Exploring careers: where to start?

I'm a junior and I'm supposed to start thinking about colleges and my future career, but I have no idea where to start. There are so many types of careers out there! How did you guys begin the process of exploring potential career paths? Any tips or resources to help narrow it down?

It's normal to feel overwhelmed by all the career choices out there, but don't worry – there are plenty of ways to explore and narrow down your options. Here are some strategies and resources to help you get started:

1. Self-assessment: Start by examining your interests, strengths, and values. Reflect on what you enjoy doing in your free time, what subjects you excel in, and what you feel passionate about. You can also utilize online assessment tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Strong Interest Inventory to gain more insight into your personality and preferences.

2. Research: Once you have a better understanding of yourself, begin researching different careers and industries. Websites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook and ONET Online are great places to find information about job prospects, salaries, and education requirements.

3. Job shadowing and informational interviews: Reach out to professionals in careers that interest you and ask if you can shadow them or conduct informational interviews. This can provide firsthand insight into the day-to-day aspects of the job and help you understand whether it could be a good fit for you.

4. Extracurricular activities: Participate in clubs, volunteer work, or internships related to your fields of interest. These experiences not only look great on college applications, but also give you a taste of what it might be like to work in that field.

5. Attend career fairs and events: If your school or community hosts career fairs or events, be sure to attend. These gatherings allow you to meet with professionals and learn more about the different opportunities available in various sectors.

6. Talk to your school counselor: Your school counselor is an invaluable resource during this exploration process. They can help guide you to resources tailored to your interests, suggest relevant courses and extracurricular activities, and provide support throughout your journey.

7. Reflect on experiences: Consider any part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer experiences you've had, and think about what aspects you enjoyed or disliked. This can help guide you toward careers where you're more likely to thrive.

As you go through this process, don't feel pressured to decide on one specific career right away. Many students change their minds throughout college or even end up in careers that are unrelated to their majors. The goal now is to explore your interests and gain experiences that will help you make informed decisions in the future. Good luck!