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Nisabel
Student
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Question
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How to figure what to do?
How do I figure out what I wanna do when I graduate. I have so many options it’s difficult to pick one.
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I have seen many people choose occupations just to make a lot of money, and then lose interest over time, and do nothing to enhance their skills outside of work.
Basically find something that you love to do so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway.
Something where you cannot wait to get to the office. You are the first in the office in the morning, and the last to leave in the evening.
That is an occupation we should all strive to achieve.
Basically find something that you love to do so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway.
Something where you cannot wait to get to the office. You are the first in the office in the morning, and the last to leave in the evening.
That is an occupation we should all strive to achieve.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Figuring out what you want to do after graduating can indeed be a challenging and important decision. Here's a step-by-step process to help you narrow down your options and find a path that aligns with your interests and goals:
1. **Self-Reflection:**
- Start by reflecting on your interests, passions, and values. What activities make you feel engaged and fulfilled? Consider your hobbies, strengths, and what you enjoy doing in your free time.
2. **Skills and Strengths:**
- Identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? What do others often commend you for? Recognizing your talents can guide you toward careers that utilize them.
3. **Set Goals:**
- Define both short-term and long-term goals for your future. What do you hope to achieve personally and professionally? Setting goals can provide a sense of direction.
4. **Research Careers:**
- Explore different career options. Research industries, roles, and professions that pique your interest. Use online resources, books, and informational interviews to gather information.
5. **Education and Training:**
- Consider the education or training required for your chosen career paths. Some professions may require specific degrees or certifications.
6. **Talk to People:**
- Connect with professionals who work in fields you're considering. Ask for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and gain insights.
7. **Internships and Volunteering:**
- Participate in internships or volunteer opportunities related to your areas of interest. These experiences can help you understand what a particular career is really like.
8. **Career Assessment Tools:**
- Take advantage of career assessment tools and quizzes that can provide insights into your personality traits and potential career matches.
9. **Networking:**
- Build a professional network by attending industry events, joining relevant groups or associations, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
10. **Seek Guidance:**
- Talk to mentors, career counselors, or academic advisors. They can provide guidance based on their experiences and knowledge.
11. **Experiment:**
- Don't be afraid to experiment. It's okay to try out different roles or industries through part-time jobs or short-term projects to see what resonates with you.
12. **Balance Passion and Practicality:**
- While pursuing your passions is important, also consider the practical aspects of your chosen path, such as job availability and financial stability.
13. **Evaluate and Adjust:**
- Periodically assess your progress and satisfaction in your chosen path. It's okay to make adjustments or change direction if needed.
14. **Patience:**
- Finding your true calling can take time. Don't rush the process, and remember that it's normal for interests and goals to evolve.
15. **Seek Support:**
- Share your thoughts and concerns with friends and family. They can provide emotional support and valuable perspectives.
Remember that discovering what you want to do is a journey of self-discovery and exploration. It's perfectly normal to have doubts and uncertainties along the way. Be patient with yourself, stay open to new opportunities, and trust that with time and effort, you'll find a path that aligns with your true calling and brings you fulfillment.
1. **Self-Reflection:**
- Start by reflecting on your interests, passions, and values. What activities make you feel engaged and fulfilled? Consider your hobbies, strengths, and what you enjoy doing in your free time.
2. **Skills and Strengths:**
- Identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? What do others often commend you for? Recognizing your talents can guide you toward careers that utilize them.
3. **Set Goals:**
- Define both short-term and long-term goals for your future. What do you hope to achieve personally and professionally? Setting goals can provide a sense of direction.
4. **Research Careers:**
- Explore different career options. Research industries, roles, and professions that pique your interest. Use online resources, books, and informational interviews to gather information.
5. **Education and Training:**
- Consider the education or training required for your chosen career paths. Some professions may require specific degrees or certifications.
6. **Talk to People:**
- Connect with professionals who work in fields you're considering. Ask for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and gain insights.
7. **Internships and Volunteering:**
- Participate in internships or volunteer opportunities related to your areas of interest. These experiences can help you understand what a particular career is really like.
8. **Career Assessment Tools:**
- Take advantage of career assessment tools and quizzes that can provide insights into your personality traits and potential career matches.
9. **Networking:**
- Build a professional network by attending industry events, joining relevant groups or associations, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
10. **Seek Guidance:**
- Talk to mentors, career counselors, or academic advisors. They can provide guidance based on their experiences and knowledge.
11. **Experiment:**
- Don't be afraid to experiment. It's okay to try out different roles or industries through part-time jobs or short-term projects to see what resonates with you.
12. **Balance Passion and Practicality:**
- While pursuing your passions is important, also consider the practical aspects of your chosen path, such as job availability and financial stability.
13. **Evaluate and Adjust:**
- Periodically assess your progress and satisfaction in your chosen path. It's okay to make adjustments or change direction if needed.
14. **Patience:**
- Finding your true calling can take time. Don't rush the process, and remember that it's normal for interests and goals to evolve.
15. **Seek Support:**
- Share your thoughts and concerns with friends and family. They can provide emotional support and valuable perspectives.
Remember that discovering what you want to do is a journey of self-discovery and exploration. It's perfectly normal to have doubts and uncertainties along the way. Be patient with yourself, stay open to new opportunities, and trust that with time and effort, you'll find a path that aligns with your true calling and brings you fulfillment.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of options when it comes to choosing a career path. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you figure out what you want to do when you graduate:
1. **Self-Reflection:**
- Begin by reflecting on your interests, values, and passions. Consider the activities that genuinely excite you and the causes you're passionate about. Self-awareness is the first step in finding a fulfilling career.
