4 answers
Savannah
Student
Ocala, Florida
1
Question
Asked
645 views
How do you know what career path to take?
I am into a lot of different things like fashion, helping people, animals, and etc. and just don't know what to do for a career. I feel left out from my friends when they know what they want to do and I don't.
Login to comment
4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1061
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You sound what writer David Epstein calls a "Generalist" or an individual who does many things well, and has many interests. There is nothing wrong with that, because he also states that "Generalists rule the world."
I have one basic rule, when it comes to making a selection regarding what you want to do, and it is this:
Find something that you have a passion to do, something that you love so much, that if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. That is the occupation you will get up for every morning, and can't wait to do. You will be the first in the office every morning, and the last to leave in the evening. That is the best career path to have, in my opinion.
I have one basic rule, when it comes to making a selection regarding what you want to do, and it is this:
Find something that you have a passion to do, something that you love so much, that if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. That is the occupation you will get up for every morning, and can't wait to do. You will be the first in the office every morning, and the last to leave in the evening. That is the best career path to have, in my opinion.
Paige Anderson
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Paige’s Answer
You're not alone! I've had this same struggle as I felt I had many valuable skills and interests, but found it difficult to decide how those aspects of my character fit well into a career.
Here are some things that have helped me in my journey:
1. Informational Interviews: These types of interviews allow you to sit down with an individual in a field that you're interested in and ask them the questions that will help you make a more informed decision about your interest in that career. You can find individuals to interview through personal connections, career counselors, or on places like LinkedIn. This was a great tool for me in learning about the more intricate day-to-day details of jobs that aren't as widely talked about. Here's an article that talks more about these types of interviews and gives suggestions for questions to ask: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/informational-interview-guide
2. Career Assessments: YouScience was one of my favorite tests because it has you complete exercises to determine your innate skills and gives you tons of recommendations based on your results and interests. These quizzes were great for giving me suggestions about careers that I had never heard about before and gave ideas for options to research.
3. Pros and cons lists: It can sound a little cheesy, but allowing myself to free write and brainstorm through all of the research and information I was learning really helped me plan out my next steps and eliminate some career paths that ultimately weren't for me.
4. Chat with a career counselor!: I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a shot and am so glad I did. My career counselor through my school was able to give me a ton of tips, assessments, and connections for informational interviews. Their jobs are to help people find careers that suit their skills and interests, so they may have some great ideas that you haven't heard before.
5. Express kindness towards yourself in your journey and be willing to try new things: I think we all tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to find the perfect fit for right off the bat, but this doesn't necessarily have to be the case. If you're really struggling with narrowing down what you'd like to do, find a job that checks most of your boxes and use it as a real-life learning experience. Even if it doesn't end up being what you want to do long term, you can gain tons of transferrable skills that bring value into future roles of interest. This mindshift change can make a huge change in not just your career search, but your life as well.
Here are some things that have helped me in my journey:
1. Informational Interviews: These types of interviews allow you to sit down with an individual in a field that you're interested in and ask them the questions that will help you make a more informed decision about your interest in that career. You can find individuals to interview through personal connections, career counselors, or on places like LinkedIn. This was a great tool for me in learning about the more intricate day-to-day details of jobs that aren't as widely talked about. Here's an article that talks more about these types of interviews and gives suggestions for questions to ask: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/informational-interview-guide
2. Career Assessments: YouScience was one of my favorite tests because it has you complete exercises to determine your innate skills and gives you tons of recommendations based on your results and interests. These quizzes were great for giving me suggestions about careers that I had never heard about before and gave ideas for options to research.
3. Pros and cons lists: It can sound a little cheesy, but allowing myself to free write and brainstorm through all of the research and information I was learning really helped me plan out my next steps and eliminate some career paths that ultimately weren't for me.
4. Chat with a career counselor!: I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a shot and am so glad I did. My career counselor through my school was able to give me a ton of tips, assessments, and connections for informational interviews. Their jobs are to help people find careers that suit their skills and interests, so they may have some great ideas that you haven't heard before.
5. Express kindness towards yourself in your journey and be willing to try new things: I think we all tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to find the perfect fit for right off the bat, but this doesn't necessarily have to be the case. If you're really struggling with narrowing down what you'd like to do, find a job that checks most of your boxes and use it as a real-life learning experience. Even if it doesn't end up being what you want to do long term, you can gain tons of transferrable skills that bring value into future roles of interest. This mindshift change can make a huge change in not just your career search, but your life as well.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
835
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
To be honest, I think even going into college, there are many people that don’t know what they want to do. Now is a great time to try new things through clubs at school or by being adventurous with your elective classes.
I always knew I wanted to help people, but wasn’t sure what format that would take.
Couple suggestions
Take A Career Test Online
Look At Clubs At School & Try Some Out
Talk To People In Your Life About Their Work
Look At Available Elective Options & Abe Adventurous
Look At Summer Internship Opportunities
I always knew I wanted to help people, but wasn’t sure what format that would take.
Couple suggestions
Jerome recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Savannah
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
I get where you're coming from. Even without college, I've found that exploring your interests and strengths can guide you. I didn't have a clear path either, but by trying things out, I discovered my knack for managing a facility maintenance company. Don't let the pressure get to you – everyone's journey is unique. Embrace what you love, take chances, and remember that success comes in many forms.