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What do you wish you had known about your position/the field before you started And what is a typical work day like??
As a current high school senior, I’m uncertain about which career path to pursue in, and with college applications approaching, I feel pressured to make a choice soon. I’d like to learn more about different fields to gain a better sense of direction before committing.
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11 answers
Updated
Helen’s Answer
Building on the excellent insights shared here, remember that you're never confined to a single path! My own journey began with studying history at university for two years before transitioning to general education. This change was driven by my part-time job as a swimming instructor, where the joy of seeing children excel was truly infectious.
Earning an education degree opened up a world of opportunities, enabling me to teach in various countries. For 15 years, I had the privilege of teaching students of all ages, from infants to adults. The thrill of witnessing students master a new skill was immeasurably rewarding!
Eventually, my career path led me to Human Resources within a tech firm. Now, I lead a dedicated team of seven, working together to create HR processes that genuinely support our employees' success and foster a sense of community within our company.
So, savor your ongoing journey of learning!
Earning an education degree opened up a world of opportunities, enabling me to teach in various countries. For 15 years, I had the privilege of teaching students of all ages, from infants to adults. The thrill of witnessing students master a new skill was immeasurably rewarding!
Eventually, my career path led me to Human Resources within a tech firm. Now, I lead a dedicated team of seven, working together to create HR processes that genuinely support our employees' success and foster a sense of community within our company.
So, savor your ongoing journey of learning!
Adriana Ellis (Strack), SHRM-SCP
Human Resources Business Partner
3
Answers
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Adriana’s Answer
The beauty of higher education is there is a vast amount of subject areas and topics available to explore. For any class that interests you, go for it - even if they are vastly different subject areas! Keep an open mind, pursue what interests you.
Once you pick a subject or industry in which to begin your career, you are not pigeon-holed into that one area. Every step of your career is part of a larger journey. Most careers are not linear and even cross one or more industries. The skills and knowledge you develop every day contribute to continued growth and are certainly transferrable between occupations, maybe just applied in a different way. It may take a little bit of time to land on your passion, or your passion may change throughout your journey.
Once you pick a subject or industry in which to begin your career, you are not pigeon-holed into that one area. Every step of your career is part of a larger journey. Most careers are not linear and even cross one or more industries. The skills and knowledge you develop every day contribute to continued growth and are certainly transferrable between occupations, maybe just applied in a different way. It may take a little bit of time to land on your passion, or your passion may change throughout your journey.
Updated
Ying’s Answer
Hello Ian,
My opinion on "you had known about your position/the field before you started":
1. Job responsibilities and job content
Job responsibility is one of the core contents that must be understood when entering the company. You need to know exactly what your position is and what you are responsible for so that you can have a clear understanding of your career direction and positioning. At the same time, knowing the job content will also help you adapt to the new environment better and integrate into the team faster.
2. Company culture and values
It is important to understand the culture and values of the company. A company's culture often determines its working environment and atmosphere, while values influence the company's decisions and direction of operations. Knowing this information can help you determine whether you are a good fit for the company and whether you agree with the company's philosophy and direction.
3. Salary, benefits and treatment
Salary and benefits are important factors that can not be ignored when entering the company. You need to understand the company's compensation system, benefits package and promotion mechanism to ensure that you are getting a reasonable return for your efforts. At the same time, this information will help you make a more comprehensive career plan.
Training and promotion opportunities
Personal growth and development is of Paramount importance in the workplace. Therefore, it is critical to know if the company offers training and promotion opportunities. This information can help you determine whether you have enough room to grow at the company and achieve your career goals.
Typical work tasks refer to specific work areas that reflect a certain type of work characteristics and comprehensive occupational ability requirements of an occupation. Includes work plan, work objectives, work responsibilities, work hours, work philosophy etc.
My opinion on "you had known about your position/the field before you started":
1. Job responsibilities and job content
Job responsibility is one of the core contents that must be understood when entering the company. You need to know exactly what your position is and what you are responsible for so that you can have a clear understanding of your career direction and positioning. At the same time, knowing the job content will also help you adapt to the new environment better and integrate into the team faster.
