How to Choose a Career - Tips on Choosing your Future

April 9 2019 - Most students don't receive career advice. In fact, over half of the students with a dream job in mind don't receive any advice at all.

We're going to break that mold.

Are you uncertain what you'd like to do with the rest of your life? Maybe you have an idea but aren't sure how to even start towards your goal?

Find out all about how you can get the career of your dreams here and kiss an uncertain future goodbye.

1. Start With Your Passion

What do you like? What subjects interest you?

Start here. Make a list of your passions and make a second list of positions that incorporate as many of your interests as possible.

See which careers truly interest you.

2. Take Self-Assessment Tests

Take some self-assessment tests to discover your skills. These are excellent if you have no idea where your skills lie.

These tests also identify work preferences, interests and weaknesses. Best of all, you can find free ones online.

3. Research the Job

Pick some of your favorite prospects and research the career. Find articles describing what it's like to work in that field every day.

Specifically, try to research interviews with or articles written by individuals in that line of work.

Finally, don't forget about researching future prospects. Explore how much you will make and if the sector will grow.

4. Know the Requirements

Now it's time to see what education, skills, certificates and more you'll need for the position.

This knowledge will help you determine if the position is right for you. If you find some of the requirements don't fit your preferences, consider a different role.

5. Take Classes

You don't have to go to college to take classes. In fact, many corporations offer professional development courses to their employees.

See what's available that will let you dip your toes into the water. It's a great way to network and to see if the topic interests you.

6. Speak to Career Counselors

Career counselors make it their business to know how to find careers and obtain them. Further, counselors work at schools to aid students, making them a free resource if you're in school.

However, even adults can seek the guidance of career coaches.

7. Informational Interviews

Seek out individuals who work in fields you're interested in. Ask them if you can conduct an informational interview.

This is a semi-informal meeting where you can ask the person questions about his or her work. It's invaluable because you receive insights you won't glean elsewhere.

8. Volunteer

Volunteer and internship opportunities are fantastic methods to learn more about a job's inner workings. You'll be able to see exactly what you might do, how things work and what the environment is like.

Use directories for local businesses to see if you could volunteer.

9. Shadow

Similar to volunteering, job shadowing lets you see up close and personal what your chosen career is like. You'll follow someone in that role as he or she goes through the daily activities.

This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, gain experience and assess your interest in the position.

You can even do this within your own company through a career mentor.

Discover Your Dream Career

Discover your dream career with research and experience. If you follow these nine steps, you'll find the position you've always wanted.

And, sometimes, you might not have to pay a dime for that knowledge.

Want to convince your boss to pay for your training? Find out how and begin your career journey.

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