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Why do I need to chose my career?
#careers #future-careers #career-options #career #career-choice
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7 answers
Updated
Julio’s Answer
You obviously NEED to choose a career at some point, but you definitely have time to make a decision. Students in high school are always told that they NEED to know what they want to be so they can choose their major before entering college, but that is simply not true. Many colleges offer Undecided majors that allow you to take core classes (Math, English, History, Political Science, Etc.) as well as try out some other classes that you may be interested in; the issue with that is that classes are not very representative of real life experience.
What I always like to tell people is that you need to look 10-20 years in the future and think about your dream job. What makes you happy right now that you think you could make a career out of? This is one of the key questions you should think about when deciding what you want to major in. College has so many choices and I assure you that if you look at all the majors offered in your dream school, you will find one.
Now, the reason you NEED to choose your career is also due to the fact that:
1. It may or may not require college in the first place, so you need to see what kind of education or experience you need to get to achieve your goals.
2. You want to see what kind of lifestyle you will live depending on your career. Traveling careers such as pilot, military, traveling nurse, and many more have a much different lifestyle than computer science, IT, business, etc.
3. You want to make sure you have a plan to base your life after high school off of and if possible, you would want a backup plan as well. Choosing your career sooner than later is beneficial, but not necessary, but make sure not to mistake this as advice to just major in something such as General Studies or Liberal Arts, unless you plan on getting a Master's or PhD in something more specific.
4. You want to be sure you will have a stable life for yourself in the future, you want to be prepared to choose a career that has many opportunities, or if it is in a niche environment, then you must be ready to improve your resume/portfolio early on.
I suggest you look into jobs that you think would make you happy and would be sustainable for you in the future and then based off of that, you find a major that will give you the opportunity to achieve that career.
Good Luck!
What I always like to tell people is that you need to look 10-20 years in the future and think about your dream job. What makes you happy right now that you think you could make a career out of? This is one of the key questions you should think about when deciding what you want to major in. College has so many choices and I assure you that if you look at all the majors offered in your dream school, you will find one.
Now, the reason you NEED to choose your career is also due to the fact that:
1. It may or may not require college in the first place, so you need to see what kind of education or experience you need to get to achieve your goals.
2. You want to see what kind of lifestyle you will live depending on your career. Traveling careers such as pilot, military, traveling nurse, and many more have a much different lifestyle than computer science, IT, business, etc.
3. You want to make sure you have a plan to base your life after high school off of and if possible, you would want a backup plan as well. Choosing your career sooner than later is beneficial, but not necessary, but make sure not to mistake this as advice to just major in something such as General Studies or Liberal Arts, unless you plan on getting a Master's or PhD in something more specific.
4. You want to be sure you will have a stable life for yourself in the future, you want to be prepared to choose a career that has many opportunities, or if it is in a niche environment, then you must be ready to improve your resume/portfolio early on.
I suggest you look into jobs that you think would make you happy and would be sustainable for you in the future and then based off of that, you find a major that will give you the opportunity to achieve that career.
Good Luck!
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Isis with the high cost of college tuition, it is imperative to choose your major wisely. Some students enter college knowing what occupation they want to pursue and choose a major based on that career objective. Others don't have a clear career path and study a subject that will give them the skills they need to pursue a variety of occupations or obtain the foundation they need to get a graduate degree. A college degree is required or preferred for some careers, but what you study is entirely up to you. Students who don't have to choose a specific major can choose one based on their interests. They can also select a major that will give them the necessary skills to succeed in a variety of occupations. Students who enter college without a solid career plan should select a major that prepares them for a variety of occupations or graduate school. By taking general education courses during the first years of college, students can easily change majors if they select a major that requires a specific area of study.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR SELECTING A MAJOR
When selecting a major, it is important to consider certain aspects of a field of study, such as your interests, your ability to do well and the job outlook, to determine if it is the right career path for you.
CAREER INTERESTS – If you are considering a particular major because it is a requirement for your career path, it is hopefully something that interests you. If it doesn't, it might be prudent to either reconsider your occupation or determine if there are alternative areas of study that interest you more. It will be nearly impossible to do well in school while studying something that bores you.
CHANCES OF SUCCESS AT OBTAINING THE DEGREE – The area of study you are considering may seem interesting, but consider if earning the degree is realistic. For example, to earn a business degree with a major in marketing, you will also need to take and excel at accounting, economics, and statistics classes. If you are weak in mathematics, you may find these courses difficult and not get the high grades required to succeed in this field of study.
