How do you know what career is right for you?
By niairen01
@niairen01 (1018)
Philippines
July 1, 2012 8:40pm CST
This is the recent question I received from my first year college cousin. He is thinking about changing his course, and obviously still undecided on what career he wants.
I told him my experience during the time when I was also confused about what to take up. I hated Math when I was in High School, I also don't like programming either. But all my friends talked about how in demand Computer Science was that time. So, I was urged, that I wanted to be one.
But my Dad, is an Electrical Engineer and my parents really look highly of me and told me to be a Computer Engineer instead. He said, it's the same with computer science but it has more weight. Since I don't want to let my Dad down, I took that course and prayed that Engineering math professors would spare me! 
Anyway, I did graduate 2 semesters ahead of my batch mates, I love taking overloads. Plus I realize the Math isn't that scary when you have your best friend named "Calculator" on your side.
I worked as a programmer though (much to my surprise). And now I'm a full time housewife.
I after telling this to my cousin, his face became really confused and you can see the word "disappointment" all over his face. 
Then I told him, Choose whatever you think is best for you. Think about that you really want in life, what you're good at, then start from there. It doesn't matter what course you're in right now, as long as you graduate from college. You owe it to yourself and your parents. I told him to look at me and learn from what I've told him, I ended up in a course that majored in the subject that I hated, but it turned out to be ok.
We can never know until we try it.
Anyway, I did graduate 2 semesters ahead of my batch mates, I love taking overloads. Plus I realize the Math isn't that scary when you have your best friend named "Calculator" on your side.
I worked as a programmer though (much to my surprise). And now I'm a full time housewife.
I after telling this to my cousin, his face became really confused and you can see the word "disappointment" all over his face.
Then I told him, Choose whatever you think is best for you. Think about that you really want in life, what you're good at, then start from there. It doesn't matter what course you're in right now, as long as you graduate from college. You owe it to yourself and your parents. I told him to look at me and learn from what I've told him, I ended up in a course that majored in the subject that I hated, but it turned out to be ok.
We can never know until we try it.2 people like this
9 responses
@Chikezie (385)
• Malaysia
2 Jul 12
I look at my interest and passion in life and then I would look for career that suits that well and will go for it. I do not choose because that is what my Dad or Mum want me to be. But what I will do and find fulfillment with respect to my temperament.
@niairen01 (1018)
• Philippines
2 Jul 12
You are right. It'll be hard to continue without having any interest at all. In order to make it easier, it is really advisable to follow what you desire most, from there you will not be able to feel any form of regrets or even tiredness.
Perhaps, following my Dad about what course I was going to take that time was only due to, I have no other idea on what I like or what I am passionate about. And because I look up to my father and trust his judgement ( which is I'm sure he wouldn't recommend something that I can't handle) I followed his advice and thankful enough that I did.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
2 Jul 12
You've gotten pick something you are personally passioonate about! For me, I'm passionate about helping animals. And I figured the best way to do that was to get a degree in business. That way one day I could start my own small animal rescue some day. I also want to work at the Humane Society after I get my degree; some good experience there, and a good way to make contacts -- which is important in the nonprofit field.
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
2 Jul 12
Okay big mistake in that first sentence! That gotten should be got to. Haha. I always have to correct something when I notice a mistake or it would bother me for a long time! Lol
@niairen01 (1018)
• Philippines
2 Jul 12
Wow, that's really amazing having to join in a nonprofit group. I think that is so self-fulfilling.
I agree with you. It's all about passion and something that you really are interested about. Lucky for me that mine turns out to be okay.
@akash009 (452)
• India
2 Jul 12
I totally agree with what you have said. You can never know whether you like it or not without trying it. So it's best to choose whatever you like as your career but that doesn't mean that if you dont get a career based upon your choice it will ruin your life. you may know it can turn out to be the best thing in your life. So just keep trying.
@niairen01 (1018)
• Philippines
2 Jul 12
Yes. I guess my experience is best for those who is like me. Who does have any clues or whatsoever about what they really want in life. As for me, I did just followed an advice of someone I trust and believed that if I put my mind into it I wont fail.
I guess, having the feeling of, I don't want to turn my Dad down, and the feeling of I want to prove something, and the feeling of I want to successful one day, helped me to succeed.
@asliah (11137)
• Philippines
13 Oct 12
hi,
my planned course when i was studying is computer science because during that time its on demand,but due to over numbers of student there and reached the quota i had been got the computer education that related also to computer science,i think all about computer is the career that good to me except the programming because its really hard for me.
@AgentGulaman (3546)
• Philippines
2 Jul 12
Well, my best bet is to go for what you want. I am sure that in choosing what you want, you already factored in your passion, the financial scenario and other stuff like work environment and the like. If you haven't figured out yet on what you really want, then it will really be difficult. Go for other's advice if you haven't identified yet what you want. But if you already know yourself and your wants, step up with the decision and move towards that direction. Very simple principle in choosing anything and making decisions. Just my two cents.
@niairen01 (1018)
• Philippines
5 Jul 12
Your two cents is really worth it! ^___^
I think nobody can hinder you from choosing what you really want. I guess, people / students who already know exactly what they want are really lucky and matured.
However for those people / student who doesn't still don't need to feel lost cause there are always somebody to give them advice, and then they could start from that.
THanks ^__^
@Shazooo (296)
• Malaysia
4 Jul 12
Well...one thing I definitely know is that you can never let other people crush or influence our passion or dreams. To see if a career is right for you...theres only one absolute way to make sure...an that is to experience it yourself. I think one should join clubs or intern for a company or even start working part time to try and get a feel of the jobs. See if it suites you well. If you absolutely have no idea what to do...I guess oh can always take one of those quizzes to find out.
@niairen01 (1018)
• Philippines
5 Jul 12
Thumbs up! 
I agree with you and that is a really great idea. To have a hands on experience with the stuff, will make you realize what is in store for you in that kind of field. In this way, you won't go saying.. I'm bored and tired of this stuff or or even regretting your own decisions.
I agree with you and that is a really great idea. To have a hands on experience with the stuff, will make you realize what is in store for you in that kind of field. In this way, you won't go saying.. I'm bored and tired of this stuff or or even regretting your own decisions.
@hsofyan (3446)
• Jakarta, Indonesia
7 Jul 12
Yes, we never know before trying.
We can because it used to.
Every line of work would be needed.
It is more comfortable if it fits with our talents.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
5 Jul 12
To be more practical about it, I would study which careers are in demand for the time being, and then choose which one I'd be more inclined to.
@kumar143144 (119)
• India
5 Jul 12
Is is the difficult question. Choosing right carrer is the critical option.
Before going into graduation every person should think about his capability
in studies. Money not matter, parents are always ready to spend money if we
are ready to study. Once i think my self before joining in engineering,
There are lot of people who are settled in life just by doing normal graduation.
