The careers that teenagers dream of can tell us a great deal about their values, especially as they’re shaped by media and popular culture. So what perform the teens nowadays want to do when they grow up? Recently, Teen Ink magazine polled students about their dream jobs, which were a few of their top choices. Interestingly, the jobs vary from altruistic to glamorous, reflecting aspirations driven by both social conscience and media fascination. And as we can see, some tend to be more realistically attainable than others.
Journalist. The thought of globe-trotting wherever news happens, investigating stories, and writing for newspapers and magazines does sound exciting. To go in the world of journalism, a university degree in journalism, communications, or English is important, especially if you want to go beyond the little town paper into national and international publications. You should also be a great writer with good ethics along with a respect for facts and fairness.
Fashion designer. For the individual who not only loves clothes but is also interested in the apparel manufacturing industry, fashion design can be an ideal field to pursue. Even when one is not interested in starting a label, there are several career tracks within fashion design, including buying, merchandising, and marketing. Those seriously interested in breaking into the company are advised to earn a degree from a certified fashion college, as well as have an industry internship or relevant work experience under their belts.
Photographer. Like a shutterbug, you might be photographing celebrities to see your work around the cover of magazines. Student loans are available to Studio Seven Fashion Career College. But that is a big “might.” 99% of photography tasks are much more mundane. Anyone with a camera can call himself a photographer, so you must learn how to differentiate yourself, focusing on a targeted field like consumer products, advertising, or fashion design, and then work relentlessly to promote yourself to prospects.
Interior designer. Designing the spaces by which people live and work could be both artistically and professionally rewarding. But interior planning is about not only choosing colors, fabrics and furniture. A designer also has to be knowledgeable about construction codes, engineering, and safety. This is exactly why many states require interior designers to be certified, only granting licenses after candidates have earned an inside Design degree from a certified college.
Environmentalist. Today’s students are devoted to the protection of our natural resources, a lot of want to work in the green industry. Environmental work can encompass law, engineering, education, architecture, or business administration, so it’s better to pursue a degree in those fields, especially at a college that provides an environmental focus to its majors. Internships with a number of green companies is also recommended, so you can experience firsthand the advancements and policies in environmentalism, and gain valuable contacts for future job searches.
Actor. Visions of acting fame dance around not only in teenagers’ heads, but many adults. This is one profession that doesn’t guarantee success, however, or even survival. The typical annual income of actors in the Screen Actors Guild is $5,000 annually, so most actors will need to take on other jobs as well to make payments.
Lawyer. Trial deliberations in media look exciting, but most legal work involves extensive research, writing, and paperwork. A current survey by the American Bar Association says only 4 in 10 lawyers would recommend a legal career to others. If you do want to pursue law, realize that it’s a hard academic road before you decide to ever get to call yourself a lawyer. You need a the least four years of school and 3 years of law school before you even take the bar exam that decides if you’re allowed to practice.
Celebrity Stylist. The task of celebrity stylist has gained exposure and popularity over the last few years because of women’s magazines, tv shows and red carpet events. While competition to become celebrity stylist is understandably fierce, many students do not realize there are many more opportunities like a fashion Careers stylist for movie, television, and advertising shoots. Fashion training is invaluable, preferably from a certified fashion school, as well as an internship that offers the chance to shadow a stylist.
Teacher. Decade after decade, high school students aspire to be teachers, because the desire to help children and educate generation x is a strong motivating force. Teaching usually takes a four-year degree and a teaching credential, though with the teaching shortage across many parts of the country, many states allow candidates to earn their credentials at work.
