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How do you find a lifelong career that you will love and be passionate about?

I'm still young, in my early twenties asking for advice or helpful insight on finding the right path for me. I'm currently enrolled in a Jobcorps Center and am pursuing Pharmacy technician and or other trade work training. I have several small interests that I enjoy but none that I feel confident building into a lifelong career. I graduated from high school during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, and I feel it's stunted my growth into a career. I'm interested in STEM, Language studies, Anatomy Physiology, forensics, Physical fitness, Chemistry, Woodworking, and Medicine. I'm artistic and investigative and wish to do a career that I find challenging and rewarding. I've traveled to Europe, Studied French in southern France, and interned as a sales associate in Ireland with a Designer Exchange Company; all of which were wonderful experiences but I'm unsure how to turn them into a career for my future. So how do I narrow down my interests into a career I will find fulfilling in my later life?

technology science medicine career-path job help career-choice careers career-paths stem forensics women-in-stem foreign-languages future-careers forensic-science retail physical-fitness retail-pharmacy woodworking anatomy-and-physiology
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Jessica !

You have had some wonderful experiences and I can see why now is a time to think about a life's career choice.

One way that you can discover what career to study for would be to enroll in college. Pharmacy Tech is a great position but you seem to be wondering if there is anything else out there for you and there probably is. College is a great way to get a feel for the subjects that you are interested in because you are fortunate to have many interests and skills. You do not have to settle upon one, you can pursue more than one if you choose. But being in college will greatly help you explore this in a way that you haven't done before.

I would advise looking into both community colleges and Universities in your local area. Visit the campuses in person and see if you could have an orientation. Read their websites for the majors that they offer and narrow the colleges down. This experience could possibly spark inspiration for you if nothing else has already. We all figure out our life career at different times in our lives and sometimes we transition from one field of work to a completely different field or do two at the same time. So, you see, you have many options.

You seem to be special in that you've put your heart into everything you have done so far. You have a rich work experience background and seem to be highly motivated, responsible and conscientious. I think that by reading up on colleges and than visiting them can be a step you can take to perhaps narrow down one or two career paths.

I hope this has been a help and I wish you all the best !
Thank you comment icon thank you for the advice, I appreciate it Michelle! Jessica
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Jessica ! Michelle M.
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Nick’s Answer

I wish I could give you a specific answer but you have good interests and are asking an important question. However, one thing I can tell you for sure is that success, happiness and fulfillment in a career depends on what you put into it. People who put in their best effort and work truly well with colleagues have a natural tendency to be recognized and rewarded. Be prepared to adjust your goals and situation if it's not happening. Be honest with yourself about your abilities. Be generous with your talent. Find like minded people, not meaning "group thinkers" but forward thinkers, perhaps with different ideas, who are also generous in return. The best colleagues will make each other better.

Your exploration is on the right track. Get meaningful internships as soon as possible and a path will open before you.

This is based on my actual experience in my 44 year career which I look back on fondly and a lot of good to look forward to in retirement.

Best wishes to you.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you're insight, thank you for your answer, I will keep it in mind going forward. Thank you, Nick! Jessica
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Dominic’s Answer

Based on your interests there - you should look into a physical therapy as possible career path - good alignment with physical fitness, anatomy/physiology, medicine. It's also a job you can do almost anywhere people and healthcare businesses exist. You're committing to a medical/doctorate education to become a PT. Chemistry and woodworking are two things that you can bring together also - if you have a passion for that - you could build decorative wood furniture. Look into how much you can sell a custom wood and epoxy bar top for. I have a circle of friends who all have side hustles outside of their careers - one of whom builds custom furniture, cabinets, tables, etc. You can set up an LLC and get your woodworking business going while you work on your career - excellent tax benefits as well - all the equipment and materials you need to make furniture become business expenses. Definitely consult an accountant - but it's super easy to set up an LLC through legal zoom or similar sites.

