How to Choose the Right Career

Introduction

The majority of people spend about one-third of their lives working, so it's important to find a career that's a good fit.

It's crucial to understand yourself, set goals, and learn about different aspects of work. Use the following list as a starting point for this process.

How to Choose the Right Career

Examine Yourself

Understanding your interests, values, and traits can help you determine how you like to spend your time at work. Instead of focusing on finding your passion, it's more helpful to seek a sense of energy and excitement in your work.

Examine your Reasons for Doing Things

After compiling a list of your details, shift your focus to your reasons for wanting to work. It could be that you desire a profession that offers a higher starting salary compared to similar jobs or one that provides more flexibility so you can work from any location. It's important to recognize that not all careers will fulfil every aspect you desire, so understanding your priorities is crucial.

To assist you in this process, we have provided a sample list of priorities. Take some time to consider what you would include on your list and how you would prioritize them.

1. Salary
2. Benefits
3. Autonomy
4. Work/life balance
5. Flexibility
6. Career growth

Think about Your Long-term Goals

Create a vision of your ideal life by listing your long-term personal and professional goals. It will help you understand what it will take to achieve them. For example, do you aspire to reach the top executive level in a company? Do you dream of owning a house? How often do you want to travel?

Additionally, this list can guide you in your job search. If you plan to work in the same industry in the future, research which industries are expected to grow in the next decade and which ones may face challenges due to automation or other factors.

Take Different Self-Assessment Tests

Many assessments can help you understand different aspects of yourself, including personality traits, strengths, and potential career paths. However, it's important to remember that these tests can be limiting because they place you into specific categories.

Instead of relying solely on the results, use them as tools to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your motivations. If the assessments provide valuable insights, incorporate that information into your overall self-awareness journey.

Explore Sectors

By learning more about each sector and its goals, you can determine where you would excel. Consider which goals resonate with you the most.

Private Sector

You can work for a privately owned company or corporation with the primary aim of increasing growth and revenue.

Benefit: Increased potential for personal growth.

Public Sector

You can work for a local, state, or federal government to maintain public programs and institutions.

Benefit: Enhanced potential for job stability.

Non-profit Sector

You can work for an organization dedicated to addressing a public need. While it does not prioritize revenue generation like private businesses, it must generate enough funds to fulfil its mission and cover expenses.

Benefit: Greater potential for finding meaning in your work.

Explore Industries

In addition to exploring different sectors, it can be helpful to look into various industries to find potential career matches. Consider well-established industries such as energy, consumer goods, and media and entertainment in the United States. Make a list of interesting options and conduct further research to learn about key positions, career paths, and projected growth.

Look for Professional Resources

In addition to considering the aspects above independently, you can also explore various career resources for more personalized assistance.

College Career Centre

If you are currently enrolled in college, make the most of the career resources provided by your institution. They may offer counselling or guidance from professionals who specialize in helping students transition from college to their chosen careers.

Career Coach

Another option is to seek the guidance of a career coach who can help you discover the types of work that align with your interests and skills. Keep in mind that hiring a career coach comes with a cost, so it is important to thoroughly research their qualifications, experience, and background to ensure they are the right fit for your specific needs.

Looking for Possible Careers

Once you have gathered a substantial amount of information, it's time to delve into researching different career possibilities. Utilize the list you created based on your interests, values, and traits, along with your top motivations, to explore potential careers or industries that align with your profile.

For instance, if you have a passion for drawing, consider looking into careers or industries that require artistic talent to some degree. If you are concerned about income inequality, research organizations that actively work towards addressing this issue and browse through their job openings. If one of your greatest strengths lies in creative problem-solving, seek out careers and industries that value and require this skill set.

Make a note of each option that piques your interest, and pay attention to the outcomes that will help you prioritize your goals. For example, if flexibility is a key factor for you, focus on remote roles rather than those that require you to be physically present in an office.

Examine the Careers on your List

Once you have a list of possible careers, use the following actions to investigate each one in more detail.

Explore job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster to find job opportunities. Take time to review the job descriptions and responsibilities for each position in your location. Determine which career titles best fit your hobbies and skills.

Research company reviews by cross-referencing on platforms like Glassdoor or similar websites to gain insights into a specific company you are considering. Also, conduct thorough research on the industry in which the company operates and stay updated on ongoing discussions or current issues within that industry.

Arrange informational interviews. If you're interested in a specific position at a company, reach out to your contacts to see if they can set up an informational interview. If you want to learn more about a particular role, tap into your network to find people currently working in that field or ask others who can provide insights. Getting information about a career path before pursuing it can be very valuable.

Conclusion

Selecting the right career involves self-awareness, prioritization, and aligning your goals with potential opportunities. By exploring various sectors and industries and utilizing professional resources, you can make an informed decision that suits your interests and aspirations.