10 answers
brynn
Student
Middletown, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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How can i find the right career that interests me before I head off to college There are many thing that I am interested to, so it is difficult to find a career interest.?
How can i find the right career that interests me before I head off to college? There are many thing that I am interested to, so it is difficult to find a career interest.
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10 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3888
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Brynn,
Finding the Right Career Before College
Finding the right career path that aligns with your interests and passions can be a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some steps you can take to help you discover a career that interests you before heading off to college:
1. Self-Reflection: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Consider what activities make you feel fulfilled and energized. Think about subjects or topics that you enjoy learning about or exploring in your free time.
2. Career Assessments: Take advantage of career assessment tools and tests that can help you identify potential career paths based on your skills, interests, and personality traits. These assessments can provide valuable insights into suitable career options that match your profile.
3. Explore Different Fields: Research various industries, professions, and job roles to gain a better understanding of the opportunities available. Attend career fairs, workshops, or informational interviews to learn more about different careers directly from professionals working in those fields.
4. Internships and Volunteering: Consider participating in internships, volunteering opportunities, or part-time jobs related to fields that interest you. This hands-on experience can give you a taste of what it’s like to work in a particular industry and help you determine if it’s a good fit for you.
5. Seek Guidance: Talk to career counselors, mentors, teachers, or professionals in fields that appeal to you. They can provide valuable advice, insights, and guidance based on their own experiences and expertise.
6. Networking: Build a professional network by connecting with individuals who are already established in the careers you are considering. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, mentorship, and valuable connections within your desired industry.
7. Consider Future Trends: Research emerging trends and technologies in various industries to understand how they might impact future job prospects and career opportunities. Stay informed about developments in fields that interest you to make informed decisions about your career path.
8. Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try out different courses or extracurricular activities during high school or college to explore new interests and potential career paths. Keep an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone to discover new possibilities.
By following these steps and actively engaging in self-exploration and research, you can increase your chances of finding a career path that truly interests and excites you before heading off to college.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: Provides insights on career development strategies, industry trends, and tips for finding the right career path.
The Balance Careers: Offers comprehensive resources on career planning, self-assessment tools, and guidance on exploring different professions.
Forbes: Publishes articles on emerging job markets, future workforce trends, and advice on navigating the modern job landscape.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Finding the Right Career Before College
Finding the right career path that aligns with your interests and passions can be a challenging but rewarding process. Here are some steps you can take to help you discover a career that interests you before heading off to college:
1. Self-Reflection: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Consider what activities make you feel fulfilled and energized. Think about subjects or topics that you enjoy learning about or exploring in your free time.
2. Career Assessments: Take advantage of career assessment tools and tests that can help you identify potential career paths based on your skills, interests, and personality traits. These assessments can provide valuable insights into suitable career options that match your profile.
3. Explore Different Fields: Research various industries, professions, and job roles to gain a better understanding of the opportunities available. Attend career fairs, workshops, or informational interviews to learn more about different careers directly from professionals working in those fields.
4. Internships and Volunteering: Consider participating in internships, volunteering opportunities, or part-time jobs related to fields that interest you. This hands-on experience can give you a taste of what it’s like to work in a particular industry and help you determine if it’s a good fit for you.
5. Seek Guidance: Talk to career counselors, mentors, teachers, or professionals in fields that appeal to you. They can provide valuable advice, insights, and guidance based on their own experiences and expertise.
6. Networking: Build a professional network by connecting with individuals who are already established in the careers you are considering. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, mentorship, and valuable connections within your desired industry.
7. Consider Future Trends: Research emerging trends and technologies in various industries to understand how they might impact future job prospects and career opportunities. Stay informed about developments in fields that interest you to make informed decisions about your career path.
8. Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try out different courses or extracurricular activities during high school or college to explore new interests and potential career paths. Keep an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone to discover new possibilities.
By following these steps and actively engaging in self-exploration and research, you can increase your chances of finding a career path that truly interests and excites you before heading off to college.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: Provides insights on career development strategies, industry trends, and tips for finding the right career path.
The Balance Careers: Offers comprehensive resources on career planning, self-assessment tools, and guidance on exploring different professions.
