10 answers
Nivea
Student
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
1
Question
Asked
1559 views
How to choose a career after 12th when you have multiple interests?
I have interest in a lot of things like fashion, art, business, literature. Therefore, its been getting difficult to pick a course after 12th. #careers #career-counseling
Login to comment
10 answers
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher
68
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
At 12th year, I joined the U.S. Marines. Once I was honorably discharged I was more mature about life, to make more logical decision. Some were good and some no so good. Thats Life, so pick the one you have most fun at, and as a secondary, pick the second one you really like too. Because it will never be work if you enjoy what you are doing.
Raad Masarweh
Procurement & Supply Chain
8
Answers
Amman, Amman Governorate, Jordan
Updated
Raad’s Answer
Your decision should be based on two main criterias. The first one is your passion & the second is the market need & opportunities for a fruitful growth.
Since you have a long list of interests, score them out for 10 for both passion & career growth opportunities ( Note: give a higher score to passion).
The most important advice is don't be afraid to change! take risks & try because it will never be too late.
Since you have a long list of interests, score them out for 10 for both passion & career growth opportunities ( Note: give a higher score to passion).
The most important advice is don't be afraid to change! take risks & try because it will never be too late.
M Schwartz
Technical Sales Consultant
49
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
M’s Answer
Pros and Cons. Make a sheet of each interest and do the pros and cons. While at a younger age (under 30)....TRY EVERYTHING. And I mean everything, whether it is scuba diving, sky diving, sewing, volunteer for the mentally challenged, or answering questions on Career Village. Take the life lessons you learn over the next 5 years and turn anything you like or excel at INTO a career. Good luck
Mohummed Farooqui
Professional services
6
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Mohummed’s Answer
Dear Nivea,
Hope you are well. This is one of the most daunting but also exciting questions for any person in your shoes. Hence, the uncertainty is obvious. Please do understand the career path you take can modify, you can switch fields in the formative years of your career, if you do not feel comfortable in the existing career.
Having said that you should shortlist your fields of interest, in terms of actual profession. You should try and get a realistic preview of these occupations, through internship, shadowing or research online to see the pros and cons and then determine what seems like the best fit.
All the best.
Hope you are well. This is one of the most daunting but also exciting questions for any person in your shoes. Hence, the uncertainty is obvious. Please do understand the career path you take can modify, you can switch fields in the formative years of your career, if you do not feel comfortable in the existing career.
Having said that you should shortlist your fields of interest, in terms of actual profession. You should try and get a realistic preview of these occupations, through internship, shadowing or research online to see the pros and cons and then determine what seems like the best fit.
All the best.
Landis Thompson
Student
4
Answers
Elon, North Carolina
Updated
Landis’s Answer
Hey Nivea!
I am a freshmen in college and I hope I can help. Unlike some of my friends, I did not have a clear path of where I wanted to go after high school. I knew I wanted to go into college, and I am happy that's where I am now. Still, I am not 100% sure what I want my degree to be in. I have considered multiple things, like teaching, to occupational therapy, and now I am thinking about being a human service studies major. It's okay to have a lot of different interests, it's actually sometimes an advantage to have a lot of ideas. If college is an option, whether public, private, or community, I would definitely take some classes in areas that you are interested in. This can help you narrow down your choices, or show you something new that you didn't even know existed!
I hope this helps!
I am a freshmen in college and I hope I can help. Unlike some of my friends, I did not have a clear path of where I wanted to go after high school. I knew I wanted to go into college, and I am happy that's where I am now. Still, I am not 100% sure what I want my degree to be in. I have considered multiple things, like teaching, to occupational therapy, and now I am thinking about being a human service studies major. It's okay to have a lot of different interests, it's actually sometimes an advantage to have a lot of ideas. If college is an option, whether public, private, or community, I would definitely take some classes in areas that you are interested in. This can help you narrow down your choices, or show you something new that you didn't even know existed!
I hope this helps!
