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How can I figure out my career goals when I am still unsure as to what career path I'm considering for my future?
I'm a rising High School senior and I want to prepare well this summer before I start my College Applications. However, I still feel as though I don't know myself very well in terms of a single passion to pursue in higher education. Even though I know that is probably normal, would it not make the College Admissions Process easier if I could cater my application to have one clear overall interest that stands out? How can I go about preparing career-wise to ensure higher chances of getting the future I desire? #CV23
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Ryan’s Answer
It's natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty about your future. While it's true that having a clear passion might make the college admissions process somewhat easier, it's important to remember that life is a journey of self-discovery, and it's perfectly normal not to have everything figured out just yet.
To prepare for your future and explore potential career paths, start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and values. Ask yourself what subjects or activities truly engage you, and consider the skills you excel at or the causes you care about deeply. It's in these intersections that you may find the seeds of a meaningful career.
During the summer before college applications, take advantage of opportunities to expand your horizons and gain new experiences. Consider volunteering, interning, or finding a part-time job in areas that pique your interest. By immersing yourself in different environments, you'll gain valuable insights into your preferences and strengths, helping you clarify your goals and aspirations.
I would say to remain open to the idea that your path may evolve over time. Embrace the notion that your future is not set in stone but rather a canvas upon which you can paint a unique and ever-changing masterpiece. The college admissions process is not just about showcasing a single, all-consuming passion but also about demonstrating your capacity for growth, adaptability, and curiosity.
When it comes to ensuring the future you desire, remember that it's less about finding the perfect career and more about cultivating a lifelong mindset of exploration, resilience, and determination. As you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, trust that your experiences will guide you toward a fulfilling and rewarding path.
No one has it all figured out, enjoy the journey, that's all there is.
To prepare for your future and explore potential career paths, start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, and values. Ask yourself what subjects or activities truly engage you, and consider the skills you excel at or the causes you care about deeply. It's in these intersections that you may find the seeds of a meaningful career.
During the summer before college applications, take advantage of opportunities to expand your horizons and gain new experiences. Consider volunteering, interning, or finding a part-time job in areas that pique your interest. By immersing yourself in different environments, you'll gain valuable insights into your preferences and strengths, helping you clarify your goals and aspirations.
I would say to remain open to the idea that your path may evolve over time. Embrace the notion that your future is not set in stone but rather a canvas upon which you can paint a unique and ever-changing masterpiece. The college admissions process is not just about showcasing a single, all-consuming passion but also about demonstrating your capacity for growth, adaptability, and curiosity.
When it comes to ensuring the future you desire, remember that it's less about finding the perfect career and more about cultivating a lifelong mindset of exploration, resilience, and determination. As you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, trust that your experiences will guide you toward a fulfilling and rewarding path.
No one has it all figured out, enjoy the journey, that's all there is.
Updated
Kathryn’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
This is a valid question. We all excel in different areas. You might start by taking a look at areas/subjects in which you excel at school or interests/hobbies you have. Jot down a few options and do some research on potential career paths in those areas. Start small, sometimes the big picture is overwhelming. Your guidance counselor MAY be a good resource. There are also organizations that will assist in the application process, essay writing, etc. Research-based programs are another option to prepare you for college. This is a good opportunity to delve deeper into a specific area that interests you and get some great experience in research that will serve you in college and life. Typically, these organizations will pair you with a subject matter expert (i.e. Faculty or College Grad student working on their thesis in the subject area). Together you will find a topic to focus on and develop your research. Careful though, these organizations can be pricy, but also offer some financial assistance. Remember, start small, you don't have to conquer the world yet.
Note: if you are using Financial Aid, you will want to start that process in the fall of your senior year of HS.
Best of luck and continue to reach out as you have more questions!
