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how would I know what I wanna be ?
How would you know what carrier to choose out of all the carriers? At the beginning of 9th when highs school just started because I don't know what I wanna be. I would like to be pediatrician because I like kids but I won't like to do that my rest of my life. I feel like I would like to pick a carrier that I would enjoy for the rest of my life .
I am in the 9 th grade and I am just beginning to explore mu future career, But How would I know what career and whats a next step that I could do to figure it out ?
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16 answers
Updated
Tony’s Answer
To determine what you want to be, I recommend finding out more about what you CAN be. There are many different careers that deal with kids, and many different careers, period. The more you learn about different careers, the more likely you are to find a career that is a good fit for you.
For much of high school, I was planning on a career in music. I was a pretty good musician, and my Dad was a musician so I had a sense for what musicians do for a career. I didn't know much about other careers - many adults that I knew worked in an office, or a factory, but I had no idea what that really meant. While I certainly liked music, I was choosing music as a career in part because it was familiar! But in my senior year, I discovered computers (this was before everyone had a smartphone or a computer at home, so having access to a computer was a novel concept). That opened up a new range of career options for me, and I ended up choosing a major and a career in engineering.
So, how can you expand your awareness of careers? In addition to the ideas provided in the other responses, I would suggest speaking directly with people whom you know about their careers - your relatives, your teachers, and the parents of your friends. Talk to your own pediatrician about what it's like to be a pediatrician. What do they actually do every day? What do they like or dislike about their careers? What do they have to put up with, what energizes them? How did they arrive at their career choice? Teachers can tell you more than about being a teacher, they can tell you something about other careers that require a background in science, history, art or whichever subject they teach. Most of your teachers went to college with other people majoring in the same subject who went off to careers in that space.
Remember to also consider hobbies and volunteering - sometimes the things that you like or that energize you can be fulfilled by a hobby or non-career activity rather than by a career. While I didn't pursue music as a career, I have been able to pursue it as a hobby. In some ways, I'm glad that I didn't have to "make money" by performing music, and instead I could do it for fun. In your case, there are many ways that could fulfill your desire to work with kids that are outside of a career - sports coaching, volunteering with boy/girl scouts, being a youth pastor at a church, volunteer at places like a library or a hospital.
For much of high school, I was planning on a career in music. I was a pretty good musician, and my Dad was a musician so I had a sense for what musicians do for a career. I didn't know much about other careers - many adults that I knew worked in an office, or a factory, but I had no idea what that really meant. While I certainly liked music, I was choosing music as a career in part because it was familiar! But in my senior year, I discovered computers (this was before everyone had a smartphone or a computer at home, so having access to a computer was a novel concept). That opened up a new range of career options for me, and I ended up choosing a major and a career in engineering.
So, how can you expand your awareness of careers? In addition to the ideas provided in the other responses, I would suggest speaking directly with people whom you know about their careers - your relatives, your teachers, and the parents of your friends. Talk to your own pediatrician about what it's like to be a pediatrician. What do they actually do every day? What do they like or dislike about their careers? What do they have to put up with, what energizes them? How did they arrive at their career choice? Teachers can tell you more than about being a teacher, they can tell you something about other careers that require a background in science, history, art or whichever subject they teach. Most of your teachers went to college with other people majoring in the same subject who went off to careers in that space.
Remember to also consider hobbies and volunteering - sometimes the things that you like or that energize you can be fulfilled by a hobby or non-career activity rather than by a career. While I didn't pursue music as a career, I have been able to pursue it as a hobby. In some ways, I'm glad that I didn't have to "make money" by performing music, and instead I could do it for fun. In your case, there are many ways that could fulfill your desire to work with kids that are outside of a career - sports coaching, volunteering with boy/girl scouts, being a youth pastor at a church, volunteer at places like a library or a hospital.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3851
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Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Mia,
Unveiling Your Ideal Career Path in 9th Grade
Embarking on the journey to unearth your ideal career in the 9th grade can be both thrilling and daunting. Given the vast array of choices, it's crucial to take a measured approach and explore various career avenues to pinpoint the one that resonates with you the most. Here are some steps to guide you on this exciting voyage:
1. Pinpoint your interests and strengths:
Begin by compiling a list of your hobbies, interests, and strengths. This will provide a snapshot of what you relish doing and what you excel at. For instance, if you have a passion for working with children, a career in education or healthcare might be worth considering.
