Choosing a career can feel like you have the whole world at your fingertips, so where to start? Whether you are starting or changing careers, there are actions
you can take to make an informed decision about career choices. If you are seeking to make a career pivot, you have the experience to help you make decisions. If you are a recent college graduate, you ideally have internship experience, class projects, and related job experience to help you make a choice.
➡️Start by identifying interests, activities, and topics you find fascinating or enjoyable. Some interests may be hobbies and not career choices. In many cases, assessment tools can be helpful if discussed with a career coaching professional. These tools are not ‘tests,’ meaning a printout cannot tell you what to do with your life. These reflect what you put into them, and this is where professional assistance comes in – helping you process the ‘whys’ and asking further objective questions. This discussion can help you determine the type of work you might be interested in doing.
➡️Evaluate your talents and skills: What have you enjoyed doing in previous jobs, and what did you dislike? You may be good at using specific skills but only want to use them on the job sometimes. Take stock of your abilities. You can use these to assist in evaluating your job options.
➡️Take into account your beliefs about the workplace. ️Consider what matters to you, such as work-life balance, salary, benefits, job security, or prospects for advancement. Do you like or dislike working in offices? If so, what percentage of the time would you be okay with sitting at a desk? Also, how do you feel about working with others? Do you like working on your own or collaborating with a team?
➡️Research careers and job titles. These are two different things. For example, you may want to work in the tech industry. However, what role would interest you: finance, recruiting, training, etc.?
➡️After determining your interests, strengths, and values, investigate several professions that fit these characteristics. To aid in your career exploration, you can use online resource tools like the Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore career options, salaries, and job outlooks.
When you have gathered sufficient data, consider your options and choose. Talk to people in these fields (this is called informational interviewing).
To make the best decision, remember that choosing a career is personal. Take the time to focus on your interests, abilities, skills, likes, dislikes, and values.
Contact me if you would like to schedule a free phone consultation.
Comments