This is a valid question. We all excel in different areas. You might start by taking a look at areas/subjects in which you excel at school or interests/hobbies you have. Jot down a few options and do some research on potential career paths in those areas. Start small, sometimes the big picture is overwhelming. Your guidance counselor MAY be a good resource. There are also organizations that will assist in the application process, essay writing, etc. Research-based programs are another option to prepare you for college. This is a good opportunity to delve deeper into a specific area that interests you and get some great experience in research that will serve you in college and life. Typically, these organizations will pair you with a subject matter expert (i.e. Faculty or College Grad student working on their thesis in the subject area). Together you will find a topic to focus on and develop your research. Careful though, these organizations can be pricy, but also offer some financial assistance. Remember, start small, you don't have to conquer the world yet.
Note: if you are using Financial Aid, you will want to start that process in the fall of your senior year of HS.
Best of luck and continue to reach out as you have more questions!
Updated
Alessia’s Answer
Career goals don't always need to be massive. Sometimes you might feel super inspired with a clear vision on where you want to be. Other times instead you might just not know. Best advice I can give is start small - what skills do you want to be known for? what skills do you want to learn? This will help you learn more about what you like / don't like doing and will help you understand your future career steps.
Well said, Alessia!
Kathryn McKevitt
Updated
Poonam’s Answer
Hi, Amanda
First of all, Kudos to you for thinking in a great direction. There are many colleges that will accept for you taking an open year, which means you don't have to decide on your major during the first year. I think Purdue University. However, when you are unsure, ask your teachers, mentor(if you don't have one, find one), and peers.. what are you good at ... all the inputs would definitely help to cater thoughts and see if you can use them in your application to have one clear overall interest and additional things that you want to do.
For example. I am a happy engineer but I wanted to understand management techniques so I did Undergrad in Electronics and communication and pursued MBA in technology management. Happy to share details.
First of all, Kudos to you for thinking in a great direction. There are many colleges that will accept for you taking an open year, which means you don't have to decide on your major during the first year. I think Purdue University. However, when you are unsure, ask your teachers, mentor(if you don't have one, find one), and peers.. what are you good at ... all the inputs would definitely help to cater thoughts and see if you can use them in your application to have one clear overall interest and additional things that you want to do.
For example. I am a happy engineer but I wanted to understand management techniques so I did Undergrad in Electronics and communication and pursued MBA in technology management. Happy to share details.
Updated
Nandini’s Answer
Hello Devlan,
Looks like you are yet on your journey to select your field of study and that's ok! Many people are on the same boat as you. Hope some of the exercises I have below helps you!
I would start with what specific subjects within science and math interest you? Make a list of this and then dive deep into these. Having a framework that helps answers these questions might help:
1. What are you fields of interests ? I would go back to a year or two and think about what still interests you. Whatever you choose for your college, you will be stuck studying that subject for a couple years - so I would pick something that you are genuinely interested in
2. Do you envision a future in that field - Take a reality check. Do you see yourself getting a job in your field of interest and supporting yourself and your family with that income?
3. Affordability - Are there good colleges that can offer your field of study with affordable tuition?
4. Lastly, talk to some of your teachers and guidance counselors. Sometimes, they see things that we don't and might have more options for you.
Hope my answers help you out. Have a great rest of your day!
Looks like you are yet on your journey to select your field of study and that's ok! Many people are on the same boat as you. Hope some of the exercises I have below helps you!
I would start with what specific subjects within science and math interest you? Make a list of this and then dive deep into these. Having a framework that helps answers these questions might help:
1. What are you fields of interests ? I would go back to a year or two and think about what still interests you. Whatever you choose for your college, you will be stuck studying that subject for a couple years - so I would pick something that you are genuinely interested in
2. Do you envision a future in that field - Take a reality check. Do you see yourself getting a job in your field of interest and supporting yourself and your family with that income?
3. Affordability - Are there good colleges that can offer your field of study with affordable tuition?
4. Lastly, talk to some of your teachers and guidance counselors. Sometimes, they see things that we don't and might have more options for you.
Hope my answers help you out. Have a great rest of your day!
