8 answers
Aaru
Student
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
4
Questions
Asked
474 views
How do i choose what career path to take??
I will be going in 9th grade this year most of my friends have already decided what their career will be and what they will do in the future. I, however, have not and no matter how much i try i still cant decide. To be honest, i had never taken this seriously considering our age which i thought is too young. Should I ?? How?
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8 answers
Fatima Nixon
Recruiter
3
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Fatima’s Answer
You may need to try several jobs before you decide on the right career path for you. And that's fine. That's what I did and also I know many people who have a 'squiggly career path'. The squiggly career path is the concept to outline the fact that it is ok not to follow the conventional career ladder - your career may take several paths.
I recommend you study what you enjoy and that may help lead you to your own squiggly career path. You may try different jobs and then find the right place to you.
I recommend you study what you enjoy and that may help lead you to your own squiggly career path. You may try different jobs and then find the right place to you.
Louise Patrick MCIPD
HR Manager
5
Answers
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Louise’s Answer
You've received some fantastic guidance here! I just want to chime in with a friendly reminder - don't measure yourself against others. Some folks have their life's path figured out early on, while others simply go with the flow and see where life's journey leads them. Remember, having a career isn't a must for everyone. Best of luck to you!
Sarah Castro
Teacher
2
Answers
Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Aaru- thank you for raising this important question! I promise you, even at times when it feels like all your peers have clear paths before them, many are likely asking themselves similar questions even if they don't voice them aloud. Choosing a career path is an important decision and it is easy to feel like you have to have everything figured out right now, but I promise you have a lifetime of opportunities to dream and reimagine how you want your professional life to play out. You are never too young or too old to consider your career path, but it is also okay to put your focus on your studies and any extracurricular activities that excite you right now. These can serve as excellent tools to lead you toward paths that might be a good fit.
Ultimately, part of what makes this question feel overwhelming at times, is that no one else can answer it for you. It is a deeply personal question that you get to answer based on your own interests, skills, passions, and desires. That being said, there are a number of strategies you might consider using to make the discernment process feel more manageable.
1.) Do some self exploration: Ask yourself what is important to you. What do you value? What excites you? Where do your passions lie? Does being with people all day energize or drain you? What kind of life do you envision for yourself someday outside of work? Is money particularly important to you? Is family a priority? Consider these and many other questions to start narrowing down what is important to you as an individual.
2.) Use the vast array of resources that are available: I have used this free career focused resource from the state of California in my classroom to give students a place to start (https://www.cacareerzone.org). You will find self-assessment tools, profiles for hundreds of different occupations, information about advanced education that might be necessary to achieve certain career goals, and different pathway recommendations based on your interests. Remember, this is just a tool to give you basic information. You ultimately make the decisions.
3.) Talk with the people in your life who know you the best and who you trust. Lean on your family members, teachers, mentors, coaches, religious leaders, etc. Anyone in your life who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. Sometimes these are the people who can call out areas of genius in us that we cannot always see ourselves. Allow these trusted people to be a sounding board in your discernment.
Remember, you do not need to have everything figured out tomorrow. You are already well on your way, asking the right questions and seeking guidance from a community of professionals. Use your resources, be confident in who you are, and ultimately know that careers grow, develop, and change all the time. There is not one perfect answer, just the answer that you determine is best for you and your goals.
Ultimately, part of what makes this question feel overwhelming at times, is that no one else can answer it for you. It is a deeply personal question that you get to answer based on your own interests, skills, passions, and desires. That being said, there are a number of strategies you might consider using to make the discernment process feel more manageable.
1.) Do some self exploration: Ask yourself what is important to you. What do you value? What excites you? Where do your passions lie? Does being with people all day energize or drain you? What kind of life do you envision for yourself someday outside of work? Is money particularly important to you? Is family a priority? Consider these and many other questions to start narrowing down what is important to you as an individual.
2.) Use the vast array of resources that are available: I have used this free career focused resource from the state of California in my classroom to give students a place to start (https://www.cacareerzone.org). You will find self-assessment tools, profiles for hundreds of different occupations, information about advanced education that might be necessary to achieve certain career goals, and different pathway recommendations based on your interests. Remember, this is just a tool to give you basic information. You ultimately make the decisions.
3.) Talk with the people in your life who know you the best and who you trust. Lean on your family members, teachers, mentors, coaches, religious leaders, etc. Anyone in your life who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. Sometimes these are the people who can call out areas of genius in us that we cannot always see ourselves. Allow these trusted people to be a sounding board in your discernment.
