Sound like you? Lots of people don’t know what they want to do and this doesn’t just mean young people. There are lots of you out there who are destined to be a polymath. So, if you don’t know what you want to do (and lots of you don’t) – maybe it’s because you want to do lots of things.The PolymathCall them what you want – polymath, Renaissance man/ woman or multipotentialite – some people just don’t want to settle on one specialism and maybe this is you. The polymath is someone who is skilled or learned in many areas and newsflash – there is nothing wrong with them.This Ted Talks programme covers it very well.So, as a young person, what should you do if you have no idea what career you want to have in the future?You should protect yourself and keep as many options open as possible obviously. So, when you choose your A-level subjects for example (other qualification routes are available) try to choose subjects that are not too narrowly focused when combined. Having one or two facilitating subjects in the mix isn’t going to hurt either. This means that if you are not sure right now whether you want to go to university or not, or what you would want to study, facilitating subjects under your belt will make it easier for you if you do decide to apply to university. This is because facilitating subjects are those that most universities look for or accept as entry to courses.Combining interests and skills in a careerYou might also think about how you can have the best of both worlds – for example, you might love the idea of being a lawyer, but perhaps love motorsport too – why not be a specialist motorsport lawyer? Or maybe you want to learn a skilled trade but love the theatre too – perhaps carpentry or electrical work within the theatre would satisfy both interests?So, don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do – you might be a polymath. Just keep your options open and embrace your multipotentiality.