Updated
Rich’s Answer
What do you like to do now in your free time? People generally are much more successful in their careers when doing what they are passionate about. Do you find joy in teaching people? Working on computers? Writing stories? Selling things? Working outdoors? Whatever it is, there is a career for it. Do it because you love to do it, not because it is a career that pays more or that your parents want you to do. I know many people that finished years of law school or medical school, only to find out they didn’t really like the work a lawyer / doctor does. Good Luck!
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Amanda,
I respect your concerns, as I was once in your situation, concerned about making the right decision for college. There are already some excellent responses to your question, and I will try to add a bit more. I encourage you to adjust your goal for now to focus on the initial college experience and your hopes and expectations for the freshman year. Finding that ideal career is a long road, and you will gain more insight with each year. And you may find yourself changing careers or specialties more than once. When I was in HS, I tried to define my perfect career and discovered years later that HS was too early to know, as my actual career proved to be far different from my earlier expectations. You will do well. I wish you the best..
I respect your concerns, as I was once in your situation, concerned about making the right decision for college. There are already some excellent responses to your question, and I will try to add a bit more. I encourage you to adjust your goal for now to focus on the initial college experience and your hopes and expectations for the freshman year. Finding that ideal career is a long road, and you will gain more insight with each year. And you may find yourself changing careers or specialties more than once. When I was in HS, I tried to define my perfect career and discovered years later that HS was too early to know, as my actual career proved to be far different from my earlier expectations. You will do well. I wish you the best..
Juney Dijkstra
Business Development / Production / Project Management
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Juney’s Answer
In addition to Chirayu's excellent advice, I'd also like to emphasise that our world is ever-changing, industries are ever-changing, and as a result, we are ever-changing. It's not just okay to change career goals, it may even be quite likely that you'll find yourself adjusting course along the way! New technologies & innovation are developing at such a pace that we'll need to keep learning all of our lives, and it's important to adopt a growth mindset: You are and will be capable of learning & growing in new directions ♡
So: Don't hesitate to explore with an open mind as Chirayu suggested, and don't hesitate to keep it open afterward!
So: Don't hesitate to explore with an open mind as Chirayu suggested, and don't hesitate to keep it open afterward!
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Nathaniel’s Answer
You are not alone.......At your age, I really didn't know who I was much less what career path was "right". I had one guy in 5th grade who knew he wanted to be a priest....but that changed, and that is when I began fussing about this dilemma. My career counselor suggested since I had a lovely smile, I might look into being a flight attendant....?????? This is a tough question as there is no straight path. Find a job that looks fun and you think you can do. Look at your boss and see if they are really happy with the position they are in. When I was your age is wasn't unusual for a young adult to have 2-4 jobs in their lifetime. I believe I am on my 8th. All jobs developed something I needed to work on to become the person I am now.
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Sallie’s Answer
Your guidance counselors are there to help guide you. Utilize them! Have these conversations, discuss your hobbies and interests, your strengths, your weaknesses, and everything in between. They can use this information to start helping you to decide which path to take.
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Chirayu’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking about your future career goals and taking steps to prepare for it. It's perfectly normal to be unsure about what you want to do at this stage, and it's important to remember that your career path may change over time. Take some time to think about what you enjoy doing and what subjects you are interested in. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or volunteering in fields that interest you. Think about your skills and strengths and how they can be applied to different careers. Consider taking a personality or career assessment test to get more insight into your strengths and interests. Look for internships, job shadowing opportunities, or part-time jobs in fields that interest you. This will give you a better idea of what the work is like and whether it is something you would enjoy. Remember that it's okay to change your mind about your career goals. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different options. In terms of preparing for college applications, you don't need to have one clear overall interest that stands out. Admissions committees are looking for well-rounded students who have a variety of interests and experiences. Instead, focus on showcasing your strengths and passions in your application. Overall, the key is to take time to explore your interests, research different careers, and gain experience in fields that interest you. This will help you figure out your career goals and increase your chances of achieving the future you desire.