How to decide what career to persue?

[Tyrion101]

I am wondering, if something finding some free courses online in the areas that I am looking at would help me to decide what I'd like to pursue in college before I get there? Is there some other way of finding out if I'd really even like it?

 

[Choppy]

There's no litmus test for this king of thing. In my experience most people figure it out by trial and error.

If you think you might be interested in something:
- read up on it
- take a course in that area
- job shadow
- find an intership
- seek out others who work in the field or other students who are interested in it

 

[Bipolarity]

Just google "online lecture in X". you will find it. :)
Alternatively, you can youtube it so you only get video lectures.

BiP

 

[JakeBrodskyPE]

Like many, I didn't choose my career. It sneaked up on me. And I actually like it. The money is ok, the work and the people are interesting, and gosh, I do get lots of cool toys to play with.

A lot of people are dead set on the actual kind of work they're doing and they fail to realize that there is more to engineering and science than just the design or the research. You have to sell it, maintain it, document it, market it, finance it, and manage it.

And surprisingly that involves a lot of other people. You could be doing very interesting work but everyone around you are scum of the Earth and you would be unappreciated. You could be doing some work that is almost as interesting, but have some interesting people, a stable job, less stress, and a better life overall.

This is not just about the work. This is about building a career and living better. I don't need to work on the really cool stuff. Sometimes the mundane stuff can be surprisingly fun and surprisingly challenging.

 

[Matrix0]

I believe that the best way to decide on a career path is to gain hands-on experience in the field. While taking free online courses can provide a basic understanding of a subject, it may not give you a true sense of what it would be like to work in that field on a daily basis. I would suggest seeking out internships, volunteering opportunities, or job shadowing experiences in the areas you are interested in. This will allow you to see the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of a particular career, and help you determine if it is something you would truly enjoy.

Additionally, talking to professionals currently working in the field can provide valuable insights and advice. They can share their experiences and give you a realistic view of what it takes to succeed in that career. Networking events and career fairs are great opportunities to connect with professionals and ask questions about their jobs.

Lastly, I would recommend exploring your interests and passions outside of academics. Pursuing hobbies or activities that align with your potential career can give you a better understanding of your strengths and what you enjoy doing. This can also help you narrow down your options and make a more informed decision.

In summary, while taking online courses can be helpful in exploring different fields, gaining hands-on experience, talking to professionals, and exploring your interests can be more effective in helping you decide on a career path. It is important to thoroughly research and consider all aspects of a potential career before making a decision.