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What's the best way to approach career paths that I might like?
I'm in high school and unsure of what career path I want to go down to. It seems like a very big commitment so I want to make sure that I make the right decision.
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7 answers
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Edgar’s Answer
I recommend following a path that interests you to start. Along that path, you will find opportunities that you can then decide to take. Keep in mind that not everything will be a success and, yes, you will need to be committed to some things before you see the fruits of your labor. Don't forget that you can say No to opportunities that do not suit you. Good luck!
Phoebe Hoyt
Run educational programs and teach English as a second language.
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Phoebe’s Answer
It is a big commitment which is why you want to start working part-time as soon as you can. This allows you to understand better what you like and often equally important, what you don't like.
Keep in mind that most people think they will be doing one thing when in high school but as they move forward they adjust their aspirations and direction and often end up in areas they wouldn't have thought of at the start of their career.
Try to keep an open mind but my advice is the more experience you can get now, the better. Volunteer and try to volunteer in fields in which you are already interested. If you can't get an internship or job in the field of choice, any job will help develop some skills and show any future employer that you were proactive from the beginning.
Keep in mind that most people think they will be doing one thing when in high school but as they move forward they adjust their aspirations and direction and often end up in areas they wouldn't have thought of at the start of their career.
Try to keep an open mind but my advice is the more experience you can get now, the better. Volunteer and try to volunteer in fields in which you are already interested. If you can't get an internship or job in the field of choice, any job will help develop some skills and show any future employer that you were proactive from the beginning.
Updated
Dean’s Answer
Hi Rich! Phoebe provided great advice on starting to work as a part time employee to see what you like and do not like. You can learn valuable information about yourself working part time. For example, you may learn that you really enjoy talking with customers and exploring different routes of communications with varying individuals. Or you may learn that you like to keep to yourself and it might be best to find a job that relies more heavily on independence throughout your work day. Also, there is always the option of attending college as an undecided major at the start. This will allow you to choose from different electives and general education requirements to see which ones you enjoy learning about the most. From there you can decide on a major and specialize in the more concentrated topics of that major. I hope this helps and good luck!
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many high school students have similar question. This question is more to ask yourself what you have interest on and what you want to do.
Below is my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest in. Eg your hobbies, your favourite subjects, etc. If you are interest in writing, would you like to be an author, journalist, etc. If you are interest in Maths, would you like to become an accountant, banker, financial analyst, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers. Identify some careers you have interest on.
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, career counsellor in school, you r parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Find out the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Our interest may change throughout our life. Hence, we may change career as well.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below is my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest in. Eg your hobbies, your favourite subjects, etc. If you are interest in writing, would you like to be an author, journalist, etc. If you are interest in Maths, would you like to become an accountant, banker, financial analyst, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers. Identify some careers you have interest on.
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, career counsellor in school, you r parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Find out the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Our interest may change throughout our life. Hence, we may change career as well.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Dave’s Answer
For those people who are looking for a part-time job, the pay is usually quite low. If you're really in it for the experience, forget about the pay. And in fact, you might get more out of a job if you are volunteering. As volunteer you can do lots of things that give you freedom to move from station to station. As an example, if you work at a animal shelter, your job might be to clean out the cages and walk the dogs. But if you volunteer there you might be able to help the local veterinarian with some of his tasks. It also gives you an opportunity to ask a lot of questions. I don't think you want to make a career out of cleaning out cages, but you might want a career as a veterinarian. Or you might find out that you're pretty good at getting donations. Sometimes being a CEO of a company is knowing how to make connections with people. Doing lots of different jobs gives you experience and lots of different fields. If you're getting paid to do a job, you're going to learn about that one thing.
Updated
Biana’s Answer
I would think about what interests you have and if the career is something that can last you for many years. Some jobs can be done for many years like a desk job whereas others are more manual and you have to stand on your feet all day or once you get older then most people don't do that job anymore (dancer for example). Of course money is important but you also have to enjoy it especially since you'll be doing it for years. You don't want it to feel like a drag.
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Rich,
Have you done a career personality test yet? You can find them online or even ask your school advisor if they have access to one. The test analyses your interests and create a detailed list of careers from it.
Talk to your counselors and get advice by letting them know what your interests are. Look into courses offered at the colleges and universities that you want to apply to.
Have you though about a double major degree? This would open doors for you in two or more areas. Some say its a little more difficult than having one major, but I think in your situation it could be good.
Volunteering in something that interests you could be the ice-breaker.
Ask around your circle of family and friends and let them know that you would like advice on which career you should d choose. Maybe they would have some ideas based on what they know about you.
Lastly look at job boards and the job descriptions. This mat narrow down your career interest by looking at what you would like to work as.
Have you done a career personality test yet? You can find them online or even ask your school advisor if they have access to one. The test analyses your interests and create a detailed list of careers from it.
Baljit recommends the following next steps: