There is a lot of pressure for you to know what career you wish to pursue from a young age, but the fact is that not everyone is lucky enough to know what they want to do for the rest of their professional lives. Figuring out what to study at college and what to major in can be worrisome, especially when your friends and family members are pushing for answers – but the thing is, this is normal.
On the other hand, many of us have already started a career and are no longer excited or passionate about the industries we have set foot in. Luckily, there are many resources available to us. We no longer have to be ‘stuck’ in a career, and rather we can move from one industry to another with much more ease.
Whether you are trying to figure out your next big career move or are a high school student considering college, here’s a guide on how to find your dream career.
Lead with Your Strengths
Just because you don’t know what career you want, it doesn’t mean you don’t know what your strengths are or what you are good at. Your strengths should be the driving force behind your decision-making, as it allows you to consider what comes naturally to you, because the fact of the matter is, you need to be naturally good at your future career. For instance, if you do not consider yourself a people person and struggle with meeting new people, then you may not want a client-facing career.
If you are unsure of what you are good at, ask a friend or family member for their honest opinions. Of course, you can also consider taking a personality test like the Myers-Briggs personality test for further insight.
Talk to People
Once you have a few ideas in mind, it is time to speak with someone who works in your areas of interest. Contact businesses and ask for an informational interview with people in the fields you are curious about and ask them what their job entails, the challenges and rewards of their job, and how they landed the job in question. Bring as many pre-prepared questions in advance so that you get the most out of the meeting; you also do not want to be wasting anyone’s time.
Tip: You can always head to conferences and start networking. Workshops can also provide valuable insight into careers.
Do What Makes You Happy
There is little point in pursuing a career that doesn’t interest you or make you happy, and in the long run, a job that you do not enjoy can worsen your job performance. You need to find a balance between a career that will make you happy as well as a career you are good at. While this may seem impossible, it is doable.
Ask yourself the following question: What do you love doing so much you would do it for free?
Think about it: if you didn’t have to pay the bills, what would you want to do for free? The sad reality is that most of us have to pay rent or a mortgage and utility bills, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use this question as the foundation to our job search.
You may come up with some answers that you never expected, such as wanting to become a freelance photographer or a painter, and although these thoughts may take you by surprise, sit on them for a moment rather than discard them as “whimsical dreams.” If you find yourself coming back to one idea, look into courses and see how attainable this career move is for you.
Look at Colleges and Universities
In this day and age, there are many ways for us to complete higher education. You can attend college lecturers physically but also remotely, and due to COVID-19, there is a great emphasis on remote learning (sometimes referred to as e-learning). For many people, this has allowed people to juggle a career as well as school. It has also reduced tuition fees for many as remote learning can be seen as a cheaper option. However, no matter the form of learning you take, you need to ensure that the course is right for you and can help you get into the right career for you.
Starting a career in healthcare can be simple to understand. Typically, you will have to pass exams, enroll into a college, and graduate with a degree in your relevant field. For instance, if you wish to become a nurse, you can find many accelerated nursing programs online that will kickstart your nursing profession.
For certain careers, a degree isn’t enough and you may find yourself looking for an internship. Not only are internships a great way to get your foot in the door and network, but you will also gain experience in your field. If you prove yourself, the business may hire internships and welcome them into the company full-time.
Consider What Work Environment You Need
Where and how we work can be important to our mental health and job performance. Before you accept any job offer, you should consider the location of the workplace, how they work, and whether the people in that office seem friendly and helpful. You should also consider the social aspect of the work environment, especially if you are a social butterfly.
Ask the following questions when deciding the ideal work environment for you:
- Do you thrive when working as part of a team?
- Do enjoy a structured 9-5 job in an office environment?
- Is work from home essential?
- How long and busy is the commute to and from the office?
- Is the role work remotely?
Nowadays, the standard 9-5 in an office environment has become much more flexible, with the choice of working from home and having flexi-time. If you are unsure about whether your job allows this, then there is no harm in asking.
If you are looking to make a big career move but you aren’t sure where to start, use these tips for inspiration.
