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how do I know if a career path is for me?
I sort of asked this in another question but I still don't know when a job is the one for me. i'm in 11th grade but i'm scared i'll chose a career I don't like and it feels like i've never had a career aspect stay for longer than few years my opinion is always changing. I wanted to be a lawyer, then an interior design, then a fashion consultant, a judge, a media executive, someone in cyber security, and now i'm really interested in becoming a microbiologist. I feel like all of these things didn't come out of no where like the lawyer was because I really was into justice, same with cyber security. a fashion consultant because I was in a sewing class. I do feel like my current career I'm on makes the most sense i've always wanted to do something in science and when reading books (Especially sci Fi) I always thought playing around with genetics would be a cool thing and it was interesting, also took a Ag biology course that made me super interested. I'm also adopted and in an attempt to learn more about my family tree and what I got passed down from each parent i've studied genetics but I''m worried i'll spend all this money on a bachelors in it and then realized I hate it or get stuck in a career I hate for the rest of my life? what do I do to know if this is the one for me?
3 answers
Shubham Ray
Shubham’s Answer
I studied mechanical engineering, started my career in the automotive industry, later pursued an MBA, and now work in operations management at Amazon. If you had asked me in 11th grade what I'd be doing today, I definitely wouldn't have predicted this!
Since you're interested in microbiology and genetics, I'd suggest exploring what working in that field actually looks like before committing to it.
A few things I'd recommend:
1. Get some exposure: Look for science clubs, university summer programs, or opportunities to visit research labs.
2. Speak with professionals: Connect with microbiologists or researchers and ask what their typical workday looks like, including the parts they don't enjoy.
3. Explore related majors: Look into microbiology, genetics, biotechnology, or molecular biology. You don't necessarily need to decide on one specific career immediately.
Also, remember that choosing a bachelor's degree doesn't mean you're locked into that field forever. Many skills you develop can be useful in other careers. My advice would be to focus on whether you enjoy the actual work involved, rather than worrying about whether you'll still love it 20 years from now.
Good luck!
Rebecca Tang
Rebecca’s Answer
Below are my suggestions :
1. Start from what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
e.g. If you like music, would you like to become a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you to become an engineer, accountant, 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 career counselor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Monica S.
Monica’s Answer
Thanks for sharing! I know how it feels to be uncertain about your next academic/career move but remember, you have options!
First, don't be afraid to pursue the path that interests you most. Sometimes you just have to take that first step. Second, remember that your first choice doesn't have to be your forever choice. As you gain experience and discover new interests, you're allowed to change direction.
Lastly, give yourself grace and take a deep breath. Sometimes, once we make a decision and take that first step, we realize we're exactly where we need to be. Trust yourself and the process!
Monica S.