How can I chose what career I should go into?

Question

I have no idea what type of career I want to have when I get older, but college is just around the corner and I need to figure out what I want to major in. Any ideas of how I should figure out what to do? Are there any good free or minimal cost tests online (or anyplace else) that would be good at telling me what types of careers I'd be good at? Any help would be great, thanks !

Answer 1

You can google or yahoo search free aptitude tests and take two or three of them. Also what colour is your parachute is an excellent book to start reading and doing the various exercises in and that should help you on your way.

You might also want to talk to your guidance office in hs , they should be of some help , at least finding you aptitude tests you can do on computer at school.

Another thing to do is to take a sheet of paper divide it down the middle and on one side write the things you are good at or that you get grades in or that interest you.

Then on the opposite side of the page write down the things you absolutely hate, or won't do.

Compare the lists.

However when you looking for a career, find something you absolutely LOVE doing and are passionate about. Don't think about the salary, I know alot of people who make big bucks who hate what they're doing and are only in a field because mummy or daddy or gramma or grampa expected them to go into whatever.

Most first year students in university have to take something in all the subject areas or at least most of them. By then you'll have some idea what you enjoy studying and won't have to declare a major until your second year. Good luck, you'll be fine.

Answer 2

When I was attending college, we were all required to sit through a seminar on choosing careers. I did not like the idea at the time, but had to go and am now very glad I went because it has greatly influenced my life's decisions. The prof said that the best career for you is one where you enjoy it so much that you'd do it whether or not you were paid; the salary is just icing on the cake. I have a career like that, and have been in this career for over 20 years now. It's incredibly fulfilling.

Think about the things you really enjoy -- not just idle pastimes you do when there's nothing to do, or things you like to do because your friends do them, but something into which you'd gladly put a lot of time and energy -- and how these could fit into a career. If you have this "personal research" already done, a career counselor (or guidance counselor at high school) will be able to help you much more effectively.

Answer 3

in my opinion, college is for learning and exploring. you shouldn't pick your major based on the career opportunities it offers. study subjects you find interesting.

chances are your interests will change by the time you're done with college anyway because you'll be be exposed to new ideas and concepts you were not even aware existed.

if it turns out the career you choose requires study that you've already completed, then great-- an added bonus. but if not and it turns out you have to do a little more studying to get the required credentials, it won't be much of a setback because presumably you enjoy the field and are interested in learning about it.

basically, don't worry about it now. you have time.

Answer 4

"College is just around the corner"? Have you had a job yet? College will not give you a job, it only trains you to think critically and keep records. While someone with a college education is fated to get more money, its not a guarantee that you will be happy, so figure out what you like to do and focus on occupations where those skills are used. Of course you don't know what you like to do, right? Get a job and don't listen to those people who say that their unfulfilled. Many jobs are fulfilling and if your frugal and can budget yourself, you will be fulfilled. Even if your making minimum wage.

Answer 5

One of the worst advice you will ever get is "Follow your heart", "Do what you want".

Choose wisely. Pick something you like AND will make you a reasonable amount of money. Look at the careers that are available for people with the degree that you desire. Talk to student advisors or search the web.

Answer 6

I know what you're going through. In septembre i'm starting university in education, but really i don't even know if that is really what i want to do. It takes time to really know what you'll really like. You have to try things out before deciding on something. Try talking with people that work in areas that you areinterested in. If there's a subject that you like in school, maybe you should look into it. (i.e.: if you lke maths, maybe you should go into engineering, or teaching it, or .. ) There are test on tickle.com that can help you, and im sure if you google it you'll find plenty. You should also contact your guidance councellor. He/she will be able to point you in the right directions, its their job.

Answer 7

The first question you should ask about any type of job is: how's the job market? After that, think about what you're good at and what you're not good at. Go and either work or volunteer in a setting where you can learn more about that type of work. After that, you'll be ready to decide.

Answer 8

maybe my ideas will give u some ideas...

-engineering
i wanna try and do architectural engineering

-pharamacy
they make a lot of money now

-culinary
i love to cook

-teacher
always wanted to be one

-science
i'm really interested in weird things that happen in the world, like natural disaters, ghosts, etc.

think of things that interest you..things that are hobbies of yours.. what was or is ur fav subject in school? look up careers for that subject. good luck.

Answer 9

Read _What Color Is Your Parachute?_ by Richard N. Bolles. It will help with making a decision. You can also do a google search for a free mini Myers Brigg personality test.

Answer 10

do what u love there must b something your good at our that u like when u do go 4 it