9 answers
Maggie
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
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How do I choose a career based on my interests?
I am trying to get my associates degree in highschool, but I don't know what career to pursue afterwards. Any suggestions?
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9 answers
Linda Mire
Interior Design
67
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Linda’s Answer
If you were independently wealthy and didn't have to work , what would you do with you free time that you enjoy? Figure that out and find a career that allows you to do just that. By
Julia H
Financial Analyst
6
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Maggie,
I think you should think of what your biggest strengths are in terms of academics as well as soft skills (work well in teams, great at speaking, detail oriented?). Then you can look at lists of common majors and careers to eliminate anything that you are or are not interested in. If there are any fields that interest you even a little bit, I recommend diving into the types of jobs that are offered (doesn't have to be common).
I think you should think of what your biggest strengths are in terms of academics as well as soft skills (work well in teams, great at speaking, detail oriented?). Then you can look at lists of common majors and careers to eliminate anything that you are or are not interested in. If there are any fields that interest you even a little bit, I recommend diving into the types of jobs that are offered (doesn't have to be common).
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. The most important is to find the careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you so much!
Maggie
Marlyce Campbell
Respiratory Therapist
42
Answers
WaKeeney, Kansas
Updated
Marlyce’s Answer
Hello Maggie,
It's fantastic that you're considering your career path while still in high school. I'd recommend scheduling a meeting with your career or school counselor. They can assist you in arranging job shadowing opportunities in fields that pique your interest. This will allow you to directly ask professionals about the benefits and drawbacks of their jobs. They can also provide valuable advice on potential schools, grants, or scholarships.
Speaking from personal experience, I obtained my EMT certification during my senior year of high school with plans to become a paramedic. However, the EMS director saw potential in me for a different role. He suggested I shadow a Respiratory Therapist, and I found that I really enjoyed it. I pursued this path and became a Respiratory Therapist, while still working on the ambulance. This decision opened many doors for me and greatly benefited my career.
Best of luck on your journey!
It's fantastic that you're considering your career path while still in high school. I'd recommend scheduling a meeting with your career or school counselor. They can assist you in arranging job shadowing opportunities in fields that pique your interest. This will allow you to directly ask professionals about the benefits and drawbacks of their jobs. They can also provide valuable advice on potential schools, grants, or scholarships.
Speaking from personal experience, I obtained my EMT certification during my senior year of high school with plans to become a paramedic. However, the EMS director saw potential in me for a different role. He suggested I shadow a Respiratory Therapist, and I found that I really enjoyed it. I pursued this path and became a Respiratory Therapist, while still working on the ambulance. This decision opened many doors for me and greatly benefited my career.
Best of luck on your journey!
Kami Adkins
Operational Excellence
2
Answers
Tyler, Texas
Updated
Kami’s Answer
Great that you are reaching out to others to stimulate your thought process!
This is a fun exercise to try that can get as big as you want:
1) Brainstorm on what you love to do. What are you really good at and comes natural to you that you are willing to do for free? Of course, you'll need to find a career connected to it, but if you love what you do then it's not work.
2) If you're having trouble coming up with that, think of when someone went out of their way to tell you how good of a job you did on something?
3) Look into LinkedIn and see if some of these key words come up in a skill search.
4) Research the job to see what industry these jobs are typically found.
5) Then look for network opportunities. Ask family, friends, church members if they know anyone in these professions and if they can connect you to interview someone on how they got to where they are in their career. Then ask how they would recommend you approach your education. People love to talk about what they do if they love their job.
When you find your career of interest see if there are internships with them and network, network, network. Even if it is uncomfortable at first, find an organization or local social group that is connected to your area of interest. Look for internship opportunities to gain references and experience that employers like to see on your resume.
This is a fun exercise to try that can get as big as you want:
1) Brainstorm on what you love to do. What are you really good at and comes natural to you that you are willing to do for free? Of course, you'll need to find a career connected to it, but if you love what you do then it's not work.
2) If you're having trouble coming up with that, think of when someone went out of their way to tell you how good of a job you did on something?
3) Look into LinkedIn and see if some of these key words come up in a skill search.
4) Research the job to see what industry these jobs are typically found.
5) Then look for network opportunities. Ask family, friends, church members if they know anyone in these professions and if they can connect you to interview someone on how they got to where they are in their career. Then ask how they would recommend you approach your education. People love to talk about what they do if they love their job.
When you find your career of interest see if there are internships with them and network, network, network. Even if it is uncomfortable at first, find an organization or local social group that is connected to your area of interest. Look for internship opportunities to gain references and experience that employers like to see on your resume.
Richard Tracy - IMBA
Sales
12
Answers
Batavia, Illinois
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Congratulations, it sure sounds like you are thinking of this and planning strategically.
