4 answers
Sydney
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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how should I narrow down my job reflection?
making lists
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4 answers
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
65
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Sydney -
To add to wonderful responses...Firstly, it's great that you're thinking about this early. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that "epiphany" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.
At times, simply travelling this path of discovery is what's needed to highlight opportunities for us.
On the other hand, spend time thinking about what it important to you. What about a job or career do you value most? Money, impact (making a difference), low demanding, being famous, etc. Once you know what's most important to you, that will help you further narrow down the best career for you.
Hope this helps, best of luck!
To add to wonderful responses...Firstly, it's great that you're thinking about this early. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that "epiphany" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.
At times, simply travelling this path of discovery is what's needed to highlight opportunities for us.
On the other hand, spend time thinking about what it important to you. What about a job or career do you value most? Money, impact (making a difference), low demanding, being famous, etc. Once you know what's most important to you, that will help you further narrow down the best career for you.
Hope this helps, best of luck!
Nancy Taylor
Business Architecture Senior Manager
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
I recommend to start with what you do know: Do you like working with people or more solo work or a balance? Do you like jobs where you are active on your feet, working with your hands, or more behind a desk? Are you more creative or a linear thinker? These are just examples, but the more you know about yourself the better. There are good career guide books out there too. "Princeton Review: Guide to Your Career" available on Amazon comes to mind. You don't have to read it word for word but poke at what speaks to you. As well, take it easy on yourself! You don't have to know exactly what you want to pursue. Think about career "buckets" such as STEM areas? Tradeschool areas? Liberal arts? All of these (and others) have many paths underneath them. Many people switch paths so don't worry, but the more self-discovery you can do now and think about a career "bucket", the more likely you'll have a start on a direction. Best to you.
Lehna Thompson, MPA
Consulting
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Lehna’s Answer
Think of the experience you have and think about the things you like to do. What degree do you have? What skills have you learned? Reflect on those things and narrow down jobs that fit that criterion. You can always do quizzes like CliftonStrengths or visit sites like Vault to help narrow down these choices too!
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hey Sydney, finding the perfect job for you may require a bit of experimentation. Let me share my own experience. In high school, my career interests were largely shaped by my parents - my father was a doctor, and my mother, a secretary. Consequently, I pursued medical school in Chicago after graduation. However, after just a month of studying and an emergency room visit, I realized medicine wasn't my calling.
During high school, I had worked for the National Forest Service, and post-graduation, my principal helped me land a job as a purchasing clerk in the school system. That was my first step into the business world. Today, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and an MBA.
My advice to you would be to check out bls.gov. It's a great resource to explore jobs that align with your personal interests. You can even take a test there. The site provides valuable information on educational requirements, potential income, and more. I suppose what I'm trying to say is, stay curious, explore different paths, and believe in your talents. You'll find your perfect fit soon!
During high school, I had worked for the National Forest Service, and post-graduation, my principal helped me land a job as a purchasing clerk in the school system. That was my first step into the business world. Today, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and an MBA.
My advice to you would be to check out bls.gov. It's a great resource to explore jobs that align with your personal interests. You can even take a test there. The site provides valuable information on educational requirements, potential income, and more. I suppose what I'm trying to say is, stay curious, explore different paths, and believe in your talents. You'll find your perfect fit soon!