Ah, nineteen – when everyone expects you to have your life mapped out, but choosing what to eat for breakfast feels like a challenge. You’re standing at the crossroads of adulthood and teenager-dom, and the career path signpost might as well be written in ancient hieroglyphs.
In this blog post, you’re going to find real, actionable career advice that speaks to you, right where you are.
Quick Takeaways:
Use self-assessment tools and real-world experiences to identify careers that match your interests and strengths.
Explore alternative education paths like trade schools, apprenticeships, and online courses for quicker, often more affordable routes to employment.
Strengthen your marketability with volunteer work, internships, and personal projects, and don’t shy away from seeking professional career advice when needed.
What Can You Do to Explore Careers That Interest You?
Embarking on a career path is an exhilarating journey, peppered with questions and decisions at every turn. At 19, the world is your oyster, but figuring out where to start can be a head-scratcher. The first step is to know thyself. Self-assessment tools are your best friends in deciphering your interests and strengths. Websites like 16Personalities or The Myers-Briggs Company offer free personality tests that provide fascinating insights into your work preferences and potential career paths that could align with your personality type.
But don’t stop there. Real-world experiences paint a vivid picture of what a career entails. Reach out to professionals in areas that pique your interest. A simple LinkedIn message can open doors to informational interviews or even job-shadowing opportunities. For instance, suppose you’re fascinated by the thumping world of event management. Finding a local event planner and asking to shadow them for a day could offer you a rare peek into the industry’s hustle and bustle, something no online test can deliver.
How Important Is a College Degree Today?
The relevance of a college degree has sparked much debate. Certain fields, like medicine or engineering, unquestionably require a hefty dose of formal education. Yet, the tide is shifting, and the pathways to numerous careers are evolving. Trade schools, apprenticeships, and online courses beckon as attractive alternatives to a traditional four-year degree, often leading directly to lucrative careers with less debt strapped on your back.
Take Google’s Career Certificates, for example. In fields like data analytics, IT support, and project management, these courses are designed to prepare you for the job market in under six months. This doesn’t mean a college degree has lost its value, but the landscape is definitely broader and more inclusive of different learning and career trajectories than ever before.
Furthermore, companies like Apple, Google, and IBM are increasingly focusing on skills and experience rather than just diplomas, opening up new lanes for those who decide to bypass the traditional college route.
Should You Consider Starting Your Own Business?
Diving into entrepreneurship is both exhilarating and daunting. Yet, the digital age has democratized business ownership, enabling young entrepreneurs to carve out their niches. Starting your own business at 19 isn’t a far-fetched idea; it’s a test of determination, creativity, and resilience.
The beauty of starting young is you’re likely less encumbered by responsibilities, allowing for greater risk-taking. However, underestimating the challenge is a common pitfall. Entrepreneurs need to wear many hats – from marketing maestro to sales whiz. Drawing on stories of successful young entrepreneurs, one key takeaway is the importance of mentorship. Platforms like Score.org offer free business mentoring, providing young founders with guidance from seasoned business veterans.
A unique strategy often overlooked is leveraging micro-communities. Platforms like Reddit or Discord can be goldmines for niche interest groups where you can validate ideas, gather feedback, and build a loyal customer base even before launching.
Remember, the journey of exploring career paths, weighing the value of higher education, and pondering entrepreneurship is deeply personal and unfolding at your own pace. Armed with self-knowledge, a keen eye on the evolving job market, and perhaps a dash of entrepreneurial spirit, you’re well on your way to making informed decisions that align with your aspirations and strengths. The paths are many, the opportunities plentiful, and the future yours to shape.
How Can You Build Marketable Skills Without Breaking the Bank?
In today’s fast-paced world, building a solid skill set doesn’t always mean you need to shell out thousands for a college degree. Let’s dive into some smart, economical ways to boost your employability without breaking the bank.
Online Courses
The internet is a goldmine of learning opportunities. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer courses on everything from graphic design to coding, often for free or at a very low cost. The trick is to stay disciplined and treat these courses like you would a college class.
Volunteer Work
Donating your time to causes or organizations can do wonders, not just for the community, but for your skill set too. It’s a chance to work on real projects and perhaps even lead a team, which looks fantastic on your resume.
Internships and Side Projects
Internships, whether paid or not, provide invaluable on-the-job experience. And don’t discount side projects; starting a personal blog, developing an app, or designing websites for friends can all showcase your skills and initiative.
Networking
Never underestimate the power of a strong network. Forge connections through LinkedIn, attend industry meetups, and reach out to professionals in fields you’re interested in. Sometimes, who you know can open doors just as much as what you know.
Unique Tip: Participate in online forums and communities related to your field of interest. Not only can you learn from others, but contributing your own knowledge can help establish you as a budding expert. This aspect is often overlooked but can make a significant difference in showcasing your initiative and passion to potential employers.
When Is It Time to Seek Professional Career Advice?
Seeking professional career advice is like adding a turbo boost to your career trajectory. But how do you know when it’s time to tap into expert wisdom? Here are some indicators:
You’re feeling stuck. If you’re spinning your wheels and not making progress, it’s time.
You’re uncertain about your next steps. If the path ahead is foggy, a career counselor can help clear the mist.
Your job search is going nowhere. Professional advice can revitalize your approach and open new doors.
Finding Reliable Career Advisors and Mentors
Look for credentials and experience. Certified career counselors or coaches with solid experience in your area of interest can provide actionable advice.
Utilize your network. Ask around – friends, family, or LinkedIn connections might know someone fantastic.
Check out professional organizations. The National Career Development Association (NCDA) is a great place to start.
Embracing Guidance for Career Success
A great career advisor doesn’t just give advice; they empower you to make informed choices about your career path. They can offer tailored suggestions on further education, skill development, and networking opportunities that you might not have considered.
Unique Advice: Seek out a mentor who is willing to offer a reverse mentoring opportunity. This is where you, as a younger individual, can also share your insights on the latest trends, technology, or cultural shifts with a more experienced mentor. This reciprocal relationship not only enriches your learning experience but also makes you a more attractive hire by demonstrating that you bring valuable insights to the table.
Remember, the journey to building a fulfilling career is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about making strategic, informed choices that align with your personal and professional goals. Whether it’s leveraging low-cost resources to enhance your skills or seeking out professional career advice when you hit a roadblock, there are numerous paths to success. The key is to stay curious, stay flexible, and never stop learning.
Hi, I'm the founder of HowMonk.com! Having been in finance and tech for 10+ years, I was surprised at how hard it can be to find answers to common questions in finance, tech and business in general. Because of this, I decided to create this website to help others!