Remember, you do not need to have everything figured out tomorrow. You are already well on your way, asking the right questions and seeking guidance from a community of professionals. Use your resources, be confident in who you are, and ultimately know that careers grow, develop, and change all the time. There is not one perfect answer, just the answer that you determine is best for you and your goals.
Thank you for the advice.
Aaru
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an engineer, banker, accountant, 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 have interest
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
You are only in Year 9, you still have time. You can finalize your decision at Y12 or 13.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, musical artist, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an engineer, banker, accountant, 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 have interest
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
You are only in Year 9, you still have time. You can finalize your decision at Y12 or 13.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you for the advice, Rebecca.
Aaru
Karen Ho , CA
Finance Director
12
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Karen’s Answer
It's completely okay to be unsure about your future at this stage. My own 17-year-old daughter is still figuring out what she wants to study at university and what career path she wants to follow. My advice to her, and to you as well, is that it's perfectly fine to be indecisive at this age. You're still exploring different fields and discovering your passions and strengths. If you can, try to pursue broad academic courses and degrees that allow you the flexibility to change your mind in the future.
It's a good idea to start pondering now about your strengths and interests. Are you skilled with your hands? Do you enjoy reading and researching? Are you drawn to the arts? Do you have a passion for sports? Or do you find sciences or business fascinating?
If you have the opportunity, consider doing internships or short-term projects in different fields. This will give you a chance to experience various disciplines firsthand and learn from professionals in the field. It's also beneficial to have conversations with as many people as you can. This will broaden your perspective and could potentially spark an interest in something you hadn't considered before.
Also, think about what's realistically achievable for you, both academically and in terms of opportunities. Sometimes, even if you have a dream career in mind, you might encounter obstacles. In such cases, it's good to have a backup plan or consider different paths. That's why it's crucial to have conversations with as many people as possible, including your parents and teachers, to explore all your options.
Remember, it's your journey, and you're bound to find your path soon. Good luck, and remember, the world is full of possibilities waiting for you to discover them!
It's a good idea to start pondering now about your strengths and interests. Are you skilled with your hands? Do you enjoy reading and researching? Are you drawn to the arts? Do you have a passion for sports? Or do you find sciences or business fascinating?
If you have the opportunity, consider doing internships or short-term projects in different fields. This will give you a chance to experience various disciplines firsthand and learn from professionals in the field. It's also beneficial to have conversations with as many people as you can. This will broaden your perspective and could potentially spark an interest in something you hadn't considered before.
Also, think about what's realistically achievable for you, both academically and in terms of opportunities. Sometimes, even if you have a dream career in mind, you might encounter obstacles. In such cases, it's good to have a backup plan or consider different paths. That's why it's crucial to have conversations with as many people as possible, including your parents and teachers, to explore all your options.
Remember, it's your journey, and you're bound to find your path soon. Good luck, and remember, the world is full of possibilities waiting for you to discover them!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Aaru
Molly Sly
Talent Acquisition Manager
31
Answers
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Updated
Molly’s Answer
You've got some great answers and advice up above. The other thing I would suggest it asking adults in your life what they do for their job. And then asking them if they like it, what skillsets they needed and would they recommend it to you? You are so young, and there are so many career paths out there that you might never have heard of. So if I were you I would make it my goal to ask every professional I come across a bit about their job. Once you get a few ideas that you want to explore, you can go to YouTube and search for "day in the life" and whatever job you want to know about. You'll see lots of videos from people sharing what a "day in the life" is like for them in their job.
Don't feel too stressed! You are young and have time now to explore your options and your passions.
Good luck and have fun! Molly
Don't feel too stressed! You are young and have time now to explore your options and your passions.
Good luck and have fun! Molly
Bart Skura
TA Director
1
Answer
Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Bart’s Answer
Firstly, identify your passions and interests. If you're a student, consider which subjects captivate you the most. Reflect on the subjects that align with your natural learning style. I recommend concentrating on your strengths initially, rather than expending energy on improving areas that don't resonate with your inherent style.
Make use of online psychometric tools, many of which are free, to determine your MBTI or Insight Discovery type. There's nothing more beneficial than understanding yourself better. Begin with self-reflection. Numerous online tests also provide career suggestions based on your personality type.
Keep an eye on market trends regarding professions, using reliable sources such as the World Economic Forum. Engage in extensive reading. Research the educational qualifications and expertise required for specific roles that interest you.
Invest a significant amount of time in planning and research before making any decisions. This will ensure that you are well-informed and prepared for the career path you choose.
Make use of online psychometric tools, many of which are free, to determine your MBTI or Insight Discovery type. There's nothing more beneficial than understanding yourself better. Begin with self-reflection. Numerous online tests also provide career suggestions based on your personality type.