Forbes: Publishes articles on emerging job markets, future workforce trends, and advice on navigating the modern job landscape.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Victoria Carithers
Student
2
Answers
Jefferson, Georgia
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Consider taking online courses or dual enrolling to take classes that interest you.
Dual enrollment can save tons of money and time and allows you to explore your interests.
As a high school student I took AP classes rather than dual enrolling and I regret it. By dual enrolling, you can take all your required classes and if you keep your GPA up and get a scholarship, you can spend more time exploring in college and save money doing so.
Dual enrollment can save tons of money and time and allows you to explore your interests.
As a high school student I took AP classes rather than dual enrolling and I regret it. By dual enrolling, you can take all your required classes and if you keep your GPA up and get a scholarship, you can spend more time exploring in college and save money doing so.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1515
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. I am glad to hear you have many interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about the related careers of your interest
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical actor, music producer, music composer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone one these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about the related careers of your interest
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical actor, music producer, music composer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone one these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Brynn, and good for you for beginning to think about careers. I agree with Daniel that you don't have to know now. It is even fine if you pick something now, but change your mind in college. You will study different subjects and meet people with different interests and backgrounds so that may affect your career choice.
Personally, I think that you have many interests at this point in your life. It means that you are curious and open. To explore careers - perhaps some that combine some of your interests -- start by talking with trusted adults. They could help you identify your strengths and suggest career paths to explore. Your guidance counselor may be able to suggest some references or career aptitude tests that you could take.
Once you are in college, there is usually a career center with resources and advisors to help you. Many colleges have organized alumni networks for shadowing different roles or accessing internships to test out different roles and companies. You may wonder about applying to college without a clear career focus. It is fine if you do have a focus, but colleges are used to students being undecided. If you don't want to declare a major while applying, still describe your interests and how they might support each other. Some colleges may have interdisciplinary programs that fit (or come close to fitting) your interests. So explore the academics of your selected colleges carefully; mentioning programs like that showcase your research abilities and indicate your interest in the college.
Good luck!
Talk over your interests with adults who know you well
Start a document to capture career options as you learn about them with what makes them appealing and what else you want to know about them
Personally, I think that you have many interests at this point in your life. It means that you are curious and open. To explore careers - perhaps some that combine some of your interests -- start by talking with trusted adults. They could help you identify your strengths and suggest career paths to explore. Your guidance counselor may be able to suggest some references or career aptitude tests that you could take.
Once you are in college, there is usually a career center with resources and advisors to help you. Many colleges have organized alumni networks for shadowing different roles or accessing internships to test out different roles and companies. You may wonder about applying to college without a clear career focus. It is fine if you do have a focus, but colleges are used to students being undecided. If you don't want to declare a major while applying, still describe your interests and how they might support each other. Some colleges may have interdisciplinary programs that fit (or come close to fitting) your interests. So explore the academics of your selected colleges carefully; mentioning programs like that showcase your research abilities and indicate your interest in the college.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Chelita Hagan
Writer
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Chelita’s Answer
Which one or maybe 2 can you see yourself doing everyday rather you get paid or not? Which ones can you bare through when it gets hard, rough or if there ever comes a time when work is in a drought?
DaSabria Dunbar, RPT
60
Answers
Updated
DaSabria’s Answer
Greetings,
When faced with multiple career paths that pique your interest, the key is to streamline your choices. Seek advice from a mentor or advisor who can guide you through this process. Another effective strategy could be to take a personality test. This could help you identify a major career focus, while also allowing you to pursue a minor or specialization in another area of interest.
Explore all your options and prioritize what's most important to you. Keep a positive mindset as you embark on this exciting journey to discover your true professional passion. Wishing you all the best!
When faced with multiple career paths that pique your interest, the key is to streamline your choices. Seek advice from a mentor or advisor who can guide you through this process. Another effective strategy could be to take a personality test. This could help you identify a major career focus, while also allowing you to pursue a minor or specialization in another area of interest.
Explore all your options and prioritize what's most important to you. Keep a positive mindset as you embark on this exciting journey to discover your true professional passion. Wishing you all the best!
