8 answers
Ben
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
843 views
What things should I consider when researching career paths?
I'm in high school and now starting to get to the part where researching career paths is becoming important, and am wondering what things I should consider when looking into career paths. Personally, the thing I look for most is what would I enjoy the most. I also look into the money a little bit. What other important factors should I consider?
Login to comment
8 answers
Thee Ki
Copywriting
10
Answers
Florence, South Carolina
Updated
Thee’s Answer
It's great that you're starting to explore career paths in high school. Here are some important ones to keep in mind:
Interest and Passion: As you mentioned, enjoying what you do is crucial for long-term job satisfaction. Consider what activities and subjects you're genuinely passionate about.
Skills and Strengths: Reflect on your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? Matching your skills to a career can lead to success and fulfillment.
Values and Principles: Think about your core values and principles. A career that aligns with your values can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Income and Financial Stability: While money isn't everything, it's important to consider your financial goals and needs. Research the earning potential and job market demand for your chosen career.
Work-Life Balance: Consider the lifestyle you want. Some careers may require long hours or extensive travel, while others offer more flexibility.
Interest and Passion: As you mentioned, enjoying what you do is crucial for long-term job satisfaction. Consider what activities and subjects you're genuinely passionate about.
Skills and Strengths: Reflect on your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? Matching your skills to a career can lead to success and fulfillment.
Values and Principles: Think about your core values and principles. A career that aligns with your values can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Income and Financial Stability: While money isn't everything, it's important to consider your financial goals and needs. Research the earning potential and job market demand for your chosen career.
Work-Life Balance: Consider the lifestyle you want. Some careers may require long hours or extensive travel, while others offer more flexibility.
Nulee Jeong
Data Analyst
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nulee’s Answer
Hi Ben- It's great that you are exploring the career path. One thing that I'd like to emphasize here is that what you chose as career as of now can be different in the future. All the factors continues to develop as we grow, so we should revisit ourselves continuously.
As the one who also thought a lot about this in the past, there are few things that I can recommend you consider when you decide your career path.
1. What makes you happy? - Do you feel happy when you do something you like? Do you feel happy when you are in steady environment? Or Do you enjoy something that keep changing?
2. What are you good at? - Rather than the class subject, like math, programming, etc, I recommend you thinking in more narrative way like I am good at find the linkage between components within the population and analyze to extract the value, etc.
3. Research career options based out of 1 & 2 and if there's multiple options, research what's the working environment, what's needed for that path. While you are researching those, you would be able to find something that you feel right.
There's no correct or wrong answer. Wish you the best to find the right one!
As the one who also thought a lot about this in the past, there are few things that I can recommend you consider when you decide your career path.
1. What makes you happy? - Do you feel happy when you do something you like? Do you feel happy when you are in steady environment? Or Do you enjoy something that keep changing?
2. What are you good at? - Rather than the class subject, like math, programming, etc, I recommend you thinking in more narrative way like I am good at find the linkage between components within the population and analyze to extract the value, etc.
3. Research career options based out of 1 & 2 and if there's multiple options, research what's the working environment, what's needed for that path. While you are researching those, you would be able to find something that you feel right.
There's no correct or wrong answer. Wish you the best to find the right one!
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
108
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
A. Michelle’s Answer
Ben - In addition to what you enjoy, you should also consider:
1. Your Skills - What are you good at?
2. Educational Requirements - What post-high school education and/or training is needed to work in the career?
3. Other preferences - Do you prefer working in a team or alone? Do you prefer to work directly with people or behind the scenes?
1. Your Skills - What are you good at?
2. Educational Requirements - What post-high school education and/or training is needed to work in the career?
3. Other preferences - Do you prefer working in a team or alone? Do you prefer to work directly with people or behind the scenes?
Enise Agel
141
Answers
Updated
Enise’s Answer
Hello Ben,
I would say you should consider your passion and talent while working at the company. I do not know where you are at the stage right now (I believe you got the job already), yet I will write here in general. In terms of your career path, you should consider when you should start, and when you are ready for the day you are in, and what comes first, and how you can put your effort to have your salary, and how many strategies you have learned so far, and how you can work smart (not work hard).
You should start with the work you have done in the past, and think how you gained soft and hard skills and emotional intelligence skills, and how you used your skills while working in groups, and/or independent. Your passion and talent will empower you for the next step you will take in the future. You are in the job where you take your role in an important stage and you feel unsure about how you can do if (that) happens for the first time, and how you can be successful even if you have known yet barely experienced or even experienced yet you are not feel ready for the work. If you do not feel ready, do not worry too much; because you will get used to work environment at first, yet when you let the time goes by, and when you prepare yourself for the project with group work and independent work by yourself, you should be less worried in the future.
