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As 11th grader,I can't seem to figure out what career path?

As an 11th grader, I can't seem to figure out what career path to choose even after trying so hard?
I'm in 11th right now with medical stream as my father wants me to become a doctor but i don't think I want to become a doctor?

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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Mateo,

Deciding on a career path in your junior year of high school can seem daunting. It's crucial to take into account your passions, talents, and principles as you ponder future professions. Here's a practical guide to help you navigate your career journey:

Introspection: Begin with a deep dive into your hobbies, talents, and principles. What do you love to do during your leisure time? Which school subjects do you excel in? What principles do you hold dear in a profession? Your answers to these questions can guide you towards career options that resonate with your passions and talents.

Investigation: With a clearer picture of your interests and talents, you can start investigating professions that match them. Explore the responsibilities, necessary education and training, salary ranges, and job prospects for various professions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a useful tool for this investigation.

Hands-on experience: Engage in activities like job shadowing, internships, or part-time work to gain firsthand experience in a specific field. This will give you a realistic view of what it's like to work in a particular profession and help you decide if it's the right fit for you.

Career guidance: Consider consulting a career counselor who can help you delve into your interests, evaluate your skills, and offer advice on potential career paths. Many high schools provide career counselors, or you can locate a private career counselor online.

Academic planning: Once you've pinpointed a potential career path, consider the education and training necessary to follow that profession.

Look into the types of degrees or certifications required and investigate colleges or universities that provide those programs.
Open-mindedness: It's crucial to remain open-minded while exploring career paths. You might discover that a profession you hadn't previously considered is an ideal match for you.

In relation to your father's desire for you to become a doctor, it's vital to engage in a frank discussion with him about your thoughts and feelings.

Clarify why you don't believe becoming a doctor is the right choice for you and propose other career options that align with your interests and talents.

He might have worries or doubts, but hearing his viewpoint and collaborating to find a solution can alleviate any strain and ensure that you choose a profession that brings you joy and satisfaction.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
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Larry’s Answer

Mateo -- it is too early for you to be concerned about selecting a career path. For the present, look at your strengths and interests and build upon them. When you do enter the work force, it may take a trial and error approach to understand the career path that gives you satisfaction and allows you to lead a full life.

You may learn that your interests outside of your work life are more important and rewarding than your work. That is to say that you may end up selecting a career that gives you the best opportunity to engage in your non-work interests.

For now, look at what you are good at, and continue to improve upon those skills and interests. Answers will come as you proceed.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. The most important is to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. 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, banker, engineer, 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 counsellor, 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!
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Mack’s Answer

Hi Mateo,

Your high school counselor is a great starting point when it comes to figuring out your career path. Regardless of which school you're at, for instance, Clements High School in Sugar Land, your counselor is ready to assist. They typically arrange meetings with juniors to discuss future plans. You may be able to have one-on-one sessions during lunch hours by visiting the counseling office. Counselors are skilled in helping students understand their skills and interests.

Also, consider having a chat with your parents about their suggestions and your likes. Other family members, your priest, coach, or even your favorite teacher can provide useful advice.

Remember, choosing a career path is a significant decision, but you're not alone in this!
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Diane’s Answer

Hi Mateo,
There is a lot of good advice coming your way. I would add 2 things:

As a pediatrician, I love what I do, but I recognize it is long road and requires a lifetime of study and giving of your time. Know that being a physician isn't the only way into the field of medicine. Other options would include paramedic, nursing, physician assistant and nurse practitioner.

Secondly, I am a firm believer in a gap year or two when you are unsure of your path. Hopefully, you have a long life ahead of you, and few years to mature and find what you love to do is never time wasted. Get a job in a hospital or office as a medical scribe and you will have exposure to many aspects of medicine. Travel our country and work your way through as a waiter, or travel internationally and pay your way as an English tutor. Seeing how others live may help you figure out what you might like to do, or what you know you have no desire to ever do.

Colleges like gap year students - they are more mature, better understand what they want from their education and work hard/party less. You would have the option of applying in your senior year and deferring admission, or applying after a year working in the real world.

Good luck figuring out your next steps. And remember, no experience is ever wasted and no job/profession is necessarily permanent.
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Arianna’s Answer

I hope you're doing well! I see that you're feeling uncertain about your future career path, especially with the pressure from your father to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in medicine. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by such expectations, especially when you're still exploring your interests and passions!

