Choosing A Career

Whether you are just out of school or ready for a change; the task of choosing a career to pursue can be daunting. There are so many careers out there to choose from. So how do you choose when you don’t know what you want?

First, you have to begin by learning about yourself. Think about your values, skills and interests. Think of how you currently spend most of your free time. Other people are also an indicator of talents that you don’t see. What do people tell you that you are good at? What do they always come to you for help with? These are all markers of what comes naturally to you and that which is most rewarding for you. Here are two activities you can do right now to help with your self assessment:

1. Take out a piece of paper and write down activities that you do when time seems to fly by, next write down the accomplishments that mean the most to you. Take a look at all you have written to see if there are patterns or common factors. It could be that your activities and accomplishments involve helping people or creating with your hands. Maybe you tend to do your best when working alone or in the great outdoors. Looking at your past can help you determine what is most fulfilling to you.

2. Another way to find what you want to do is to think about your worst possible job. Try this, take out another piece of paper and begin to describe your absolute worst job scenario. I mean detail it down to your work environment, work attire, actual work duties, co-worker attitudes and time constraints. This will shed some light on what you don’t want and by default the exact opposite will tell you what you are looking for in a career.

If the activities above do not work for you there are online career assessment tests both free and with a fee. You may also consider enlisting the services of a career coach who can guide you through the assessment process.

Second, now that you know a little something about yourself and what you want in a career, begin to make a list of careers that encompass those things that mean the most to you.

Third, begin investigating the careers on your list. Go online or search your local library for books on the careers you have chosen. Speaking to someone who is actually doing the work you are interested in will give you a first hand look at the duties involved. By now you may have crossed some choices off of your list. Continue doing research making notes on the skills or training you will need for each career choice. Again, narrow your list to the one that seems to be the best fit.

Fourth, set your goals and make an action plan to obtain the job or start that business. Take classes, shadow someone currently doing the job or enlist a mentor for business startup.