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advice? what should I do if I am not good at anything.
have no idea what I should do. #college-advice
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Angela D.’s Answer
Greetings! Thank you for a most important question. Okay, let's start off with some ideas and other questions. Have you any hobbies, worked, volunteered, enjoyed certain classes/books/shows/games? What interests and motivates you? Do you like hands-on activities, computer-based ones, or being social? These are key questions for you to ponder upon. And...do you want to go to a four-year college/university or pursue training (a certificate/two-year degree) instead? On-the-job training? There are several free online career interest tests that may be helpful, but I will leave that to your discretion as some are more reputable than others. Ask your School Counselor if you can take a Myers-Briggs test through your school. The results will be helpful to you.
For instance, hands-on activities lend themselves to mechanics, engineering, electrical, medical, etc. types of careers. Computer-based interests can encompass IT jobs such as Security, Help Desk, Systems Analyst, Computer Technician, Web/Digital/Mobile Designer, etc. If you like the creative side of IT, then you might want to consider Website Design, Gaming Tester, Multimedia Artist/Animator, Sound Technician, etc. If you like being social, then Customer Service, Hospitality, Social Work, Teaching, etc. may be of interest to you. A way to get at your interests in a more concrete way is to shadow (basically following an individual around in their workplace for a short time) and/or interview people in the careers that you might like. I would suggest a short 10-minute phone/Skype interview or a shadow time of 30 minutes or less. Your school counselor may be of assistance in this to point you in the right direction, provide resources, and even contacts in your local community. You may want to put together a short resume that shows your professionalism to a potential shadow/interviewee/employer. It can be brief...if you need pointers on this, please contact us. Best, Dr. B
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Shadow/Interview
Resume
For instance, hands-on activities lend themselves to mechanics, engineering, electrical, medical, etc. types of careers. Computer-based interests can encompass IT jobs such as Security, Help Desk, Systems Analyst, Computer Technician, Web/Digital/Mobile Designer, etc. If you like the creative side of IT, then you might want to consider Website Design, Gaming Tester, Multimedia Artist/Animator, Sound Technician, etc. If you like being social, then Customer Service, Hospitality, Social Work, Teaching, etc. may be of interest to you. A way to get at your interests in a more concrete way is to shadow (basically following an individual around in their workplace for a short time) and/or interview people in the careers that you might like. I would suggest a short 10-minute phone/Skype interview or a shadow time of 30 minutes or less. Your school counselor may be of assistance in this to point you in the right direction, provide resources, and even contacts in your local community. You may want to put together a short resume that shows your professionalism to a potential shadow/interviewee/employer. It can be brief...if you need pointers on this, please contact us. Best, Dr. B
Angela D. recommends the following next steps:
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Richard’s Answer
The best way to find out what career that you're interested in is to try internships. Participate in research. Take classes in college that challenge you. Eventually you will find something interesting that suits your skills
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Victor’s Answer
The answers and advice above is very good. Tests on career potential and fit are a good way to start. Remember that everyone has skills, talent and abilities. The key is determine what you like doing, how you might make a living at that profession and applying yourself in order to learn.
I know that we often focus on college based skills and professional roles however learning to be a skilled craftsperson can be very rewarding, pay well and provide you mobility in work - plumbing, electrician, carpentry, construction, landscaping.
I know that we often focus on college based skills and professional roles however learning to be a skilled craftsperson can be very rewarding, pay well and provide you mobility in work - plumbing, electrician, carpentry, construction, landscaping.
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Michelle’s Answer
Lucy,
I am sure you are good at things! Do not be so hard on yourself! Career aptitude tests can help steer you in the right direction. Go to a liberal arts school so that you can get a taste of a bunch of different possible careers. And take classes you wouldn't necessarily think are the best path for you. Push yourself to try new things in college and one day it'll click and you'll find the right path for you!
Good luck with everything,
Michelle
I am sure you are good at things! Do not be so hard on yourself! Career aptitude tests can help steer you in the right direction. Go to a liberal arts school so that you can get a taste of a bunch of different possible careers. And take classes you wouldn't necessarily think are the best path for you. Push yourself to try new things in college and one day it'll click and you'll find the right path for you!
Good luck with everything,
Michelle