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What should I do, if I'm not yet decided on what to do?
what should I do if I'm not yet decided on what to pursue in my future? Im not quite sure what I would like to do and I'm on my second to last year of high school.
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Tiffany’s Answer
Kevin, you are definitely not alone in feeling this way. Many high schoolers are not sure what they want to do yet, even if they do not admit it. Additionally, many things that people say they are going to like change after they start doing those jobs or studying that content in college.
I would think about 1) people you admire and who seem to like their work and; 2) what hobbies or interests you have that could translate into a job (gaming, wood carving, movies).
Then explore many of the careers associated with those things - would you like to be a marketer, someone who creates and implements ideas to promote a new game, gaming console or movie? Are you good with numbers - would you like to to work on the budgets related to games and movies? If you are good at wood carving, then that means you have great spacial awareness - perhaps you would like to be a professional scuptor or a product designer who use 3D software to create ideas of products? Maybe you are good at arguing! My son has been excellent at structuring arguments and negotiations since he was a little boy. He is going to make an excellent attorney. Attorneys and lawyers are needed in all industries - movies (representing the studio in negotiating contracts and actors' & directors' salaries), companies like Verizon (where I work), to negotiate contracts, make sure we are always doing the right thing, helping us hire people from other countries, etc.
The good news is that you have lots of options and you can also go to college as "Undecided" with no major. Many students do this and you can decide as you learn more.
My daughter was in your position and ultimately joined the Army because she got lots of training and time to figure out what she wanted to do without wasting money on college while she figured it out. It was a good decision for her.
You will figure it out!
I would think about 1) people you admire and who seem to like their work and; 2) what hobbies or interests you have that could translate into a job (gaming, wood carving, movies).
Then explore many of the careers associated with those things - would you like to be a marketer, someone who creates and implements ideas to promote a new game, gaming console or movie? Are you good with numbers - would you like to to work on the budgets related to games and movies? If you are good at wood carving, then that means you have great spacial awareness - perhaps you would like to be a professional scuptor or a product designer who use 3D software to create ideas of products? Maybe you are good at arguing! My son has been excellent at structuring arguments and negotiations since he was a little boy. He is going to make an excellent attorney. Attorneys and lawyers are needed in all industries - movies (representing the studio in negotiating contracts and actors' & directors' salaries), companies like Verizon (where I work), to negotiate contracts, make sure we are always doing the right thing, helping us hire people from other countries, etc.
The good news is that you have lots of options and you can also go to college as "Undecided" with no major. Many students do this and you can decide as you learn more.
My daughter was in your position and ultimately joined the Army because she got lots of training and time to figure out what she wanted to do without wasting money on college while she figured it out. It was a good decision for her.
You will figure it out!
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
Hi Kevin!
It's totally normal to be unsure about what you want to do in the future; it's a big decision! Many colleges offer an option to go in undeclared or to do "general studies." The title varies, but it just means you will spend the first one or two years getting general education requirements out of the way and fill the rest of your time taking classes to explore your options. I went in undeclared until my junior year of college, and I was able to take classes in advertising, global studies, statistics, education, creative writing, and... more than I can remember! This is a great way to learn more about different subjects and get a feel for the workload. Also, a great number of people change their majors (sometimes multiple times) in college once they learn more about the topics. With all of this said, there is no pressure to have your next 4 years mapped out the day you graduate; you have plenty of time and opportunities to explore!
Outside of the studies themselves, you can attend career fairs, take internships, volunteer, and even job shadow to get a feel for different jobs you might be interested in. If you have any specific interests or ideas of fields you want to go into, you can always reach out on here to ask more questions about what it's like to work in certain industries!
It's totally normal to be unsure about what you want to do in the future; it's a big decision! Many colleges offer an option to go in undeclared or to do "general studies." The title varies, but it just means you will spend the first one or two years getting general education requirements out of the way and fill the rest of your time taking classes to explore your options. I went in undeclared until my junior year of college, and I was able to take classes in advertising, global studies, statistics, education, creative writing, and... more than I can remember! This is a great way to learn more about different subjects and get a feel for the workload. Also, a great number of people change their majors (sometimes multiple times) in college once they learn more about the topics. With all of this said, there is no pressure to have your next 4 years mapped out the day you graduate; you have plenty of time and opportunities to explore!
Outside of the studies themselves, you can attend career fairs, take internships, volunteer, and even job shadow to get a feel for different jobs you might be interested in. If you have any specific interests or ideas of fields you want to go into, you can always reach out on here to ask more questions about what it's like to work in certain industries!
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Kevin,
It’s normal to not be sure at your age. I would recommend speaking to professionals in your circle and outside when you have the opportunity. Network and ask what they do, why, what’s good what’s bad etc. Intern or volunteer where you can to start finding out what you may be interested in. When I was about to finish my sophomore year in college, (my basic classes) and needing to pick a focus at this point, I asked my father this same question. He answered “just do business, you can always do something with that.”
When I started to take the classes I was interested in marketing and made the choice to minor in marketing. I started in marketing in my career and transitioned to sales. I do medical sales now.
Just keep working hard and making good grades. Opportunities will open up for you and be ready to act. Find someone to be a mentor, a counselor, teacher, a coach, a family member that you think has a cool job. Wishing you the best!
It’s normal to not be sure at your age. I would recommend speaking to professionals in your circle and outside when you have the opportunity. Network and ask what they do, why, what’s good what’s bad etc. Intern or volunteer where you can to start finding out what you may be interested in. When I was about to finish my sophomore year in college, (my basic classes) and needing to pick a focus at this point, I asked my father this same question. He answered “just do business, you can always do something with that.”
When I started to take the classes I was interested in marketing and made the choice to minor in marketing. I started in marketing in my career and transitioned to sales. I do medical sales now.
Just keep working hard and making good grades. Opportunities will open up for you and be ready to act. Find someone to be a mentor, a counselor, teacher, a coach, a family member that you think has a cool job. Wishing you the best!