What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
It's one of the very first questions we're asked as children.
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Recently, a friend shared a photo of her son's kindergarten graduation. Along with his cap and gown was a sign displaying his answer to that familiar question.
"A dad."
It was such a sweet reminder that, as children, we answer that question with excitement and possibility.
When I saw that photo of my friend's son, it brought me back to my own childhood dreams. At 5 years old, I was convinced I was going to be a singer or a dancer (as you can see from my grin in this photo as I was on my way to dance class in Ocean City, NJ).
While that didn’t become my career path, those early dreams remind me of how connected I was, and still am, to what brings me joy. In fact, one of the reasons I love living in NYC is the incredible access I have to music, theater, and the arts.
Fast forward twenty, thirty, or even forty years, and that same question can suddenly feel overwhelming.
Maybe you've been laid off and are wondering what's next. Maybe you're starting college and feel pressured to choose the "right" major. Or perhaps you've built a successful career but can't shake the feeling that something is missing.
After years of coaching professionals through career transitions, I've found that one of the biggest misconceptions is that we're supposed to know what we want to do.
In reality, most people discover fulfilling careers by experimenting, not by having all the answers.
Here are two of my favorite ways to begin exploring what's next.
1. Try a Virtual Work Experience Program
One of the best ways to learn whether you'll enjoy a career is to experience it before making a major commitment.
One of my favorite resources is The Forage, which offers free virtual work experience programs created by leading employers including KPMG, Citi, Walmart, Pfizer, and Bank of America.
You'll find short, self-paced experiences in areas such as:
Accounting
Artificial Intelligence
Data Analytics
Marketing
Project Management
Real Estate
Finance
And many more
Rather than simply reading about a career, you'll complete realistic tasks that professionals actually perform. It's a low-risk way to test your interests while building practical skills you can discuss in interviews.
2. Volunteer Your Skills
If you already have professional experience and are thinking about a career pivot, volunteering can be an incredible way to explore new fields.
One of my favorite platforms is Catchafire, which matches skilled volunteers with nonprofit organizations that need support.
You can search opportunities by:
Cause (animals, education, civil rights, health, environment, and more)
Skill (communications, finance, graphic design, marketing, project management, HR, strategy, and more)
Not only do you gain hands-on experience in a new area, but you can also include this work on your résumé in a "Projects" section. It's a meaningful way to add to your skill set while making an impact.
The Bottom Line
The best way to figure out what you want to do is to try things. You don't have to commit to a new career after one project or one volunteer opportunity. You don't even have to love the first thing you try.
As the old saying goes, at least you'll know you tried.
If you're asking yourself, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" (no matter your age), know that you're not alone.
And if you'd like some guidance along the way, I'd love to help.
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