.
Enjoy your life today and trust that tomorrow will be amazing!
With every good wish and many blessings.
Karen
Enjoy your life today and trust that tomorrow will be amazing!
With every good wish and many blessings.
Karen
Your advice was so helpful!
mrRio