Paris Andrew, TIP’s Director of Partnerships and Engagement, is here to help gifted students. She used to run the residential programming at TIP’s educational programs, and she is completing a PhD in related areas, so she knows what she’s talking about.
Dear Paris,
I’ve been trying to find out what I wish to do with my life for quite a while now. I’ve tried to look into my interests, but I can never find out what’s right for me. My question is, how do you find out what degree (and further on, job) is right for you? –Charlie, seventh grade
Dear Charlie,
This is a question that even adults explore at different points in their lives, so don’t feel as though this is uncharted territory.
First, I want to acknowledge that I appreciate you keeping an open mind as you explore multiple areas of interest. Second, I would encourage you, if you haven’t already, to look at personality assessments, career placement assessments, mentorship opportunities, and job shadowing in the various careers you are interested in.
Learn about the phases of the career, from what you need to do to enter the career and what you would need for upward mobility. When you job shadow, be sure to see someone at work in an entry-level position, then someone at mid-level and senior-level position. This will help you put that particular career in the perspective of its stages, and you can also think about the reality of time that it may take to get to where you want to be in life.
Another idea is to seek an internship, even an unpaid one, in a field you are considering. There is no substitute for actually living what being in a certain career is like. When you’re still in high school, calling on your parents and their friends is a good way to find summer internships. (And don’t wait for one to be handed to you; suggest one if you see the opportunity!) Once you get to college, they will have resources you can tap into in order to identify and apply for internships.
Finally, if you are the kind of person who likes to read a lot about the approaches you can take before you start off on a journey, you might want to check out a book called What Color Is My Parachute? It’s been an invaluable resource for many a college student and professional for over forty years now, and its advice still holds true today.
In fact, they even have a new version of it called What Color Is Your Parachute? for Teens, Third Edition: Discover Yourself, Design Your Future, and Plan for Your Dream Job. One reason it’s been so popular for so long is that it helps you factor what makes you happy into the equation, ensuring you find a career that makes the most of your talents and interests, but also makes you happy. Good luck!
Dear Paris,
I would like advice on what things I should do and what programs I should be involved in to learn advanced physics. I learn a lot of it at home, using Rice University’s online physics textbook, but I feel like I’m learning it without any real purpose, besides having me already know it whenever I go to college. –Jazzy, eighth grade
Dear Jazzy,
I am thrilled to learn you are already delving into resources from colleges and universities! Though you’ll likely learn a lot before you get to college, keep in mind that knowing is a journey, not a destination. Physics is likely just one of the many academic topics I am sure you will explore in the years ahead and I hope you can find the time to explore intersecting fields, as well.
To gain the sense of purpose you are looking for in any academic subject, I’d challenge you to start by exploring how the subject you are learning applies to real world situations, then seeking solutions to common or future problems. This will keep your learning fluid and relevant, rather than static. If you do that first task, you will find that much of academia you encounter along the way is interdisciplinary.
As your academic interests evolve, you will likely find you want to add to the list of programs you would like to be involved in. Beyond Duke TIP’s educational programs, our Opportunity Guide may be a great resource for you. Plus you may discover some competitions you’d like to try.
Remember: we can’t spread the square footage of our perspectives and understanding if we stop remaining open to learning. Keep it up!
Have a question for Paris? Use our submission form to get the advice you need.
Star Bellamy says
Dear Paris,
I have taken several career assessments and they all say agriculture but I don’t know if that’s what I want to do. When I was little I wanted to be a veterinarian but now I can’t handle blood. So I am still unsure what I want to with my career. -Star eighth grade