2. Investigate career possibilities:
Delve into various careers that align with your interests and strengths. Examine job descriptions, salary brackets, and career progression opportunities. You can leverage online resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook or websites such as Career Cruising or My Next Move to gather information about different careers.
3. Experience through shadowing or interning:
Think about shadowing or interning in an area that piques your interest. This will provide you with practical experience and help you ascertain if the career is a suitable match for you. For example, if the medical field intrigues you, you could shadow a doctor or nurse to get a feel for their daily tasks.
4. Solicit advice from professionals:
Engage in conversations with people who are employed in fields that fascinate you. Inquire about their job roles, salary brackets, and any challenges they encounter. You can also seek their guidance on how to make a start in their field.
5. Reflect on your experiences:
Set aside time to ponder over your experiences, such as volunteering, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities. Contemplate what you relished about these experiences and what you gleaned from them. This will help you identify trends and themes that can steer your career decisions.
6. Maintain an open mind:
Stay open to exploring diverse career paths. You might discover that a career you hadn't previously considered is the perfect match for you.
References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from <https://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm>
3. My Next Move. (n.d.). Explore Careers. Retrieved from <https://www.mynextmove.org>
By adhering to these steps, you can gain a more profound understanding of your interests, strengths, and career options. Remember to take a measured approach and explore various career avenues before making a final decision. Wishing you the best on your journey to uncovering your dream career!
\space
Organic Web Results:
www.bls.gov
Career planning for high schoolers : Career Outlook
“In high school, you start to work towards making that happen.” Many high schoolers don't yet know what they want to do. And school counselors say that's ...
www.linkedin.com
"What questions do your children have about choosing a path after high ...
This is a question I have been asking students over the last couple of months when I hold my regular Career Discovery Workshop with the CAPS ...
May God bless you!
Unveiling Your Ideal Career Path in 9th Grade
Embarking on the journey to unearth your ideal career in the 9th grade can be both thrilling and daunting. Given the vast array of choices, it's crucial to take a measured approach and explore various career avenues to pinpoint the one that resonates with you the most. Here are some steps to guide you on this exciting voyage:
1. Pinpoint your interests and strengths:
Begin by compiling a list of your hobbies, interests, and strengths. This will provide a snapshot of what you relish doing and what you excel at. For instance, if you have a passion for working with children, a career in education or healthcare might be worth considering.
2. Investigate career possibilities:
Delve into various careers that align with your interests and strengths. Examine job descriptions, salary brackets, and career progression opportunities. You can leverage online resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook or websites such as Career Cruising or My Next Move to gather information about different careers.
3. Experience through shadowing or interning:
Think about shadowing or interning in an area that piques your interest. This will provide you with practical experience and help you ascertain if the career is a suitable match for you. For example, if the medical field intrigues you, you could shadow a doctor or nurse to get a feel for their daily tasks.
4. Solicit advice from professionals:
Engage in conversations with people who are employed in fields that fascinate you. Inquire about their job roles, salary brackets, and any challenges they encounter. You can also seek their guidance on how to make a start in their field.
5. Reflect on your experiences:
Set aside time to ponder over your experiences, such as volunteering, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities. Contemplate what you relished about these experiences and what you gleaned from them. This will help you identify trends and themes that can steer your career decisions.
6. Maintain an open mind:
Stay open to exploring diverse career paths. You might discover that a career you hadn't previously considered is the perfect match for you.
References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from <https://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm>
3. My Next Move. (n.d.). Explore Careers. Retrieved from <https://www.mynextmove.org>
By adhering to these steps, you can gain a more profound understanding of your interests, strengths, and career options. Remember to take a measured approach and explore various career avenues before making a final decision. Wishing you the best on your journey to uncovering your dream career!
