At some point in your life, you ask the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" For most people, it was a common question asked during childhood with an answer that changed as frequently as our imaginations. One day it was a career in law enforcement, the next day a job in a doctor's office, or maybe even a profession that required a trip to outer space. The career possibilities were endless, and you had time to explore them all. As ideal as career exploration sounds, you do have to narrow it down. The good news is that while you might choose one career area to make a living, you can explore other career areas through volunteer work, hobbies or side businesses. But, before we jump the gun, we would like to offer a few suggestions on how to help you explore a career that fits your talents, skills, interests and goals.
Evaluate What You Want out of Your CareerWhen thinking about choosing a career, one of the most important things you can do is sit down and take the time to really evaluate what you want. Everyone wants a career that earns them money, but you might find that other things are just as, if not more, important to you. For instance, do you want a job that requires a lot of traveling? Or is it important that you can set your own hours? Do you want a job that you will look forward to going to every day? Something that has a lot of opportunities for advancement?Will you be able to inspire others? To feel like you’re making a difference? Do you need a career that utilizes not only your skills, but also your interests? Are you prepared for the training required to enter that career field? The typical person spends a lot of time at their job – it’s important to make sure that it matches what you want! To keep things balanced, it is okay if you don't like the first job or career that you choose. Many people have one career in mind as teenagers only to discover they would rather do something else once they get to college. Even as adults, people grow tired of their careers and begin to explore new career paths. Career changers now make up the fastest-growing segment of college students in this country. Don't feel like you have to choose a career and stick with it the rest of your life. You always have the option to change your career.
Identify Your Skills, Talents, Values and InterestsAs you explore career options, take note of your own skills, talents, values and interests. Make a list of your hobbies and the different kinds of jobs you’ve done in the past, or have had an interest in doing. Don’t forget to include any volunteer work! Ask yourself if you enjoy working alone or in a team environment, and how important that is to you.Once you have identified what you consider to be your skills, talents, values and interests, seek outside sources to make sense of them. Self-assessment tests are a popular and practical way to focus your gifts in the right career fields. While they are not 100 percent accurate and make no claims to tell you what career to choose, they offer great insight into your personality and suggest careers that suit that personality type. Two well-known personality tests are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter. You can take both of these tests online or by visiting the guidance or career counselor's office at your school. Looking at all the career choices available could be overwhelming. The important thing is to start with yourself. Take each step one at a time, and really think about your answers. You don't have to rush into a career, and you don't have to stick with one once you choose it. Feel free to explore the careers that are right for you as often as you choose. Money is an important part of life, but having a career that brings fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment can go a long way. |