Luigi Pezone
Consultant
5
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Luigi’s Answer
Hi Nivea,
I would make the choice as a combination of (1) your interests, (2) what you think you may most succeed at and (3) which field can give you more opportunities. Of course you can succeed in all the paths you will encounter but let's say for some fields 'roads to success' are bigger than for some others. A career in engineering/ economics can bring you on average to a better future in terms of job opportunities than literature (even though you may always be the new JK Rowling). Please also spend some time to understand what success means to you since according to this answer you can decide to follow a more 'money intensive' career or a more 'career vs. personal life balanced' one.
I would make the choice as a combination of (1) your interests, (2) what you think you may most succeed at and (3) which field can give you more opportunities. Of course you can succeed in all the paths you will encounter but let's say for some fields 'roads to success' are bigger than for some others. A career in engineering/ economics can bring you on average to a better future in terms of job opportunities than literature (even though you may always be the new JK Rowling). Please also spend some time to understand what success means to you since according to this answer you can decide to follow a more 'money intensive' career or a more 'career vs. personal life balanced' one.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
456
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Only you can answer the question by rating what is number one thing you can do or want to do.
It cannot be everything.
Secondly, you have to answer what are the scopes in the field you want to pursue to find an employment or is the industry growing or stagnant?
Look at job posting website to know what industries are in demand.
Lastly, this is the most important which is - will I be able to put food on the table (make enough money) or do I have to rely on someone else like parents who may want to enjoy golden years since they have worked very hard all these years.
Do not let someone tell you what to do. Listen but make your own decisions. If you do not succeed, you will have another chance to do something else vs blaming someone.
It cannot be everything.
Secondly, you have to answer what are the scopes in the field you want to pursue to find an employment or is the industry growing or stagnant?
Look at job posting website to know what industries are in demand.
Lastly, this is the most important which is - will I be able to put food on the table (make enough money) or do I have to rely on someone else like parents who may want to enjoy golden years since they have worked very hard all these years.
Do not let someone tell you what to do. Listen but make your own decisions. If you do not succeed, you will have another chance to do something else vs blaming someone.
Lennon W. III
4
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Lennon’s Answer
Hey Nivea, great question! I think you're like a lot of people who are unsure what path to take. There are tons of ways to find your passions and start a career that you love. Don't be afraid to treat things like a buffet: get experience in some of this and some of that and see what aligns best with your passions.
First, I'd say consider college. There are tons of reasons people attend universities but you should make that decision based on your desires. Maybe find a school that offers you the opportunity to study various, interdisciplinary subjects. For example, I have a strong passion for business and politics. So, at USC I'm a dual-major student in business administration and philosophy, politics, and law. It allows me to engage with multiple subject areas. College is a great place to gain knowledge and technical education towards a career (not to mention some careers require college degree, certifications etc.). The downside of this though is that college can be expensive (depending on the scholarships, financial aid, and loans that you receive) and the average bachelors degree takes 4 years (you can also study for a two year associate's degree, etc.). You can take classes in a wide array of areas to get more knowledge of those subjects. But college is not for everyone.
So, secondly, maybe you should internship/ get a job with a business that aligns with your interests. It is always a good thing to get first-hand experience with any industry you have a passion in. That way, if you have a good experience you know that this is something you would like to potentially pursue long term. And, if it doesn't quite go so well, you know that maybe that industry isn't what you thought.
Remember there are tons of careers and ways to pursue them that are out there. Entrepreneurship, teaching, becoming an author, and being a designer just to name a few. Keep your options open and pursue what interests you to gain experience. Hope this helps!
First, I'd say consider college. There are tons of reasons people attend universities but you should make that decision based on your desires. Maybe find a school that offers you the opportunity to study various, interdisciplinary subjects. For example, I have a strong passion for business and politics. So, at USC I'm a dual-major student in business administration and philosophy, politics, and law. It allows me to engage with multiple subject areas. College is a great place to gain knowledge and technical education towards a career (not to mention some careers require college degree, certifications etc.). The downside of this though is that college can be expensive (depending on the scholarships, financial aid, and loans that you receive) and the average bachelors degree takes 4 years (you can also study for a two year associate's degree, etc.). You can take classes in a wide array of areas to get more knowledge of those subjects. But college is not for everyone.