\space
Organic Web Results:
www.bls.gov
Career planning for high schoolers : Career Outlook
“In high school, you start to work towards making that happen.” Many high schoolers don't yet know what they want to do. And school counselors say that's ...
www.linkedin.com
"What questions do your children have about choosing a path after high ...
This is a question I have been asking students over the last couple of months when I hold my regular Career Discovery Workshop with the CAPS ...
May God bless you!
Updated
Helen’s Answer
Deciding on a career path can be a tough choice. To begin, consider your hobbies, abilities, and principles. Ask yourself, what activities do you find enjoyable? What are your strengths? What matters most to you? Additionally, you can explore various professions and gather information about the responsibilities, necessary education and training, as well as the potential earnings. Speaking with individuals who are employed in areas that pique your interest can also provide a clearer picture of what the job truly entails.
Updated
Charly’s Answer
Hi! In my personal opinion i think in your case you've plenty of time to figure out that. My advise is enjoy your high school with good grades and discipline. You'll feel what you love to do, and you'll know what you want to do in the future. Live the present look the future. Good luck!
Updated
Jason’s Answer
unfortunately there is no perfect answer, most of us were in your exact same situation when we were your age. don't stress it. MOST IMPORTANTLY, please do NOT go down a certain path just to make someone else happy. it's all about what YOU are passionate about, and what comes naturally to you. Become an expert at whatever that is and the answer will come to you, then you will already have the knowledge that's transferrable. for example if you love kids but not sure if you want to be a child doctor then learn everything you can about kids, then down the road you might find out you love engineering, and seeing how you already know so much about children's minds and bodies you might invent the perfect toy that will make you a millionaire
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mia !
This is a perfect time for you to seek advice and ask specific questions about your future ! About how you go about discovering your calling, I would like to provide some insight for you. You will find out what you want to do as a career by giving yourself opportunities to be inspired. A very simple thing that you could do, which I did after I knew my future career, is read a book (it is an old book but may have been updated) called, "Working," by American Author Studs Terkel. This book is filled with people's accounts of their careers and what it is like to be in the job they have. It is most helpful in getting a glimpse of various careers and I think it would shed light on many fields of work for you to get an idea of what working is really like. There may possibly be more updated books like this and a simple search on line could be useful for finding them.
Here is a suggestion I have for you as far as getting out there and actually experiencing a workplace. In New York City, as in many other major cities, there is a wonderful program for teenagers of every age called the Summer Youth Employment Program. After applying to the program and you are accepted, you would be placed at a non-profit work site which includes hospitals, schools, social service agencies, government agencies and any non-profit place that is partnering with this program. You wouldn't get paid by the work site, rather you'd get paid by the program. Most importantly you would have a counselor that will oversee things and you could interact with this counselor about job related issues. I would suggest doing the search on line to be sure when they accept applications for this. I have provided the link for this for you below. Anyone in any large city can explore this option in their city.
Something you can do now is talk to your teachers about you doing volunteer work for credit. Why not combine your work experience with your education. We all had/have our favorite subjects in school. Pick one of yours and see if you could possibly volunteer in the community doing what you like in connection to one of your favorite high school classes. You will also meet new friends and helpful adults at your volunteer experience.
So, you see, Mia, exploring your options will be up to you. You do sound motivated and focused on discovering new things, so start now and have fun with it. The only way that you would know what you want to be is by actively trying new things and making a personal decision and following it up with small, doable goals. But I do believe that reading about careers, volunteering and working through a teen program will definitely be beneficial as first steps. Do not rush it, take your time, as we all come to our decisions about a career at different times in our lives. There's no deadline for that decision.
I wish you well on all the new discoveries that await you !
https://unitedactivities.org/syep/ NEW YORK CITY SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
This is a perfect time for you to seek advice and ask specific questions about your future ! About how you go about discovering your calling, I would like to provide some insight for you. You will find out what you want to do as a career by giving yourself opportunities to be inspired. A very simple thing that you could do, which I did after I knew my future career, is read a book (it is an old book but may have been updated) called, "Working," by American Author Studs Terkel. This book is filled with people's accounts of their careers and what it is like to be in the job they have. It is most helpful in getting a glimpse of various careers and I think it would shed light on many fields of work for you to get an idea of what working is really like. There may possibly be more updated books like this and a simple search on line could be useful for finding them.
