12 answers
Elyab
Student
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
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How do solidify my career choice?
I have been struggling with deciding what I should do after highschool, and I decided I'd follow engineering path mainly because it falls on the subjects I'm good at a. I'm just not sure if I should actually do it.
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12 answers
Tyler Shannon
Safety Manager (Environmental, Health, Safety)
4
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
What I would recommend to you is to not stress about answer this. You have a long life ahead of you. And I know it can feel pressured and overwhelming at times to answer what you want to do "when you grow up" but the answer is that you really don't need an answer right now. That answer to reveal itself in time, and it is likely to surprise you.
In my case, I am in a career quite different from what I went to college for. More important that solidfying your career choice, is making sure you do what you love.
You will work 8, 9, 10, 12 hours a day, sometimes 5 or 6 days a week. Maybe more for some people. More than 2K hours of every year will be spent at work if employed full-time. That is a lot of time to spend. So you should love it. Your days should be driven by a thirst for learning and enjoying the people you work with. In fact, you may spend as much or more time with them than you do your own family. Not all jobs pay well, but most jobs have a path to good pay and benefits if you are willing to put in the work to be an asset to the business. So be where you love to be inside and outside of work. Do work that makes you excited to get out of bed and drives you to be our best every day. Do work that is impactful to your life. For some people that is high pay. For some that is work that benefits others. Only you can determine what impact you will leave on the world and the people around you, so if you aren't sure what you want to do, my advice is to do everything. Experience as many things as you can even if you think you may not like it, just to learn from others and understand how things work. Work to understand yourself, what you love and what you don't love, and then at some point, I promise you will see what you want to do.
In my case, I am in a career quite different from what I went to college for. More important that solidfying your career choice, is making sure you do what you love.
You will work 8, 9, 10, 12 hours a day, sometimes 5 or 6 days a week. Maybe more for some people. More than 2K hours of every year will be spent at work if employed full-time. That is a lot of time to spend. So you should love it. Your days should be driven by a thirst for learning and enjoying the people you work with. In fact, you may spend as much or more time with them than you do your own family. Not all jobs pay well, but most jobs have a path to good pay and benefits if you are willing to put in the work to be an asset to the business. So be where you love to be inside and outside of work. Do work that makes you excited to get out of bed and drives you to be our best every day. Do work that is impactful to your life. For some people that is high pay. For some that is work that benefits others. Only you can determine what impact you will leave on the world and the people around you, so if you aren't sure what you want to do, my advice is to do everything. Experience as many things as you can even if you think you may not like it, just to learn from others and understand how things work. Work to understand yourself, what you love and what you don't love, and then at some point, I promise you will see what you want to do.
Amber Drenth
Interior Design
12
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Amber’s Answer
It might also be helpful to think about skills that you enjoy utilizing. Do you enjoy solving problems? Do you enjoy working with your hands? Asking questions like these will help to eventually solidify your major (if you attend college) and your career. You will need to at least find some enjoyment from your work/job, otherwise you might feel burned out and unsatisfied early on in your career.
I find it useful to write out and summarize both the pros and cons when faced with making a big decisions. You've already written the first pro for following an engineering path, now what are other pros (positives) and the cons (negatives)? This "homework" and additional thought can help with your decision.
Leslie Moes
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. I think you may start with the careers you have first.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, your favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers.
If you like STEM subjects, you can consider careers like engineer, developer, financial analyst, doctor, nurse, zoologist, pharmacist, nurse, actuary, dentist, etc. You can find out more STEM related careers
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, 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 what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, your favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers.
If you like STEM subjects, you can consider careers like engineer, developer, financial analyst, doctor, nurse, zoologist, pharmacist, nurse, actuary, dentist, etc. You can find out more STEM related careers
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these career. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, 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!
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
21
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Larry’s Answer
When I was in my early twenties, I attended a session on how to make a career choice. Two individuals gave presentations. One had been continuously employed at the same firm for several decades. The other had a dozen or more employers. The case they made is that both made good career choices.
This is to say that it is near impossible to choose a career while you are in high school. It is too early in your life experience. You still have much to learn about yourself, about what you are good at, and what you want out of life.
For the present, concentrate on the subjects you like. Think seriously about attending college, since that is a period of both education and personal growth. As you move through college you may start feeling there are career areas that match your talents. It may take even longer.
You may require a time of trial and error when you enter into a specific career. Other things may affect your choices: marriage, children, the state of your finances.
The bottom line is that you still have plenty of time to make a career choice. For now, you can concentrate on learning about others, focusing on what you seem to be good at, and finding activities in life that give you rewards and make you happy.
This is to say that it is near impossible to choose a career while you are in high school. It is too early in your life experience. You still have much to learn about yourself, about what you are good at, and what you want out of life.
For the present, concentrate on the subjects you like. Think seriously about attending college, since that is a period of both education and personal growth. As you move through college you may start feeling there are career areas that match your talents. It may take even longer.
You may require a time of trial and error when you enter into a specific career. Other things may affect your choices: marriage, children, the state of your finances.
