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How did you know your career was right for you?
As a rising senior I'm having trouble trying to chose a career path and need advice.
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11 answers
Dr. Lexi Rand, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Double-Certified Nurse Practitioner
6
Answers
Updated
Dr. Lexi’s Answer
This is a simple question that is fully loaded. Thank you for posting it.
I reflected back on when I was in high school starting out as it were, "To live my life and do anything and everything." The pressure from my friends and family was heavy (they may say otherwise). I wanted to become an actress because I dominated the stage with my voice and had no problem getting into character. I loved it immensely. Then a relative made a comment to me stating that the only way I would make would be sleeping my way to the top. There was no specific explanation behind their comment, so I switched to banking. After 3 years in banking, I realized it was not my cup of tea. I wanted to be a detective but did not want to carry a gun or shoot anyone, just solve cases. I didn't have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and I did not want to go back to school. I got a job as a cashier, but I soon realized that it was not for me. I went to nursing school because people in my village told me I was a helper and that is my gift. I went to nursing school and years later, I agree with them because I look forward to providing care to my patients, being their loyal cheerleader working with them to improve and maintain their health. I see them at their best and their worst, in the brightest and even the darkest times of their lives. I would not trade it for anything else.
Now to your question.
Finding the right career for you is personal and it is ongoing because everything changes. You will need to back away and start reflecting, finding out who you are, understanding who you are, and surround yourself with people/friends who will listen, support you, and pour into you. Write down all the things you love doing and like doing and fulfills you. Write down the things that you do not like. Write down places you have been and worked and explain what you liked and did not like about them. Then talk them over with someone in your circle (create a circle of friends who know you well and who will be there for you).
Don't expect to make the ultimate, correct decision on your career. It may be easy for some to do just this. However, for those who cannot decide right away, don't beat yourself up about it. It is okay. You may have to make decisions and change them to something else. It's like you are going on a road trip and you have the directions locked. When you get on the road, you learn there are other ways to get there- the shortest route, the fastest route, the scenic route, or the route without heavy traffic. So, you refine/update the trip directions. Same thing applies to you with your career decision. Deciding on your career can be a daunting process but do not let it be. Get experience working in different areas - this will narrow your choices on a career because it will help you to weed out what you like and do not like.
1. Find out what you are good at.
2. What are your values.
3. What are your strengths.
4. A personality assessment.
5. What are your natural skills/talents.
6. Jot down a list of things that important to you in a job.
7. Make a list of priorities from the 6 tips above and start narrowing down career choices.
Best to you as you venture into your future and deciding how you will travel!
I leave you with this- whatever you decide, do it with passion, and make a change in this huge tent we call our planet.
I reflected back on when I was in high school starting out as it were, "To live my life and do anything and everything." The pressure from my friends and family was heavy (they may say otherwise). I wanted to become an actress because I dominated the stage with my voice and had no problem getting into character. I loved it immensely. Then a relative made a comment to me stating that the only way I would make would be sleeping my way to the top. There was no specific explanation behind their comment, so I switched to banking. After 3 years in banking, I realized it was not my cup of tea. I wanted to be a detective but did not want to carry a gun or shoot anyone, just solve cases. I didn't have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and I did not want to go back to school. I got a job as a cashier, but I soon realized that it was not for me. I went to nursing school because people in my village told me I was a helper and that is my gift. I went to nursing school and years later, I agree with them because I look forward to providing care to my patients, being their loyal cheerleader working with them to improve and maintain their health. I see them at their best and their worst, in the brightest and even the darkest times of their lives. I would not trade it for anything else.
Now to your question.
Finding the right career for you is personal and it is ongoing because everything changes. You will need to back away and start reflecting, finding out who you are, understanding who you are, and surround yourself with people/friends who will listen, support you, and pour into you. Write down all the things you love doing and like doing and fulfills you. Write down the things that you do not like. Write down places you have been and worked and explain what you liked and did not like about them. Then talk them over with someone in your circle (create a circle of friends who know you well and who will be there for you).
Don't expect to make the ultimate, correct decision on your career. It may be easy for some to do just this. However, for those who cannot decide right away, don't beat yourself up about it. It is okay. You may have to make decisions and change them to something else. It's like you are going on a road trip and you have the directions locked. When you get on the road, you learn there are other ways to get there- the shortest route, the fastest route, the scenic route, or the route without heavy traffic. So, you refine/update the trip directions. Same thing applies to you with your career decision. Deciding on your career can be a daunting process but do not let it be. Get experience working in different areas - this will narrow your choices on a career because it will help you to weed out what you like and do not like.
1. Find out what you are good at.
2. What are your values.
3. What are your strengths.
4. A personality assessment.
5. What are your natural skills/talents.
6. Jot down a list of things that important to you in a job.
7. Make a list of priorities from the 6 tips above and start narrowing down career choices.
Best to you as you venture into your future and deciding how you will travel!
I leave you with this- whatever you decide, do it with passion, and make a change in this huge tent we call our planet.
Thank you it was very much appreciated:)
Nevaeh
Updated
Foram’s Answer
In my opinion, career growth is not linear. Always aim to learn more and not give up. Get a starting point with something that you find interesting today and then go from there.
Updated
Burde Prerana’s Answer
Everyone's experiences are going to be different but I believe choosing a career doesn't always have to be about following your passion. I discovered that this was the right career for me when I started to enjoy learning about and understanding my job. It was also when I achieved financial independence that I knew I was on the right path.
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
I didn't attend college myself, but I found my career path by embracing opportunities that came my way. It's important to explore different paths, even if they seem unrelated at first. Trust yourself, stay open to learning, and remember that success can come from unrelated places, much like it did for me.
