by Giulliana Micheletto
Choosing a career path can be overwhelming. There are so many options, and it’s something many young people struggle with. If you’re feeling lost, you’re not alone. 2014 Future Aces Scholarship recipient Kelly He Sun, shares her insights on how to navigate career choices
Reflect on Your Skills, Interests, Goals
The journey begins with self-reflection and a broad outlook. It’s important to recognize that a career is not necessarily a rigid, unchangeable path; there’s room for exploration and evolution over time. Start by considering your interests and what skills you want to develop. It’s also important to think about the kind of life you envision for yourself after you finish your education. Do you want to live in a big city or travel? What kind of income do you hope to earn? You can use frameworks to guide your thinking – for example, “SWEET” (Strengths, Wants, Expectations, Environment, Type).
“Think about what your interests are in the near term, dabble in [those interests] and think about [which work or education experiences] would set you up well.”
Talk to People in the Field
Don’t just rely on your own knowledge (which can be limited). Reach out to people who are already working in careers that interest you. Ask them about their experiences – what they like, what they dislike, how they got started, what the day-to-day looks like, the career trajectory, and so on.
“I encourage everyone to talk to a lot of people (…) ask them about their experiences.”
The Power of Internships
Internships are incredibly valuable for gaining hands-on experience. They can help you build skills and figure out if a particular career path is right for you. Even entry-level internships or volunteer positions can provide valuable learning opportunities. Focus on developing skills that will be useful and impressive to future employers .
“For me, I did several internships back at university (…) I wanted to learn how to send professional emails and use Excel and PowerPoint. It’s important to break [your interests] down to smaller pieces and tackle it bit by bit, trust the process and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate improvement. Through my internship [in finance], I realized it wasn’t likely the right path for me, but it was amazing to be able to explore that.”
Leadership is More Than a Title
You can be a leader even without a formal leadership position. It’s about how you act, how you interact with others, and the value you bring. The broader understanding of leadership as a set of behaviors and skills, rather than just a position of authority.
“So much of how you can add value to people’s lives is in what you do and how you uplift [them] (…) don’t ever feel that just because you are a “junior” you are no longer a leader.”
The Need for Courage
Throughout your journey you will face challenges and obstacles. You may hear “yes” and “no” – but ultimately it’s your path to own.
“People might tell you something is not possible or discourage you. But just because it might not be right for someone else, doesn’t mean it’s not right for you(…) just because you heard a “no” the first time, doesn’t mean you will hear a “no” the second or the tenth time.”
The Power of Compounding
Small, consistent efforts can lead to big results over time. Whether you’re learning a new skill or working towards a goal, don’t get discouraged by slow progress. Even small amounts of focused practice can make a significant difference in the long run.
“If you’re in high school and you have some ambitions and they feel so big, it’s important, I think, to break it down to smaller pieces and just tackle it a little bit by bit and just trust that process of compounding.”
Kelly attended Western University and Ivey Business School in London, Ontario. Her professional background is primarily in consulting, with some experience in finance. She was a former Project Leader at BCG (Boston Consulting Group), where she started her career in Toronto before moving to New York in 2022. Previously, she interned at Goldman Sachs Chicago in Sales & Trading. Since mid-2024, Kelly has taken a step back from consulting to explore the rapidly expanding and dynamic creator economy. She now runs @kellycareermode – creating content focused on various career-related topics, including interviewing skills, job performance, soft skills, and more.