Trying to Seek Career Advice

6 Comments

1. Janet ParkhurstAugust 9,2025 at 3:03AM UTC

   Hi there,

   First off, congrats for thinking about your future NOW, instead of later! It sounds like you've already developed magnificent skills: leadership, interpersonal and communication. If you have the ability to cultivate good relationships, that's half the battle in business. So many young people do not have social or interpersonal skills; they will end up behind a monitor or wearing earbuds or hooked up to tech devices for their entire professional lives. That doesn't sound like you, thank goodness! Just keep tabs on what you're good at--and what you are NOT. Also, don't forget hobbies or subjects you are passionate about. I grew up in an older era where loving what you did was met with a groan or rolled eyes. As a result, many of my peers spent years and their parents' money on an education that rendered them helpless upon graduation--or in jobs they HATED. Whatever you choose, know that you will most likely change your mind about in a few years. (Or, realistically, given the way the world spins so quickly, there won't be a need for any more.) That said, know that we are all multidimensional--capable of MANY things. So, if something doesn't work out, initially or eventually, you'll be equipped to pivot to something else. (I know of people who get laid off in their '40s and '50s and keep looking for the same, exact job in new circumstances and can't get hired. They refuse to expand their vision or leave their comfort zones.) And continue to keep track of what makes you happy and fulfilled--even if for just one day. That's key! And... I will leave you with one tip that ALWAYS worked for me when I felt lost and "unemployable": make a list of all the problems you encounter in your daily life or hear about on the news. These are real and need intelligent, creative people to help solve them. This is entrepreneurial thinking! If you can fuel your ideas with a passion for making things or even SOMETHING better in this world, you will never be out of a job. In fact, many young people who graduate college with this kind of mindset never have to work for someone else. They start their own businesses!

   I hope these thoughts help. I wish I'd embraced this kind of thinking when I was young. I wish I'd bucked the conventional and the "system" and just gone with my intuition. But, if I can help someone else--someone like you--it's a learning experience FOR ME that won't go to waste.

   Best of luck to you!

2. Cecilia WangAugust 10,2025 at 12:59PM UTC

   I can't thank you enough for your comment! Your advice has sparked some deep thinking about my future direction, and I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity to learn from your experience. Thank you for being so generous with your insights!

3. AnonymousAugust 9,2025 at 1:36PM UTC

   I would say major in communications with a minor in marketing. I've built a nice career in marketing and Public Relations but studied English. Most people who studied Marketing with a capital M still had to start at entry level like me. Get relevant work experience while in college too.

4. AnonymousAugust 10,2025 at 10:04AM UTC

   I’ve never regretted having a business degree. In order to be in management, the training in hr, finance, operations, etc is very helpful. Have you considered a career as an event planner? There are a lot of options, from weddings to corporate events to working for a large hotel. A sense of style, organization, and good people skills are all needed. You can start out by getting gig work staffing events and determine if you think it’s a good fit.

5. Maggie SoldanoAugust 10,2025 at 4:14PM UTC

   It sounds like marketing could be a great fit for your interests—especially since you already enjoy leading, communicating, and working with people. Marketing is a big field, but at its core it’s about understanding an audience and creating messages or experiences that inspire them to act. Your publicity and broadcasting experience already give you a head start.

   A few ways to explore it further while you’re still in school:

   Try different sides of marketing—content creation, social media, event planning, market research, or branding. You might be surprised which one excites you most.

   Volunteer or intern with a local nonprofit, student club, or small business to help with their marketing. You’ll learn fast by doing.

   Follow marketing leaders online to see how they think and work—LinkedIn, YouTube, and podcasts are gold mines for this.

   Take a free course (Google Digital Garage, HubSpot Academy, Coursera) to learn the basics of digital marketing.

   Your econ major will give you a strong foundation for marketing analytics and strategy, and your leadership roles will keep building the people skills you’ll use every day in this field.

6. AnonymousAugust 10,2025 at 5:06PM UTC

   Your HS career counselor must have assessments you can take, to zero in on your skills. Onet can be a resource for that as well. First learn your strengths and likes, and go from there. If you can meet folks in those fields now, and pick their brains, all the better. For example, your friend's parents might be a good start. Good luck! Remember, it's very common to change focus in college, while you are learning more. Be easy with what you want to do on for now.