Dominic recommends the following next steps:

Look into the demand for PTs and earning potential in your region
Look into setting up an LLC - whether or not you're ready to start selling wood products, it's good to know the process and benefits
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Jessica
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Donna’s Answer

Hi Jessica- sounds like you have really tested the waters in many ways. I had every intention of working for a fashion magazine after getting my graphic design degree- I wound up applying for a parttime sales job at Macy's while I interviewed. It turned out they had a position open in the display dept and saw I had an art degree and offered me the jo. I took it with intention of quitting when I got my "dream job at Vogue. Well, one month into Macy's I knew this was my career path. My leap of faith has served me well for 4 decades! It sounds like you have already had some experience in fashion sales. I'd follow that maybe pursuing an international path (Dubai, Abu Dabai, Far East, Harrods in London ?) or staying in the US. Off price retail is the growth industry- I was with Macy's, Bloomingdale's , Kohls and spent the past 15 years at Burlington which is by far the best company I've worked for! Retail offers a wide variety of opportunities from sales to buying to IT to marketing. Once you're in be open to going with your gut and trusting a mentor who can really help you build your career. Give it some time. Bonne Chance!
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George’s Answer

Hi Jessica. I can answer your main question based primarily on my own experience working a lifetime as a Healthcare worker. In my case, it was a question of being in the right place at the right time. My intention, probably since I was four years old (according to my mother), was to become a doctor. I graduated from an excellent University with a very good Pre-Med program and even its own Medical School. But (sometimes in life there is "but"), I felt my chances of being accepted to a Medical School program at the time were fair. I decided to apply for jobs instead that fit my background in science. I was hired right after graduation by the Upjohn Company to work as a Sales Representative. The pay was very good, I had a new company car and lived in a very nice apartment in Vermont. Their training program was actually very academic and I learned a great deal. One problem, I was not meant to be a Sales person and needed to find another career. I was in my third year of working when I walked into the office of a Podiatrist late on a work day. My life changed forever after that visit. In a nutshell, by the end of that visit, that doctor had encouraged me to apply to a Podiatric College of Medicine. I researched the profession and actually was very impressed with everything I learned. That was 40 years ago. Podiatry now, compared to then, has advanced tremendously in every aspect one can imagine. I had completed all the courses that were needed to apply to any Medical School and took the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). I was accepted to the New York College of Podiatric Medicine for the coming year. The time I spent there were some of the best and most interesting years of my life. I recently retired after 40 plus years of a very happy and rewarding lifetime career. Jessica, you already have accomplished quite a bit for a young person. Keep an opened mind. Continue with your great enthusiasm and visit as many people as you can (that will allow it, of course) that share your interests. Learn as much as you can about different careers that fit you educational background. Do not let anyone discourage you and always stay positive. In my case, I never imagined Podiatry would change my life by being in the right place at the right time. Best of luck to you.

George recommends the following next steps:

Make sure you have all your required courses before you apply to Professional Programs.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the wonderful insight, thank you for sharing your story with me, and thank you for the encouragement I appreciate it, Thanks a million George! Jessica
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Ramsey’s Answer

Hello Jessica,

Your current approach to determining your career path is commendable. I'd like to offer some insights that could be beneficial to your journey.

During your research and dialogues with prospective employers, consider applying the S.Q.U.A.D. Model. Here's what it stands for:

S = Skilled: Identify your inherent talents. These are your natural abilities that you've successfully applied in your career, forming your strengths.
Q = Qualified: Reflect on your experiences and the skills you've gained from them, which make you an ideal candidate. Aim to expand these experiences and emphasize them in your conversations.
U = Unique: Remember, there's no one quite like you. What sets you apart? What unique value can you contribute?
A = Agile: Change is inevitable, as the COVID pandemic has shown us. How well can you adapt and respond effectively to change?
D = Driven: What fuels your drive towards success? Stay curious and eager to reach new heights.

Understanding this model will help you evaluate job opportunities based on three fundamental pillars:
1. Aligns with your passions.
2. Matches your strengths so you can be the BEST as per the SQUAD framework.
3. Fulfills your financial aspirations. Ensure your choice provides a satisfactory compensation.

I hope this guidance assists you in shaping your approach towards finding the right career path for you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice and I'll try the SQUAD layout to help me in the future, thank you, Ramsey! Jessica
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Doreen’s Answer

My favorite way to determine if a job or project is the right one for me is to first create a list of the SPECIFIC activities I love and loathe. In other words, don't just say "I love troubleshooting problems" - dig deeper - what kind of problems? in what platforms or situations? for whom or with whom? for what purpose or objective?

After you create your list of let's say 8-10 loves and 3-5 loathes, use them to ask questions of people who are doing jobs that you think you might be interested in. Ask them, "how many of THESE activities do you do in your work and how often?" This can then help you to compare jobs to each other, in the hopes of finding the one that will have the MOST of your loves, and the LEAST of your loathes.

