Few people have a clear vision of what they wish to become in life. The rest of us panics as school life ends. But there is no need to worry. You can find the right career for yourself by following these 6 professional tips.
1. Figure out what you enjoy doing
Your career choice will be a lifelong journey. You certainly don’t want to spend your entire life doing something you hate. That is why knowing your passions is essential to pick the right career.
Find out what subjects you enjoy learning, what you like to do in your spare time, what values you cannot compromise on, what are some changes you’d feel proud to be a part of, and most importantly, what your strengths are.
Answering all these questions will shortlist the career options that will work the best for you. Now, you can conduct in-depth research on a few topics, talk to different people to understand various aspects of your dream jobs and learn about the challenges you have to face if you follow that particular career path.
For a more clear idea, you must also note down your weaknesses and start working on the ones that can create a block in your path ahead.
2. Ask yourself why
Everyone has their answer to “why” they chose this career, and you must too. Without it, you may lose the fire.
Never pick your career based on others’ opinions, or it may lead to disaster. Of course, you can always listen to their recommendations and pick the one that relates the most to your core values.
3. Understand your priorities
Each one of us wants different things from our jobs. For example, some people like to get a 7 digits salary every month and will do everything to earn it. In contrast, others look for flexibility and work-life balance.
So, visualize your ideal work-life and choose the career with the highest probability of providing you with that.
4. Take various tests to discover your personality type
Each of us has different personalities, and if you can identify that for you – it will help you enlist a few career choices where you can excel like no other.
There are various tests available on the internet to help you do that. So why not take one?
5. Create a 5-year career plan
Jot down your shortlisted career choices and find out where other people in your preferred field are after 5 years into their job. Then, check their positions and plan what titles you want to achieve at that point.
Further, find out what skills you must have to do to reach that level. For example, some jobs require extra training programs and find out if your preferred career needs one or not.
If the answer is yes, note down everything about these programs and start preparing. Always examine your career advancement at the end of every year to measure your progress. You can talk to a life coach if you feel anxious during this process.
Recently, I shifted my career to a completely new field. At first, it felt impossible. Then, one of my friends recommended talking to a coach from Life Supports Counseling. The coach guided me through the whole process and helped me to bring changes in my life. Now, I am doing what I always loved and making money out of it – I mean, what’s better than that?
6. Explore different sectors and industries
Before building your life around something, you should know its pros and cons. There are three types of sectors – public, private and non-profit organizations.
Private sectors allow you to utilize your full potential and boost your career within a short period, wherein public sectors provide stability in your career. The only con of the public sector is that you cannot grow your income rapidly and that of the private sector is that it demands crazy work hours.
The NGOs work towards fulfilling public needs. The biggest advantage of working in this sector is that you get to help people and bring smiles to their faces, but the pay scale is low compared to the other two sectors.
Find out what you seek the most in your work life and choose career paths most advantageous to that sector.
Over to you…
Now that you know all the tips, it’s time to decide. Of course, you can take an internship in your preferred position to get real-life job experience, but it is often a great way to figure out if your dream job is suitable for you or not.
