Lots of students feel pressure to know exactly what they want to be when they grow up. But guess what? You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Middle school is the perfect time to start exploring, asking questions, and getting curious about what makes you excited.
The more you learn about your interests and what careers are out there, the easier it’ll be to make choices that fit you down the road.
So. . . Where Do You Even Start?
Figuring out your future isn’t a one-and-done decision. It’s more like a journey. Here are some steps to help you get going:
1.) Know Yourself:
Start by thinking of your interests, natural talents, and personality. Think about topics or experiences that have interested you while at school. Do you like solving problems? Helping people? Working in groups? Building things?
2.) Take a Career Quiz:
There are fun tools (like YouScience or My Next Move) that match your interests and skills with cool careers. It’s like a Buzzfeed quiz for your career.
3.) Look Outside the Box:
Some of the coolest jobs aren't the ones you hear about every day. Ever met a digital detective (aka ethical hacker)? Or someone who protects nature using the law (environmental lawyer)? You can even mix your interests to create your dream job.
4.) Ask Around:
Know someone with a cool job? Ask them about it! Parents, teachers, or family friends might know people you can interview. It’s a great way to learn what a job is really like.
5.) Try It Out:
Want to really see what a job is like? Ask your school counselor about job shadowing or local volunteer opportunities. Even a few hours can help you decide what you like (and what you don’t).
Helpful Resources
O*NET OnLine
Search careers based on your interests
My Next Move
Love personality quizzes? This one's for you. Answer fun questions and get matched with careers that align with your interests
YouScience
Use science to learn what you're naturally good at—and which jobs match those strengths.
CareerOneStop
Videos, resume tips, and info about different jobs—brought to you by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Keys to Success
A Utah-based site made just for students. Explore careers, look for scholarships, and plan your next steps.
The more you learn about your interests and what careers are out there, the easier it’ll be to make choices that fit you down the road.
So. . . Where Do You Even Start?
Figuring out your future isn’t a one-and-done decision. It’s more like a journey. Here are some steps to help you get going:
1.) Know Yourself:
Start by thinking of your interests, natural talents, and personality. Think about topics or experiences that have interested you while at school. Do you like solving problems? Helping people? Working in groups? Building things?
2.) Take a Career Quiz:
There are fun tools (like YouScience or My Next Move) that match your interests and skills with cool careers. It’s like a Buzzfeed quiz for your career.
3.) Look Outside the Box:
Some of the coolest jobs aren't the ones you hear about every day. Ever met a digital detective (aka ethical hacker)? Or someone who protects nature using the law (environmental lawyer)? You can even mix your interests to create your dream job.
4.) Ask Around:
Know someone with a cool job? Ask them about it! Parents, teachers, or family friends might know people you can interview. It’s a great way to learn what a job is really like.
5.) Try It Out:
Want to really see what a job is like? Ask your school counselor about job shadowing or local volunteer opportunities. Even a few hours can help you decide what you like (and what you don’t).
Helpful Resources
O*NET OnLine
Search careers based on your interests
My Next Move
Love personality quizzes? This one's for you. Answer fun questions and get matched with careers that align with your interests
YouScience
Use science to learn what you're naturally good at—and which jobs match those strengths.
CareerOneStop
Videos, resume tips, and info about different jobs—brought to you by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Keys to Success
A Utah-based site made just for students. Explore careers, look for scholarships, and plan your next steps.
