The most educated generation is gearing up for the future. Over the last two decades, the world has changed drastically. And without exception, so has the workforce. From replacing laborers with robots via mass automation, to working from home amidst a global pandemic, it’s safe to say that things are a little up in the air right now — especially for those just getting started.

A 2020 survey conducted by OECD showed that half of 15-year-olds in 41 countries expect to pursue one of the 10 most traditional careers. The same study showed that despite a rapidly changing workforce, the demand for traditional positions like doctor, teacher, lawyer, engineer, business manager, etc. has increased. So, what does this mean for the future? We spoke to two local teens about their goals, aspirations, and ideal career predictions to get some first-hand insight.

Jenna Reed-Stewart is an 18-year-old Social Science student at Montreal’s Dawson College. Given her background in athletics, she recently decided to make an academic change in pursuit of her dream career: sports physiotherapist. “I’m not someone who wants to sit in an office all day behind a computer. That’s why physiotherapy is ideal for me. It would combine my love of sports and hands-on work,” she explains.

Due to COVID restrictions, the young student and soccer player has yet to attend CEGEP in person, but Reed-Stewart says she is confident that staying involved in school sports and keeping her grades high will help her reach her goal.  

Royal Vale student Lucio Gaetani already has some ideas for his future as well. And although he’s only halfway done high school, the 15-year-old is already thinking about a career in technology. “I expect to stay in school for a while. But after that, I’d like to start my own company, and hopefully invent an app. I think studying something like science or technology can really help me do that,” says Gaetani.  He says that while he does have an idea of where he wants to be in ten years, he is open to whatever life throws at him.

It’s certainly refreshing to see youth like Gaetani and Reed-Stewart seriously thinking about the next chapter in their lives, especially when you consider all the pandemic-related stresses students are currently enduring. And while this is a decision that everyone must make at one point or another, it’s important to remember that “I don’t know” is also a perfectly acceptable answer to the “What do you want to be?” question.

In fact, it seems to be the most common according to central.edu, whose survey showed that roughly 75 percent of college students either start their college career as undecided or change their major at least once. So, if choosing a career is overwhelming to you, remember that you are not alone in your uncertainty. It’s a big decision after all. And when you still have your whole life in front of you, there’s really no need to rush it.