2. Company culture and values
It is important to understand the culture and values of the company. A company's culture often determines its working environment and atmosphere, while values influence the company's decisions and direction of operations. Knowing this information can help you determine whether you are a good fit for the company and whether you agree with the company's philosophy and direction.
3. Salary, benefits and treatment
Salary and benefits are important factors that can not be ignored when entering the company. You need to understand the company's compensation system, benefits package and promotion mechanism to ensure that you are getting a reasonable return for your efforts. At the same time, this information will help you make a more comprehensive career plan.
Training and promotion opportunities
Personal growth and development is of Paramount importance in the workplace. Therefore, it is critical to know if the company offers training and promotion opportunities. This information can help you determine whether you have enough room to grow at the company and achieve your career goals.
Typical work tasks refer to specific work areas that reflect a certain type of work characteristics and comprehensive occupational ability requirements of an occupation. Includes work plan, work objectives, work responsibilities, work hours, work philosophy etc.
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
Ian,
I wouldn't feel to worried about being forced to "commit" straight out of high school. You can switch your major in college and I'd argue that your choice of major isn't necessarily that important in terms of being able to enter certain fields such as IT, rather than being able to build strong problem-solving, analysis, and critical thinking skills.
I wouldn't feel to worried about being forced to "commit" straight out of high school. You can switch your major in college and I'd argue that your choice of major isn't necessarily that important in terms of being able to enter certain fields such as IT, rather than being able to build strong problem-solving, analysis, and critical thinking skills.
Updated
Cathy’s Answer
If I could share one thing: it's ok to not know what you specifically want to do. Find out what classes or programs colleges have to offer freshman that let you explore different business or science or other areas. That will help you learn what peaks your curiosity and what doesn't.
Be open to possibilities ! While most colleges ask your area of interest you often don't declare until sophomore year.
Be open to possibilities ! While most colleges ask your area of interest you often don't declare until sophomore year.
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Primarily you should focus your career choice and supporting academia based upon those things that both interest and excite you. Easy for me to say, but you're probably thinking, "How will I know what will excite me in a specific role if I don't have an insight into the role itself", If this is the case, as I expect it will be, then take a step back and ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do I enjoy working with people or do I prefer to work alone?
2. Do I enjoy working with data?
3. Do I enjoy problem solving?
4. Do I enjoy working with my hands?
etc. You get the point. Please note nowhere above did I ask "Am I good at......" as being good at something will come with time and experience, find something you "enjoy" and the learning will follow. Finally, do not be afraid to make the wrong decision, do not let the wrong choice today define your tomorrow! As you embark upon your next chapter, focus on the 'Why' more than the 'What' and if you know for certain what you want to be then put everything you have into achieving the goals you will set yourself along the journey, and if not then do not pressure yourself, enjoy the ride and clarity has a funny way of presenting itself in time.
Go "Look & See" If you think you want to work in construction, reach out and seek some unpaid work experience during a summer break or weekend, if you want to be a veterinarian, then go to your local animal shelter or hospital and volunteer to work alongside the techs there. If these options are not available, then join focused groups on LinkedIn , however, a note of caution, be cautious of bias in these groups, take multiple data sources and in time you will be better placed to form your own opinions.
1. Do I enjoy working with people or do I prefer to work alone?
2. Do I enjoy working with data?
3. Do I enjoy problem solving?
4. Do I enjoy working with my hands?
etc. You get the point. Please note nowhere above did I ask "Am I good at......" as being good at something will come with time and experience, find something you "enjoy" and the learning will follow. Finally, do not be afraid to make the wrong decision, do not let the wrong choice today define your tomorrow! As you embark upon your next chapter, focus on the 'Why' more than the 'What' and if you know for certain what you want to be then put everything you have into achieving the goals you will set yourself along the journey, and if not then do not pressure yourself, enjoy the ride and clarity has a funny way of presenting itself in time.
Jason recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Laurence’s Answer
Hi Ian,
First, it is okay to not know the exact career path you want to follow right out of high school, and college is a place to explore many different interests. I would also say people often change their mind on their desired career path, and it is never to late to make that pivot. This is to say that you have time.