The bottom line is that you still have plenty of time to make a career choice. For now, you can concentrate on learning about others, focusing on what you seem to be good at, and finding activities in life that give you rewards and make you happy.
Charlene Panissidi (she/her), SHRM-CP
Recruiter
3
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Charlene’s Answer
Hello there! It's fantastic that you've pinpointed your passions and are considering dedicating yourself to them. To address your query, keep expanding your understanding in those fields, whether it's in the classroom or by watching informative videos on platforms like YouTube or other social media that offer relevant content. Simultaneously, don't hesitate to delve into other topics, whether they're related to your current interests or entirely different.
Remember, at this point in your career path, you're in an exciting phase of exploration, and it's completely fine to investigate and learn new things. Keep going, you're doing great!
Remember, at this point in your career path, you're in an exciting phase of exploration, and it's completely fine to investigate and learn new things. Keep going, you're doing great!
Ginger Jacinic
Marketing Operations
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Ginger’s Answer
Hey there! My career has taken quite a few turns and pivots - each one more exciting than the next. The general manager at my last company, an energy company, used to say that career paths look much more like lattices rather than ladders these day. They are broader, less linear, cross more disciplines, and build in a much different way than they did for previous generations. I'm now working in Marketing at a gaming company, and my own career journey has taught me this - the best way to build a career you love is to look for the right next step rather than getting caught up in trying to figure out what the "forever" step is. A mentor and friend of me told me once, as I was moving from the public sector to the private, that there are jobs I will have over the course of my career that do not even exist yet. And that really blew my mind because A) of course that is true and B) it means that we ll have opportunities ahead of us that haven't been dreamed up yet.
One of my favorite coworkers in a manger in our innovation office but started as an engineer. If you're good at engineering and want to explore where that can take you - do it! Have fun, and keep your eyes open for opportunities to apply your engineering skills to other disciplines that could benefit from your expertise.
One of my favorite coworkers in a manger in our innovation office but started as an engineer. If you're good at engineering and want to explore where that can take you - do it! Have fun, and keep your eyes open for opportunities to apply your engineering skills to other disciplines that could benefit from your expertise.
Bria Beduya , CMP
Global Event Production
3
Answers
Long Beach, California
Updated
Bria’s Answer
Hello!
Totally relate this and it's great to have the self-awareness in knowing who you are, how you feel and what you want/need. There are different ways to approach this and you're best equipped to know what will work for you. Something I've found that is helpful is picturing or outlining what an ideal scenario or job would be like for me. If I can describe the environment (hours, work styles, pay, responsibilities) alongside the skills (soft and hard) needed that may point you towards the kind of role you're looking for within engineering.
It feels like working backwards but it can feel like less pressure to some what paint the picture and through those means discover what it is you actually want for your day to day career.
Also, I'd recommend internships or rotational programs that give you an opportunity to see a slice of the career and some times come with mentors to help chat through more of the career specifics of that discipline. Reaching out to your network and asking honest questions about their field, what they like/don't about it are all valuable in getting the full picture.
Totally relate this and it's great to have the self-awareness in knowing who you are, how you feel and what you want/need. There are different ways to approach this and you're best equipped to know what will work for you. Something I've found that is helpful is picturing or outlining what an ideal scenario or job would be like for me. If I can describe the environment (hours, work styles, pay, responsibilities) alongside the skills (soft and hard) needed that may point you towards the kind of role you're looking for within engineering.
It feels like working backwards but it can feel like less pressure to some what paint the picture and through those means discover what it is you actually want for your day to day career.
Also, I'd recommend internships or rotational programs that give you an opportunity to see a slice of the career and some times come with mentors to help chat through more of the career specifics of that discipline. Reaching out to your network and asking honest questions about their field, what they like/don't about it are all valuable in getting the full picture.
Jimmy Baldwin
Internal Audit
1
Answer
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Jimmy’s Answer
Career Fairs / Job Fairs are a great resource to ask different professionals in their respective careers. This will also help build some connections with people and you might be able to shadow these professionals to really get a sense of what they do. Other options would be applying to any internships that sound interesting in the engineering field. Internships are basically a trial run for a college student in a certain job.
Emily Briggs, GCDF
Career Coach
3
Answers
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Updated
Emily’s Answer
I recommend thinking about your VIPS as you are considering which career paths to consider - this is your values, interests, personality, and skills. While you may be talented in the subjects that lean into engineering, you may want to consider which area of engineering (or a different STEM field) would align with some of these other factors. Using a platform like O*Net Online can offer an option to take a career assessment, which may help you narrow your focus as well.
The other good news is that you will be given the option to explore more general classes in the first year or two of college. I'd recommend setting up some time to meet with people who are current engineers to perform an "informational interview" and consider attending some of the career fairs to ask questions and build your network.
O*Net Interest Profiler - https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Informational Interviewing - An informational interview is a meeting to learn about the real-life experience of someone working in a field or company that interests you.