Here is a suggestion I have for you as far as getting out there and actually experiencing a workplace. In New York City, as in many other major cities, there is a wonderful program for teenagers of every age called the Summer Youth Employment Program. After applying to the program and you are accepted, you would be placed at a non-profit work site which includes hospitals, schools, social service agencies, government agencies and any non-profit place that is partnering with this program. You wouldn't get paid by the work site, rather you'd get paid by the program. Most importantly you would have a counselor that will oversee things and you could interact with this counselor about job related issues. I would suggest doing the search on line to be sure when they accept applications for this. I have provided the link for this for you below. Anyone in any large city can explore this option in their city.
Something you can do now is talk to your teachers about you doing volunteer work for credit. Why not combine your work experience with your education. We all had/have our favorite subjects in school. Pick one of yours and see if you could possibly volunteer in the community doing what you like in connection to one of your favorite high school classes. You will also meet new friends and helpful adults at your volunteer experience.
So, you see, Mia, exploring your options will be up to you. You do sound motivated and focused on discovering new things, so start now and have fun with it. The only way that you would know what you want to be is by actively trying new things and making a personal decision and following it up with small, doable goals. But I do believe that reading about careers, volunteering and working through a teen program will definitely be beneficial as first steps. Do not rush it, take your time, as we all come to our decisions about a career at different times in our lives. There's no deadline for that decision.
I wish you well on all the new discoveries that await you !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Stanley’s Answer
Hi Mia,
Great question and that is awesome that you are thinking about being a paediatrician.
Some next steps that I would recommend are the following:
1) Get a piece of paper and a pen/pencil to jot down all of your interests / passions. You like kids so that is one for sure to start with and to expand on.
2) From the list you create from 1) above, create a short list of your top 3-5 interests / passions.
3) From that short list, look into what extra-curricular groups are offered at your high school or even outside of your high school in your area that you can join. This is a great way to dive deeper into your interests / passions while also expanding your network with like-minded folks who are interested / passionate about the same things.
4) If any of your interests / passions are in relation to a course offered in your high school, share that with the teacher or teachers who are part of that subject as they will also be great mentors for you to have as you continue to explore.
5) The most important part of all if you are to remember anything is to have fun, be open-minded, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone as new passions / interests arise.
All the best Mia!
Great question and that is awesome that you are thinking about being a paediatrician.
Some next steps that I would recommend are the following:
1) Get a piece of paper and a pen/pencil to jot down all of your interests / passions. You like kids so that is one for sure to start with and to expand on.
2) From the list you create from 1) above, create a short list of your top 3-5 interests / passions.
3) From that short list, look into what extra-curricular groups are offered at your high school or even outside of your high school in your area that you can join. This is a great way to dive deeper into your interests / passions while also expanding your network with like-minded folks who are interested / passionate about the same things.
4) If any of your interests / passions are in relation to a course offered in your high school, share that with the teacher or teachers who are part of that subject as they will also be great mentors for you to have as you continue to explore.
5) The most important part of all if you are to remember anything is to have fun, be open-minded, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone as new passions / interests arise.
All the best Mia!
Updated
Shikha’s Answer
The simple truth is, you must be willing to take the plunge.
[1] Engage in mini internships - Rotate between various companies every couple of months while you're still in academia. Experiment with a variety of roles.
[2] Network extensively - Initiate conversations with individuals from diverse career paths and sectors. This will allow you to gain a multitude of viewpoints.
[3] Identify what fuels your enthusiasm. Determine the type of work that brings you joy - Do you prefer solitary tasks or thrive in a team setting? Do you enjoy concentrated tasks or prefer a collaborative environment? Do you favor remote work or relish being on-site?
Remember, it's not necessary to have all the answers before you settle on your initial job or career path. There's always room for change after sampling a few options. I've already shifted my career twice, from software engineering to managing business personnel, and then to software product management. And my journey continues.