So, secondly, maybe you should internship/ get a job with a business that aligns with your interests. It is always a good thing to get first-hand experience with any industry you have a passion in. That way, if you have a good experience you know that this is something you would like to potentially pursue long term. And, if it doesn't quite go so well, you know that maybe that industry isn't what you thought.
Remember there are tons of careers and ways to pursue them that are out there. Entrepreneurship, teaching, becoming an author, and being a designer just to name a few. Keep your options open and pursue what interests you to gain experience. Hope this helps!
Krasti Quach
Business Analytics
9
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Krasti’s Answer
Hi Nivea,
I also faced a similar situation when I was in my 12th year. For me, studying at a university really helped me because it exposed me to many different subjects and fields of study. It also gave me access to internship opportunities that allowed me to experience work in that field. Internships are a great way to test out the field to see if it is something you are interested in. So if possible, try searching for internships. Another great way is "shadowing" someone who works in that field just to understand what their day to day life is.
Most importantly, I would suggest thinking about the skills or interests that you enjoy from fashion, art, business, literature, etc. You might be surprised to find that you can find a job that touches a little bit from all of these subjects. For example, maybe you are interested in working with data analytics but also like reading about fashion and art. As a result, you could possibly work in business in the fashion industry. It's important to identify what you like from each of the subjects and hopefully that narrows it down for you. Don't worry if you can't narrow it to a specific subject. That's where internships and talking to people can help guide you. Good luck!
I also faced a similar situation when I was in my 12th year. For me, studying at a university really helped me because it exposed me to many different subjects and fields of study. It also gave me access to internship opportunities that allowed me to experience work in that field. Internships are a great way to test out the field to see if it is something you are interested in. So if possible, try searching for internships. Another great way is "shadowing" someone who works in that field just to understand what their day to day life is.
Most importantly, I would suggest thinking about the skills or interests that you enjoy from fashion, art, business, literature, etc. You might be surprised to find that you can find a job that touches a little bit from all of these subjects. For example, maybe you are interested in working with data analytics but also like reading about fashion and art. As a result, you could possibly work in business in the fashion industry. It's important to identify what you like from each of the subjects and hopefully that narrows it down for you. Don't worry if you can't narrow it to a specific subject. That's where internships and talking to people can help guide you. Good luck!
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher
68
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Compile a list of what everyone close to you expects you to do or become.
Weigh the pros & cons of taking each of those separate paths and analyze its' expectation of success.
Now Compile another list of all things that make you happy. Things you enjoy doing with and for other people.
Weigh the pros & cons of taking that path and analyze its expectation of success.
Once both have been completed, you must now figure out what lifestyle you expect to live and also decide what's important to you.
Is It Money, Prestige, Position, Lifestyle, Passion, Compassion, etc.?
Now At This Point You Have Done A Lot Of Thinking, Calculating & Guessing About Your future. Is it still is confusing?
Probably worse than confusing.
At this point you can now close your eyes and visualize yourself in 20 or 30 years, retiring and looking back at your life on that special day. You may be smiling, or you may not be smiling, but what you visualize as a professional will be what you have become.
Now is the time to keep it or replace it and move forward. Yes your future may change, but its that first step that determines the direction. No fear, no second guesses or regrets, just taking the step in a chosen direction on your terms, not others.
Weigh the pros & cons of taking each of those separate paths and analyze its' expectation of success.
Now Compile another list of all things that make you happy. Things you enjoy doing with and for other people.
Weigh the pros & cons of taking that path and analyze its expectation of success.
Once both have been completed, you must now figure out what lifestyle you expect to live and also decide what's important to you.
Is It Money, Prestige, Position, Lifestyle, Passion, Compassion, etc.?
Now At This Point You Have Done A Lot Of Thinking, Calculating & Guessing About Your future. Is it still is confusing?
Probably worse than confusing.
At this point you can now close your eyes and visualize yourself in 20 or 30 years, retiring and looking back at your life on that special day. You may be smiling, or you may not be smiling, but what you visualize as a professional will be what you have become.
Now is the time to keep it or replace it and move forward. Yes your future may change, but its that first step that determines the direction. No fear, no second guesses or regrets, just taking the step in a chosen direction on your terms, not others.