Hope that helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Doreen! Jessica
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Matthew’s Answer

Hi Jessica,

Your question is a good one and the same one I've struggled with. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do in college so I took a wide variety of subjects to try to help narrow it down. I started off with Genetics (pre-med) but after digging through the course work and talking to other people at different places on the pre-med journey decided becoming a doctor wouldn't be the best fit for me. I then shifted to Computer Science which I really enjoyed but didn't want to be stuck in front of a computer all day for a job (especially when I enjoy playing around with computers in my spare time) so I shifted away from that. Then I decided I wanted to live in Madrid (previously took years of Spanish) so pivoted to a Spanish major and studied abroad in Madrid. While there I decided I really wanted to do International Business but by that point I wasn't able to change major over to business so decided to just graduate in 4 years with a Spanish degree.

I graduated in 2009 and the job market wasn't great so finding a job with a Spanish degree was very difficult. To pay for my student loans, I ended up bar tending at a country club. While there one of the members there convinced me to try a Sales job and put a plan together to go get an MBA if I truly wanted to pursue business. I started off in Retail sales for Verizon and have been with the company ever since. I went back and did my MBA while still doing sales for them, once I completed it I ended up moving to a headquarters role managing Systems for Agents. I've continued to learn and grow through the different career opportunities.

I give all of that background to say that there is no right answer. You'll need to make the tough decision of which path to start down but be open and confident to pivot if you no longer feel that your current journey is the one you want to be on long term. There are so many things that have impacted my journey, and/or things that I said I'd never do that later in life I end up doing. Be open to opportunities & experiences, give them your best shot and follow your gut.

I hope that's helpful and best of luck,

-Matt
Thank you comment icon Thank you sharing your perspective, Matthew! Jessica
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Laura’s Answer

My most honest answer is that your interests and path will evolve over time. I was in a healthcare profession for over 15 years and then did a career pivot into tech and have really enjoyed the journey. Start with where your interests currently lie, and your path will evolve over time as more opportunities and information are presented to you. Enjoy each step of your career journey.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Laura! Jessica
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Kim’s Answer

It's great that you have a variety of interests and experiences! It's important to remember that your career doesn't have to be limited to just one of your interests. You can find a career that incorporates multiple aspects of your passions.

One way to narrow down your interests is to think about what you enjoy doing the most and what comes naturally to you. Consider taking a career assessment test or working with a career counselor to help identify your strengths and interests.

Another approach is to research different careers that align with your interests. Look into job descriptions, required education and training, and potential career paths. You can also reach out to professionals in those fields to learn more about their experiences and gain insight into the industry.

It's also important to consider your values and what is important to you in a career. Do you value work-life balance, job security, or making a positive impact on society? These factors can help guide you towards a career that aligns with your values and goals.

Remember, your career journey is unique to you and may take time to figure out. Don't be afraid to try new things and explore different career paths. With dedication and hard work, you can find a fulfilling career that incorporates your passions and interests. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your advice, Kim! Jessica
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Jim’s Answer

Hello Jessica,

Your question is indeed a fantastic one, and it's something nearly everyone ponders at some point in their lives. In my case, it's a question I revisit every few years.

There are already many insightful responses here. I'll keep my advice straightforward: If a job feels like the right fit, don't hesitate to pursue it. If you're a person of faith, let that guide you. One valuable piece of advice I've received is this: "Don't stress over making the right decision, instead focus on making your decision right." Approaching any situation with this mindset will surely yield positive results.

Since my early 20s, I've held about seven different positions. It's quite rare for someone to stick with a single career from their 20s until retirement. So, whatever your heart and mind are compelling you towards at this moment, chase it. Sure, there might be a few detours along the way, but remember, you can always find your way back to the path.

Wishing you all the best!
Jim
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Jim! Jessica
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Jacquelyn’s Answer

Jessica,
hi. You are still young and have time to decide what is really your passion. I would recommend taking some different classes at the local community college to get your feet wet and then this might give you an idea of what you would like to do. Most people (for whatever the circumstances) end up changing their careers at some point throughout their life. The important thing is to keep learning and develop yourself so that you can see what other things might interest you. Whatever formal education you get provides a foundation for you to be able to pursue your passions while exposing you to a bunch of different areas. I wouldn't limit myself at this point, just continue to grow and learn developing different skills , which will then give you an opportunity to really decide what career you might like to try. Notice I said "try" as you don't need to limit yourself.
You are asking the "right" questions...so now give yourself the opportunity to try different paths before you fully choose your lifetime destiny.
All the best as I know you will go off and do great things in your lifetime!
JP
Thank you comment icon thank you for taking the time to answer my question, thanks for the advice Jacquelyn! Jessica
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Jeff’s Answer

Hi Jessica,

Great question! It's wonderful that you are thinking about your career and future! My first bit of advice is to not put that kind of pressure on yourself! At your stage, you should be trying to figure out what interests you and what you like to do. College is a good way to get the broad exposure. At a four year college, your first two years are mainly liberal arts and foundational classes. It's what got me into my career in computer science. I started in biology ( marine biology as the ultimate goal) and happened to take a programming class.