[1] Engage in mini internships - Rotate between various companies every couple of months while you're still in academia. Experiment with a variety of roles.
[2] Network extensively - Initiate conversations with individuals from diverse career paths and sectors. This will allow you to gain a multitude of viewpoints.
[3] Identify what fuels your enthusiasm. Determine the type of work that brings you joy - Do you prefer solitary tasks or thrive in a team setting? Do you enjoy concentrated tasks or prefer a collaborative environment? Do you favor remote work or relish being on-site?
Remember, it's not necessary to have all the answers before you settle on your initial job or career path. There's always room for change after sampling a few options. I've already shifted my career twice, from software engineering to managing business personnel, and then to software product management. And my journey continues.
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
Hi Mia - You mentioned working with children - you can start there, search for information on careers that involve children. Have you thought about being a nurse? You can specialize in pediatrics but will also learn about other specialties that you may find interesting, and it will be slightly easier to switch specialties than it would be if you were a doctor. Other jobs that involve working with children include becoming a teacher, or working as a daycare provider, or working at businesses that specialize in classes for children (like music, dance, art). If you get some ideas about what you may like to do, I would look for volunteer opportunities, where you could follow someone around and observe their day at work. I volunteered at a day care center for a few weeks in high school. That helped me decide that I would rather be a teacher to older kids than the little ones - my energy, even as a young girl, was no match for theirs! LOL And that's what's great about volunteering your time - you can learn about different jobs and organizations and make a decision to move in that direction or move away from it. Once you have an idea of what you may want to do after high school or college, I would speak to your counselor at school and ask them if there are specific classes you should take to put you on the right track for that career. I wish you all the best!
Updated
Magill’s Answer
Finding the perfect career that you'll love for a lifetime can be a daunting task. Remember, it's perfectly fine to switch careers and spend time discovering the sector that suits you best.
Reflect on why pediatrics might not be a long-term fit for you. If your passion lies with children, there are numerous other paths to explore. You might consider early childhood education, social work, coaching, or childcare.
To get a feel for these fields, consider part-time jobs, volunteering, or internships. These experiences can offer a taste of what a career might be like. Each time you realize a job isn't for you, it brings you one step closer to finding the one that is. So, embrace the journey of self-discovery and career exploration.
Reflect on why pediatrics might not be a long-term fit for you. If your passion lies with children, there are numerous other paths to explore. You might consider early childhood education, social work, coaching, or childcare.
To get a feel for these fields, consider part-time jobs, volunteering, or internships. These experiences can offer a taste of what a career might be like. Each time you realize a job isn't for you, it brings you one step closer to finding the one that is. So, embrace the journey of self-discovery and career exploration.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Mia, most likely you wouldn't know, and that's perfectly fine. There are many students who enter college unsure of their career path. I would suggest starting thinking about your interests, hobbies, skills, experiences and values. What possible careers might they suggest to you? There are quizzes you can take, such as those on MyPlan.com, that can help narrow down the best possibilities. But I wouldn't worry about it, you have plenty of time. Start reading, looking at websites and take classes that correspond to your interests. Also, talk to your counselors, and, when the time comes, to advisors from colleges you are thinking you might attend. The path, or, really, possible paths will reveal themselves in time, and you might go down one, decide it's not for you, and try another.
Updated
Patrecia (Trish)’s Answer
Impressive! You've already gathered a wealth of valuable insights and guidance to aid you in charting your life's course. Let me just sprinkle in a few more nuggets of wisdom.
There's a plethora of complimentary career aptitude tests at your disposal, designed to align your unique personality traits with the most fitting job roles. However, bear in mind that your results may fluctuate based on your current mood.
The process of selecting your path can also be fluid. It's completely okay if you haven't pinpointed your ultimate career goal yet. Your task now is to identify what you truly desire from life. Consider how you envision your lifestyle, the kind of work hours you're comfortable with, and draw inspiration from observing your family's lifestyle. This will provide a foundation for what you aspire to do or avoid.
The process of shaping the 'middle' of your journey will naturally unfold. Stay patient and persistent, and everything will gradually fall into place. Pat yourself on the back for even contemplating this - you're doing great!
