4 answers
Paige
Student
Mendon, Massachusetts
5
Questions
Asked
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I am in the 12th grade and I am just beginning to explore my future career, what are some careers and helpful next steps I should consider based on my passions and interests?
At school, I am most interested in sociology, law, and economics, while my hobbies include sports, student government, and band. A topic that I am passionate about is social justice. What are some career options that best align with these interests and what are some helpful next steps I can do in the near future? #career #student #college
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4 answers
Zach Guenin, MBA, CPA
Accounting and Audit
2
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Zach’s Answer
Hi Paige,
Great question and mad props for having the foresight to ask this sort of question.
I'll give you a bit of background on how I found my path, where I'm currently going and then answer a few of your specific questions below.
In high school I realized that I was really good at Math and enjoyed business so I looked into different options that involved the two. This lead me towards accounting and finance. I knew that if I could lock down these skills I could apply them towards any passion or interest I wanted to later on in life. I jumped right into these sorts of classes in college and immediately tried to get real life experience by volunteering or finding out who had job opportunities where I could work during my freshmen year.
After getting my foot in the door, I was able to obtain prestigious internship experiences during my Sophomore and Junior year in college (way before most of my peers). This came in handy because then I had the ability to choose where I wanted to work (city) and what company I wanted to work for.
I've been working in IT Auditing for nearly 6 years now. I've gotten to work for all sorts of cool companies and expand upon my knowledge and expertise. Lastly, a huge item that a lot of folks look past is personal finances. I always tried to save 10%+ from each job I had. I graduated with very little school debt and paid it off as soon as I could once I graduated. I continued to live like a college student and keep my expenses very low. Now I save a large portion of my paycheck and have more autonomy and flexibility because of it.
Your future
Careers: It seems like you might thrive by pursuing a legal or economics degree. I'm unclear of what the typical path looks like on the economics side but you could have some fun in undergrad by pursuing different courses prior to jumping into legal school later on in school. Some folks that I knew started in accounting and auditing at a Big 4 firm and then went back to legal school after they'd saved some money.
Helpful next steps: Reach out to anyone in your family, friends, network who has experience in these fields. They could provide you with the knowledge, guidance or connections that will support you as you pursue them.
Based on passions and interests (social justice): The legal field is a perfect example of a career where you can truly make it what you want. You could work on the corporate side or embrace the governmental side and support those who might not have the ability to hire an attorney. This is another reason why making sure your personal finances are locked down are a huge help. It might allow you to step into more pro-bono (free) work if you aren't as reliant on a pay check. Read the following books/blogs on the topic and Good luck!
Your money or your life (Vicki Robins)
Simple path to wealth (JL Colins)
Rich dad poor dad (Robert Kiyosaki)
The Richest man in Babylon
The four hour work week (Tim Ferriss)
Mr. Money Mustache Blog
Great question and mad props for having the foresight to ask this sort of question.
I'll give you a bit of background on how I found my path, where I'm currently going and then answer a few of your specific questions below.
In high school I realized that I was really good at Math and enjoyed business so I looked into different options that involved the two. This lead me towards accounting and finance. I knew that if I could lock down these skills I could apply them towards any passion or interest I wanted to later on in life. I jumped right into these sorts of classes in college and immediately tried to get real life experience by volunteering or finding out who had job opportunities where I could work during my freshmen year.
After getting my foot in the door, I was able to obtain prestigious internship experiences during my Sophomore and Junior year in college (way before most of my peers). This came in handy because then I had the ability to choose where I wanted to work (city) and what company I wanted to work for.
I've been working in IT Auditing for nearly 6 years now. I've gotten to work for all sorts of cool companies and expand upon my knowledge and expertise. Lastly, a huge item that a lot of folks look past is personal finances. I always tried to save 10%+ from each job I had. I graduated with very little school debt and paid it off as soon as I could once I graduated. I continued to live like a college student and keep my expenses very low. Now I save a large portion of my paycheck and have more autonomy and flexibility because of it.
Your future
Careers: It seems like you might thrive by pursuing a legal or economics degree. I'm unclear of what the typical path looks like on the economics side but you could have some fun in undergrad by pursuing different courses prior to jumping into legal school later on in school. Some folks that I knew started in accounting and auditing at a Big 4 firm and then went back to legal school after they'd saved some money.
Helpful next steps: Reach out to anyone in your family, friends, network who has experience in these fields. They could provide you with the knowledge, guidance or connections that will support you as you pursue them.
