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How should I start exploring what I want my future to be?

I don't really know what college or career I want. Where should I start? I want to explore my interest but I'm also not really sure about that either.

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Monica’s Answer

Your career interests will continue to unfold throughout your life. I recommend thinking through your personal interests and values. A famous framework for this is the Japanese concept of "ikigai" which is an introspective exercise to help find your life's purpose. There's also a book! Outside of self-reflection, I would recommend you simply get out there in the world and try! Try anything and everything! Reach out via Linkedin or email and introduce yourself. Request an informational interview or a quick in-person meeting to learn more about their career path and/or company. Typically, undergrad interns will also do "job shadows" or apprenticeships for little to no pay. You can learn a lot simply by observing a person and/or office. All of these experiences will help narrow down your focus area for a job.

I'll close with saying no job is perfect, ESPECIALLY when you're just starting out. You have to grind a little bit, get experience on your resume, and slowly put together a career you are truly proud of. Very few find one career that fits them "best" for life. Don't ever be afraid to pick up, move to a new city, start a new job, and reinvent yourself.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! tiffany
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Sophie’s Answer

During my teenage years, I was in the same boat as you. While attending school, I knew that going to university was expected, but I wasn't sure about my career or life goals. Eventually, I decided to pursue a business degree, as it offered a broad range of applications and allowed me to keep my options open. As I worked part-time jobs while studying, I began to learn more about myself and my interests.

Upon graduation, I took an entry-level job (not a fast-track graduate program) and stayed with the same company, moving through different roles and discovering exciting opportunities. I understand that it might feel like you need a specific plan, especially when your friends have clear goals like becoming actors, vets, or business managers. However, I never had that level of certainty, and I've still managed to work non-stop for 31 years, now holding a respectable position in a global corporation.

Over time, I realized that my strengths lie in problem-solving, organization, and adaptability. It's perfectly fine to take your time in figuring out who you are and what you want to do. I recommend using this period to gain experiences and develop skills that can be applied to any role you may eventually choose. Embrace the journey and stay encouraged!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. tiffany
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Garfield A.’s Answer

Hello Tiffany!

Great question. Glad you are asking about career options early. It can be challenging to decide. Here are a few suggestions you may consider:
1) is there a subject area that you love? e.g. if you love sciences, or the arts, or working with your hands creating things. These can all help you begin to hone in on your passion.
2) check with the adults in your life and see if you can go to their place of work with them to learn more about what they do. This can be a great way to understand what careers you are not interested in as well as ones that you may like.
3) speak to a career counselor at your school (if you have one)


My reality is I never really knew what I wanted to do for work until after I graduated from high school but I have now found my passion after I started working. So it's never too late.

All the best!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! tiffany
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Molly’s Answer

Tiffany,

This is a great question! Simply answered, I would recommend to step your foot into multiple areas. If you find that what you are currently in or studying does not satisfy and appeal to what you want to do in the future, then you can easily shift away from that one area and focus in another. In college, I knew that I wanted to focus my studies in general business. However, that is all I knew. After focusing my studies in multiple areas of business, I found my way into Human Resources where I currently am working in today. I received my MBA focusing specifically in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, and currently have a position as an Human Resources Administrator for a Sam's Club distribution and fulfillment center. You will never know what you like until you dip your foot in the water and tread through several areas!

I hope this helped!

Molly H.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Molly! tiffany
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Patrick’s Answer

First, consider what truly excites you - do you enjoy interacting with others? Are there specific school subjects that captivate you? Reflect on the kind of work that would bring you joy. You can also explore online career assessments tailored to your interests. After determining a major or field, focus on the steps to reach your desired job or career. Is a formal degree necessary? What are the expenses associated with the degree, school, or program? Contemplate your preferred living location and the availability of your chosen job there. Additionally, while money isn't everything, it's important to evaluate if the projected income aligns with your desired lifestyle. Ultimately, the key is to find a fulfilling career that provides you with a sense of purpose.

Patrick recommends the following next steps:

Take a career assessment survey online.
Ask family / friends what they think you'd enjoy.
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! tiffany
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Madisyn’s Answer

Hi Tiffany,

Discovering your passions can indeed be an exciting journey! I recommend reflecting on the activities that bring you joy and ignite your enthusiasm. For instance, if dancing fills your heart with happiness, you might consider pursuing a career in physical therapy to assist dancers in recovering from injuries. The key is to identify what truly delights you and explore ways to transform it into a fulfilling career. Once you've determined your desired path, you can seek out colleges that provide the appropriate major for your chosen profession.

Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. tiffany
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Tamara’s Answer

I would highly suggest starting off with an assessment as well, some online assessments are free of cost such as 16 Personalities and are super helpful in learning more about your skills set and areas of interest. Trying various volunteer activities as well could help pinpoint interests and fields of study you'd be interested in pursuing. It's also helpful to talk to different leaders among various areas of expertise and industries to get their point of view and learn how they decided which career to pursue. Maybe also think back to what you have always enjoyed doing in your spare time or when things are stressful what type of hobbies you tend to pursue and there could be a career opportunity within that hobby/interest.

Also, beginning at a community college and exploring classes is sometimes a good option to narrow down your field of study and interests. Once you have made a decision on your major, it's easy to transfer to a larger university within your area of study. Viewing TED talks and other industry leaders' speaking engagements could help as well since they typically share their broader life history and what made them decide on the career path they ultimately chose.

As Oscar Wilde once said; "Success doesn't rush; the greatest reward is the journey!" Enjoy your time exploring the many paths that are open to you and stay encouraged :)
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! tiffany
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Devaraj’s Answer

My simplified response is to pinpoint a subject you truly care about, and then focus your education and career path in that direction.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. tiffany
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