4 answers
Harold
Student
Paterson, New Jersey
2
Questions
Asked
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Is highschool or college the best time for me to start looking into a career ?
I'm not leaving high school until 2025 but I think I should at least start trying to find my strength in different jobs
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4 answers
Melissa Urbin
Executive Resolution Advocate
15
Answers
Saint Clair Shores, Michigan
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
In my experience, it is never too early to begin actively exploring what career may be best for you, but you don't need to feel pressured to make a final decision right away. If you’re still in high school, you can take steps to explore future careers and figure out what interests you and what may be a good fit. You can complete a summer internship in a field that interests you, take career interest tests to discover potential career paths that you may have never considered in the past, research the academic and professional requirements related to your current dream job(s), or get a part-time job to begin to develop your professional and/or people skills. If you are choosing to attend college and haven't decided on a career path when you start, that's okay! It is normal to start college by studying a variety of subjects before you decide firmly on a major or path to a certain field.
Rajeev Parasnis
Retired
12
Answers
Panama City, Florida
Updated
Rajeev’s Answer
You are graduating high school in 3 years, which tells me you are about 16 years old. The best advice on a career choice ? Don't. Chill. Date chicks. Do bodybuilding. Play sports. What's the hurry? Enjoy your childhood. Your parents love you, but of course you hate them.
The first 2 years of college after an HS Diploma are exploratory . Like basic training in a boot camp. Career choices can only be made after 14 years of general education. Some students stop at an Associate level or junior college. But if you do persist, 16 years of schooling will lead to a Bachelor's degree. 2 additional graduate years will lead to a Master's. Yet 3 more years land you a doctorate or a Ph.D.
What is the goal and objective of all this education? To shape your body and mind for a singular purpose. TO SERVE MANKIND. No matter what our strengths, weaknesses, likes or dislikes, each one of us was put on this earth by GOD to be productive. He or She has many forms and names. Jesus, Allah, Jehovah, Vishnu. The divine purpose of our existence is to leave this planet in a slightly better shape than it was before. When we do our daily work without expecting anything in return, wonderful things happen. God sees to it that we are fed, clothed, sheltered. He or she does not expect you to pray or go to a masjid or church or temple. Religion has nothing to do with God.
So dear Harold, I hope you got something out of this rambling discourse. Old folks like me tend to meander, but we mean well. I definitely urge you NOT to choose a major or even decide on a career path until you are at least 21 years of age and a legal adult. What you choose then will be your life's purpose for the next 50-60-70 years. And you will enjoy that carefully chosen profession while getting paid for it too.
In a nutshell, diversify. Do not lock yourself into a career unless you have tried out at least 3 divergent fields and discarded 2.
The first 2 years of college after an HS Diploma are exploratory . Like basic training in a boot camp. Career choices can only be made after 14 years of general education. Some students stop at an Associate level or junior college. But if you do persist, 16 years of schooling will lead to a Bachelor's degree. 2 additional graduate years will lead to a Master's. Yet 3 more years land you a doctorate or a Ph.D.
What is the goal and objective of all this education? To shape your body and mind for a singular purpose. TO SERVE MANKIND. No matter what our strengths, weaknesses, likes or dislikes, each one of us was put on this earth by GOD to be productive. He or She has many forms and names. Jesus, Allah, Jehovah, Vishnu. The divine purpose of our existence is to leave this planet in a slightly better shape than it was before. When we do our daily work without expecting anything in return, wonderful things happen. God sees to it that we are fed, clothed, sheltered. He or she does not expect you to pray or go to a masjid or church or temple. Religion has nothing to do with God.
So dear Harold, I hope you got something out of this rambling discourse. Old folks like me tend to meander, but we mean well. I definitely urge you NOT to choose a major or even decide on a career path until you are at least 21 years of age and a legal adult. What you choose then will be your life's purpose for the next 50-60-70 years. And you will enjoy that carefully chosen profession while getting paid for it too.
In a nutshell, diversify. Do not lock yourself into a career unless you have tried out at least 3 divergent fields and discarded 2.
EZINNA EDGE IROEGBU
Educator/Researcher
21
Answers
Enugu, Nigeria
Updated
EZINNA EDGE’s Answer
Hello Harold, first and foremost I have to commend you for thinking the way you do. A wise man once said you don't learn how to shoot a gun in the battle field, you are still in high school, but nothing is stopping you from taking baby-giant strides while preparing for a career or college.
The truth is this, you are at an age where you are allowed to try so many things without serious repercussions. As Melissa mentioned, look for internships and from there you can tell if you interested in a particular field or combination of multiple fields. I believe deep down that there must be something you like or you are passionate...just think! You can start taking baby-giant strides in that direction. There are still many organizations offering free online classes that you can explore to your advantage.
By all means, do not just relax and wait till 2025. 2025 is not as far as you may think.
Goodluck, Harold.
The truth is this, you are at an age where you are allowed to try so many things without serious repercussions. As Melissa mentioned, look for internships and from there you can tell if you interested in a particular field or combination of multiple fields. I believe deep down that there must be something you like or you are passionate...just think! You can start taking baby-giant strides in that direction. There are still many organizations offering free online classes that you can explore to your advantage.
By all means, do not just relax and wait till 2025. 2025 is not as far as you may think.
Goodluck, Harold.
Gabriela Ibarra
Library Assistant/Administrative
10
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Gabriela’s Answer
Hi Harold,
It's usually recommended, but most kids graduate as undecided. If you are planning on doing to college and don't yet know where to get started, might be a good idea to at least start taking the basic classes out of way. This gives you some time to maybe be exploring something in the meanwhile. Maybe shadowing someone that you know has a career you might like to pursue? Volunteering at places you think you would like to work in? If you are unsure of what career to follow there are some websites that let you do a more personal depth check in order to learn more about yourself, the things you like to do, and what type of jobs can be related. Don't stress, but as advice don't let time pass you to quickly without doing anything either. The sooner you find something the better you will be at it getting more education on it.
Work on the basic required classes for college credit
Test yourself on https://www.123test.com/career-test/
Volunteer at different places of your choice
Do more research on career choices
Stay on track and don't loose focus.
It's usually recommended, but most kids graduate as undecided. If you are planning on doing to college and don't yet know where to get started, might be a good idea to at least start taking the basic classes out of way. This gives you some time to maybe be exploring something in the meanwhile. Maybe shadowing someone that you know has a career you might like to pursue? Volunteering at places you think you would like to work in? If you are unsure of what career to follow there are some websites that let you do a more personal depth check in order to learn more about yourself, the things you like to do, and what type of jobs can be related. Don't stress, but as advice don't let time pass you to quickly without doing anything either. The sooner you find something the better you will be at it getting more education on it.
Gabriela recommends the following next steps: