What Career Path Should You Follow?
Picking the right career is not always an easy task. No matter your age or stage in life, it’s important to choose a profession that suits your desires, strengths and skills.
1. Examine Your Strengths
Start by taking stock of your current job or avocation. What do you love about it? What makes you happiest? What do you have natural talents in?
Think of it in terms of strengths, rather than the dissatisfactions you’ve had in the past. If you can determine which skills are your strong points, it will help you to focus on the career that’s best for you.
2. Explore Your Interests
Next, pinpoint what interests you and what you’d like to explore further. Keep in mind that you don’t need to limit yourself to a specific field. Consider the type of company or industry you’d like to be part of and any social issues that you may want to impact.
3. Educate Yourself
Now comes the research portion of your mission. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to transition, educate yourself as much as you can.
Similarly, look at job boards and classifieds, attend job fairs, study journals and magazines in the field you are interested in, join relevant associations and consulting groups, and frequent reputable websites to learn more about the type of career in which you’d like to find a job.
4. Ask for Advice
Don’t feel like you have to make the journey alone. Ask individuals who have experience in the area you’re exploring to get an inside view of the profession.
You may also want to consult a career counselor who can help you better understand yourself and narrow down your choices. Many universities and career centers offer services such as vocational testing and counseling to assist you in this important professional decision.
5. Take Action
By doing your research, understanding your individual skills and preferences, and leveraging the advice of others, you should now have a clearer idea of the career path you should pursue.
It might be time to start taking the practical steps to get the job you want. Apply for some job openings you’re interested in and don’t stop until you’ve gotten where you want to go. Finally, make sure to network and volunteer for opportunities in your chosen area to gain more experience.
Finding the right career is an ongoing process, but these steps should put you on the right track. Armed with the right information, a good support system and a positive attitude, you’re sure to make the right decision. Good luck!
