Finding the right career for you takes time, and your career will likely evolve over your working life. You may have to change roles or industries as your interests, motivations, and needs change. A survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that people born between 1957 and 1964 hold an average of 12.4 jobs between the ages of 18 and 54. Data from a survey separately conducted in 2020. Shows that people are now taking on all the jobs. for about four years. These realities, combined with the rise of automation. An increase in job demand and even a lack of employment, suggest that occupations are changing over time.
Career is your overall career path. Many people embark on a career because it can help them achieve their goals. Such as gaining more knowledge and experience, taking on more responsibilities, or earning a higher salary.
I’ve compiled seven ways to start thinking about the best career options for you. These are tools and questions to structure your thought process. So you can determine which career might be the best fit for you and help you achieve your goals.
Explore sectors
Knowing more about each industry and its respective goals can help you determine where you would fit in. Think about the goals that you find most interesting. You will likely be employed by a private company or company. Often for the purpose of increasing growth and revenue.
Alternatively, you can work in public. You will be employed by local, state or federal governments for the purpose of keeping public programs and institutions operating with great potential for stability. You can have a non-profit job. You will be employed by an organization not affiliated with the public or private sector. That is dedicated to serving or meeting the needs of the public. Even if it doesn’t aim to generate income like private companies do. It still has to earn enough money to fulfill its mission and cover its overall costs with significant potential.
Ask around
Another great way to identify your skills is to ask a supervisor or co-worker what they think your top three strengths are. As Betsy Andrews points out: “Sometimes we can’t see ourselves shining in someone else’s eyes because what they notice comes naturally to us. And we can mistakenly think that it’s not. that comes naturally to others. Learning what others think you’re good at can generate more ideas about key skills to use in your search.
Think about your long-term goals
Do you want to rise above the management level and run a business? Do you want to own a house Or you want to travel – and how often? What does your most perfect life look like? Make a list of your long-term goals, both personal and professional, to help you understand what needs to be done to achieve them. If you want to work in the same industry in the next 10 years, research which industries are likely to continue to grow in the next decade and which could be eliminated due to increasing levels of automation or other challenges. The list you compile can also help you approach your job search in a more specific way.
Try Some Hustle
If taking a review isn’t an option for you and you don’t get many helpful results asking around. Try making a list of your skills by looking at your interests and passions. You may be surprised by what you have to offer.
Once you have this list, consider testing these skills out with a part-time job to see what happens. As Frana says, “If you have a particular interest. See if using the skills you’ve developed leads to a meaningful full-time job opportunity. »
Reflect on your motivations
I have detailed a sample list of priorities such as salary, real pay stubs, benefits, autonomy, flexibility, work-life balance, and career development. Think about what you will put on your list and how you will organize your priorities. Once you’ve made a list of yourself, check your motivations. Maybe you want a career that will pay a higher starting salary than comparable occupations. One that promises more flexibility so you can work anywhere. Most careers don’t have everything you want. So it’s important that you understand your priorities.
Seek out professional resources
In addition to thinking for yourself in the areas mentioned above. You can also turn to various career resources for further guidance. If you’re still in college, take advantage of the career resources your college or university can offer. You may be able to see a councillor or councillor who has been trained to help you transition from college to a career.
You can find a trained career coach to help clients learn more about the types of jobs that work best for them. Career coaches are an additional cost. So be sure to research their credentials, experience, and background knowledge to make sure they’ll be a good fit for your needs.
Conduct Informational Interviews
“Finding out how successful people with similar skills have been in their job or career searches can help you understand why those positions might be a good fit,” says Capozzoli. “It’s a great way to build your knowledge base while also getting valuable job search tips and tricks.” Once you’ve identified your skills and what jobs might match those skills, tap into your network. Ask if anyone works or knows anyone in the industry you’re researching and would be willing to do an informational interview with you.
Success in any career requires a combination of hard, soft, and transferable skills. The good news is that if you lack the skills you think you need for your new job, you can still learn them. Plus, you might be surprised at the skills you already have and how they’ve prepared you for the next step in your career. I hope you’ve come up with some career ideas that sound interesting.