CHANCES OF FINDING EMPLOYMENT – When determining your career path, make sure to select a major that not only fits your interests and aptitude but increases your chances of finding employment that relates to your chosen career. Research degrees held by people in your area of interest.
MAJORS THAT OFFER MORE THAN ONE CAREER OPPORTUNITY – Some individuals choose majors solely based on an interest in the course material. It is especially common with liberal arts subjects. While it's important to have an interest in the subject matter, it's also important to connect your education with your career goals. Find out what graduates who studied in this area have gone on to do. Then make sure at least one of those options, if not more, are suitable careers for you.
OTHER BENEFITS OF THE MAJOR – Consider if your major will lock you into a certain career or if it will prepare you for alternative options in case you want to change careers in the future. In addition to attaining hard skills, also known as technical skills, also amass valuable soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and time management. They will be useful and serve as a good foundation in any career.
GRADUATE SCHOOL – Consider whether you can get a good job solely with your undergraduate degree. Some majors have minimal opportunities for those who have only a bachelor's degree and also require a graduate degree. If yours does, find out if a particular area of undergraduate study is required for admission to graduate school and choose your major based on that information.
Hope this was Helpful Isis
If you've chosen a career, know what the educational requirements are, and select a major accordingly.
If you haven't chosen a career, select a major that is flexible and can give you valuable soft skills.
If you've chosen a career, take some elective courses that complement your major, such as a computer language, public speaking, or writing.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR SELECTING A MAJOR
When selecting a major, it is important to consider certain aspects of a field of study, such as your interests, your ability to do well and the job outlook, to determine if it is the right career path for you.
CAREER INTERESTS – If you are considering a particular major because it is a requirement for your career path, it is hopefully something that interests you. If it doesn't, it might be prudent to either reconsider your occupation or determine if there are alternative areas of study that interest you more. It will be nearly impossible to do well in school while studying something that bores you.
CHANCES OF SUCCESS AT OBTAINING THE DEGREE – The area of study you are considering may seem interesting, but consider if earning the degree is realistic. For example, to earn a business degree with a major in marketing, you will also need to take and excel at accounting, economics, and statistics classes. If you are weak in mathematics, you may find these courses difficult and not get the high grades required to succeed in this field of study.
CHANCES OF FINDING EMPLOYMENT – When determining your career path, make sure to select a major that not only fits your interests and aptitude but increases your chances of finding employment that relates to your chosen career. Research degrees held by people in your area of interest.
MAJORS THAT OFFER MORE THAN ONE CAREER OPPORTUNITY – Some individuals choose majors solely based on an interest in the course material. It is especially common with liberal arts subjects. While it's important to have an interest in the subject matter, it's also important to connect your education with your career goals. Find out what graduates who studied in this area have gone on to do. Then make sure at least one of those options, if not more, are suitable careers for you.
OTHER BENEFITS OF THE MAJOR – Consider if your major will lock you into a certain career or if it will prepare you for alternative options in case you want to change careers in the future. In addition to attaining hard skills, also known as technical skills, also amass valuable soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and time management. They will be useful and serve as a good foundation in any career.
GRADUATE SCHOOL – Consider whether you can get a good job solely with your undergraduate degree. Some majors have minimal opportunities for those who have only a bachelor's degree and also require a graduate degree. If yours does, find out if a particular area of undergraduate study is required for admission to graduate school and choose your major based on that information.
Hope this was Helpful Isis
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Hi John. Great answer, as always. You have a way of offering such thoughtful and helpful answers. I like your suggestion of majors that offer more than one career opportunity, allowing for greater flexibility and more possibilities. Thanks again for all you do. Have a great weekend!
Melisa Cameron
Thank You Melisa. Congratulations Melisa on almost 100 answers helping students. This new success of yours is yet another milestone in your success story. You are for sure going to attain new heights with lots more successes. Stay Safe.
Doc Frick
Updated
Mariah’s Answer
As a millennial, I can tell you --- after a while, your career will choose you. I suggest you choose a passion. There is no need to find a job or career doing something you do not like. Once you find out what you love... then find a way to always do it.
For example, I started work in customer service, cashier work, bank teller and then in a call center... and then one day, I realized I did not like the call center. .. I liked helping people. One of my team leaders suggested training. I gave it a try and found my passion in a career. Today, I lead and build a training program. It worked out!