There's a plethora of complimentary career aptitude tests at your disposal, designed to align your unique personality traits with the most fitting job roles. However, bear in mind that your results may fluctuate based on your current mood.
The process of selecting your path can also be fluid. It's completely okay if you haven't pinpointed your ultimate career goal yet. Your task now is to identify what you truly desire from life. Consider how you envision your lifestyle, the kind of work hours you're comfortable with, and draw inspiration from observing your family's lifestyle. This will provide a foundation for what you aspire to do or avoid.
The process of shaping the 'middle' of your journey will naturally unfold. Stay patient and persistent, and everything will gradually fall into place. Pat yourself on the back for even contemplating this - you're doing great!
Updated
John’s Answer
Don't fret! It's completely normal to be unsure about your career path at this point in your journey. Given the rapid advancements in technology, it might be more beneficial to avoid narrowing down to a specific job role. After all, the job you're eyeing today might evolve into something different by the time you graduate.
Here's a helpful tip - focus on a theme rather than a specific job. Reflect on how you'd like to spend your time. Are you drawn to helping others, intrigued by a certain industry, or fascinated by technology? Ponder over these aspects and compile a list of themes that resonate with you. As you learn more about various careers, you'll begin to see how they align with your themes. This will serve as a compass, guiding you towards a career that brings you joy.
Here's a helpful tip - focus on a theme rather than a specific job. Reflect on how you'd like to spend your time. Are you drawn to helping others, intrigued by a certain industry, or fascinated by technology? Ponder over these aspects and compile a list of themes that resonate with you. As you learn more about various careers, you'll begin to see how they align with your themes. This will serve as a compass, guiding you towards a career that brings you joy.
Updated
Lilliana’s Answer
Hi Mia,
It can be a very overwhelming task to feel like you need to pick one single career for the rest of your life. I would say that to find what you would like to pursue a career in, think about the skills and interests you have, what drives you, what passions you have and go from there.
You mentioned that you like kids but wouldn't like to be a pediatrician forever. That's okay! Think about what aspects of pediatric medicine make you not want to do it forever. Then think about the aspects you *do* like about it. Use those guidelines to help you on your search for a career. Google is a fantastic friend for finding out about careers you may not have known about before! Kids are always in need of caring, empathetic, and helpful people in their lives, so there will always be many different career paths you can take to work with children.
And remember, you are allowed to change your mind, and more than likely you will. The greatest part about life is that we change, grow, evolve, and learn new lessons that help us to continue making new decisions. You never stop learning throughout life, and it is important to note that those lessons will drive you forward. You got this! You are young and have your whole life ahead of you to find yourself. Best of luck to you!!
It can be a very overwhelming task to feel like you need to pick one single career for the rest of your life. I would say that to find what you would like to pursue a career in, think about the skills and interests you have, what drives you, what passions you have and go from there.
You mentioned that you like kids but wouldn't like to be a pediatrician forever. That's okay! Think about what aspects of pediatric medicine make you not want to do it forever. Then think about the aspects you *do* like about it. Use those guidelines to help you on your search for a career. Google is a fantastic friend for finding out about careers you may not have known about before! Kids are always in need of caring, empathetic, and helpful people in their lives, so there will always be many different career paths you can take to work with children.
And remember, you are allowed to change your mind, and more than likely you will. The greatest part about life is that we change, grow, evolve, and learn new lessons that help us to continue making new decisions. You never stop learning throughout life, and it is important to note that those lessons will drive you forward. You got this! You are young and have your whole life ahead of you to find yourself. Best of luck to you!!
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Whatever you’re passionate about find a career that will help you use those skills. It’s OK not to have all the answers yet just do the things you enjoy, and everything will work out stay open-minded. Don’t be scared to explore and change your mind. Do what you would enjoy and not just what others expect of you.
Updated
Seni’s Answer
What do you like to do? what motivate you? are you good in STEM? You can ask your neighbors and friends parents what they do. You can ask if parents/ neighbors can invite you at their jobs so you can see what their daily jobs are. This can help by giving you ideas of what you want to become in the future.
Good luck!
Good luck!