The question “What do you want to do when you grow up?” is daunting, especially for high school students. It is common to feel uncertain about your future career path. The pressure to choose a single, lifelong job can be overwhelming, but remember that your career journey is a marathon, not a sprint. It will likely involve many twists and turns.
The best strategy right now is to explore and discover many possibilities. Here are some practical tips for students who are undecided about their career path:
Start with Self-Discovery
Your career should align with your natural strengths, interests, and values. You do not need a job title to begin this process. You just need curiosity about yourself.
First, identify your strengths and skills. What comes naturally to you? Are you great at organizing events, solving math problems, writing essays, or leading a group discussion? You can make a list of your hard skills and soft skills.
You can also determine what your interests are. What activities do you love doing? This could be drawing, coding, volunteering, or sports. If a task brings you joy, it is worth exploring how those interests translate into the professional world.
Finally, define your values. What truly matters to you? Is it helping others? Developing your creativity? Financial stability? Your core values should guide your choices, as a job that does not align with your values will lead to burnout.
Research is Your Friend
The only way to know if you like a path is to thoroughly research it. Your guidance counselor, parents, and family friends are valuable resources. Ask them what type of field they envision you in, and see if it is the right fit for you. If you can, talk to professionals in fields you are interested in. Ask them about their daily routine, what they enjoy most, and what they wish they knew when they started. If you are still unsure on a career path, consider taking an online career quiz or researching options on the Department of Labor website.
Your high school classes are risk-free opportunities to test the waters. Use your electives wisely to guide you in the right direction. Hands-on experience can also help you narrow your choices. Even a single day of shadowing can tell you more about a career than hours of reading online. Prioritize volunteer opportunities that expose you to different industries, especially those related to service and community.
Understand That “Undecided” is Normal
Give yourself grace throughout this process. The average person changes careers multiple times in their lives. Being undecided now simply means you are taking time to choose the right path for you. Your goal right now is not to find your forever job, but to find the next logical step. Whether that be your college major or training that allows you to hone your strengths. Trust the process, ask questions, and be open to growing and adapting. The right path will reveal itself to you as you walk it.
Navigating your future career is a collaborative process. If you need support identifying your strengths or navigating the college application process, Bishop McLaughlin is here for you. Learn more about our Guidance program, and schedule an appointment on our website or call (727) 857-2600.