Keep in mind that whatever path you choose is not cast in concrete. A vast majority of people, as their careers progress, change career paths along the way. The jobs change over time and you will, as well. I always recommend that if someone is not happy in their career, look at other options. You can always switch careers. It might cost a bit as far as level and salary but it's much more important to enjoy what you do.

Relax, enjoy the search and you will find your career and your passion!

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Jeff for the advice. Jessica
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Karthik Kumar’s Answer

Hello Jessica,

Thank you for your thoughtful approach to planning your lifelong career. This proactive attitude is a surefire path to success. Your diverse interests, which span STEM, Language Studies, Anatomy Physiology, Forensics, Physical Fitness, Chemistry, Woodworking, and Medicine, are a testament to your versatility and curiosity.

Each of these fields offers rewarding career paths that are not only financially lucrative but also personally satisfying. For instance, your interest in Physical Fitness could lead you to become a successful entrepreneur by starting your own gym or yoga center. Alternatively, a career in Medicine could allow you to make a difference as a doctor, treating and healing people.

My advice is to identify the field that resonates most with your passion and aligns with your financial and personal aspirations.

You also mentioned your artistic flair. This can be a fantastic avenue for a side venture alongside your primary career. Consider leveraging platforms like YouTube to showcase your artistic talents and fulfill your creative dreams.

I wish you the very best in your career journey!

Warm Regards,
Karthik.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Karthik for your words of advice and encouragement! Jessica
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Kajal’s Answer

Hello Jessica,

You're definitely heading in the right direction by merging your enthusiasm for STEM, Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry into a pursuit of a pharmacy tech career. When contemplating a career, it's crucial to ponder over a few key questions:

1) Do you enjoy social interaction and does it energize you?
2) Are you intrigued by research or academia?
3) How much does lifestyle matter to you?
4) Would you find joy in a career involving outdoor activities and travel?
5) How vital is a fixed schedule to you, like a daytime job or one that could involve night shifts?
6) Would you be open to a physically demanding job or would you prefer a desk job?

I suggest creating a weighted matrix based on these questions.

Next, I recommend seeking out volunteer roles, internships, or part-time jobs in a few areas you've shortlisted. Sometimes, our perception of a profession from the outside can differ greatly from the reality of the job. Maintaining a journal of your experiences, what you've learned, and how it aligns with your identified priorities can be beneficial.

Moreover, try to connect with individuals who have 5, 10, or 15 years of experience in your fields of interest. Engaging with these professionals can provide insight into career progression, challenges, and the aspects of their job that bring them joy. Don't hesitate to ask them if they would be willing to mentor you.

I hope you find this advice beneficial.
Best of luck,
Kajal
Thank you comment icon thank you for the advice, Kajal! Jessica
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Gabrielle’s Answer

Hi! Fellow STEM woman here. I’d recommend attending an accredited Associate’s level college to start. I began my journey at Gwinnett Technical College. I was originally in pre-nursing concentration, but then I fell in love with Bioscience Technology! It then led to a scholarship to a four-year college, in which I attended Kennesaw State University and finished my bachelors in Biology. All that to say, I’m a huge proponent of trade schools, certificates, two year schools, etc. in order to navigate your interests in a less-daunting way. Both mentally and financially alleviated the burden of a four year school, while giving you more of a “ready-to-work” hands-on technical education.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your insight, Gabrielle! Jessica
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Craig’s Answer

Exploring potential careers is an important step in planning your future. Here are some steps you can take to figure out what you want to do as a career:

Self-Assessment:
Identify your interests, values, skills, and passions. What activities do you enjoy? What subjects in school do you excel in? Reflect on what matters to you in a career.

Research Occupations:
Look into different careers to understand their responsibilities, required education, and potential salary. Use online resources, career websites, and speak to professionals in various fields.

Job Shadowing:
Arrange to shadow professionals in fields you find interesting. This hands-on experience can give you a real sense of the day-to-day tasks and environment of a particular job.

Internships and Volunteering:
Participate in internships or volunteer work related to your areas of interest. This provides practical experience and helps you build a network in the industry.

