Choosing a career or a new career can be a daunting task. There are so many options that it can be overwhelming. Only 5% of people pick the right job on the first try. We all want to be good at choosing our career paths. Here are some guidelines to think about—when choosing a first career or your last.
Take a step toward planning your career by filling in the blanks in the sentences below:
- If I could choose one friend to trade jobs with, I’d choose ____________, because ____________.
- I’ve always wondered what it would be like to do ____________. It’s interesting to me because ____________.
- If I had the right education or skill set, I’d definitely try ____________, because ____________.
- If I had to go back to school tomorrow, I’d major in ____________, because ____________.
- My co-workers and friends always say I’m great at ____________, because ____________.
- The thing I love most about my current job is ____________, because ____________.
- If my boss would let me, I’d do more of ____________, because ____________.
- If I had a free Saturday that had to be spent “working” on something, I’d choose ____________, because ____________.
- When I retire, I want to be known for ____________, because ____________.
Now look at your answers. Some patterns may emerge, for example, that everything on your list has to do with designing beautiful spaces or playing sports. But at the very least, you’ll probably see some common themes. Maybe it’s creativity, or caring for others, or working outside using your hands. These things don’t always point to a career path, but knowing what you value, enjoy, and what you want to be known for is a great way to get started honing in on what you want to do next.
As you’re think about your career change, try not to let fear or insecurities about your current skillset hold you back instead start thinking about the possibilities that are out there. For example if you are interested in becoming a lawyer, it can be a long and difficult path, but why not consider it? The road might not be as long as you imagine (and it definitely can be worth it). But, also pay attention to specifically what about the law gets you excited. Is it in-depth research? Helping other people? Arguing a case? There are plenty of other professions where you could combine your current skills with your passions to do those things, without a law degree.
Other Suggestions
Evaluating Your Work Style
Are you a self-starter who accomplishes goals on your own, or do you need the discipline of a structured work environment to do your best? An honest evaluation of your work style will help you decide whether a career where you work independently is right for you. If you’re naturally a daydreamer or a procrastinator, you may do well in a career where a supervisor help you stay on task.
Know Your Talents
Is there a hobby or a talent that you love and are good at? Think of ways to transform activities that come naturally to you into a career. Working with wood, playing an instrument or trying different hair styles can lead to careers as a custom furniture marker, a musician or a hair stylist. Doing what you love can lead to a rewarding career.
Financial Goals
One of your goals should be to choose a career where you can earn enough money to meet your financial goals. You may have to make some compromises along the way, but generally speaking, the career you choose should allow you to meet your financial goals.
Do the Math Before Going Back to School
Before you enroll in university or college, make sure the career you choose is worth the expense. Check stats (The magazine, Relevance lists careers, prospective salaries and prospect for the upcoming year http://www.saskatooniec.ca/relevance-magazine.html) about the prospects for when you graduate to ensure your career will still be in demand.
Assess Your Social Needs
You’ll spend one-third of your life with the people you work with, so choose a career that’s a good social fit. If you’re a loner who doesn’t enjoy social interaction, you may be well-suited to a career where you work independently or work from home. If you love to meet new people, you may find a career in sales fulfilling, where you work with the public.
Conduct Informational Interviews
A 15-minute informational interview with someone who has a job you think you want can help cement your career choice. Many people will be happy to meet briefly with you to talk about the pros and cons of what they do and tell you whether they would make the same career choice if they could turn back time and choose differently. Start and end the meeting on time, ask probing questions and listen carefully to the answers.
Use Self-Assessment Tools
Use do-it-yourself resources to help you narrow your career choices. Take online quizzes to help you assess your aptitude for certain types of work. Review online job descriptions to help you understand what the education and training requirements are for different kinds of jobs. Many books and workbooks are also available to guide you through the self-assessment process.
Real-Life Experience
Follow the example of companies that use interns and temps to evaluate an individual before they extend a job offer. Real-life experience in the work environment where you think you want to work can help you make up your mind for certain. Job shadows, internships and temporary assignments give you a realistic view of a day in the life of a profession.
Be Patient
Finding the right career is a process, not an event. An entry level position in your field may not be your dream job, but it can give you a foothold on the career ladder you want to climb. It takes time to develop your career, but setting goals and following a plan to achieve them can help you fulfill your career aspirations.
References
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2013/11/01/9-questions-thatll-help-you-find-your-dream-career/
http://lifehacker.com/5978475/how-to-pick-a-career-you-actually-like