26 answers
Rosario
Student
Glendale, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
1067 views
How can i know what career is best for me
Im having trouble deciding what to do in the future #career #career #career-choice #career-counseling
Login to comment
26 answers
Flor Wickham
Corporate Philanthropy
2
Answers
San Dimas, California
Updated
Flor’s Answer
Hi Rosario,
Figuring out what career one should pursue is sometimes difficult. I don't believe it's just about passion but rather a combination of what you enjoy doing, what you are good at, and the careers that are on demand.
Here are some things to think about:
- Think about what you enjoy doing. Do you like meeting new people? Do you like working alone? Do you get excited when someone says, let's think outside of the box, or when they say, let's find the bottom line numbers? Do you prefer to be outdoors and being mobile? Or do you prefer being behind a computer?
- Think about what you do well. Does it come easy for you to sell things or ideas? Are you a good communicator and getting your thoughts across well? Is it easy for you to motivate people?
- Look to see if there is a demand. Are there any job openings like the one you have an interest in? Are companies interested in the skills you are offering?
Once you have answered some of these questions speak to a mentor, a coach, a school counselor, and bounce your ideas off of them. They will be able to offer some suggestions and point you in the right direction. Remember, the first job you take, doesn't have to be your ultimate career. Use that job to learn what you need to get to that ultimate career.
Wish you the best!
Figuring out what career one should pursue is sometimes difficult. I don't believe it's just about passion but rather a combination of what you enjoy doing, what you are good at, and the careers that are on demand.
Here are some things to think about:
- Think about what you enjoy doing. Do you like meeting new people? Do you like working alone? Do you get excited when someone says, let's think outside of the box, or when they say, let's find the bottom line numbers? Do you prefer to be outdoors and being mobile? Or do you prefer being behind a computer?
- Think about what you do well. Does it come easy for you to sell things or ideas? Are you a good communicator and getting your thoughts across well? Is it easy for you to motivate people?
- Look to see if there is a demand. Are there any job openings like the one you have an interest in? Are companies interested in the skills you are offering?
Once you have answered some of these questions speak to a mentor, a coach, a school counselor, and bounce your ideas off of them. They will be able to offer some suggestions and point you in the right direction. Remember, the first job you take, doesn't have to be your ultimate career. Use that job to learn what you need to get to that ultimate career.
Wish you the best!
Good input. Thanks!
Kevin Rack
Excellent response. Looking into jobs that are "in demand" is a great idea!
Brandon Beno
Brandon Beno
Recreation Supervisor
2
Answers
Hobart, Indiana
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Gain experience in anything that interests you! You can do this by volunteering/job shadowing. Depending on the field that you are interested in do research on it and contact a company near you. Don't be afraid to reach out to them and ask questions and set up a meeting. It is better to figure out your interest before you pursue an education (if that is what you chose to do). Understand that college is not the only option, you can earn a lot of money in trades!
For the longest time, I regret not doing this and I regret the lack of experience I gained in my field while in college. The lack of experience makes it difficult to get a job (having a degree does NOT promise you a job). I found all of this out on my own after I graduated college, but looking back at what I could have done has never helped me.
Find a mentor
Don't be afraid to network
Gain experience in anything that interest you
Volunteer/Job shadow
Look into a trade
For the longest time, I regret not doing this and I regret the lack of experience I gained in my field while in college. The lack of experience makes it difficult to get a job (having a degree does NOT promise you a job). I found all of this out on my own after I graduated college, but looking back at what I could have done has never helped me.
Brandon recommends the following next steps:
Randolyne Jackson
Senior Training Manager
4
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Randolyne’s Answer
First, it is okay not to have the answer to "what will I be when I grow up?" now. To start on this journey you should think about your favorite classes in school or some of your hobbies, or even what type of TV shows you like. This will help recognize what your passion is and you can start researching what qualifications are needed. Job shadowing and internships are a great way to "live in the life" of a profession so you can weigh out the pros and cons for you. It will also help with building a network of mentors and sponsors to help you. Mark Twain said, "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
Best of Luck!
Best of Luck!
Andrew Wong
Engineer
21
Answers
New Haven, Connecticut
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
I don't totally agree with "just follow your passion". A successful career should be determined by 3 factors
(1) What do you enjoy doing (aka passion).
(2) What are you good at.
(3) Compensation.
(1) and (2) often form a feedback loop. When you are good at something, you will likely find yourself enjoying it more because of the success.
(3) is more like a hygiene factor. I don't think anyone should determine a career only on salary (though sadly many do), but having a reasonable income that you don't need to worry about paying bills at the end of the month will allow you concentrate on developing your career, finding a sense of worth, and enjoying it more.
(1) What do you enjoy doing (aka passion).
(2) What are you good at.
(3) Compensation.