Talk to Career Counselors:
Seek guidance from your school's career counselors. They can provide valuable information, resources, and advice tailored to your interests and abilities.

Take Career Assessment Tests:
Consider taking career assessment tests or personality tests that can provide insights into suitable career paths based on your traits and preferences.

Explore College Majors:
Research different college majors that align with your interests. Many careers have specific educational requirements, so understanding the academic paths can be helpful.

Networking:
Attend career fairs, workshops, and networking events. Connect with professionals and ask them about their career paths. Networking can open doors to opportunities and insights.

Online Courses:
Take online courses or workshops in areas you find intriguing. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of specific fields and enhance your skills.

Stay Informed:
Stay updated on industry trends, advancements, and the job market. Being informed can help you make decisions based on current and future demands.

Set Goals:
Establish short-term and long-term goals. This can help you stay focused on your aspirations and make informed decisions about your education and career path.

Remember, it's normal for career interests to evolve over time. Stay open-minded, explore different options, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, teachers, and professionals.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I look forward to the future, thank you, Criag! Jessica
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Bhupendra’s Answer

Ah, what a wonderful and thoughtful question! Discovering a lifelong career that aligns with your passions and interests can be a journey. It's great that you have various interests and experiences to draw from. Here are some suggestions to help you narrow down your options and explore a fulfilling career:

Reflect on your experiences: Think about the activities, internships, and travel experiences you mentioned. What aspects did you enjoy most? What skills did you use or develop during these experiences? How did they make you feel?

Identify common themes: Look for patterns among your interests. For example, STEM, anatomy, physiology, and medicine all relate to healthcare. Language studies and woodworking may speak to your creative side.

Explore career options: Research careers that align with your interests and themes. Look into job descriptions, required education or training, and growth prospects. You might find some unexpected career paths that combine your interests in unique ways.

Job shadow or intern: Try to gain hands-on experience in your desired fields. This will help you gain insight into day-to-day tasks and determine if a particular career feels right for you.

Talk to professionals: Network with people in your desired fields. Ask about their experiences, challenges, and advice. This will give you valuable insights into the realities of different careers.

Consider personality traits: In addition to your interests, think about your personality traits. Are you introverted or extroverted? Do you enjoy working independently or as part of a team?

Take career assessments: Utilize online resources like personality tests (e.g., Myers-Briggs) and career assessments (e.g., Holland Occupational Themes). These can help identify potential career paths that fit your interests and personality.

Keep exploring and learning: Don't feel pressured to settle on one career path immediately. Continue learning and exploring through online courses, workshops, or volunteering. This will help you refine your interests and develop new skills.

Remember, finding the right career path is a journey, and it's okay to take your time. Embrace your curiosity and passions, and don't be afraid to pivot or explore new opportunities as you grow. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much for your time and encouragement, thank you, Bhupendra! Jessica
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Jerome’s Answer

I think it’s rare that people find their “dream” job and if they do, with changing over time, sometimes things we love today are just memories tomorrow:

I’m recommend deciding what is important to you. Is it making money? Is it giving back? Is it learning and growing? From there, attend career fairs and interview people regarding their jobs. With so many options out there, you are bound to find something you’ll enjoy.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice Jerome Jessica
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Mary Ann’s Answer

Hi Jessica,
Choosing a career can be a tricky thing. The reason I say that is because the world is always changing and new careers become available on a regular basis. And, as you grow and experience more of the world, your interests will change too. So, for now, I recommend you think about the next 5 to 7 years. What are the things you enjoy doing now and what are the skills you want to use on a regular basis? If you're not sure, here's an exercise that might help.

Think about three experiences where you believe you showed up as your best self and are really proud of what you did. They can be personal, work related, a group activity. Once you have your 3 experiences, for each experience, describe what happened, what was accomplished, what your role was and the specifics about what you did. Once you have completed this, compare the three experiences to see what skills show up in all three examples. Maybe you'll notice things like working with a group, analyzing a situation, creating something. Whatever you notice, these are likely the kinds of things you would enjoy doing on a regular basis at a job. Knowing this information can help you to look for careers where you get to use these kinds of skills.

Also, remember, whatever you decide to do, you can change your mind. As I said, the world is always changes and your interests will likely change over time too. So, if you decide you want to pursue Pharmacy Tech now, maybe you also spend some time doing woodworking on the side. And then, after building your wordworking skill, maybe you decide to work part-time in Pharmacy and start a woodworking business where you design and build furniture. My point is, you can do more than 1 thing in your life.

Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this, thank you Marry Ann! Jessica
Thank you comment icon You're very welcome. Mary Ann Higgs
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Maria’s Answer

Hello Jessica! I trust you're doing well. You've posed an excellent question, one that many people grapple with when considering their lifelong career. Here's a suggestion: why not start with a career that aligns with your interests? You can always switch gears later if you find something else that piques your interest. The key is to find joy in what you do, as we spend a considerable chunk of our lives at work!

Take my journey as an example. I started off as a teacher, then went back to school and transitioned into Human Resources. The beauty of working in a field like HR, especially in a diverse company like mine, is the multitude of career paths available. It's entirely possible to switch and explore new roles!

One effective way to figure out if a career is right for you is through internships or informational interviews. Reach out to people in your network or even on LinkedIn, and ask them about their jobs and a day in their life. This could provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

I'm rooting for you, Jessica, and wish you nothing but success on your career journey.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Maria Jessica
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Brad’s Answer

Hi Jessica,

Great question. Personally when I started my career out of college, I was in a similar space. I chose to learn technology and pursue sales. I liked that everyday is different and it gives me continuous learning opportunities. I would say do not hesitate to learn something new and spend time with mentors to take in feedback and apply it. Make sure whatever path you take you enjoy doing the work, nothing could be worse that not wanting to go to work or put in 100%. It would make you days horrible and I wouldn’t want that for anyone.

Brad recommends the following next steps:

I suggest reaching out to some potential mentors via LinkedIn and find out the pros and cons to different positions and companies. It is important to find a good fit for you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the recommendation, Brad! Jessica
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Manuel’s Answer

Hi Jessica,

for me, the answer can be quite simple: look for a job that does not seem like a job for you. That way you will be enjoying at least 8 hours a day.

Good luck,
Manuel
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Manuel, this is helpful! Jessica
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Jacklyn’s Answer

Absolutely, go for internships that ignite your passion! Remember, the guidance counselors at your college are always there to assist you in discovering internships that align with your interests. They're a great resource, so don't hesitate to reach out to them!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Jessica
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Brandon’s Answer

I am 46 and still not sure what I want to do when I grow up. One thing to consider is whatever you choose, make sure the company is the right fit. It can get you through a lot of stress and monotony that comes with any job, if you love your co-workers and know that the people you work for have your back. If you can vent with people that are going through the same stuff, but ultimately have the same goals of being successful, it will get you through many days, and make the good days and the rewarding parts that much more enjoyable.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this, thank you, Brandon! Jessica
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Thao’s Answer

Hey Jessica,

Just like Nick and Michelle suggested, and from my experience of over 13 years in various roles in education - as a teacher, mentor, marketer, admissions officer, recruiter, and as a fellow university graduate - I'm still pondering over that crucial question: how to pinpoint my career passion and create a career that lasts a lifetime.

I guess the answer might be found in what you want to be known for. For instance, after many years mentoring high school students on selecting their university majors, I found that being acknowledged as a "great mentor" gives me a sense of satisfaction and motivation. Therefore, I'm keen on enhancing my skills and knowledge to become an even better mentor at the university level.

The next thing to consider is, what kind of lifestyle do you prefer? This is crucial because certain industries and roles might offer you a hefty paycheck but could also demand a lot of your time, impact your health, and even strain your relationships with family, friends, and significant others. Some jobs, on the other hand, might be less demanding, allowing you to maintain a better work-life balance.

Your efforts to explore and gain experience are commendable, and I urge you to keep going for a certain period (depending on your personal objectives). It's never too late or too early to commit to something, as long as it contributes to your skill development, experience, happiness, and health. So, my advice is to fully immerse yourself in whatever you do. You might not yet know what satisfies you more - financial or emotional rewards, but eventually, you'll reach a point where you understand what truly makes you content.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Thao
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Thao for your insight. I'll take this to heart as I peruse may career opportunities. Jessica
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Karen’s Answer

Congratulations on all you have accomplished! Already you are on the road to success.

Most people end up having more than one career in their lifetime. I managed a travel department, led a training program, managed a nonprofit and now being retired am involved in quite a variety of volunteer activities doing things I've never done before. During each of these, I was passionate about what I was doing and when that passion seemed to decrease, I moved on to something else. So where you begin will not necessarily determine where you end up.

With your adventurous spirit, you can choose one that sounds appealing and go for it. Take time to enjoy life and give back to others.

With every good wish.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Karen! Jessica
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