My chosen career path has been an investment analyst. My main responsibilities revolve conducting deep research about different investment strategies and deciding which are the best to partner with and invest money in. On a day-to-day basis I am meeting with the best investment managers in the world and learning about how they implement their strategy to compound invested capital on behalf of their partners. I also create analyses using excel and powerpoint to help the decision making process in choosing which managers we believe we should partner with.
I would add that within any field there are numerous facets to explore that might not be overt at that start. For example in finance the typical and suggested track is investment banking when there are many other options in finance. My role within finance is more niche and was not apparent at the start of my research journey so it took a lot of digging and honing in on my interest before finding.
Take time and look internally, looking into past experience, to hone in to what interest you and exploring careers that allow you to do that interest on a day-to-day basis.
Good luck in your journey!
First, it is okay to not know the exact career path you want to follow right out of high school, and college is a place to explore many different interests. I would also say people often change their mind on their desired career path, and it is never to late to make that pivot. This is to say that you have time.
My chosen career path has been an investment analyst. My main responsibilities revolve conducting deep research about different investment strategies and deciding which are the best to partner with and invest money in. On a day-to-day basis I am meeting with the best investment managers in the world and learning about how they implement their strategy to compound invested capital on behalf of their partners. I also create analyses using excel and powerpoint to help the decision making process in choosing which managers we believe we should partner with.
I would add that within any field there are numerous facets to explore that might not be overt at that start. For example in finance the typical and suggested track is investment banking when there are many other options in finance. My role within finance is more niche and was not apparent at the start of my research journey so it took a lot of digging and honing in on my interest before finding.
Take time and look internally, looking into past experience, to hone in to what interest you and exploring careers that allow you to do that interest on a day-to-day basis.
Good luck in your journey!
Updated
Keresa’s Answer
Hi Ian, awesome question.
I completed undergraduate (undergrad) in 2016 and though I find my career to be very rewarding, I strongly believe that I could’ve excelled quicker if I had completed more practical opportunities such as mentorship, internship, and certification programs (especially lean six sigma/project management or python/ computer analytics). I believe the best way to gain knowledge is through hands-on applications and exposure in the field. I’d encourage every student high school/college to take advantage of opportunities to complete projects, apply for mentorship, or connect with someone in varying fields to learn more ( which is exactly what you’re doing!). This suggestion continues into your career as well. As you grow as a professional opportunities may arise for you to explore or do more, as long as the time is right for you, go for it!
I am a supply chain operations manager and lead a team of nearly 100 people on each scheduled work day. I admit my hours are long, but my work week is short and allows for great work life balance. A typical day consists of planning for volume and staffing, connecting with team members, attending high level meetings, tracking daily and weekly progress, and ensuring my team has tools for success. I don’t expect my career will stop here because the opportunities are endless and the need to service customers is always here!
I’d like to share that many of my peers have different backgrounds. I worked in manufacturing while in undergrad and eventually reached this point in my career, others have military backgrounds, or only work experience. Your major may start your path, but ultimately your experiences will guide your steps.
I completed undergraduate (undergrad) in 2016 and though I find my career to be very rewarding, I strongly believe that I could’ve excelled quicker if I had completed more practical opportunities such as mentorship, internship, and certification programs (especially lean six sigma/project management or python/ computer analytics). I believe the best way to gain knowledge is through hands-on applications and exposure in the field. I’d encourage every student high school/college to take advantage of opportunities to complete projects, apply for mentorship, or connect with someone in varying fields to learn more ( which is exactly what you’re doing!). This suggestion continues into your career as well. As you grow as a professional opportunities may arise for you to explore or do more, as long as the time is right for you, go for it!
I am a supply chain operations manager and lead a team of nearly 100 people on each scheduled work day. I admit my hours are long, but my work week is short and allows for great work life balance. A typical day consists of planning for volume and staffing, connecting with team members, attending high level meetings, tracking daily and weekly progress, and ensuring my team has tools for success. I don’t expect my career will stop here because the opportunities are endless and the need to service customers is always here!
I’d like to share that many of my peers have different backgrounds. I worked in manufacturing while in undergrad and eventually reached this point in my career, others have military backgrounds, or only work experience. Your major may start your path, but ultimately your experiences will guide your steps.
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Denise’s Answer
Hello Ian!
