Based on your MOS(s) and experience, what career path would you advise others coming from similar backgrounds take? Why?

I started off in Infantry. The most comparable job I found in the civilian market was homeless.
You walk everywhere, carry everything on your back, sleep anywhere you can, and you eat everything out of a can (C rations) or a bag (MRE). On cold nights, if you are lucky, you can warm your hands over a can of sterno.

It often comes down to whether they seek tangibles or intangibles. Experience never hurts. Not bragging, just adding context, but I held a half dozen enlisted and about the same officer MOSs by training and assignment. Primarily a POG in Engrs/Maint, I have limited experience with Combat Arms, other than training with and supporting the trigger pullers. Some should pursue an apprenticeship in the trades while in, if so assigned. All should use/practice self-improvement on ACDU, through programs available. Some just want to be the tip of the spear. Travel & Adventure over steady income in a garrison environment.

Let me caveat that I understand Infantry ain't for everyone. That being said, I did my first 4 1/2 years in the infantry before I crossed over to MI. I honestly believe that those years in the infantry made me an infinitely better MI Soldier and leader. Not only did I have a better understanding and skill with basic Soldier tasks, but I had a far better understanding of what my intel was feeding. It made me able to ask smarter questions, focus on more important details, and consider not only how my intel would be used, but how it would be processed and considered.

For this reason, I would strongly urge anyone who wants to go into a support MOS (not necessarily as important for service support) to take a look at going infantry first, before crossing over. And yes, I understand that re-class is not always an option, especially in certain MOS which are harder to get into. But if it is a viable path, consider it.