Why Students Struggle To Choose A Career

With the vast amount of information available online and through social media, it may seem surprising that many students still struggle to determine their career path. However, this is a common experience shared by students nationwide.

At some point in life, every student has been asked the age-old question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Teachers, family members, employers during interviews, and classmates repeatedly pose this question until they receive a solid answer that isn’t “I don’t know”. Interestingly enough, students ask themselves the same question too.

Yet, you're not alone in this phase of life. Many of my friends, colleagues, and I, along with thousands of students across America, share this sentiment. After delving into the matter, both online and introspectively, I've drawn a few conclusions about why this feeling is so prevalent.

Let’s dive into it.

1. Lack of Exposure

Throughout pre-k to senior year of high school, the same 5 subjects are taught varying only in difficulty. There is little room for students to explore their interests and cultivate passions they may wish to pursue after graduation. With life revolving around home, school, and possibly work, there isn’t enough time to go out and see for themselves what the world has to offer. This causes students to have limited knowledge about different industries and professions. Without sufficient exposure, it can be challenging to make informed decisions about their career paths.

2. A Changing World

With new jobs and industries being created by social media and other internet platforms, there is a new road being paved away from “traditional” roles such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers. This can be overwhelming to students as more career possibilities start emerging, and keeping up to see which one aligns with their skills and interests can be difficult.

3. High Expectations

The pressures from parents, school counselors, teachers, and peers are real. Pursuing prestigious and financially rewarding careers is often expected. Balancing these expectations with staying true to oneself can paralyze students with hesitation.

4. Fear of Commitment

Choosing a career path involves making long-term commitments, which can be daunting for young people who are still evolving and learning about themselves. The fear of making a wrong decision or feeling trapped in a chosen career path can lead to indecision.

5. Fear of Failure

There is a pressure to succeed and a fear of failure in every path taken. Time and money invested into a career cannot be undone so this makes students extra cautious of what they choose to pursue.

These are the main reasons behind the indecisiveness experienced by many students today. With their minds constantly maturing and evolving, it is normal to not have concrete plans for the future.

My advice to you is to take life day by day. Seek out conversations with people older than you, with diverse backgrounds, to broaden your perspectives. Be open-minded to all sorts of industries. Use platforms like TikTok and YouTube to your advantage and watch videos of people who work different jobs to get a sense of what’s out there. Lastly, understand your strengths and values and don’t compromise them.

Remember, career decisions are a journey, and it’s okay to explore and evolve along the way.

See you on the next one!