Here is a ted talk that I suggest EVERYONE checks out. ted talk https://youtu.be/VVx6ntr5OqI
For example, I started work in customer service, cashier work, bank teller and then in a call center... and then one day, I realized I did not like the call center. .. I liked helping people. One of my team leaders suggested training. I gave it a try and found my passion in a career. Today, I lead and build a training program. It worked out!
Here is a ted talk that I suggest EVERYONE checks out. ted talk https://youtu.be/VVx6ntr5OqI
Updated
Melisa’s Answer
Hello Isis.
Great question and you already have some fabulous answers here from others.
As John mentioned, due to the high cost of tuition, it’s best if you can choose a major based on your objectives and goals.
I learned this the hard way, but everything worked out well in the end. I majored in Music my first two years of college, but then completed my BA in Organizational Management. After my first two years in college, I learned that I loved music as a skill and hobby but didn’t necessarily want a career in this. I play the piano and it has even been helpful in the past as a part-time job here, making additional cash for playing at events or services.
I now have a career in Corporate Social Responsibility and helping connect our employees to programs and opportunities that help others and make a difference our world. And I still get to use what I learned in my music education on the side, as a hobby and in volunteer work I do.
I truly feel that if your career is also something you are passionate about; it can be very rewarding. And it may take some time to find the exact job of your dreams, but part of the experience is learning and growing from every opportunity you have.
I read an article shared by a supervisor years ago, on finding your ideal career by asking yourself key questions:
1. What brings you joy?
2. What are you good at?
3. What will people pay you, enough, to do?
Stay encouraged, stay safe and have fun in the process of researching and finding careers that interest you.
Best wishes for success in your education and career goals.
careers future-careers career-options career career-choice
Look for an individual in a career that interests you and learn more about their job, what they like, dislike about it. Consider a job shadow day, once it is safe to do so.
Here’s an older video link on “Finding the work you were meant to do.” https://blog.ed.ted.com/2016/05/10/7-ideas-about-finding-the-work-you-were-meant-to-do/
Check out some helpful videos and career information we have at www.att.jobs/students
Great question and you already have some fabulous answers here from others.
As John mentioned, due to the high cost of tuition, it’s best if you can choose a major based on your objectives and goals.
I learned this the hard way, but everything worked out well in the end. I majored in Music my first two years of college, but then completed my BA in Organizational Management. After my first two years in college, I learned that I loved music as a skill and hobby but didn’t necessarily want a career in this. I play the piano and it has even been helpful in the past as a part-time job here, making additional cash for playing at events or services.
I now have a career in Corporate Social Responsibility and helping connect our employees to programs and opportunities that help others and make a difference our world. And I still get to use what I learned in my music education on the side, as a hobby and in volunteer work I do.
I truly feel that if your career is also something you are passionate about; it can be very rewarding. And it may take some time to find the exact job of your dreams, but part of the experience is learning and growing from every opportunity you have.
I read an article shared by a supervisor years ago, on finding your ideal career by asking yourself key questions:
1. What brings you joy?
2. What are you good at?
3. What will people pay you, enough, to do?
Stay encouraged, stay safe and have fun in the process of researching and finding careers that interest you.
Best wishes for success in your education and career goals.
careers future-careers career-options career career-choice
Melisa recommends the following next steps:
Updated
MARCUS’s Answer
"Why do I need to choose my career?" Isis V, this is a very good question. Choosing a career is vital for your future endeavors. Pick a career that you are most passionate about and dedicate free time researching that profession. You don’t want to waste time sorting out the rest of your life, as time is of the essence. Network with people that are currently employed in the line of work that you may be interested in doing for the next 20 or 30 years. It is important to focus on this now, because the career market is very competitive, extremely limited, and difficult for new graduates to find stable employment. Best wishes!
Allocate a portion of your day volunteering in a specific role or a related position.
MARCUS recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
You don't need to choose a career for the rest of your life. In fact, committing too hard to one field is likely to backfire. You will need a starting point for your career, so investigate your options and make some educated guesses. Beyond that, managing one's career means keeping your skill set up to date and making sure you have lots of options.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3596
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Isis,
Grasping the Significance of Career Selection
The choice of a career is a monumental decision that can dramatically shape one's life. The profession you select can dictate your job satisfaction, financial security, and overall lifestyle quality. Here's why it's crucial to make a thoughtful career choice:
Personal Satisfaction
Choosing a career that resonates with your interests, values, and strengths can bring a sense of personal gratification and contentment. When you engage in work that you love and find meaningful, it fuels your motivation, engagement, and productivity.
Financial Security
Opting for a career with promising employment prospects and competitive pay can offer financial stability and assurance. A steady income allows you to cover your basic needs, save for the future, and invest in your personal and professional growth.