Based on passions and interests (social justice): The legal field is a perfect example of a career where you can truly make it what you want. You could work on the corporate side or embrace the governmental side and support those who might not have the ability to hire an attorney. This is another reason why making sure your personal finances are locked down are a huge help. It might allow you to step into more pro-bono (free) work if you aren't as reliant on a pay check. Read the following books/blogs on the topic and Good luck!
Your money or your life (Vicki Robins)
Simple path to wealth (JL Colins)
Rich dad poor dad (Robert Kiyosaki)
The Richest man in Babylon
The four hour work week (Tim Ferriss)
Mr. Money Mustache Blog
Frank Oldfield
M.Ed. (TESOL)., Online Remote Adult Education Teacher, Educator & Facilitator.
102
Answers
Finland
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hello All Year 12 Students seeking a new career path. I just went to my web browser "Microsoft Bing" Tuesday 18.05.2021. Time 17:28 p.m., ( 280,000,000 Results). My web Browser is asking me a question. "Do you want results only for government job centers in Mendon Massachusetts? "
The first opportunity on the list is here:
Employment Opportunities <Mendon MA>
https://www.mendonma.gov/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities
04/28/2021
The Town of Mendon will be accepting ongoing applications for Substitute Van Drivers for the Council on Aging. This periodic, part-time, fill in position starts at a rate of $17.23 per hour. Applicants must have a High School Diploma, a valid Mass. Drivers Licence and a clean driving record, CPR Certification and CORIcheck are also required.
Good Luck and Best wishes from Frank Oldfield.
The first opportunity on the list is here:
Employment Opportunities <Mendon MA>
https://www.mendonma.gov/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities
04/28/2021
The Town of Mendon will be accepting ongoing applications for Substitute Van Drivers for the Council on Aging. This periodic, part-time, fill in position starts at a rate of $17.23 per hour. Applicants must have a High School Diploma, a valid Mass. Drivers Licence and a clean driving record, CPR Certification and CORIcheck are also required.
Good Luck and Best wishes from Frank Oldfield.
Samar Choudhary
software architect
13
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Samar’s Answer
Hi Paige,
Glad to know that you are already focused on your future goals.
It appears that you have an inclination towards a career in Economics or Law. You will have plenty of options if you go that route, but I would also suggest an open mind for careers in Business or Finance. Often times, students explore a few options in college while balancing out their interests and applicability in the industry/government sector. I would take some additional courses in the mentioned area in the first 3 semesters and then come to a conclusion.
In short, you can stay in the ballpark and explore some more in the early years of college as you will have lot of more options that you did not have in high school.
Good Luck !
Samar
Glad to know that you are already focused on your future goals.
It appears that you have an inclination towards a career in Economics or Law. You will have plenty of options if you go that route, but I would also suggest an open mind for careers in Business or Finance. Often times, students explore a few options in college while balancing out their interests and applicability in the industry/government sector. I would take some additional courses in the mentioned area in the first 3 semesters and then come to a conclusion.
In short, you can stay in the ballpark and explore some more in the early years of college as you will have lot of more options that you did not have in high school.
Good Luck !
Samar
Mark Morgan
Telecom Engineer/Truck Driver
148
Answers
Newburgh, Kentucky
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Paige!
I am so excited for you! This is an exiting time! I have to assume you're already started looking at colleges and have possibly even been accepted to one or more. There are of course, many opportunities in all three, sociology, law, and economics so as you attend college you will want to weigh out your strengths and your passions.
The sky is the limit for you! You can go in so many directions!! HR, a lawyer, market analyst and the list goes on. The great thing is, as you start college, you don't have to decide everything now. As I stated above, focus on your strengths and what you really enjoy doing. This will help you narrow down. I'll bet you will make a great attorney!!
Hope this helps!
Mark
I would focus on developing strong communication skills.
While you are in school, make sure you take advantage of internships.
I am so excited for you! This is an exiting time! I have to assume you're already started looking at colleges and have possibly even been accepted to one or more. There are of course, many opportunities in all three, sociology, law, and economics so as you attend college you will want to weigh out your strengths and your passions.
The sky is the limit for you! You can go in so many directions!! HR, a lawyer, market analyst and the list goes on. The great thing is, as you start college, you don't have to decide everything now. As I stated above, focus on your strengths and what you really enjoy doing. This will help you narrow down. I'll bet you will make a great attorney!!
Hope this helps!
Mark
Mark recommends the following next steps: