Choosing a career path is a significant decision that requires careful planning, self-reflection, and exploration. Whether you’re a high school student contemplating your future, a college graduate navigating the transition into the workforce, or considering a career change, the decision can seem overwhelming. But there are tools and guidance to lead you through the process of selecting a career path that aligns with your passions, strengths, and aspirations.
As you embark on this journey, keep an open mind, embrace change, and never stop exploring new possibilities. Whether you’re having trouble narrowing down because you’re interested in everything or don’t know where to start, here’s a roadmap to guide your process.
1. Assess Yourself
Before diving into the ocean of career options, take a deep breath and reflect on yourself. Explore your interests, values, and skills. Grab a pen and paper and consider these aspects:
- Values: What matters most to you? Is it creativity, stability, or impact?
- Interests: What subjects or activities light up your eyes? What do you enjoy reading or learning about?
- Soft Skills: Are you a great communicator, problem-solver, or team player? Do you have leadership experience or amazing time management skills?
- Aptitudes: What are you naturally good at?
- Personality Type: Introverted or extroverted? Analytical or creative?
An online assessment tool is a great way to objectively determine these aspects of who you are. There are countless out there, but one of our favorites to help drill down into career potential fits is the 123 Career Test, based on the work of psychologist John L. Holland. If you’ve completed other personality tests in the past, use the insights gained to help you answer the questions above. A high school guidance counselor or college advisor will also have resources to utilize in determining career options that fit your strengths and values.
READ MORE > Majors For Different Myers Briggs Types
2. Create Your Master Career List
Once you’ve documented your values, interests, and personality characteristics that will be helpful in choosing a career, it’s time to make a list. List the jobs, careers, or majors you’re interested in or might be a good fit. Use the results from any self-assessment or career tests you’ve completed or any careers you’re familiar with from family or friends.
Browse all careers and keep an open mind. When you find a career choice that shows up on multiple assessments, tests, or lists – highlight it! You’ll make your final decision easier if you highlight a career that keeps popping up.
3. Explore Your Job Options
Now, it’s time to put your research skills to good use. Look at the list you’ve created and the top contenders you’ve highlighted. Learn as much as you can about these careers. Our Career Finder tool is a great way to gather information about job openings, salary information, and necessary skills or education.
- Job Descriptions: What does a typical day look like?
- Education and Training: What qualifications or degrees are needed?
- Licensing Requirements: Some careers require specific certifications.
- Opportunities: How in demand is this job?
- Advancement Opportunities: Can you climb the ladder? What does the entry-level into this career look like, and how do you advance?
4. Narrow Down Your Career Choices
Based on your research, trim down your list. Which careers don’t seem to fit? Which ones aren’t in demand in the area where you want to live? Do you see yourself growing in the career? Be ruthless but kind:
- Short List: Keep 2 to 5 occupations that excite you.
- Deal-breakers: Cross off careers that clash with your non-negotiables.
- Duties: Remove anything that doesn’t spark joy.
- Job Outlook: Say goodbye to shaky prospects.
- Requirements: Be optimistic but realistic about your education and skills, given your time horizon and when you want to enter the job market.
5. Talk to the Pros
Take your short list of top career choices and seek out professionals in those areas. Informational interviews are like gold. Ask about their experiences, challenges, and victories. Their insights will be invaluable to helping you choose a career path.
When you’re searching for professionals in certain fields, there are some great resources and information available.
- Your high school guidance counselor will have information on many fields and connections to many in the field based on past student experiences.
- Your friends or your parents’ friends are another network of professionals that likely span fields.
- Academic and student advisors at universities and colleges have great connections and networks to utilize.
- Career counselors, mentors, and professors are your allies.
All of these individuals have seen it all and can offer sage advice. Don’t hesitate to seek their wisdom and perspective.
6. Internships, Volunteering, and Education
A great tactic for determining if a career is right for you is to test the waters. Internships and volunteer work provide hands-on experience. You’ll learn what you love (or don’t) and build connections along the way. Finding a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work in your field of interest is like a long-term interview. If you put yourself there, you’ll learn much more about yourself and how you work in an environment.
Pursuing a degree in a related field of study to your career choice is a great way to learn in-depth about a career pursuit and gain valuable knowledge, experience, and skills along the way. To determine which major aligns with your career path, check out our College Major Browser and take this vital step in your career roadmap.
Life is a journey. Keep learning, exploring, and adapting. Your career path will likely evolve, and that’s perfectly okay. Remember, choosing a career doesn’t have to be a one-time decision. It’s a dynamic and introspective process. Be open to twists and turns. Each step brings you closer to your dream career.