(1) and (2) often form a feedback loop. When you are good at something, you will likely find yourself enjoying it more because of the success.
(3) is more like a hygiene factor. I don't think anyone should determine a career only on salary (though sadly many do), but having a reasonable income that you don't need to worry about paying bills at the end of the month will allow you concentrate on developing your career, finding a sense of worth, and enjoying it more.
John Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1014
Answers
California, CA
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Rosario,
I recommend turning you passions into your career.
First you need to understand who you are, what gets you out of bed every morning. Sit down and ask yourself what is it i love doing is a good start. From their you can sitting down with your career counselor, they probably have all the connections to set you up with a mentor in your dream job. This opportunity to learn more about a particular career path might steer you away from a job or industry you thought you wanted to pursuer seal the deal. Now with all this new knowledge and experience update your resume with your new career goals highlighting your skills and your on your way to a career your passions about.
Good luck Rosario
I recommend turning you passions into your career.
First you need to understand who you are, what gets you out of bed every morning. Sit down and ask yourself what is it i love doing is a good start. From their you can sitting down with your career counselor, they probably have all the connections to set you up with a mentor in your dream job. This opportunity to learn more about a particular career path might steer you away from a job or industry you thought you wanted to pursuer seal the deal. Now with all this new knowledge and experience update your resume with your new career goals highlighting your skills and your on your way to a career your passions about.
Good luck Rosario
John Lowe
Teacher
55
Answers
Seal Beach, California
Updated
John’s Answer
What are you most passionate about? Your passion can be your profession.
Madison T. Clark
2
Answers
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Updated
Madison T.’s Answer
Hi Rosario!
Fun fact: Very few people (particularly in today's world) stay in a single career for all of their working years. I'd suggest focusing on the coming year: What do you want to get out of the next 365 days? Maybe it's starting a college degree or a particular certificate program. Maybe it's saving as much money as possible so you can travel. Maybe it's working at a coffee shop while you take online classes.
All of these are great, if it is what fits for you.
Part of it, too, is sorting out what you don't want to do. Do you hate working with young people? You can probably mark off teacher and admissions counselor. Do you love physical pursuits? Look into different sorts of coaching opportunities.
Don't worry about getting it right, right now, and never changing your mind. That doesn't hardly happen with anyone :)
Check out coursera.org for their free courses. They have courses on ALL sorts of topics. If you think marketing might be grand, but then you start learning a little more and it completely turns you off, then hey! That's good! You can mark it off your list!
Fun fact: Very few people (particularly in today's world) stay in a single career for all of their working years. I'd suggest focusing on the coming year: What do you want to get out of the next 365 days? Maybe it's starting a college degree or a particular certificate program. Maybe it's saving as much money as possible so you can travel. Maybe it's working at a coffee shop while you take online classes.
All of these are great, if it is what fits for you.
Part of it, too, is sorting out what you don't want to do. Do you hate working with young people? You can probably mark off teacher and admissions counselor. Do you love physical pursuits? Look into different sorts of coaching opportunities.
Don't worry about getting it right, right now, and never changing your mind. That doesn't hardly happen with anyone :)
Madison T. recommends the following next steps:
Austin Shelpuk
Recruiting Manager
7
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Austin’s Answer
I'd ask yourself a few questions and look into career options.
What are you interested in? What do you like? Which jobs, industries, etc are in demand and will grow in the future? Where are the jobs?
What are you interested in? What do you like? Which jobs, industries, etc are in demand and will grow in the future? Where are the jobs?
Meaghan G
Human Resources
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Meaghan’s Answer
Hi Rosario,
This is a question that even people who are well into their career have a hard time answering! However, it's a great idea to be thinking about this early.
A good first step is to reflect on your interests, what motivates you, your values, your passions, and your strengths. By doing this, you can narrow down the career fields to look into more deeply. It might be helpful to take a career assessment to narrow down to a couple of careers to research.
Once you're in high school and college, you can try out and learn more about different career fields by participating in internships, externships, and volunteering opportunities. An internship is a short term job experience that can give you great exposure to and practical experience in the career field that you're interested in. An externship is a short term shadowing experience in which you can observe what people do in the career field that you're interested in and ask questions to professionals in that field. Your friends and family will also be willing to help share information about careers that they have pursued.
You can also participate in clubs and organizations that may provide you with more insights in what it's like to work in specific career fields. For example, if you are interested in Human Resources, there are student chapters of Society for Human Resources Management.
It would also be a good idea to look into trade school if you feel that the career you're interested in isn't represented at colleges/universities, or if you feel like college isn't for you!
Take a career assessment
Reflect on your strengths, interests, passions, and motivators
Pursue experience in different career fields to get a better sense of what it will be like
Look into education that will help you break into the career field you're interested in
This is a question that even people who are well into their career have a hard time answering! However, it's a great idea to be thinking about this early.