Career Progression
A well-defined career path can open up opportunities for advancement and professional development. Selecting a career that provides learning opportunities, skill enhancement, and promotion prospects can help you build a successful and rewarding career over time.
Work-Life Harmony
It's crucial to choose a career that promotes a healthy work-life balance for overall well-being. A profession that offers flexible work schedules, reasonable work hours, and a supportive work environment can help you strike a better balance between your personal and professional life.
Social Contribution
Selecting a career that enables you to make a positive societal impact can be personally rewarding. Professions in fields like education, healthcare, social work, and environmental conservation offer the chance to improve others' lives and contribute to the common good.
Considerations for Career Selection
Several factors should be considered when choosing a career, including:
Interests and Passions
Recognizing your interests, passions, and strengths is a crucial initial step in career selection. A career that aligns with your interests and passions can bring a sense of purpose and drive.
Education and Training
Investigating the educational and training requirements for various careers can guide individuals in making informed career decisions. Some professions may require specific degrees or certifications, while others may offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships.
Job Prospects
Exploring the job market and employment prospects for different careers can guide individuals in making informed career decisions. Some professions may have more job openings than others, depending on the industry, location, and economic climate.
Salary and Perks
Investigating the salary scales and perks offered by different careers can guide individuals in making informed career decisions. Some professions may offer higher salaries but may also demand more education or training.
Work-Life Balance
Exploring the work-life balance offered by different careers can guide individuals in making informed career decisions. Some professions may offer more flexible work schedules or reasonable work hours than others.
In conclusion, career selection is a pivotal decision that can greatly influence one's life. Recognizing your interests, passions, and strengths, investigating the educational and training requirements for various careers, considering job prospects, salary scales, perks, and work-life balance are all crucial factors when choosing a career. By making an informed career decision, individuals can enhance their chances of achieving personal satisfaction, financial security, career progression, work-life harmony, and social impact.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Grasping the Significance of Career Selection
The choice of a career is a monumental decision that can dramatically shape one's life. The profession you select can dictate your job satisfaction, financial security, and overall lifestyle quality. Here's why it's crucial to make a thoughtful career choice:
Personal Satisfaction
Choosing a career that resonates with your interests, values, and strengths can bring a sense of personal gratification and contentment. When you engage in work that you love and find meaningful, it fuels your motivation, engagement, and productivity.
Financial Security
Opting for a career with promising employment prospects and competitive pay can offer financial stability and assurance. A steady income allows you to cover your basic needs, save for the future, and invest in your personal and professional growth.
Career Progression
A well-defined career path can open up opportunities for advancement and professional development. Selecting a career that provides learning opportunities, skill enhancement, and promotion prospects can help you build a successful and rewarding career over time.
Work-Life Harmony
It's crucial to choose a career that promotes a healthy work-life balance for overall well-being. A profession that offers flexible work schedules, reasonable work hours, and a supportive work environment can help you strike a better balance between your personal and professional life.
Social Contribution
Selecting a career that enables you to make a positive societal impact can be personally rewarding. Professions in fields like education, healthcare, social work, and environmental conservation offer the chance to improve others' lives and contribute to the common good.
Considerations for Career Selection
Several factors should be considered when choosing a career, including:
Interests and Passions
Recognizing your interests, passions, and strengths is a crucial initial step in career selection. A career that aligns with your interests and passions can bring a sense of purpose and drive.
Education and Training
Investigating the educational and training requirements for various careers can guide individuals in making informed career decisions. Some professions may require specific degrees or certifications, while others may offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships.
Job Prospects
Exploring the job market and employment prospects for different careers can guide individuals in making informed career decisions. Some professions may have more job openings than others, depending on the industry, location, and economic climate.
Salary and Perks
Investigating the salary scales and perks offered by different careers can guide individuals in making informed career decisions. Some professions may offer higher salaries but may also demand more education or training.
Work-Life Balance
Exploring the work-life balance offered by different careers can guide individuals in making informed career decisions. Some professions may offer more flexible work schedules or reasonable work hours than others.
In conclusion, career selection is a pivotal decision that can greatly influence one's life. Recognizing your interests, passions, and strengths, investigating the educational and training requirements for various careers, considering job prospects, salary scales, perks, and work-life balance are all crucial factors when choosing a career. By making an informed career decision, individuals can enhance their chances of achieving personal satisfaction, financial security, career progression, work-life harmony, and social impact.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.