Career Exploration & Advice for High School and College Students

Why “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?” Feels Different in High School

In 5th grade, career exploration feels like fun—astronaut, teacher, pro athlete, FBI agent. But by junior year of high school, that question suddenly feels heavier. College applications are looming, and now it’s not about imagination—it’s about your future.

For me, choosing a career path felt like a massive guessing game. I wish I had spent more time in high school and early college actually exploring careers, instead of just guessing at them.

What did I want to be when I grew up?🕵️‍♀️🕶️🔍

As a kid, I devoured Nancy Drew mystery books and staged imaginary spy missions in my living room. I pictured myself as a real-life Charlie’s Angel, taking down villains with brains and bravery.

Becoming an FBI agent? That felt like the perfect career!

Fast forward to junior year of high school, I was ready. I planned to attend the Naval Academy with an FBI badge in my future…until my mom, in her loving but overprotective way, shut it down.

“They'll make you sleep with men for information,” she said.

Um, what?! Just like that, my FBI agent dreams were over.

That moment stuck with me. It taught me how quickly someone else’s fears and opinions can rewrite your story. And honestly? That’s how so many of us end up making big life choices — not from clarity, but from outside noise.

That’s why real career advice and intentional career exploration matter so much for students today.

Why Reddit and TikTok Won’t Give You Career Clarity ❌

Let me guess: you’ve taken the career quizzes. You’ve scrolled TikTok for advice. Maybe you’ve spent hours on subreddits like r/college or r/careerguidance, reading questions like:

• “What’s the easiest degree with the highest pay?”
• “Should I go $100K into debt for my dream school?”
• “Trade school or university — which is better?”
• “What major should I pick if I don’t know what I want?”

Here’s the hard truth: Reddit isn’t where you find your future. It’s well-meaning strangers (and sometimes trolls) giving conflicting advice that isn’t tailored to you. Your path shouldn’t be built from quick takes or comment threads. You deserve more than that.

Start With Career Curiosity, Not Pressure 🔍

Instead of chasing one “perfect” path, begin with curiosity. Ask yourself:

• What problems do I want to solve in the world?
• What activities make me lose track of time?
• What values guide me most?

These questions open doors—and they’re especially powerful for high school students starting to think about the trades and/or college majors, or for early college students unsure of their next step.

The Career Compass 🧭:

A Tool for Students Exploring Career Paths

That’s why I built the Career Compass—a free, stress-free tool designed for high school and college students.

It’s not about choosing one job forever. Instead, it points you toward career paths that align with your strengths and interests so you can explore, test, and discover what excites you.

👉 Take the Career Compass today 

Final Career Advice: Your Future Is Brighter Than You Think ✨

Finding the right path doesn’t start with a résumé—it starts with curiosity. Whether you’re in high school exploring career options, a college student figuring out majors, or someone just starting your journey, remember: you don’t have to have it all figured out right now.

✨ Take the Career Compass

🎙️🎧  Listen Now to a Get Career Curious podcast episode in a field that is of interest to you

👉 🔄📲 Share this post with someone else who’s in the middle of their own career exploration.

💬 Drop a comment:

- What career are you most curious about right now?

- Did the Career Compass results surprise you?