A good first step is to reflect on your interests, what motivates you, your values, your passions, and your strengths. By doing this, you can narrow down the career fields to look into more deeply. It might be helpful to take a career assessment to narrow down to a couple of careers to research.
Once you're in high school and college, you can try out and learn more about different career fields by participating in internships, externships, and volunteering opportunities. An internship is a short term job experience that can give you great exposure to and practical experience in the career field that you're interested in. An externship is a short term shadowing experience in which you can observe what people do in the career field that you're interested in and ask questions to professionals in that field. Your friends and family will also be willing to help share information about careers that they have pursued.
You can also participate in clubs and organizations that may provide you with more insights in what it's like to work in specific career fields. For example, if you are interested in Human Resources, there are student chapters of Society for Human Resources Management.
It would also be a good idea to look into trade school if you feel that the career you're interested in isn't represented at colleges/universities, or if you feel like college isn't for you!
Meaghan recommends the following next steps:
Zuli Posada
Recruiter
6
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Zuli’s Answer
Hi Rosario,
Another approach is to start narrowing down your selection to three possibles areas or things that you like and that you could be passionate about.
Start a trial with each one, get volunteer opportunities or work part time to see after some time if this is something that you enjoy.
Another approach is to start narrowing down your selection to three possibles areas or things that you like and that you could be passionate about.
Start a trial with each one, get volunteer opportunities or work part time to see after some time if this is something that you enjoy.
deirdre b
Recruiter
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
deirdre’s Answer
I would suggest reading the book What Color is Your Parachute? It is an active read and helps you align your interests with potential careers.
Gobinath D
NCE
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Gobinath’s Answer
Analyse your strengths and challenges. Identify your area of interest. Develop your skill sets according to the job requirement. Decide on the kind of work environment which will suit your personality well. Earnestly attempt to improvise your knowledge, skills and understanding related to the field which you choose. Never take a decision based on others thoughts and input. However, even if you end up choosing a career which is not much interesting you, ensure to make up your mind and start liking your profession in order to lead a successful and peaceful life.
Bill Dobbins
Sales Leader
4
Answers
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Updated
Bill’s Answer
It depends on what motivates you. If you like engaging with people, that opens up everything from teaching to Selling. If building things motivates you, Product Development, Design, perhaps marketing. Stay focused on doing what you like to do/can do well and do that.
Jhevin Montilla
Compliance Analyst
2
Answers
Bacoor, Calabarzon, Philippines
Updated
Jhevin’s Answer
My recommendation is to know yourself first. Find out the skills you are best at. What you are interested in and especially what you dislike. Listing down what you like and dislike, gives you an overview and guidance once you start to explore different careers. When you explore, list what caught your interest and make comparisons so as to help you make decisions. This would be at least the very first step of the process. But as you go a long way and you gain more experience, you get to explore yourself more and decides what makes you truly happy and passionate about.
Hillary Vincent
Career Consultant
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Hillary’s Answer
Finding the right career for you is truly understanding yourself within the professional realm.
A few questions for you to consider:
- what do you enjoy doing? (it can be anything)
- What would I like to see in my next job - in terms of salary, work environment, work culture, colleagues? This would help you define your pragmatic non-negotiables when it comes to a job.
- Try out hobbies, activities, experiences to experience the "like" feeling and pursue that. It often leads to answers.
- Read and talk to people. This is usually non-linear but I would recommend following your curiosity. This often leads to something intuitive.
Cheers!
A few questions for you to consider:
- what do you enjoy doing? (it can be anything)
- What would I like to see in my next job - in terms of salary, work environment, work culture, colleagues? This would help you define your pragmatic non-negotiables when it comes to a job.
- Try out hobbies, activities, experiences to experience the "like" feeling and pursue that. It often leads to answers.
- Read and talk to people. This is usually non-linear but I would recommend following your curiosity. This often leads to something intuitive.
Cheers!
Sounds about right. Thanks. And yeah cheers.!
Kevin Rack
Max Feinberg
Recruiter, Enterprise Talent Acquisition
8
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Max’s Answer
I was in your shoes just a few years ago and didn't really have any idea what I wanted to do. I had just gotten my Performing Arts degree from a state school in Iowa and was admittedly jealous of my friends in finance or technology that seemed to have their next five years planned out already.
Frustrated, I decided to think about the things that I was good at - acting led me to sales which ultimately led me to recruiting and my dream job. Take some time to think about what you are good at (I know it is probably much more than I had going in!) and after you make a list, take it to a popular job posting site and see what is out there!
Frustrated, I decided to think about the things that I was good at - acting led me to sales which ultimately led me to recruiting and my dream job. Take some time to think about what you are good at (I know it is probably much more than I had going in!) and after you make a list, take it to a popular job posting site and see what is out there!
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1793
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated