How will you choose your career after cheer?

By Kathleen Hager

Once you hit high school, you’re given some freedom when it comes to choosing classes each semester, which makes you think a little harder about what interests you. And once you start researching colleges, the future will inch its way even closer to the front of your mind. You may be thinking about which collegiate cheer uniform you’d die to sport on the mat, but a large part of your decision should be based on the question your first-grade teacher asked years ago: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Not sure what field you’d like to go into? Take our quiz to see what kind of career you’d be best suited for—it may surprise you! (And you might even win some cool prizes.)

1. I’ve always been very…

a) Patient

b) Outgoing

c) Helpful

d) Artistic

e) Scrupulous

2. I usually tell jokes when I’m trying to…

a) Get someone’s attention.

b) Break the ice.

c) Make someone feel comfortable.

d) Be clever.

e) Get my point across.

3. At team fundraisers, I’m the one…

a) Entertaining the guests.

b) Keeping track of the money.

c) Explaining the point of the fundraiser and how the money will be used.

d) Thinking of different ways to entice people to donate.

e) Making sure we’re following the rules.

4. I never leave the house without…

a) A book.

b) My smart phone.

c) Knowing what I’m doing for the day.

d) My camera.

e) Watching the news.

5. The most important thing to have as a cheerleader is…

a) Spirit.

b) Confidence.

c) Precision.

d) Originality.

e) Loyalty.

6. My favorite subject is…

a) I like them all.

b) Math.

c) Science.

d) Creative writing.

e) Does the debate team count?

7. Frequently I tend to…

a) Correct people.

b) Spend too much money.

c) Obsess over perfection.

d) Push the boundaries.

e) Stick up for my friends.

8. I would never…

a) Exclude someone.

b) Ignore an opportunity.

c) Give less than 110 percent.

d) Sell out.

e) Lie.

If you answered mostly As, you should go into education.

Enthusiasm for learning, a patient disposition and an inclusive attitude are great attributes to have if you want a career in education. You have a tendency to let people know when they’re doing something wrong, but it’s usually through constructive criticism. You also have a knack for working with kids, which is obviously a plus, and you believe everyone deserves a chance—something so vital to our education system.

If you answered mostly Bs, you should be in business.

You know how to talk to people, work an opportunity in your favor and you’re good with numbers. You like to take the initiative, delegate responsibility and get things accomplished, which would serve you well in a fast-paced company and get you noticed as having massive growth potential. Which facet of business you choose depends on your specific interests and skill sets, but you definitely have the ability to run things.

If you answered mostly Cs, you should work in healthcare.

This may not always be the case, but people in the healthcare industry are usually there because they want to help people—just like you! Not only are you concerned about the welfare of others, but you’re also incredibly studious and aren’t satisfied with a task until it’s performed perfectly. Your obsession with being exact would come in handy if you choose to be a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional. And your interest in science will ensure that you actually enjoy what you do.

If you answered mostly Ds, you should enter a creative industry.

Has anyone ever called you ordinary? Yeah, we didn’t think so. You’ve got a vast imagination and thrive on the creative process. No matter the craft (writing, dancing, photography, art, etc.), you’ve honed your skills (which come naturally) and are always looking for ways to change and get better. You’re not afraid to state your opinion, you can easily see what’s interesting and beautiful in the world and your friends always compliment you on your great ideas. When you think about your future, money isn’t an issue, just as long as you’re doing what you love. So nurture your creative side, and remember that you still have a lot to learn.

If you answered mostly Es, you should get involved in law.

You’ve definitely got a handle on what’s right and wrong and know how to win an argument. That—along with your crazy attention to detail—makes you an awesome candidate for the legal world, whether it’s in the courthouse, the jailhouse or behind the scenes. You know how to paint the big picture using all the little details, so you’d have no problem housing the plethora of rules, procedures and loopholes that make up our judicial system in that big brain of yours.

Tell us about your dream job in the comment section below, and you could win a chic laptop sleeve or iPhone case from ISIS!