I want you to know that it's okay to feel unsure about your career path at this stage in your life. You have plenty of time to explore different options and find a path that truly resonates with you. Here are a few things to consider as you navigate through this decision-making process:

Reflect on Your Interests and Passions: Take some time to reflect on what truly excites and motivates you. What subjects do you enjoy studying? What hobbies or activities do you find fulfilling? Your interests and passions can provide valuable clues about potential career paths that align with your strengths and values.

Explore Different Career Options: Don't feel limited by your father's expectations or societal pressures. Take the time to explore a wide range of career options and industries that interest you. Research different fields, job roles, and educational pathways to gain a better understanding of what each career entails.

Consider Your Skills and Strengths: Identify your strengths, skills, and natural talents. What are you good at? What activities or tasks come easily to you? Remember that there are many career paths that can utilize your unique strengths and abilities.

Seek Guidance and Support: Consider seeking guidance from a school counselor, mentor, or career advisor who can offer unbiased support and advice. You can always let your father know that while you appreciate his advice and guidance, you want to explore different options that align with your own interests and goals. Parents just want whats best for us!

Keep an Open Mind: Stay open-minded and flexible as you explore different career paths. You may discover new interests and opportunities along the way that you hadn't considered before. Remember that it's okay to change your mind and pursue a different path if your interests evolve over time.

Remember, It's Okay Not to Know Yet: It's perfectly normal to not have your career path figured out while you're still in high school. Many people don't discover their true calling until they're in college or beyond. Consider using your college years to explore different subjects & career paths by taking a variety of classes that interest you. You might discover a passion you never knew you had!

Hope this helps, take care!
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Tahmina’s Answer

Hi Mateo, this is very normal and expected! You have a lot of time to figure out what you want to do. I’m a 43 year-old ex-software developer, now pediatrician and pediatric infectious disease fellow, and I am still trying to figure out my exact career path! One fun way to explore may be job shadowing. If you know someone who has a career you’re interested in, ask them if you can shadow them for a day or two so you can see what a typical day at work looks like for them. This is actually required as part of medical school application. Being a doctor is very rewarding, but also an extremely difficult journey which can very hard on you, as well as your friends and family. It’s great that you’re being so thoughtful about this!
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Kelly’s Answer

I relate to your question so much because I still question where my career path should evolve. Wondering what career path to choose can definitely feel daunting, especially if you're assuming there's one correct option. In my experience, a career path doesn't need to be a straight line. All experiences can shape your career so my best advice would be to start experimenting.

I chose to enter college with an 'Undecided' major and focused on taking business courses since I found them most interesting. I also sought internships and student organisations to get some insight into possible jobs/careers. In my first two internships, I easily decided that these weren't something I wanted to do in the future. I didn't see these as negative experiences, because they helped me focus in on the actual aspects of the work that I liked or disliked and I learned things about different industries, sectors and myself with each internship.

By my third internship, I found consulting which offered me challenging work, variety, team collaboration and an opportunity to travel. This career path continues to evolve as I find specific specializations or projects that I enjoy working in. I've taken on different roles within my same company to continue to iterate on the career opportunities that I find most interesting.

You don't need to know definitively what your career path should be as an 11th grader or even halfway through your career. Being open and agile with change will allow you to continue adjusting your path with your skills and interests. Don't stress about getting it right from the start, just get started experimenting and adjust when needed.
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Linda’s Answer

I have answered this question a few times and I understand how important it feels and sometimes how impossible it is to figure out, that being said this is my only solution. If you were independently wealthy and did not have to work, what would you do with your time that you enjoyed most now figure that out then find a job that will pay you to do just that.
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Amrit’s Answer

From my personal journey, I found college to be a fantastic guide in helping me choose the right career path and major. The beauty of American colleges is their flexibility. You don't need to decide on your major until the end of your second year, known as the Sophomore year. This gives you a fantastic two-year window to dip your toes into a variety of fields through different classes. It's a great opportunity to discover what truly sparks your interest and aligns with your skills. This way, you can choose a career that you're not only passionate about, but also one where you can really shine and thrive.
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Gabriela’s Answer

Dear Mateo,

Deciding on a career path can indeed be challenging due to the multitude of options available. Consider exploring opportunities for internships in the medical field or areas of interest to gain valuable experience and insight. If your school has a counselor or dean available, scheduling a meeting to discuss your options could be beneficial.

Best regards,
Gabriela
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