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Is it too late to start for something that requires higher academic achievments?
I haven't really decided what I want to be or even what field I want to go into. Once I find what's right for me, will I still have a chance even if my academics aren't so great?
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Nida’s Answer
Hey Frank,
High School can often feel like a time of immense pressure, where you're expected to have your entire life figured out. But remember, it's okay not to have all the answers yet. Life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes, the future unfolds in ways we never anticipated. Take my journey, for example. I started off in Marketing, only to find myself drawn towards the emerging field of Data Science. It's a discipline that didn't even exist in its current form when I started my career. But as I evolved professionally, I found myself naturally gravitating towards it, realizing that my background in Marketing could be a powerful tool in understanding how data is the driving force behind everything.
Here's my advice to you: remember that it's never too late to change your path, but don't let that be an excuse to delay your decisions, as that could cost you time, energy, and money. Start by exploring courses that cover a broad range of industries. If you're planning on attending a traditional university, this is usually how you'll begin your journey anyway. If a trade school is more your speed, start researching your options now, as these institutions usually offer specialized courses that get you into the relevant field right from the get-go.
And always have a Plan B. As you journey through your education and career, you might discover that there are more paths available to you than you ever imagined. Keep an open mind, and you might just stumble upon your passion along the way. I'm rooting for you, Frank. Best of luck!
High School can often feel like a time of immense pressure, where you're expected to have your entire life figured out. But remember, it's okay not to have all the answers yet. Life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes, the future unfolds in ways we never anticipated. Take my journey, for example. I started off in Marketing, only to find myself drawn towards the emerging field of Data Science. It's a discipline that didn't even exist in its current form when I started my career. But as I evolved professionally, I found myself naturally gravitating towards it, realizing that my background in Marketing could be a powerful tool in understanding how data is the driving force behind everything.
Here's my advice to you: remember that it's never too late to change your path, but don't let that be an excuse to delay your decisions, as that could cost you time, energy, and money. Start by exploring courses that cover a broad range of industries. If you're planning on attending a traditional university, this is usually how you'll begin your journey anyway. If a trade school is more your speed, start researching your options now, as these institutions usually offer specialized courses that get you into the relevant field right from the get-go.
And always have a Plan B. As you journey through your education and career, you might discover that there are more paths available to you than you ever imagined. Keep an open mind, and you might just stumble upon your passion along the way. I'm rooting for you, Frank. Best of luck!
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Karli’s Answer
I totally understand this feeling. I'm not saying I'm necessarily proud of it, but I had to drop out and jump back in multiple times during school to really get my head screwed on tight. At the time I beat myself up over it - now I look back and I realize it's never too late to jump back in.
Everyone's path looks very different, and if you can do your best to try and not compare yourself to the pace that others are going at, you might find that you'll have a much clearer mindset moving forward.
Everyone's path looks very different, and if you can do your best to try and not compare yourself to the pace that others are going at, you might find that you'll have a much clearer mindset moving forward.
Updated
Steve’s Answer
I am in my mid-50s and there are days I feel like I am not sure what I want to be when I grow up! There is so much opportunity in front of young people these days and while it's great if you think you know what you want to do for the rest of your life it is important to remember that the world, work, professional opportunities they are always changing. What I have always told young people I work with , my kids, early career mentees or the young people that work under me or with my at my company: prepare for what you think you think you want to do, be open to the changes and opportunities as they come and ALWAYS focus on delivering value in whatever you are doing (academics, athletics, work, etc.) No one can tell you what will make you happy for 8-10-12 hours a day and no one can tell you what the world is going to look like technologically, financially, etc. but value is something that you can claim and hold onto forever. Even if the landscape changes or your desire changes, I would always hire someone who has shown the ability to deliver value even if they may not have the domain knowledge or the desired experience, because I can teach you tech, I can't teach you to care or teach you integrity.
As far as Academics, the more you can do the better but that is to help you learn how to learn and handle deadlines and pressure more than it (IMHO) is about the actual lesson at hand. Many professionals you talk to will be in their second, third, or fourth profession, very few people knew what they wanted to do from the start and how could you when you don't know everything that's out there now or even more murky what will be there in 10 years.
Good Luck!
As far as Academics, the more you can do the better but that is to help you learn how to learn and handle deadlines and pressure more than it (IMHO) is about the actual lesson at hand. Many professionals you talk to will be in their second, third, or fourth profession, very few people knew what they wanted to do from the start and how could you when you don't know everything that's out there now or even more murky what will be there in 10 years.
Good Luck!