Keep an eye on market trends regarding professions, using reliable sources such as the World Economic Forum. Engage in extensive reading. Research the educational qualifications and expertise required for specific roles that interest you.
Invest a significant amount of time in planning and research before making any decisions. This will ensure that you are well-informed and prepared for the career path you choose.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Aaru,
Deciding on a Career Path in 9th Grade
As a 9th grader, standing at the crossroads of choosing a career path, feeling unsure and overwhelmed is completely natural. Remember, it's perfectly fine not to have all the answers at this stage. Here are some practical steps and considerations to guide you through this crucial decision-making process:
Self-Inspection: Initiate your journey by introspecting your interests, strengths, values, and ambitions. Think about the subjects you love, activities that bring joy, and the kind of difference you wish to make in the world. This self-awareness can lead you towards potential career paths that align with your personality.
Investigate Various Paths: Spend time investigating a wide range of career options through research, internships, volunteering, or engaging with professionals from diverse fields. This direct experience can offer a clearer picture of what each career involves and whether it aligns with your interests and goals.
Reach Out for Advice: Don't shy away from seeking advice from teachers, counselors, parents, or mentors. Their experiences can provide valuable insights, help you streamline your thoughts, explore different options, and support you during this significant decision-making process.
Establish Goals: Think about setting short-term and long-term goals. These goals can keep you focused, driven, and on the right path as you strive towards building a career that aligns with your dreams. Remember, goals can change over time, so feel free to modify them as you discover more about yourself and the world.
Embrace Openness: Maintain an open mind and be ready to seize new opportunities and tackle challenges. Your career path might not always be straightforward, and being flexible and open to change can lead to unforeseen but gratifying experiences.
Be Patient: Keep in mind that selecting a career path is a journey that requires time. Feeling uncertain or changing your mind as you evolve and learn more about yourself is perfectly normal. Be kind to yourself and trust that through exploration and self-discovery, you will find the path that suits you best.
In summary, it's perfectly okay not to have your entire career planned out at this stage. Take time to discover your interests, seek advice, set personal goals, remain open-minded, and remember that it's perfectly fine to take your time in making this significant decision.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The Balance Careers: Offers extensive career development advice for individuals at all stages of their professional journey.
The Muse: Provides expert insights and resources on career planning, job search strategies, and personal growth.
CareerOneStop: A U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored website offering tools and resources for exploring various careers, educational paths, and training opportunities.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Deciding on a Career Path in 9th Grade
As a 9th grader, standing at the crossroads of choosing a career path, feeling unsure and overwhelmed is completely natural. Remember, it's perfectly fine not to have all the answers at this stage. Here are some practical steps and considerations to guide you through this crucial decision-making process:
Self-Inspection: Initiate your journey by introspecting your interests, strengths, values, and ambitions. Think about the subjects you love, activities that bring joy, and the kind of difference you wish to make in the world. This self-awareness can lead you towards potential career paths that align with your personality.
Investigate Various Paths: Spend time investigating a wide range of career options through research, internships, volunteering, or engaging with professionals from diverse fields. This direct experience can offer a clearer picture of what each career involves and whether it aligns with your interests and goals.
Reach Out for Advice: Don't shy away from seeking advice from teachers, counselors, parents, or mentors. Their experiences can provide valuable insights, help you streamline your thoughts, explore different options, and support you during this significant decision-making process.
Establish Goals: Think about setting short-term and long-term goals. These goals can keep you focused, driven, and on the right path as you strive towards building a career that aligns with your dreams. Remember, goals can change over time, so feel free to modify them as you discover more about yourself and the world.
Embrace Openness: Maintain an open mind and be ready to seize new opportunities and tackle challenges. Your career path might not always be straightforward, and being flexible and open to change can lead to unforeseen but gratifying experiences.
Be Patient: Keep in mind that selecting a career path is a journey that requires time. Feeling uncertain or changing your mind as you evolve and learn more about yourself is perfectly normal. Be kind to yourself and trust that through exploration and self-discovery, you will find the path that suits you best.
In summary, it's perfectly okay not to have your entire career planned out at this stage. Take time to discover your interests, seek advice, set personal goals, remain open-minded, and remember that it's perfectly fine to take your time in making this significant decision.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The Balance Careers: Offers extensive career development advice for individuals at all stages of their professional journey.
The Muse: Provides expert insights and resources on career planning, job search strategies, and personal growth.
CareerOneStop: A U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored website offering tools and resources for exploring various careers, educational paths, and training opportunities.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.