Shayla
I love math, spelling, architecture, and astronomy. What job is good for me?
Hi, I’m Shayla and I’m in 5th grade. I want to have a job to look forward to like all the other kids, but I can’t seem to choose. If you could suggest a few that would be great. Some things about me; I’m mature for my age, I love math and I’m in algebra one, I won my school spelling bee two years in a row, some interests of mine are architecture, astronomy, watercolor art, and photography. I’m hoping to put these suggestions in my Career Goals Statement.
Thanks! #career #college #math
3 answers
Mr. Constant III
Mr.’s Answer
Shayla,
I would suggest you seriously research being a Diplomat or Intelligence Specialist with all those skills.
Angelica Kennedy, BFA, MEd, MA
Angelica’s Answer
How exciting it is that you are discovering your career! No one can tell you what would be a good job for you. Only you can discover it. I wish that I would have done this important step when I was your age. I did not do this step with clarity and confidence in my decision. With that said, I hope that you will explore your options and all of the possibilities.
One of the best ways to discover what your career can be is to find out what you are passionate about. If you are passionate about creating shelters for the homeless, then use your talents in math, spelling, architecture and (yes even) astronomy to fuel your passion to create shelters for the homeless. How do you determine what you are passionate about? Ask yourself, what makes you angry. What makes you excited to get up the next day. Or ask yourself, if you didn't have to worry about money, what would you do with your time. I would encourage you to look to your spirituality for direction.
Another way to determine your career is to explore (intern, shadow a person in the position you want) each job. Find a mentor that is in the positions that you are considering and ask to shadow them for a day or a week. Actually do the work. You could also volunteer in the position as well. Ask your parents or teachers if they could suggest a mentor for you. Shadowing a mentor will help you to determine if you like or dislike the work.
Another way to discover your career is to complete an online assessment. Do a Google search for online career assessments. Know that your likes and dislikes will change as you develop as a person. Stay true to what you are passionate about and you will be successful. I hope that this helps you!
Angelica recommends the following next steps:
Douglas Lemmo, P.E.
Douglas’s Answer
Hi Shayla,
Wow, it is great that you have such varied interests and that you like math and are a good speller. Because I am an Engineer, and given that you like math, architecture, and astronomy my suggestion would be to become actively involved in all of the things you like to do now but, if someone were to ask you what you want to be, tell them an Engineer. You will find that there are many types of engineers doing all sorts of things. You could Google "Engineering" and you will find a very long list of the various types of engineers and a description of the many things they do. Also, Google Astronomer and see what the qualifications are to be an Astronomer and what kind of things they do. As you go through Junior HS and HS, stay involved with you math and science classes, take some art classes, get involved with the photography and/or the astronomy club. Talk to your teachers, parents, family friends about various career paths. You never know when something might "jump out at you" as being something very special to you. Picking a field of study and a profession is NOT easy and in fact there a many people much older than you who are still trying to figure out what they want to be "when they grow up". It is great that you are starting to ask questions now.
Good Luck,
Doug