The other good news is that you will be given the option to explore more general classes in the first year or two of college. I'd recommend setting up some time to meet with people who are current engineers to perform an "informational interview" and consider attending some of the career fairs to ask questions and build your network.
O*Net Interest Profiler - https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Informational Interviewing - An informational interview is a meeting to learn about the real-life experience of someone working in a field or company that interests you.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Thank you Elyab for reaching out, and it's completely normal to question your major and career path, especially after the first semester of college. This is a time of self-discovery, and it's okay to reassess your goals.
Here are some steps to consider:
1. Take some time for self-reflection to identify your interests, strengths, and values. Consider what aspects of your coursework you enjoy and what brings you a sense of fulfillment.
2. Utilize the career counseling services offered by your college. Professional guidance can provide valuable insights and assessments to align your interests with potential career paths.
3. Reach out to professionals in fields you are curious about. Conduct informational interviews to gain firsthand insights into different career options.
4. Explore online courses or workshops to supplement your current education and gain exposure to subjects outside your major. Many platforms offer free or affordable options.
5. Attend networking events or career fairs organized by your college. Meeting professionals from various fields can broaden your understanding of potential career paths.
6. Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your concerns. They can provide guidance on alternative majors or additional resources within the college.
Remember, it's never too late to make adjustments to your academic path. College is a transformative journey, and adapting to changing interests is a part of the process. Take small steps, explore different avenues, and allow yourself the flexibility to evolve. If you need further support or have specific questions, feel free to reach out. Your willingness to explore and question is a commendable part of your educational journey.
Here are some steps to consider:
1. Take some time for self-reflection to identify your interests, strengths, and values. Consider what aspects of your coursework you enjoy and what brings you a sense of fulfillment.
2. Utilize the career counseling services offered by your college. Professional guidance can provide valuable insights and assessments to align your interests with potential career paths.
3. Reach out to professionals in fields you are curious about. Conduct informational interviews to gain firsthand insights into different career options.
4. Explore online courses or workshops to supplement your current education and gain exposure to subjects outside your major. Many platforms offer free or affordable options.
5. Attend networking events or career fairs organized by your college. Meeting professionals from various fields can broaden your understanding of potential career paths.
6. Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your concerns. They can provide guidance on alternative majors or additional resources within the college.
Remember, it's never too late to make adjustments to your academic path. College is a transformative journey, and adapting to changing interests is a part of the process. Take small steps, explore different avenues, and allow yourself the flexibility to evolve. If you need further support or have specific questions, feel free to reach out. Your willingness to explore and question is a commendable part of your educational journey.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
It's admirable that you're taking a proactive stance in deciding on a career path post-high school, particularly in the field of engineering. To reinforce your decision, it would be beneficial to conduct research into the various branches of engineering, participate in events related to your desired career, and delve into areas that pique your interest.
Building connections with professionals in the field can be achieved through informational interviews or mentorship programs. Gaining practical experience through internships or job shadowing opportunities can also be incredibly valuable. Don't forget to arrange a meeting with your school's career counselor. They can provide guidance on aligning your academic choices with your career ambitions.
Take some time to contemplate your long-term career goals. Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel uncertain about these decisions. Trust in the fact that gathering as much information as possible will aid you in making an informed choice about your future.
Building connections with professionals in the field can be achieved through informational interviews or mentorship programs. Gaining practical experience through internships or job shadowing opportunities can also be incredibly valuable. Don't forget to arrange a meeting with your school's career counselor. They can provide guidance on aligning your academic choices with your career ambitions.
Take some time to contemplate your long-term career goals. Remember, it's perfectly normal to feel uncertain about these decisions. Trust in the fact that gathering as much information as possible will aid you in making an informed choice about your future.
Nick D
New York, USA
67
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Without repeating all the previous great advice I will add that an engineering education, well rounded with "humanities", will be a respected accomplishment that can lead to many careers other than engineering.
It's understood that an engineering degree is evidence of an objective, smart and hard working person who is ready to collaborate with like minded people.
Many kinds of companies and other schools often recruit from engineering schools. A specific example is that, when I was a student, dentistry schools were recruiting from my class before we graduated. One of my friends chose that path and had a great career.
You should know that within engineering, there's a wide range of careers that lead to a lifetime of challenging experiences and satisfying lifestyle.
My standard advice is to find a school that has a good internship program and get an internship as soon as possible. You'll get a good look at real workplaces and find your niche.
Best Wishes to you!
It's understood that an engineering degree is evidence of an objective, smart and hard working person who is ready to collaborate with like minded people.
Many kinds of companies and other schools often recruit from engineering schools. A specific example is that, when I was a student, dentistry schools were recruiting from my class before we graduated. One of my friends chose that path and had a great career.
You should know that within engineering, there's a wide range of careers that lead to a lifetime of challenging experiences and satisfying lifestyle.
My standard advice is to find a school that has a good internship program and get an internship as soon as possible. You'll get a good look at real workplaces and find your niche.
Best Wishes to you!
Thanks for the help.
Elyab