The key here is what are your long-term goals and short-term goals and where do your interests and skills meet if you compare them to a chart showing top-paying jobs to people with that skillset?
Find a list of top-paying jobs in your target market for grads with Associate Degrees, do those resonate with your skills?
Interests are harder to align, especially when we are new to the job market, often people travel or give up pay to work in areas they are truly interested in. This is not a good strategy; we work to earn money, we have hobbies and interests for the periods after work. Your long-term goal should be to have a great career that pays well and allows you both financial freedom and personal time to pursue your interests.
Then as you begin your career earning a reliable income as well as health care insurance and benefits, start to aggressively join meetups, etc. in your area to collaborate with your peers who do share your interests and aspirations, maybe you can all invest in a business together.
The key here is what are your long-term goals and short-term goals and where do your interests and skills meet if you compare them to a chart showing top-paying jobs to people with that skillset?
Find a list of top-paying jobs in your target market for grads with Associate Degrees, do those resonate with your skills?
Interests are harder to align, especially when we are new to the job market, often people travel or give up pay to work in areas they are truly interested in. This is not a good strategy; we work to earn money, we have hobbies and interests for the periods after work. Your long-term goal should be to have a great career that pays well and allows you both financial freedom and personal time to pursue your interests.
Then as you begin your career earning a reliable income as well as health care insurance and benefits, start to aggressively join meetups, etc. in your area to collaborate with your peers who do share your interests and aspirations, maybe you can all invest in a business together.
Thank you!
Maggie
Joel Chavez
Client Executive at Verizon
10
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Joel’s Answer
Absolutely, it's essential to approach this with a practical mindset. Consider what truly captivates you beyond your everyday tasks. If there's something in your life that sparks your passion, explore all the potential careers that could stem from this interest. For instance, when I was around 15, I found myself deeply fascinated by technology. I began to immerse myself in every bit of information I could find, subscribing to pertinent industry magazines, and enrolling in tech courses.
Following this, the path to my career became clear. If you're fervent enough about something, the right career will naturally find you.
If you're unsure about your future career path, don't fret. Once you graduate, you can start with any job. The beauty of life is that as you go about your daily work and routines, you'll inevitably stumble upon potential careers that perfectly align with your interests.
Following this, the path to my career became clear. If you're fervent enough about something, the right career will naturally find you.
If you're unsure about your future career path, don't fret. Once you graduate, you can start with any job. The beauty of life is that as you go about your daily work and routines, you'll inevitably stumble upon potential careers that perfectly align with your interests.
Alla Gonzalez
16
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Alla’s Answer
Hi Maggie! Great question! An old adage says 'Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.' so you are definitely on the right track when you think of your future work in terms of what is a good fit for you as a person.
The first job you get out of school probably won't be something you do your whole life. Neither the second or third and such. Switching careers may be tricky but it's not impossible, so you may want to experience several different industries before you find something that brings you joy longterm.
You mentioned you want to find a path based on your interests which is a great first step. Take an inventory of what you are interested in and what your values are. Based on that, there may be work areas which your eliminate right away. Like, for example, if sustainability and environment are important for you, there are several careers where you might not want to go because they will not match what's important for you.
After you narrow it down, I'd definitely recommend talking to people who already work in these areas. It is even better if you can shadow them for a day and see what it's like to do what they do day in and day out.
Then, you can drill down further by looking up job opportunities and salary ranges in your preferred field.
I am wishing you all the best on this journey! You have some exciting decisions and learnings ahead of you and you can make it a great experience for yourself. You got it!
The first job you get out of school probably won't be something you do your whole life. Neither the second or third and such. Switching careers may be tricky but it's not impossible, so you may want to experience several different industries before you find something that brings you joy longterm.
You mentioned you want to find a path based on your interests which is a great first step. Take an inventory of what you are interested in and what your values are. Based on that, there may be work areas which your eliminate right away. Like, for example, if sustainability and environment are important for you, there are several careers where you might not want to go because they will not match what's important for you.
After you narrow it down, I'd definitely recommend talking to people who already work in these areas. It is even better if you can shadow them for a day and see what it's like to do what they do day in and day out.
Then, you can drill down further by looking up job opportunities and salary ranges in your preferred field.
I am wishing you all the best on this journey! You have some exciting decisions and learnings ahead of you and you can make it a great experience for yourself. You got it!
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
140
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Great question!
Here are some resources that might help you explore your interests and how they can lead to careers
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/interest-assessment.aspx
You can also look at careers through https://www.onetonline.org/
It helps to talk with your high school counselor as well!
Hope this helps!
Here are some resources that might help you explore your interests and how they can lead to careers
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/interest-assessment.aspx
You can also look at careers through https://www.onetonline.org/
It helps to talk with your high school counselor as well!
Hope this helps!