Which direction should I go in for my future?

Question

I'm 17 years old and going into grade 12 in high school. I didn't take any maths or sciences, I'm focusing mainly on English/Social Sciences as well as CommTech (graphic design, editing movies, etc).

My interests include film, music, graphic design, writing, going to concerts, and traveling.

I'm really unsure which direction I should go in in terms of University... I live in Toronto but I'd have no problem moving away (though I'd like to stay in Canada), but I don't know what I should study.

Making a lot of money in my future would obviously be nice but at the same time, it's not my main focus... I don't plan on having a huge home when I'm older, I would prefer a smaller one and then be able to afford other things. My parents are well off so the cost of post-secondary education is not an issue, and neither are my grades... I have never tried in school before and I get an 85% average, so for grade 12 I am striving for a 90%+ average.

I was thinking about pursuing a philosophy degree and either getting a job after I get my masters, and then going back later on in life for my phd to become a prof.

I also think I'd enjoy journalism, but the idea of writing for a newspaper turns me off. I'd much rather write for a magazine or another publication that relates to my interests (ie, film critic, or even writing related to travel...?)

What industries do you think would be wise to get into at this point in time? I think the demand for graphic design is pretty c**p seeing as a lot of people have gotten into that? I have no idea.

Any insights are appreciated!

Answer 1

i wld advice u to study theatre art or mass communication.but u said u aren'n interested in mass communication.u hate anything print media.therefore study theatre art so dat u can become a producer,director or any field of ur choice

Answer 2

Unless it would make getting your degree more difficult, I recommend you take a year or two off before going to college.  Work and live and see what catches your interest - or at least what definitely does not.  Talk to people about their jobs, what do they do, do they like it, worst part, best part, and what education/training one needs to get it.  

Going to university without a clear idea what you want to study is done, but it's definitely not the way to make the best of it.  

That all said, I recommend you try to intern or volunteer somewhere for a start.  This is something you could potentially do or at least line up this year.  Your parents have money, so you can afford to do things like take interesting but perhaps low or non-paying internships/volunteer opportunities.  Also, it will show them you are not just s******g off, that you're taking the time to get the experience you need to make a good decision.  

Answer 3

It's incredibly difficult to find work with a philosophy degree. The only two primary options are law and teaching (which will almost certainly require a PhD at the university level).

Writing for a magazine will be difficult to get your foot in the door. Lots of competition and magazines are a dying medium. While you seem to write okay technically, writing for a magazine requires an ability to write creative and interesting pieces that people would actually want to read. I couldn't tell you whether or not you're capable of that.

Answer 4

Hi since you mentioned you are thinking of a PhD for the future...then just choose a degree at a discipline of your interest e.g Literature or Philosophy and after you do your PhD go for editor at a Journal in your discipline. That will give you both sutisfaction, money and reputation.

Answer 5

HI I THINK AT THIS POINT WHERE THE ANIMATION AND GRAPHICS INDUSTRY IS RULING YOU SHOULD PROABIBLY GO IN THAT FIELD AND THAT AS YOU SAID YOU ARE INTERESTRED IN JOURNALISM YOU CAN DO A SHORT TERM COURS IN THAT AND NEED NOT NECESSARY WRITE FOR PAPERS YOU CAN DO WEEKEND COLLUMS IN ANY MAGIZINE HOPE I WAS OF SOME HELP