It's a question most of us were asked as children — often more than once. Back then, the expectation was that there was a clear answer. Today, that same question feels far more complicated.

If you're trying to plan your career, the most honest response may simply be: I'm not sure yet. And that's not a weakness. It's a realistic response to a labour market that's evolving faster than ever before.

Why the Old Career Question No Longer Works

Fifty years ago, many professions followed predictable, linear paths. You trained for a role, entered a profession, and progressed steadily within it. For many people today, that model no longer reflects reality.

Graduates from very different academic backgrounds often end up applying for — and working in — the same entry-level roles. Degrees in pedagogy, social sciences, or the humanities frequently lead to jobs that weren't part of the original plan. This isn't failure; it's a sign that careers are no longer defined by a single subject or qualification.

Instead of asking "What do you want to be?", a more useful question might be:

"What kind of skills, work environment, and challenges suit you best?"

If you're unsure where to start, career assessment tools can help clarify this by highlighting strengths, preferences, and potential directions — without forcing you into a single job title.

A World of Work That Keeps Changing

World of work changing

According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, many of today's fastest-growing roles didn't exist ten years ago. Even more strikingly, around 65% of children currently in primary school are expected to work in jobs that don't yet exist.

This level of uncertainty can feel unsettling — but it also creates opportunity. Careers are no longer fixed paths; they are evolving journeys shaped by skills, interests, and adaptability.

Back in 2016, global HR leaders already anticipated many of today's realities: remote and hybrid work, flexible hours, freelance careers, virtual teams, and shared workspaces. These trends have since accelerated, particularly with the rapid development of AI and digital technologies.

The Skill That Matters Most: Adaptability

In a constantly shifting job market, the most valuable career skill isn't knowing exactly where you'll end up — it's being able to adapt as things change.

This means:

  • understanding how your sector is evolving
  • recognising opportunities beyond your current role
  • learning how your skills can transfer into new contexts

Transferable skills — such as communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving — allow you to move between roles and industries with confidence. Digital skills and technological literacy are also increasingly essential across almost all professions.

If you're unsure which of these skills you already have, or which ones you should develop next, a structured career test can provide a useful snapshot — helping you see patterns that aren't always obvious from a CV alone.

From Job Titles to Career Profiles

Rather than planning a single "job for life", it's far more effective to build an individual career profile. This is a combination of your strengths, interests, values, and experiences — something that evolves over time.

Career coaching and self-assessment tools can help you connect the dots between past roles, education, and interests, shaping them into a clearer professional direction. The goal isn't to lock yourself into one path, but to understand what motivates you and where you're likely to thrive.

In other words, answering "What do you want to be when you grow up?" doesn't require a final answer — just a better understanding of yourself.

Advice for Students and Early-Career Professionals

Advice for Students

If you're still studying or just starting out, it's important to know that employers increasingly value evidence of skills over degrees alone. What you can demonstrate often matters more than what's written on your certificate.

That's why professional internships, placements, and structured entry-level roles are so valuable. They allow you to:

  • work in real teams
  • apply your skills in practical situations
  • test whether a career direction genuinely suits you

When choosing opportunities, prioritise roles that offer learning, exposure, and development — even if they don't seem like the easiest option in the short term.

So, What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

It's still a powerful question — but today, it's less about choosing a single job and more about understanding yourself.

If you're at a crossroads, feeling uncertain, or simply curious about what might suit you best, starting with a free career test can be a practical first step. It won't give you all the answers, but it can help you ask better questions — and move forward with more confidence.

- The Career Team

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