School Career Advice Didn't Cut It: My Journey to a Real Future

Guest Post by Olivia S, New York

Ever felt like you have to choose between doing something creative and having a job that pays well? Yeah, I've been there. If you're into the arts but also want something stable, you're gonna want to hear what I've got to say. I used to think I had to pick one or the other, but guess what? I found a program that shows you can have both. And it's a total game-changer.

So, like a lot of you, my school offers some sort of career advice. But let's be real, they're usually out of touch when it comes to creative fields. I always heard, 'Art's nice as a hobby, but what's your real job gonna be?' It was frustrating, to say the least. That's why when I discovered Careers That Matter, it felt like a breath of fresh air. This isn't your run-of-the-mill career counseling. It's a 10-week online program that actually gets what young people today are all about.

Why did I even start looking elsewhere? Well, I love painting and graphic design, but I also didn't want to struggle financially for the rest of my life. You know what I mean? That's when I stumbled upon Careers That Matter's Free Career Quiz. What followed was a 10-week journey that got me asking all the right questions. Not just 'Do you want to be an artist?' but more 'How can you use your creativity to make a lasting impact and still pay the bills?'

Before this program, I thought the only stable job for someone like me was becoming a graphic designer for a big corporation. But Careers That Matter helped me understand my 'superpower'—my knack for visually communicating complex ideas. This led me to roles I hadn't even considered, like Creative Director for social impact campaigns or Visual Strategist for sustainability projects. Roles that don't just pay well, but also make a difference.

I had no clue what a Visual Strategist for sustainability projects was before I went through the program. Now I get it: they're the folks who make sustainability stuff look good and easy to understand. They work with all sorts of experts, like scientists and city planners, to turn complicated data into visuals that anyone can get. We're talking about making infographics, slideshows, 3D models, and even virtual simulations that break down the big goals and plans of eco-friendly projects. So basically, they're the artists behind making green ideas come to life.

As the program progressed, we didn't just talk about 'cool jobs.' We dove deep into careers that will actually be around for the long haul, even as the world changes. I began looking into digital art fields tied to tech and sustainability. By week six, I had a list of career paths that felt custom-made for someone like me.

It wasn't just about finding a job. The later weeks of the program had us digging into internships, mentors, and the kinds of challenges we might face in our chosen fields. And I wasn't the only one making these leaps. My friend Carlos switched from wanting to be a musician to looking into Sound Design for virtual reality experiences.

If you're wondering about the extra stuff, the program's got that covered too. There are live workshops, video recaps for when you can't make it, and weekly challenges that really put your skills to the test. And you get to meet other teens who are also trying to figure it all out, which is honestly invaluable.

So, should you check out Careers That Matter? My answer: definitely. If you're into the arts but don't want to sacrifice financial stability, this is the program that'll show you how to balance both. It's not about compromising; it's about expanding what you think is possible."

Ready to find your own unique path in the creative arts? You can explore more at www.careersthatmatter.org. Believe me, it's worth every second.