It’s a myth that you can’t start thinking about your future career until college. In fact, you should start as early as high school! This article will give you the tools to make decisions about what you want to do, which schools you want to go to, and the type of degree you want to pursue. Choosing a career can be daunting, but with this guide for senior high school students, it’s one step closer!
What to do when you don’t know what you want to do with your life
When you are still in high school, it can be difficult to know what career choices are available. You might think, “I have no idea what I want to do!” or “There are so many jobs out there, how can I ever decide which one is right for me?” These issues often come up when talking about choosing a major. So let’s start with some basic questions: What type of job would you like? Where would you like to work? Would you rather work with people or things? Would you prefer working indoors or outdoors? How much time off would you need each year? If you could pick your occupation without any restraints, what would it be… and why haven’t you chosen it yet?
The types of jobs you might like will affect the schools you choose to apply to and the major you choose. For example, if you want to work with animals and children, then a job in accounting or business might not be the best fit. If you are interested in marketing, but also love working outdoors, getting a marketing degree would be good for you since it takes both interests into account.
How to research different careers
Once you know what type of occupation you want, the next step is researching those careers. Make a list of ten occupations that interest you and research each one on your own time.
Since college can be expensive and not everyone has the same access to resources, it’s important to look at your options. If you are short on money, consider technical schools or community colleges so that you won’t rack up too much debt right away. It’s also possible to take internships or apprenticeships while you are working so that you can learn the ropes first before making decisions about grad school.
What should I major in?
After high school, many teens choose between college and no college, but there are other routes as well. For example, some people attend technical schools and earn certifications in areas such as carpentry, computer programming, or plumbing. Other people might choose to work full-time while they also learn new skills on the side by starting a small business.
A no college route is not for everyone though. Even if you are not sure what career path to take, it’s important to still get an education. You can always start your own company or do something else entirely once you have earned your degree! If you already know exactly what type of job you want, then choosing a major will be straightforward.
The benefits of choosing a career early on
When you are in high school, you have an advantage that most college students don’t have. You get to learn about what interests you while also deciding whether or not it’s a good fit for your future career!
How to determine if something is right for you
There are definitely some things that make your job choice easier. If you hate being inside all day or you hate working with people, it’s probably not a good fit for you. However, some things might be considered “potentially negative” but can make your job easier. For example, if you cannot live without being on the internet all day every day, then a job in tech support might not be a great choice.
How to choose the right school for you
After you choose an occupation, you can look for the best school to fit your needs. Not all schools are created equal, so it’s important to find one that is right for you. If money is limited, then community college might be a good choice. If money isn’t as much of an issue and you want more time off to work, then a four-year college might be better. If you don’t know what type of degree is right for you, a two-year associate’s degree in a general field is usually a good place to start.
No matter what, don’t sweat it! Finding a career that fits your needs can take a long time. Even if you think you know exactly what you want to do, it’s always good to have a Plan B just in case. No one wants to be stuck doing something that they hate, so do your research and make the best decision!