You should work smart when it comes to group works (collaboration, and oral and written communication). You should focus on your project that you should enjoy. If not, you seek help from others; because they may enjoy the same project you work with; thus, you should be enjoyed during group works. During your independent work, you should use soft and hard skills for sure, and you should take notes for the work that all works have to be done, and you should be ready for the day you are in due to upcoming projects, works, and meetings with the manager. When you are ready for the day, you should practice more on your work and projects due to your role.
What comes first is your health and your role that you have taken for so long. If you are beginner, you take the role seriously, and you should prepare for the day. You must do is staying in touch with others and learn more about group work and/or project, and your independent project that you must complete for few hours. As the time goes by, you have to start to complete your duties from the manager, and do your best. About salary, do not expect to get higher than expected.
I hope this helps.
I would say you should consider your passion and talent while working at the company. I do not know where you are at the stage right now (I believe you got the job already), yet I will write here in general. In terms of your career path, you should consider when you should start, and when you are ready for the day you are in, and what comes first, and how you can put your effort to have your salary, and how many strategies you have learned so far, and how you can work smart (not work hard).
You should start with the work you have done in the past, and think how you gained soft and hard skills and emotional intelligence skills, and how you used your skills while working in groups, and/or independent. Your passion and talent will empower you for the next step you will take in the future. You are in the job where you take your role in an important stage and you feel unsure about how you can do if (that) happens for the first time, and how you can be successful even if you have known yet barely experienced or even experienced yet you are not feel ready for the work. If you do not feel ready, do not worry too much; because you will get used to work environment at first, yet when you let the time goes by, and when you prepare yourself for the project with group work and independent work by yourself, you should be less worried in the future.
You should work smart when it comes to group works (collaboration, and oral and written communication). You should focus on your project that you should enjoy. If not, you seek help from others; because they may enjoy the same project you work with; thus, you should be enjoyed during group works. During your independent work, you should use soft and hard skills for sure, and you should take notes for the work that all works have to be done, and you should be ready for the day you are in due to upcoming projects, works, and meetings with the manager. When you are ready for the day, you should practice more on your work and projects due to your role.
What comes first is your health and your role that you have taken for so long. If you are beginner, you take the role seriously, and you should prepare for the day. You must do is staying in touch with others and learn more about group work and/or project, and your independent project that you must complete for few hours. As the time goes by, you have to start to complete your duties from the manager, and do your best. About salary, do not expect to get higher than expected.
I hope this helps.
Suzanne Landry
private chef, culinary instructor, cookbook author, caterer
4
Answers
Bend, Oregon
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Great previous answer and I would add to think about your personality fit. For instance, if you are shy and would rather work alone find a field that needs that. If you love math, accounting is one area. However, if you love people, and want to help them, counseling. I love people and to talk in front of groups and love to cook so I combined all of them to become a culinary professional. No, it never made me a lot of money but I loved it.
It fit my PERSONALITAY with my PASSION.
It fit my PERSONALITAY with my PASSION.
Victoria Lamptey
Content creator
1
Answer
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Dear Ben,
Your decision to follow your passion or interest is applauding, however, we live in a Gen-Z world where corruption and connections are at its peak. My advise to you is to choose a career path that can fetch you a decent amount of money.
Secondly, don’t limit yourself to only what you love doing, explore, learn other things from your friends and believe me when I say it’s going to take you a long way. I hope this helps.
Your decision to follow your passion or interest is applauding, however, we live in a Gen-Z world where corruption and connections are at its peak. My advise to you is to choose a career path that can fetch you a decent amount of money.
Secondly, don’t limit yourself to only what you love doing, explore, learn other things from your friends and believe me when I say it’s going to take you a long way. I hope this helps.
steve diaz
Software Developer
3
Answers
Texas City, Texas
Updated
steve’s Answer
Hello
Here are some important factors to consider:
Interest and Passion: As you mentioned, enjoying your work is crucial for long-term satisfaction. Consider what you're passionate about, what activities or subjects you enjoy, and what you could see yourself doing day in and day out.
Skills and Abilities: Reflect on your strengths and abilities. What are you good at? What skills do you want to develop further? Matching your career choice with your skills can lead to success.
Values and Priorities: Think about your personal values and priorities. What matters most to you? Do you value work-life balance, job security, helping others, creativity, or autonomy? Your values can guide your career choices.
Earnings Potential: While you mentioned considering money, it's important to have a realistic understanding of the earning potential in your chosen field. Some careers offer higher salaries than others, but it's essential to balance this with your other priorities.
Job Market and Demand: Research the job market trends for your chosen career path. Are there job opportunities available? Is the demand for professionals in that field expected to grow or decline in the future?
Education and Training: Consider the education and training required for your desired career like Power BI Certification. Some careers may require specific degrees or certifications, while others may be more flexible.
Work Environment: Think about the type of work environment that suits you best. Do you prefer working in an office, outdoors, from home, or in a specific location? Consider the cultural and organizational aspects of potential workplaces.
Work-Life Balance: Assess how the career aligns with your desired work-life balance. Some professions may have demanding schedules, while others offer more flexibility.
Job Security: Consider the stability of the career you're interested in. Is it susceptible to automation or outsourcing? Some industries are more resilient to economic downturns than others.
Networking and Connections: Building a professional network can be vital in many fields. Consider whether the career path you're interested in requires networking and connections and if you're comfortable with that aspect.
Long-Term Goals: Think about your long-term career goals and whether the chosen path aligns with those goals. Do you see opportunities for growth and advancement in your chosen field?
Geographic Location: Consider whether your career choice is tied to a specific geographic location. Some careers may be more location-dependent than others.
Job Satisfaction and Fulfillment: Beyond financial rewards, consider how a career might fulfill you on a personal and emotional level. Job satisfaction can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.
Personal Development: Assess how the career path aligns with your personal development goals. Will it provide opportunities for learning and growth?
Marketability of Skills: Consider whether the skills you'll develop in your chosen career path will be valuable and transferable to other roles or industries in case you decide to make a change later in your career.
Thank you.
Here are some important factors to consider:
Interest and Passion: As you mentioned, enjoying your work is crucial for long-term satisfaction. Consider what you're passionate about, what activities or subjects you enjoy, and what you could see yourself doing day in and day out.
Skills and Abilities: Reflect on your strengths and abilities. What are you good at? What skills do you want to develop further? Matching your career choice with your skills can lead to success.
Values and Priorities: Think about your personal values and priorities. What matters most to you? Do you value work-life balance, job security, helping others, creativity, or autonomy? Your values can guide your career choices.
Earnings Potential: While you mentioned considering money, it's important to have a realistic understanding of the earning potential in your chosen field. Some careers offer higher salaries than others, but it's essential to balance this with your other priorities.
Job Market and Demand: Research the job market trends for your chosen career path. Are there job opportunities available? Is the demand for professionals in that field expected to grow or decline in the future?
Education and Training: Consider the education and training required for your desired career like Power BI Certification. Some careers may require specific degrees or certifications, while others may be more flexible.
Work Environment: Think about the type of work environment that suits you best. Do you prefer working in an office, outdoors, from home, or in a specific location? Consider the cultural and organizational aspects of potential workplaces.
Work-Life Balance: Assess how the career aligns with your desired work-life balance. Some professions may have demanding schedules, while others offer more flexibility.
Job Security: Consider the stability of the career you're interested in. Is it susceptible to automation or outsourcing? Some industries are more resilient to economic downturns than others.
Networking and Connections: Building a professional network can be vital in many fields. Consider whether the career path you're interested in requires networking and connections and if you're comfortable with that aspect.
Long-Term Goals: Think about your long-term career goals and whether the chosen path aligns with those goals. Do you see opportunities for growth and advancement in your chosen field?
Geographic Location: Consider whether your career choice is tied to a specific geographic location. Some careers may be more location-dependent than others.
Job Satisfaction and Fulfillment: Beyond financial rewards, consider how a career might fulfill you on a personal and emotional level. Job satisfaction can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.
Personal Development: Assess how the career path aligns with your personal development goals. Will it provide opportunities for learning and growth?
Marketability of Skills: Consider whether the skills you'll develop in your chosen career path will be valuable and transferable to other roles or industries in case you decide to make a change later in your career.
Thank you.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3816
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Ben,
Guidelines for Exploring Potential Career Paths:
In your quest to find the perfect career path, it's vital to look beyond just personal enjoyment and potential income. Here are some key elements to consider:
1. Skills and Interests: Recognize your talents, strengths, and hobbies. Think about what tasks you're good at and love doing. Your chosen career should match your innate abilities and passions to ensure enduring happiness and success.
2. Values and Goals: Contemplate your values, beliefs, and long-term objectives. Opt for a career that aligns with your fundamental values and aids you in reaching your personal and professional goals. Reflect on whether the career path is in line with your ethical standards and preferred lifestyle.
3. Job Market Trends: Investigate current job market trends and predictions to comprehend which sectors are expanding and in demand. Weigh the stability and growth potential of various career paths to make an educated decision about future job opportunities.
4. Education and Training Requirements: Assess the education, training, certifications, or degrees required for different career paths. Decide if you're ready to commit the time and resources needed to gain the necessary qualifications for your selected profession.
5. Work-Life Balance: Reflect on the work-life balance provided by various careers. Some jobs may demand long hours or extensive travel, whereas others provide more flexibility and predictable schedules. Choose a career that fits with your ideal work-life balance.
6. Networking Opportunities: Investigate networking opportunities within your chosen industry. Building relationships with professionals in the field can offer valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities in the future.
7. Job Satisfaction: Consider factors that lead to job satisfaction, such as autonomy, creativity, challenges, and growth opportunities. Select a career path that matches your preferences for a gratifying and rewarding work experience.
8. Financial Considerations: While income is crucial, also take into account other financial aspects like benefits, retirement plans, job security, and advancement opportunities. Review the overall financial package provided by different career paths to make an educated decision.
9. Industry Culture: Research the culture of various industries to see if they match your values, work style, and preferences. Reflect on elements like company culture, diversity initiatives, work environment, and organizational values when considering career options.
10. Personal Growth Opportunities: Evaluate the potential for personal growth, skill enhancement, and advancement within each career path. Opt for a profession that offers opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career progression over time.
By thoroughly considering these elements while exploring career paths, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your interests, values, goals, and aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The Balance Careers: Offers expert guidance on various facets of career planning, including advice on selecting a suitable career path based on individual preferences and considerations.
Indeed Career Guide: Provides extensive resources on exploring different career paths, understanding job market trends, assessing education requirements, and making informed decisions about one’s professional future.
CareerOneStop: A U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored website that provides tools and resources for exploring careers, assessing skills and interests, researching industries, and planning for future employment opportunities.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
Guidelines for Exploring Potential Career Paths:
In your quest to find the perfect career path, it's vital to look beyond just personal enjoyment and potential income. Here are some key elements to consider:
1. Skills and Interests: Recognize your talents, strengths, and hobbies. Think about what tasks you're good at and love doing. Your chosen career should match your innate abilities and passions to ensure enduring happiness and success.
2. Values and Goals: Contemplate your values, beliefs, and long-term objectives. Opt for a career that aligns with your fundamental values and aids you in reaching your personal and professional goals. Reflect on whether the career path is in line with your ethical standards and preferred lifestyle.
3. Job Market Trends: Investigate current job market trends and predictions to comprehend which sectors are expanding and in demand. Weigh the stability and growth potential of various career paths to make an educated decision about future job opportunities.
4. Education and Training Requirements: Assess the education, training, certifications, or degrees required for different career paths. Decide if you're ready to commit the time and resources needed to gain the necessary qualifications for your selected profession.
5. Work-Life Balance: Reflect on the work-life balance provided by various careers. Some jobs may demand long hours or extensive travel, whereas others provide more flexibility and predictable schedules. Choose a career that fits with your ideal work-life balance.
6. Networking Opportunities: Investigate networking opportunities within your chosen industry. Building relationships with professionals in the field can offer valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities in the future.
7. Job Satisfaction: Consider factors that lead to job satisfaction, such as autonomy, creativity, challenges, and growth opportunities. Select a career path that matches your preferences for a gratifying and rewarding work experience.
8. Financial Considerations: While income is crucial, also take into account other financial aspects like benefits, retirement plans, job security, and advancement opportunities. Review the overall financial package provided by different career paths to make an educated decision.
9. Industry Culture: Research the culture of various industries to see if they match your values, work style, and preferences. Reflect on elements like company culture, diversity initiatives, work environment, and organizational values when considering career options.
10. Personal Growth Opportunities: Evaluate the potential for personal growth, skill enhancement, and advancement within each career path. Opt for a profession that offers opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career progression over time.
By thoroughly considering these elements while exploring career paths, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your interests, values, goals, and aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The Balance Careers: Offers expert guidance on various facets of career planning, including advice on selecting a suitable career path based on individual preferences and considerations.
Indeed Career Guide: Provides extensive resources on exploring different career paths, understanding job market trends, assessing education requirements, and making informed decisions about one’s professional future.
CareerOneStop: A U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored website that provides tools and resources for exploring careers, assessing skills and interests, researching industries, and planning for future employment opportunities.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.