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How can I find the right job for me when I have so many interest?

I like many things and want to try new things. But at one point I'm going to need to settle. How can I look for a job if i have no clue what I even want?

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Priscilla’s Answer

Hi Makayla!

UMASS Alumni here too! Firstly, imagine you’re in the world’s largest career fair, which feels a bit like being a kid in a candy store—overwhelmed by choices but excited about the possibilities. The fact that you have a plethora of interests is akin to having a Swiss Army knife in this multi-faceted job market—it’s all about leveraging the right tool at the right time.

The strategy here is to start whittling down that buffet of interests by engaging in varied experiences. Internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs can serve as your career appetizers. You could even embark on informational interviews—consider them as free samples that shops offer before you buy the whole product.

Now, with interests scattered across the spectrum, you might feel like a juggler at the circus, but remember, even a juggler has to focus on one ball at a time to keep the show going. Focus on the overlap between your interests and the market needs. Think of it as creating a Venn diagram where one circle is your passion (say, collecting rare sneakers), and the other is job opportunities (like marketing for a shoe company). The sweet spot in the middle? That's your potential career path.

And let’s not forget the side hustle; it’s the secret sauce to job satisfaction. You can keep your day job and still DJ at night or sell your homemade salsa on the weekend. Who knows? You might just become the salsa-dancing, code-writing, yoga-teaching polymath the world didn't know it needed.

Lastly, remember that it's okay if your job doesn't exist yet. After all, who would have thought 'drone pilot' or 'social media influencer' would be legit jobs a decade ago? So, keep exploring, and maybe you'll invent the next big thing—like underwater basket weaving, but with a tech twist!
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Alyssa’s Answer

Unlocking your true passion is the secret to picking the right career path, especially when you have a variety of interests. Take the time to delve into many different areas to pinpoint what truly captivates and drives you. Identifying your skills is crucial, so make sure to complete as many personality tests as possible.
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Brandon’s Answer

I would say try to research more into the career paths that you are interested in. Try talking to some professionals already in the industry and see if they are interested in talking to you.

Another thing you should try would be to create a list of what exactly you like and dislike, and try to give a reason why for each entry. Doing this will allow you more insight of what you like and dislike and why.
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Sean’s Answer

I would explore taking an online career finder assessment or reading a book like What Color is Your Parachute to get an idea of you might like to do career wise. That said, in the short term, find a job that puts you in a position for things you find interesting and start working. It is amazing how much you learn about what you like and don't like once you start doing something full time.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Makayla !

If you are sure that you don't know what you want, as you've mentioned in your inquiry, than go for any job you wouldn't mind doing. People do not avoid employment because they don't know what they want to do. A "job" and a career are two different things and most people just do what they know they can do. Jobs are more than an interest. They are commitments in whatever work you do, so you'll want to choose, not "settle" for work.

Instead of "settling" for something, especially when you've said you have so many interests already, wait until you are inspired or feel that you have a calling to choose a career or college major. But as for working right now, you have to make a choice to see your interests as guides, not barriers. Most people have several interests in life, whether they be work, recreational or hobby related. Focus in on your interests and build upon them.

I would advise registering at Indeed and Linked in. You can create notifications for all of your interests and you will receive employment notices in your e-mail. Instead of feeling overwhelmed because you like too much, get started with making things happen with these interests. Set really small mini goals at first and take it step by step. It's good that you have so many interests because that means you'll have a lot to choose from.

Best wishes to you and I hope you enjoy your path moving forward !
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Olivia’s Answer

Something to keep in mind is to choose a job that you care about, but that won't dampen your love for whatever it is. For example, I worked with a lot of musicians. It's common to hear in an interview "I'm passionate about music." Almost everyone is passionate about listening to music, or at least has an emotional connection to a piece of music. However, very few people care about how the roadies who move stages across the country are paid or enjoy the rigor of the creative process. This also frequently happens to doctors. They chose the profession because they care about helping others, but become burnt out when their ability to provide care is limited as a result of a patient not being able to pay. I mention this because sometimes you enjoy something as a consumer but lose interest once you see how the magic happens. When you conduct informational interviews, asks professionals what their day to day life is like, what they enjoy about the role, and what they dislike. Once you hear those things, consider if you did that role day in and day out, would you find it both interesting and fulfilling, or would it feel draining.
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Tara’s Answer

The only way to find out what you like best is by trying out different options. You won't know until you try it. Having a job isn't so much about what you like as it is about which one best pays the bills. When it comes to the career you choose, that's when you need to worry about your likes and interests. The jobs you'll have for the first few years will not all be aligned with what you like. But that's fine as long as you are earning a fair amount for the work you're doing and not being asked to compromise your morals. When it comes time to pick a career you should start to look at the areas that you enjoy most and what you are passionate about. And as you get a bit older and experience things throughout life you will have a much better picture of the kind of lifestyle and career you want. Experience is the best teacher and the only way to figure out what you're best suited for.
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Carina’s Answer

Perhaps make a list of your interest in a ranking of which bring more personal satisfaction at both a professional and a personal level. Make a list of your motives and what you might see yourself accomplishing in ten years from now. It is ok to explore your options you don't need to find the right job right away. In addition to trying to find the best fit for now also consider doing volunteer work simultaneously to discover and explore more of your priorities and interests. With time and experience you will be better able to discern your vocation and calling in life. God will allow you to find your purpose do not panic about it. You're young and have time to discern. Best of luck and hope my advice helps you.

Carina recommends the following next steps:

Speak to a career counselor at your college they have assessments they may use to help you pin point your interests and abilities and match them with the proper career for you.
Read biographies of people that draw your interest they may also be a guiding point.
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