“What do I want to be when I grow up?”
It’s a question levelled at every elementary school student, and it’s becoming increasingly relevant for adults, too.
It’s not just about telling the world who you hope to be or the goals you’d like to accomplish – it’s about looking within, finding your passion, taking control of your future, and sometimes making a big change.
That’s where CTS Canadian Career College comes in.
They're here to help students from all walks of life take that exciting, nerve-wracking and fulfilling first step into their careers.
But first, you’ve got to answer a few questions about yourself. This will help you determine which career meets your goals, interests and passions. This list will help guide you on your career path.
What Excites Me?
Think about your spark. What ignites your passion?
Is it when you’re offering help to others? How about solving complex problems, or working with your hands?
For CTS graduate Brittany Follett, excitement came in the form of dealing with high-stress situations.
Follet says she always had a strong interest in healthcare, but wasn’t keen on entering more traditional roles of nursing or medicine. That’s when she considered a different path: becoming a paramedic through CTS.
“I always knew that I was good in high-stress situations and loved anything related to healthcare,” Follett says.
“When I was younger, I volunteered at St. John’s for about six months just to get some hands-on experience with first aid. I loved it.”
Your passion doesn’t have to involve adrenaline or high-stakes adventure. It could be a love of the culinary arts, an aptitude for organizing, or a natural curiosity with gadgets and technology.
The key is to identify what engages you and compels you to move forward. Once you do, you can start exploring programs at CTS that align with your passions.
What Are My Strengths?
Sometimes, your next step isn’t about starting from scratch — it’s about recognizing what skill set you already bring to the table.
Everyone has experiences, talents and know-how that can be transitioned and applied to a new career.
Take Meghan Murphy, who came to CTS looking for a way to turn her skill for organizing and an attention to detail into a demanding – but rewarding – career as a Pharmacy Technician.
Murphy quickly realized her organizational skills and ability to focus gave her an advantage in her studies. Now, she’s thriving in a fast-paced hospital setting, where those strengths directly impact her day-to-day tasks.
Where some might bristle at the thought of an ever-changing, high pressure work schedule, Murphy said she’s thriving. Some of her classmates preferred the more traditional Pharmacy Technician Route, but so far, she says she’s found her happy place.
“There's a lot more to do in a hospital,” Murphy said. “It’s a different atmosphere, and it's a little bit more interesting making IVs every day.”
So take a moment to reflect on your strengths.
Are you comfortable with people and a good communicator? Do you excel at problem-solving? Perhaps you have technical skills or a creative flair.
Even your hobbies can point to hidden talents that might lead to a fulfilling career. The more you know about your strengths, the easier it becomes to identify opportunities where you’ll thrive.
What Challenges Am I Willing to Overcome?
Here’s a tough one.
Every career journey presents challenges.
The question isn’t whether those obstacles will arise, but how committed you are to climbing over them.
Raquel Quenneville, a paralegal instructor at CTS, often reminds her students, “In life, there are no redos.”
Her own career path was shaped by perseverance, and she encourages her students to approach challenges with the same mindset.
“I've seen students struggle with loss, whether they've lost a family member, whether they are struggling with self-growth,” she said.
“We've also seen enormous success. We've seen students come through addictions, and watching them change over the course of the program is just admirable, it’s so rewarding to me.”
The message isn’t about being fearless, it's more about facing your fear and moving forward, anyway.
For many students, financial challenges are a big hurdle. Education isn’t cheap, and the world seems to be getting more expensive.
That’s where CTS’s Financial Aid team steps in.
“There’s always a way,” says Financial Aid Advisor Lorna Leblanc.
By offering scholarships, assistance in applying for government funding, and flexible payment plans, CTS helps students focus on their goals instead of their bank accounts.
If you’re thinking about a career change, consider the obstacles you’re prepared to face.
Are you willing to go back to school? Learn new skills? Relocate? By identifying the challenges you’re ready to tackle, you can move forward with confidence and conviction.
What Do I Value Most?
A job isn’t just a pay cheque — it’s a major part of your life.
That’s why it’s important to consider what you value most. Is it stability? Creativity? Flexibility? Working for the common good?
Understanding your values can help you prioritize the roles and industries that fit your vision.
Maybe you’d prefer a field that allows you to help others, like healthcare or social services. Or perhaps you value independence and would thrive in a business or entrepreneurial role.
Whatever your priorities, knowing what matters most will guide your decisions.
Am I Truly Ready to Take the First Step?
The journey to a fulfilling career begins with a single step — but it’s often the hardest one to take.
We’ve all got fears. Fear of failure, uncertainty, or simply not knowing where to start can become an obstacle you back.
But at CTS, students find the support they need to make that leap. Whether it’s through comprehensive career counseling, hands-on training, or a community of peers and instructors, the college is designed to help you succeed.
“The instructors were amazing — they really want you to succeed and are always there to listen,” Brittany Rose, a graduate from CTS’ Registered Massage Therapy program, says.
That includes recognizing that people prefer to jump right in, learn the ups and downs of the industry in real time.
“From day one, it really felt like we were working in the field,” Rose says.
Taking the first step might mean researching programs at CTS, attending an open house, or reaching out to someone who’s already in the field you’re considering. Whatever it is, remember that simply taking that first step is the most important part of the process.
Ready to Discover Your Dream Career?
No matter what stage you’re at in life, it’s never too late to ask, “What do I want to be when I grow up?”
At CTS Canadian Career College, they’re here to help you find the answers and transform them into action. With programs tailored to today’s job market, financial aid options, and a supportive environment, CTS is where careers begin — and where your dreams can come true.
Ready to take the first step? Visit their website to get more information on enrolling at CTS.