Finding your interests and deciding on a future career path can be difficult if you do not have the necessary information. This is why it is crucial to explore your options before making a decision. One way to investigate your choices is to delve into different subject areas, such as math, which can lead to you becoming a computer programmer or software engineer, or English, which can take you to a career as an author or a scriptwriter. There are many more routes to explore, and this article will help you get started.
Start with Some Research
When considering various career paths to follow, knowing where to look and what resources can help you along the way is essential. There are universal tools such as bestcolleges.com and collegemajors101.com to see which majors are the best fit for you as well as what colleges can help you pursue those majors. You can also check out imaginephd.com for assessments that can help match you with jobs related to specific subjects. In addition, CareerInfo App and learnhowtobecome.org are great for searching for occupations related to specific subjects and learning more about those careers, like their typical annual salary and what skills are required.
Additionally, you can also connect with your institution’s career services department, which can provide opportunities to attend job fairs, find internships, or network with potential employers. They may also be able to help build your resume and provide mock interview sessions. Furthermore, you can explore internships.com to apply for internships to gain experience in your chosen field and build your resume or portfolio. Then set up a professional profile on linkedin.com to build a network with your peers and employers. Achieving your dream job can be difficult, but with the right steps and resources, you can find a career path that aligns with your interests.
1. Exploring English Language Arts
Before you explore English Language Arts (ELA) as a potential career, you should consider if you have an aptitude for it. If you are unsure, you can reflect on your experience with past assessments like vocabulary tests or creative writing assignments. If you efficiently completed those tasks – and even enjoyed doing so – you may have an aptitude for writing or reading. You might also find that certain clubs you have joined or activities you have pursued can indicate an interest in ELA. For instance, were you a part of the creative writing club, or do you enjoy writing short stories for fun? If so, studying English may be a great career path for you.
You can first explore the aspects of ELA by learning more about literature. Consider looking into pbslearningmedia.org for its informative videos and interactive lessons. With tools like these, you can study facets of literature, such as themes, figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. You can also learn more about English by studying it in college, perhaps pursuing a degree in Creative Writing, Rhetoric, or Linguistics.
Careers based on the subject of ELA include digital copywriters, academic librarians, newspaper journalists, and English teachers. To pursue these careers, you can gain experience by creating your own blog content or applying for internships related to grant writing, social media content creation, or copywriting. Your work will be good material for your portfolio.
2. Knowing Your Potential For Math
If you enjoy solving problems, working with numbers and calculations, or participating in activities related to spatial awareness, you may have an aptitude for math. If you have a strong ability to reason deductively and inductively or if you enjoy arranging things in a particular order according to specific rules, then math may be the right path for you.
Sites like Khan Academy, Brilliant.org, and Mathnation.com provide tutorials on various math topics to help you narrow down your interests. For those looking to dive deeper into specific topics or looking for more personalized guidance, seeking out a level math tuition can be an invaluable resource.
You can also look for math-based competitions at your school, in your community, or on sites like mathleague.org. There will help you explore your interests in a fun way while also improving your skills in math-related areas like computation and critical thinking. Since these competitions are team-based, you can also develop other essential characteristics, such as teamwork, active listening, and leadership.
If you decide to study math, you can consider degrees like Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics. Some math-related careers include astronomist, statistician, economist, or market researcher. You can use sites like mathcareers.maa.org to gain career advice and search for math-related jobs. You could also explore resources like soa.org, amstat.org, or siam.org for professional development opportunities in applied mathematics, financial investments, accounting, statistics, or data science. Math can be complicated to navigate, but the proper tools can make that journey much easier.
3. Studying History
Empathy for other cultures and ideas can indicate your interest in history. If you like mysteries and looking to the past for answers, it can signify that you have some historical thinking skills. These skills include being able to differentiate between historical fact and interpretation, being able to analyze cause and effect relationships, and evaluating major debates among historians.
To explore the field of history, check out TedEd, which has videos and short quizzes to teach you about historical events. You can also use Study.com to access video lessons and flashcards on topics like geography, early civilizations, belief systems, and the Dark Ages. If you want a fun way to learn about history, you can use apps such as the history of everything to explore the events of history through illustrations and animations. To pursue a career in history, you need to improve your analytical skills in reading historical documents and making hypotheses to draw conclusions based on historical information.
If you decide history is your path, you can major in Archeology, Anthropology, or Philosophy. These degrees can help you pursue careers like becoming a history professor, archivist, or publicity coordinator. Sites like historians.org provide information on each history field and the training required. Gaining a better understanding of the complexities of the history field will help you on your path.
4. Embracing the Arts
A never-ending imagination or being in a state of constant creative thought can signify that you may have a talent for the arts. Or maybe you tend to find inspiration from random things in your daily life, such as the paint on your house, the park you walk in, or your lively neighborhood. Another way to tell if you have an aptitude for the arts is if you love writing about people’s experiences and emotions.
To explore art, you should first experiment with different art forms such as drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, and filmmaking. Doing so can develop your skills and allow you to narrow down the art form that best fits your strengths. You can even take a few beginner art classes to better understand the various art forms and see if you want to learn further. You can also use nga.gov to learn about different art forms and their histories. Visiting museums, art galleries, and shows can also help you narrow down your art interests and inspire you to develop new art.
If you decide to pursue the field of art, explore theartcareerproject.com to check the educational requirements for various artistic occupations. For instance, you may consider obtaining a degree in Studio Arts, Sculpture, or Architecture. Then you can look into careers, such as photographer, illustrator, animator, or graphic designer. To pursue these careers, you must practice your skills in certain mediums. You also need to improve your reputation by marketing yourself online. All of these steps can lead you to a fruitful career in the arts.
5. Delving Into Science
Science may be a complex field, but it can be easy to navigate if you have certain qualities. For instance, curiosity is vital because scientists must desire to discover the unknown and challenge existing theories. Performing calculations and managing data is another essential skill of scientists. Patience and determination can also signify your talents as a scientist because experimenting, patenting, and manufacturing can take years to complete.
A resource you can use to help you learn more about science is nsdl.oercommons.org, as it provides activities for any learning level. You can also use calacademy.org to learn more about science through expeditions worldwide or learn about different animals through specimen spotlight. When searching for scientific career opportunities, use exploring.org. This site will allow you to participate in iTech design or introductory aerodynamics activities to learn more about different career fields while also having fun.
If you decide to pursue the field of science, you can consider majoring in Biochemistry, Forensic Science, or Environmental Science. Some careers you can pursue in science are hydrologist, conservationist, or nuclear technician. To pursue these careers in science, you can use aaas.org to look for opportunities, improve your skillset, and gain experience. A career in a science field can be an adventure, and these steps and resources can help get you there.
Conclusion
There are many opportunities and careers in different subject areas, but knowing which subject is right for you is always good. Decide if you have an interest and aptitude in the subject, then ensure you have the relevant qualities by deepening your understanding of it. Once you have decided on your subject of interest, narrowing down your major and career path will be easier.
If you need help finding your interests, WorldWise Tutoring can help! Our expert educators can assist with all stages, including academics, enrichment, test prep, major research, college applications, and job interviews. Hire a tutor today to help you find your dream career!
Written by Xavien Timoll
