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Take a Deep Breath

Tips for choosing your after-high-school plans

Take a Deep Breath


July 2008

The closer you get to high school graduation, the more you’re faced with the inevitable question: What are you going to do with your life?

Some students know exactly what career path they’ll take even before their senior year, whether
it’s enrolling in a four-year college, enlisting in the military or taking classes at a technical school. Others don’t decide until they already have a couple years of college or work experience under their belt.

If you’re stressing about what you’ll do after graduation, relax. There’s no right or wrong time to choose a career, and even though you may feel pressured to, you don’t have to decide before you graduate.

“I think for many students, it’s best to wait until college – after a variety of courses – to seriously choose a major,” says Dr. Randall Hansen, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Choosing a College Major. “That said, I think it’s great to begin the process in high school.”

To help ignite your thinking process, Hansen offers these tips:

1. Go with your gut.

Consider what you’re naturally good at doing. It might be working with your hands, helping others or using your creativity – whatever ignites the passion in you.

“I strongly believe if you follow your passion, the money will come,” Hansen says.

2. Look at the logistics.

Think about how much education a career will require and whether you’re willing to invest that much time and money. Also consider what type of work environment would suit you best.

“Some professions require six or more years of education beyond high school,” Hansen says. “Do you want to work in an office, or do you want to be on the road or in the field? Do you want a job that’s the same each day or one that changes?”

3. TEST yourself.

By taking self-assessment tests, you may discover some exciting career fields you didn’t even know existed. By asking you about your traits, preferences and interests, they give you a better idea of your attitudes as they relate to different careers. You can find self-assessment tests online or in your high school guidance office.

4. Avoid influences.

“I see too many students in majors because they thought they had to major in that subject to make a parent or friend happy,” Hansen says. “But students, it’s your lives, and you are going to work 40 to 50 years after college, so you need to choose something you will enjoy.”

5. Don’t rush.

You’re going to be working for decades, so choosing a line of work isn’t something that you can or should do overnight.

“Don’t worry if you have no clue now,” Hansen says. “Just keep striving to discover yourself while researching careers of interest.

Story by Jessica Mozo


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