Expert: Sharon Reed Abboud - 11/29/2008

Question
Well i am a 21 year old guy just finished higher diploma
(equivalent to bachelors as my college says) in hotel management, but i seem to have lost interest in it. As i researched, i found i was able to do Masters in some University whereas i needed to study one more year in others to get a bachelors degree. I am  confused what should I do. Getting a bachelors degree would mean studying something i am not interested anymore. I don't want to do masters because i don't have any experience. I love modelling but i m  only 175 cm in height. I did win a local beauty pageant but things did not work out. I am outgoing, confident and i love being creative.
I do have financial problems as well, should I start working? Can You suggest me what career would be suitable for me ? I don't want to regret my decisions that i have taken now later in life.

Answer
Hi Tom,

Thanks for your question. I cannot suggest what career would be suitable for you because only you can make that decision. I suggest that you go to your campus Career Center and talk to a counselor. They will have many resources to help you, including career assessment tests, resource books, etc. If that doesn't work, go to the workforce development office in your region. You should be able to locate that office through http://www.jobbankinfo.org/ (or just Google "Workforce Development" and your city).

Another option is to talk to someone at your local community college. The career services at most community colleges are open to everyone who lives in the neighborhood, regardless of whether you have attended that college.

Another option is to do career self-assessment tests on the Internet. Here is a link to a page with links to many career tests:
http://www.quintcareers.com/career_assessment.html You can take these tests to help you decide what you want to do with your life.

I cannot tell you if you should continue on with hotel management because only you can make that decision. One possibility is to find out if you can change your major and get a bachelor's degree in another subject. Getting a bachelor's degree is important because having a BA or BS greatly improves your income potential and career possibilities over the course of your future career. According to some studies, you will receive $800,000 to $1 million more in income, on average, over the course of your career if you have a bachelor's degree. A master's degree will generally improve your future career prospects even more, but I agree with you that you shouldn't start a program until you are sure of what you want to do.

In terms of your financial problems, I suggest that you meet with financial aid specialists at your university. In terms of modeling, perhaps can you do modeling as a side job while you are attending college? You do not mention where you are located, but you might talk to some agents in your area to see what types of possibilities might be available. Here is a link to a Wiki article about modeling agencies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_agency

I hope that is helpful to you! Good luck!