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How to pick a career?

How would you determine a career path when you have multiple dreams and goals?

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Priscilla’s Answer

Hi! I've been in multiple roles in my life (I'm in by 40s now). I started in IT, then HR, and now I work as Product Manager in a Financial institution (I graduated from Business Administrator, which is an amazing way to keep your options open - HR, Marketing, Finance, etc).
People change as they progress in life. Something that motivates and interest you may not be the same 20 years from now. So I would say keep your mind and your eyes open. Don't get too worried about having to choose one career and thinking that you need to stick with that. As long as you're growing (more senior positions, compensation, or personal achievement), you're good.
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Martina’s Answer

That's a hard one. I didn't know what I wanted to do until I added psychology as a major during my undergrad degree. Then it all clicked. Try everything and see what speaks to you the most. Apply for different internships and just try stuff. You will probably know when you get to do it. But also, nothing has to last forever. You can always try something else.
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Pamela’s Answer

Hello! What a great question. Organize your thoughts and make a plan; what are your dreams? List them. What would you be happy doing? How do you need to obtain that happiness -- go to school, get an education, major in the area that your dream job is in and then minor in what makes you happy, come up with a few attainable steps and make it happen. The best thing about this, it is your plan, your dreams, your life, make the best of it that you can and also remember to be a responsible member of society, treating everyone with kindness and respect no matter who they are, every day. Life will be good, because you are great!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a very common question to many students.
Below is my suggestions :
1. Think about the careers that are relevant to your dreams.
E.g. If you are interested in Tech and Business, would you like to be an entrepreneur of Tech Company or Management post of Tech company
2. Explore more on these careers and find out what you have interest
3. Speak to someone working in these careers if possible. Seek advice from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Nurhan’s Answer

I would following some of advices: Make a list of jobs to explore, assess your, identify your goals, research top career choices.....
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Martin (Marty)’s Answer

Follow your passions. What do you get really excited about? There is nothing worse than being ill-fitted with your career choice. I was in that trap for many years. I am fortunate to now work in a role that uses many of my natural talents and passions. Don't necessarily choose a profession for the pay. Peace of mind should not be under-valued! Explore your heart and mind ... what kind of job would you be jumping out of bed each day to start?
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Tracie’s Answer

I agree with everything that has been said above, I would also consider finding people in your personal network or on LinkedIn and having discussions about the day in the life of the role you are interested in. You can connect with people at work, church, friends, family, social media groups etc. Don't be afraid to ask hard questions of people you talk to- what do they like, what brings them joy, what is hard....also don't be afraid to take risks- life is about trying new things.
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Thao’s Answer

You never know until you try! Some people know what they love doing, some don't or have too many. And what you love may also change as time goes by, when you grow up, your view of life also changes. Therefore, keep an open mind like said above. It's common to have different careers (as long as you are change taker- some people prefer a settled life with one career and enjoy the security- which is fine , nothing is wrong with that).
How to try? Talking to people at career/ job fairs, networking event to see how professional life varies in different industries. What is pros/ cons of different jobs?
You also need a plan so May I suggest the breakdown?

Thao recommends the following next steps:

Think about what interest you (science/ social science/ arts/ ....etc)
Think about what is important to you when you have a job (income/ social status/ impact...etc)
Think about what you are good at ( writing/ gaming/ cooking/ ...etc)
Think about what you are not good at (communication/ math/ reading/...etc)
Consolidate your interest/ value/ strength/ weakness and start talking to some professionals to see how you may fit in their role using your own assessment
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David’s Answer

Hi!
I can certainly relate to your question as I had a few dreams of my own when I was in my early 20's. My best advice to you is to follow your heart. Ask yourself what makes you the happiest and what do you really enjoy doing. It might not be the easiest of paths to follow but you definitely do not want to look back years later and regret not trying. Remember, its ok to fail and can actually be quite productive and motivating in a way. Be strong in your beliefs and yourself and try your best. "It's better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all!"

All the best!
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Dan’s Answer

Hi Vanessa- We all have interests which can often change over the course of our lives. skills that we may use a lot or not use at all, and dreams we sometimes fulfill or just put away on the proverbial shelf. There is one thing, for the most part, that remains constant throughout our lives, and that is our personality. What is important for you to know, in terms of choosing a career, is understanding what drives you, satisfies you and what role/activity really motivates you. One simple exercise you might try is to write down 3 of your most satisfying, positive experiences you have had, beginning from childhood up to the present. in doing so, try and find that common thread (ie; the activity, the role you played, things you worked with etc.) that connects them all together. For example, Your activities might be singing solo in the Church choir, teaching a class , or leading a group on a hike. You may find, as you consider your experiences, some of things that motivate you and in what role you might be best suited. You may be someone that loves being in a "helping Role", someone who loves to create things, or loves to be in a performing role etc. Whatever career we work in, we will operate according to our personality and what drives us. I remember early on in my career, I discovered that working in a "helping role ""is what I found to be motivating and most satisfied in my work.

Talking to people in careers of interest can be invaluable in getting a clearer understanding of what those careers entail. Sometimes we have a tendency to romanticize certain careers while overlooking the actual duties they require. I have met a lot of students over the years that wanted to become Flight Attendants( good pay and benefits,travel etc,) . I would sometimes suggest they first work as a server in a diner /restaurant, and if they love that, they may be well suited to become a flight attendant. The more effort you put into finding a career you can love, the greater your success will become. I wish you the best of success, in all your future endeavors.
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Jackie’s Answer

Hi! When determining a career path you want to consider a few options. You should see what you are passionate about, does the career path have growth potential, and will this career path provide for you/your family. You can network and find others in that career path to ask questions. You can also look into an internship/externship in the career path you are considering. Good luck!
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Anna’s Answer

Hey! There is no right or wrong answer on this one. I am 36yrs old and have changed paths many times. But I will say the path I am always on deals with customer service in a way, because it's what I'm good at and enjoy. I always think it's funny they expect 18yr old's out of high school to make a career choice and stick with it. When I was 18, I had no idea and picked the easiest major in college, Hospitality Management. I didn't really know what I wanted to do until I got older and started exploring the world. Its ok if you don't want to pick just one thing you enjoy. You will most likely change your mind down the road and since you have a list of dreams and goals you can explore them! Don't ever think you are stuck doing one thing for the rest of your life. Go out and enjoy life!
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