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Finding a satisfying and fulfilling career is crucial, even if it requires performing tasks that you may not initially enjoy. Take time to introspect, identifying your interests and preferred skills, and see how they align with other roles or career paths. If your current job isn't steering you towards a fulfilling career, consider a change. This can be achieved by exploring your preferences, consulting with professionals in fields you're interested in, and learning the necessary skills through certifications, further education, or additional courses. The reward of a satisfying career is worth the effort. Personally, I had to shift to a completely different career and industry after graduation. The extra effort was worthwhile, leading me to a career that has been truly rewarding.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Dive into what sparks your curiosity, whether it's sports, medicine, communications, or anything else. Consider volunteering at organizations that align with your interests, or seek a mentor who can guide you. This will give you a firsthand experience of what working in that field truly feels like. Remember, the initial years of college are typically broad-based, providing you ample time to identify your passions. Don't fret if you find yourself switching paths - it's a common occurrence among college students. Even after college, it's perfectly normal to change directions again. Rest assured, you'll find your niche and your path in due time. There's no need to stress about it.
Updated
Gregg A.’s Answer
I think it’s a great idea to experience as many aspects of the work space as you can before settling on one as your career path.
You can volunteer for a local organization and this is usually part time. You may only be committing a few hours to a couple of days a week.
You can also seek advice from a guidance counselor or a career coach. Ask if there is something where you could Intern in a particular field that may be of some interest to you.
Ask a family member or friend how they got in their job field. Do they find it fulfilling? Would they recommend it? What are the challenges they face? Is there room for advancement? Is there training , certifications or classes to help you advance?
Try a couple of these approaches and develop your approach. Knock on some doors. Don’t expect replies to email or text inquiries. You have to do the work to find what you want.
Ask a lot of questions. Take notes. Follow up.
Write thank you letters.
You can volunteer for a local organization and this is usually part time. You may only be committing a few hours to a couple of days a week.
You can also seek advice from a guidance counselor or a career coach. Ask if there is something where you could Intern in a particular field that may be of some interest to you.
Ask a family member or friend how they got in their job field. Do they find it fulfilling? Would they recommend it? What are the challenges they face? Is there room for advancement? Is there training , certifications or classes to help you advance?
Try a couple of these approaches and develop your approach. Knock on some doors. Don’t expect replies to email or text inquiries. You have to do the work to find what you want.
Ask a lot of questions. Take notes. Follow up.
Write thank you letters.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Nevaeh
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have the anxiety to find a right job. Firstly, you may need to think about what career you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical actor, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career 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 your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musical actor, musician, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, financial analyst, banker, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Nevaeh
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
This is an excellent query. In your youth, seize the opportunity to explore as many jobs and roles as you can. This will help you gather a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Consider these questions:
1. What piques your interest? This could be anything, inside or outside of school.
2. Can you visualize yourself in a particular role? What job do you think would be thrilling to have?
3. Is there an activity that engrosses you so much that you lose track of time? Could there be a career path related to this activity?
4. What do you feel compelled to do at this moment? Life circumstances can sometimes shape our career choices. For instance, you might not have the freedom to explore or research as much as you would like, and might need to take a job based on location or salary.
Best of luck on your journey!
Consider these questions:
1. What piques your interest? This could be anything, inside or outside of school.
2. Can you visualize yourself in a particular role? What job do you think would be thrilling to have?
3. Is there an activity that engrosses you so much that you lose track of time? Could there be a career path related to this activity?
4. What do you feel compelled to do at this moment? Life circumstances can sometimes shape our career choices. For instance, you might not have the freedom to explore or research as much as you would like, and might need to take a job based on location or salary.
Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you!
Nevaeh
Updated
Eric’s Answer
It was love at first sight. Back then, I was in dental school and needed to pick up Photoshop skills to edit clinical photos of our patients. That's how I had my initial encounter with this tool. Soon after, my curiosity led me to delve into Flash, and shortly after that, I got introduced to 3ds Max (back when it was still version 4). Needless to say, I left dentistry behind and embarked on the path of a 3D artist, which is where I've been ever since.
What keeps me passionately engaged in the realm of 3D is the fact that I lack freehand drawing abilities, yet I have complete confidence in crafting virtually anything using the array of 3D modeling programs at my disposal.
What keeps me passionately engaged in the realm of 3D is the fact that I lack freehand drawing abilities, yet I have complete confidence in crafting virtually anything using the array of 3D modeling programs at my disposal.
Updated
Mustafa’s Answer
A small number of students are certain about their lifelong career path, and even fewer actually follow it. Therefore, most high school students are uncertain or unsure about their future careers. However, in our modern, science and technology-driven world, it's crucial to establish a solid foundation for any career. This involves attending college and choosing subjects that can form the basis of any successful and fulfilling career.
You don't need to choose a major in your first year, but it's essential to enroll in courses like logic, philosophy of science, history of science and medicine, economics, and basic courses in physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science, including robotics. These subjects will help develop perseverance, hard work, a scientific mindset, resilience, and time management skills.
As you progress through these courses, your career goal will become more apparent. It might take until your second year of college for your career goal to become entirely clear, but the advantage is that you have a strong foundation for any career, along with the prerequisites for that career already completed.
You don't need to choose a major in your first year, but it's essential to enroll in courses like logic, philosophy of science, history of science and medicine, economics, and basic courses in physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science, including robotics. These subjects will help develop perseverance, hard work, a scientific mindset, resilience, and time management skills.
As you progress through these courses, your career goal will become more apparent. It might take until your second year of college for your career goal to become entirely clear, but the advantage is that you have a strong foundation for any career, along with the prerequisites for that career already completed.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Nevaeh