2. **Strengths and Skills:**
- Identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? What do others often commend you for? Recognizing your talents can guide you toward careers where you can excel.
3. **Set Clear Goals:**
- Establish both short-term and long-term goals for yourself. What do you want to achieve in the next few years, and where do you see yourself in the long run? Setting goals provides direction.
4. **Explore Options:**
- Research various career options and industries. Use online resources, books, and informational interviews to gather information about different fields and professions.
5. **Education and Training:**
- Consider the educational and training requirements for your chosen career paths. Some careers may require specific degrees or certifications.
6. **Networking:**
- Build a professional network by attending industry events, joining relevant groups or associations, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
7. **Internships and Volunteering:**
- Participate in internships or volunteer opportunities related to your areas of interest. These experiences can provide valuable insights into what a particular career is really like.
8. **Mentorship:**
- Seek guidance from mentors, teachers, career counselors, or professionals in the fields you're considering. They can offer valuable advice and insights.
9. **Take Assessments:**
- Consider taking career assessment tests or quizzes to gain insights into your personality traits and potential career matches.
10. **Consider Your Values:**
- Reflect on your personal values and how they align with potential career choices. A career that aligns with your values is more likely to bring fulfillment.
11. **Financial Considerations:**
- Evaluate the financial aspects, including salary expectations, job stability, and the cost of education or training for your chosen career.
12. **Internally Motivated:**
- Focus on what truly motivates you internally, rather than external pressures or expectations. Your career should align with your own aspirations and desires.
13. **Trial and Error:**
- Don't be afraid to try out different roles or industries through part-time jobs, internships, or side projects. Sometimes, firsthand experience can help you make a decision.
14. **Adaptability:**
- Understand that your career path may evolve over time. Be open to change and willing to adapt as you gain new experiences and insights.
15. **Patience:**
- Finding the right career can take time and experimentation. Don't rush the process; allow yourself the space to explore and learn.
Remember that it's okay to be uncertain, especially at this stage in your life. Career decisions are not set in stone, and many people change careers multiple times in their lives. The key is to stay open to learning, be adaptable, and remain patient with yourself as you navigate the journey of finding a fulfilling career path.
1. **Self-Reflection:**
- Begin by reflecting on your interests, values, and passions. Consider the activities that genuinely excite you and the causes you're passionate about. Self-awareness is the first step in finding a fulfilling career.
2. **Strengths and Skills:**
- Identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? What do others often commend you for? Recognizing your talents can guide you toward careers where you can excel.
3. **Set Clear Goals:**
- Establish both short-term and long-term goals for yourself. What do you want to achieve in the next few years, and where do you see yourself in the long run? Setting goals provides direction.
4. **Explore Options:**
- Research various career options and industries. Use online resources, books, and informational interviews to gather information about different fields and professions.
5. **Education and Training:**
- Consider the educational and training requirements for your chosen career paths. Some careers may require specific degrees or certifications.
6. **Networking:**
- Build a professional network by attending industry events, joining relevant groups or associations, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
7. **Internships and Volunteering:**
- Participate in internships or volunteer opportunities related to your areas of interest. These experiences can provide valuable insights into what a particular career is really like.
8. **Mentorship:**
- Seek guidance from mentors, teachers, career counselors, or professionals in the fields you're considering. They can offer valuable advice and insights.
9. **Take Assessments:**
- Consider taking career assessment tests or quizzes to gain insights into your personality traits and potential career matches.
10. **Consider Your Values:**
- Reflect on your personal values and how they align with potential career choices. A career that aligns with your values is more likely to bring fulfillment.
11. **Financial Considerations:**
- Evaluate the financial aspects, including salary expectations, job stability, and the cost of education or training for your chosen career.
12. **Internally Motivated:**
- Focus on what truly motivates you internally, rather than external pressures or expectations. Your career should align with your own aspirations and desires.
13. **Trial and Error:**
- Don't be afraid to try out different roles or industries through part-time jobs, internships, or side projects. Sometimes, firsthand experience can help you make a decision.
14. **Adaptability:**
- Understand that your career path may evolve over time. Be open to change and willing to adapt as you gain new experiences and insights.
15. **Patience:**
- Finding the right career can take time and experimentation. Don't rush the process; allow yourself the space to explore and learn.
Remember that it's okay to be uncertain, especially at this stage in your life. Career decisions are not set in stone, and many people change careers multiple times in their lives. The key is to stay open to learning, be adaptable, and remain patient with yourself as you navigate the journey of finding a fulfilling career path.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
160
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Nisabel, how are you doing? That's a fantastic question! At this moment, you're in high school, a critical stage in your life. Choosing a path will be a breeze if you have a clear vision for your future career. Every college program is designed with a specific career path in mind, aligning perfectly with your career goals. For example, if you're interested in pursuing a BS in Psychology, the curriculum is structured to prepare you for your future career. This is why most, if not all, programs include practical training or on-the-job training. This equips graduates with the necessary skills for their future jobs. So, when selecting a college program, pick one that offers a broad range of career opportunities. Choose a program that promises a bright future and a fulfilling career. Opt for a career that fosters growth and development, one that propels you to further your studies and become an expert in your chosen field. Keep up the good work, Nisabel!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar questions.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if your are interested in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical actor, music producer, music composer, 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, school career counsellors, your 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 your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if your are interested in maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical actor, music producer, music composer, 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, school career counsellors, your 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!
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
298
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
It's good to have so many interests. But start focusing on one of them. Decide which of them interests you the most. Also your major should be based on your talents, skills and abilities.