Amethyst Titania Davis
Support Coordinator
1
Answer
Madison, Alabama
Updated
Amethyst Titania’s Answer
Start by delving deep into your primary interest through research. Consider participating in internships or volunteer roles if they're available, as this will provide you with practical career training. This approach will help you understand what you genuinely enjoy doing, rather than just what you think you're interested in. Sometimes, we believe a career path is suitable for us until we actually start working in that field and realize it's not our cup of tea. Additionally, having a conversation with someone already working in your area of interest can be incredibly beneficial. They can provide valuable insights into the demands of the job and what you can anticipate. So, go ahead, explore, learn, and discover your true passion!
Janis Ransom
Resume Writer, Interview Coach and Career Strategy Consultant
24
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Janis’s Answer
As you embark on your college journey, you will encounter a range of options and choices. I recommend that you focus on the areas that pique your curiosity and align with your natural talents and abilities.
Do endeavor to participate in career fairs and on-campus events and engage in conversations with experts in the sectors that fascinate you.
Aim to secure internships as soon as your second year of college. This will provide you with invaluable experience and an idea of what it's like to work in your chosen field and the kind of individuals attracted to it.
While there's more to share, I will stop here.
Do endeavor to participate in career fairs and on-campus events and engage in conversations with experts in the sectors that fascinate you.
Aim to secure internships as soon as your second year of college. This will provide you with invaluable experience and an idea of what it's like to work in your chosen field and the kind of individuals attracted to it.
While there's more to share, I will stop here.
Emily Lindberg
Teacher
20
Answers
Salem, Oregon
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Absolutely, it's perfectly fine to not have all the answers right now! The choices you make in your academic journey are not permanent and can be changed as you grow and learn.
If you're not completely sure about attending a university straight away, consider starting your journey at a community college. It's a cost-effective way to start your higher education and it gives you the chance to discover various fields of interest before settling on a major. Remember, even after you've chosen a major, you're not locked into it - you can always change it! So, take a deep breath and allow yourself to enjoy the process of learning. After all, most degree programs require general studies for your initial credits. So, you're not only gaining knowledge, but also fulfilling a requirement.
If you're not completely sure about attending a university straight away, consider starting your journey at a community college. It's a cost-effective way to start your higher education and it gives you the chance to discover various fields of interest before settling on a major. Remember, even after you've chosen a major, you're not locked into it - you can always change it! So, take a deep breath and allow yourself to enjoy the process of learning. After all, most degree programs require general studies for your initial credits. So, you're not only gaining knowledge, but also fulfilling a requirement.
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
188
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi Brynn!
First things first - that's ok. Most people do not know what they want to do the rest of their lives and it can be stressful to think about. I felt the same way a couple of years ago right before I graduated high school. Don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide now on the rest of your work life.
I really think business is a great field to go into since it keeps your options wide open. That way you are not committing to one specific field and find out later that you hate it. Some fields in business include:
1. Operations
2. Finance
3. Sales
4. Marketing
5. Human Resources
I decided to go into Business Operations since operations touches almost every facet of the organization. I enjoy the different challenges and operations also gives me the flexibility to try new things. Another great aspect about operations is they usually support the other divisions of an organization. Since, there are many divisions of an company if you do not enjoy one area its not a big deal since you can support other areas of the business.
Many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
I know this can be a stressful time in your life. Please know that you are not alone.
First things first - that's ok. Most people do not know what they want to do the rest of their lives and it can be stressful to think about. I felt the same way a couple of years ago right before I graduated high school. Don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide now on the rest of your work life.
I really think business is a great field to go into since it keeps your options wide open. That way you are not committing to one specific field and find out later that you hate it. Some fields in business include:
1. Operations
2. Finance
3. Sales
4. Marketing
5. Human Resources
I decided to go into Business Operations since operations touches almost every facet of the organization. I enjoy the different challenges and operations also gives me the flexibility to try new things. Another great aspect about operations is they usually support the other divisions of an organization. Since, there are many divisions of an company if you do not enjoy one area its not a big deal since you can support other areas of the business.
Many larger companies will start you in a rotational analyst program. By doing this you will get to see usually 2-4 different sections of the business. Companies offer this to not only help you hone in on your career path but many companies have realized that if there employees actually enjoy their job they will get better overall performance.
I know this can be a stressful time in your life. Please know that you are not alone.