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How can i find what i want to do with my life?

I am a junior in highschool and i am really wondering what i should do to now in highschool to find out what degree and career path to follow.

career college-major career-counseling college-advice career-path career-choice career-paths
Thank you comment icon I suggest shadowing. This is when connect with someone that is in the career you are interested in and ask to observe them in their work. If you don’t know anyone be, contact the local professional organization and see if you can be connected with a will participant. Christy Thomas
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a very common question that high school students may have. This is a question to yourself, what do you want to do? What you have interest on?
1. Think about your hobbies, you favorite subjects, etc. and the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, a banker, an engineer, a financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you are interested in Music, would you like to be a singer, a musician, a composer, a music producer, a music teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers. Identify what you have interest.
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Find out the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the colleg
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Sebastian
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Jacob’s Answer

It is ok to not know exactly what you want to study or do with your career right away! Over half of the people that go into college with their major declared end up changing it at least once anyway. Many people go into college undecided and take their general education classes that are required for almost any major before declaring a major. While in your general education classes, their may be something that sparks an interest and you can pursue whatever that may be in more classes or possibly even major in that area.

If you want to explore differing areas of interest right now, I would suggest making a LinkedIn and just reaching out, sending some messages, to people in careers you may be interested in. Sparking conversation and asking about their experiences will allow you to gain perspective on different areas.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Sebastian
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Ricky’s Answer

I think one of the best ways to find out your path is through trial and error. If you're thinking of becoming a doctor, you might ask to observe a surgery. If you wanna be a writer, give it a try and write 2-3 hours a day, or maybe a whole day on the weekend. I'd say the best options you'll find are out of school, maybe by shadowing someone who does a job you like for a day/week, or you could do the type of things that a person with the career you are interested in would do. You could also enter basic courses on Coursera if you want to check if a subject is interesting.


Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Sebastian
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Sallie’s Answer

Hey Sabastian, its really admirable that you are reaching out in an attempt to find the path thats best for you. One of the many wonderful things about school is the resources it makes available to its students for things like this. Your guidance counselor is there to help do just that, guide you throughout your highschool journey so you can pursue a college path that fits best whether thats a trade school, community college etc. They have access to career tests, volunteer opportunities, scholarships, etc. I highly suggest asking to meet with yours so you can both work together to find what will best fit you.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Sebastian
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Mickael’s Answer

Hi Sebastian,

Unfortunately, there will be no good answer for you. Some people, even after years in working, still have no clue.

In any case, there are couple things you can do to start having ideas, to narrow your search:
- what is something you can work 8 hours on without wanting to hang yourself or get mad?
- what is something that you will do under constraints?
- what is something you are good at, even if this is not your passion?

Try to see something that fits at least two of these 3 buckets. And try to be as broad as possible. For example, "I like helping people" is a good thing. Also, my children went through this: https://www.careerexplorer.com gives some ideas. This is way far from perfect, but that may help and it's free. At least the basics.

Also, maybe asks your school if it has advisors that can discuss with you to help figure it out. Nothing will be perfect, but hopefully that gives you something to start.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Sebastian
Thank you comment icon Hey! I'm only a sophomore enrolled in a program called job Corps, I recently found out that finding what steps you need to take in order to achieve this goal/ career is an important factor. Maybe searching on "Indeed.com" for jobs that resonate around the work field you want to be in would do. If you are not sure what you want to do for a career path just understand what you enjoy doing that could be a way of making money, and find work that contains some of the same similarities. Or even create your own business! Best of luck to you man. Isaac
Thank you comment icon The problem may be to find the work field as Isaac said. Therefore, before looking at jobs in a domain, start finding that domain. There are plenty. Mickael Rosenberg
Thank you comment icon thanks for the responses Sebastian
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Shawn’s Answer

Hi Sebastian,

This is a great time to think about this type of question. Getting an earlier start is important and you have chosen the correct time in your life. I recommend these categories to focus on your decision making process:

1. Aptitude - What comes easy or naturally to you. What do you also find of great interest. (i.e. are you good at fixing things or finding what makes things tick etc.)
2. Capabilities and Goals - Ability to seek knowledge as well and apply knowledge that has been learned. You want to set realistic goals that can be measured and recalibrated through time (Is it science, technology, politics or art etc.).
3. Resources - Finding the right platform, tools and support system such friends, family and CareerVillage to help you. There is no help that is little. It's always best to ask even for guidance even if you don't think so. There are many resources out there that are willing to share their knowledge, experience and wisdom.

Wishing you the best and to continue to be curious!

Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Sebastian
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