I agree with Cathy's answer above, it's ok not to know. I would also suggest looking at Community Colleges to start. They will often be less expensive, but enable you to explore different courses while earning credits that will transfer to a four-year school. It may also be worth looking into trades to see if that is something that might interest you. There is demand in the market today for tradesmen (ie, electrician, plumber, etc.).
Personally I went to school for Art as that was a passion of mine. I focused on graphic design knowing I could build a career with that. Over time I transitioned into design program management and do that today for a consulting firm. While I'm not a hands on designer any longer, I am still able to work within the creative space and collaborate with designers regularly. As we work with various clients, there isn't necessarily a "typical workday". Depending on what I'm working on we'll do daily "stand ups" which are 15 minute team check ins to discuss what we accomplished the day before, what we plan to work on today and if we have any blockers impeding us from completing our work.
I would reiterate to be open to possibilities, not only now but throughout your career. When you do decide on a career path you can always pivot as you progress if something else piques your interest.
Best of luck to you in your future!
I agree with Cathy's answer above, it's ok not to know. I would also suggest looking at Community Colleges to start. They will often be less expensive, but enable you to explore different courses while earning credits that will transfer to a four-year school. It may also be worth looking into trades to see if that is something that might interest you. There is demand in the market today for tradesmen (ie, electrician, plumber, etc.).
Personally I went to school for Art as that was a passion of mine. I focused on graphic design knowing I could build a career with that. Over time I transitioned into design program management and do that today for a consulting firm. While I'm not a hands on designer any longer, I am still able to work within the creative space and collaborate with designers regularly. As we work with various clients, there isn't necessarily a "typical workday". Depending on what I'm working on we'll do daily "stand ups" which are 15 minute team check ins to discuss what we accomplished the day before, what we plan to work on today and if we have any blockers impeding us from completing our work.
I would reiterate to be open to possibilities, not only now but throughout your career. When you do decide on a career path you can always pivot as you progress if something else piques your interest.
Best of luck to you in your future!
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Pervinca’s Answer
That's a great question, and the advice here is really helpful! I work in sales now, even though I never thought it would suit my personality. I've been in sales for over 10 years, and here's what I've learned:
1. Keep an Open Mind: We change over time. What you dislike now might become something you enjoy later. In sales, I've found ways to help people, ensure customer satisfaction, and make a positive impact.
2. Embrace the Sales Mindset: We're all in sales in some way. When you apply for a job, you're selling yourself as the best candidate.
3. Stay Organized: A typical day is busy with meetings and follow-ups. It's crucial to plan ahead and meet deadlines to stay on top of your tasks.
1. Keep an Open Mind: We change over time. What you dislike now might become something you enjoy later. In sales, I've found ways to help people, ensure customer satisfaction, and make a positive impact.
2. Embrace the Sales Mindset: We're all in sales in some way. When you apply for a job, you're selling yourself as the best candidate.
3. Stay Organized: A typical day is busy with meetings and follow-ups. It's crucial to plan ahead and meet deadlines to stay on top of your tasks.
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Suzanne’s Answer
Hello Ian, during my university years, I switched my major three times. Initially, I embarked on an education course, then earned my first degree in Technology. I found employment at a warehouse for Eastman Kodak, where I discovered my passion for Logistics. My dedication and industriousness didn't go unnoticed.
Looking back, I wish I had advised myself to explore various job types to identify the industry I truly loved and could build a career in before settling on a major or career path. This might sound like a cliché 'follow your heart' advice, but if you don't find joy in your chosen industry, the journey could be more challenging than necessary.
Don't hesitate to experiment with part-time jobs in different sectors. It's a great way to understand what a career in that field would feel like.
Don't spend a lot of money on college. Explore Community Colleges
Try to stay debt free, even with college. It will serve you well in the long run
Work in part-time jobs or full time for a short period of time in industries you think you'll like.
Looking back, I wish I had advised myself to explore various job types to identify the industry I truly loved and could build a career in before settling on a major or career path. This might sound like a cliché 'follow your heart' advice, but if you don't find joy in your chosen industry, the journey could be more challenging than necessary.
Don't hesitate to experiment with part-time jobs in different sectors. It's a great way to understand what a career in that field would feel like.
Suzanne recommends the following next steps: