Finding the job you want and having the right career is a deeply rewarding experience. It’s not always easy to find work that suits your skills and matches your needs, but it is possible. Take the time to exert a little effort in pinpointing the career you want to have a successful, fulfilling work life.
Find the career you want
Assess yourself. What things do you like doing? What are your strengths? Your interests? What motivates you? Answers to these questions will give you a general idea of which industry (or industries) you might work for.
Do some research. Now that you have some potential careers in mind, find out everything you can about each one. Look over career profiles that interest you. Getting more information will help you narrow the field even more.
Talk to people. Ask a mentor or someone with a career you’re interested in about his job. How did he get the job? How long has he been doing it? Does he think it’s a fulfilling job? What tips can he give someone who wants to start out in that career?
Get professional advice. It’s always a good idea to talk to career pros – they might be aware of avenues you could take to start on your chosen career, or they might have options you had not considered. They could provide helpful insight for job seekers looking to start new careers.
Make it happen
Once you’ve narrowed down the list of careers you might be interested in, it’s time to consider the following:
Where will you work? Are you willing to move if there are no or inadequate opportunities for the job you want at your current location? How much will you make? How important will you salary be, given your current situation? Are you willing to consider a smaller salary for a job that you love?
How many of these jobs are available? You need to know the job market for the industry you’re considering. Is there intense competition for just a handful of positions or are there plenty of jobs to go around? What qualifications do you need to hold this position? Many jobs require specialized skills and knowledge for you to qualify. You might consider taking extra trainings to be better equipped for the job.
Sign up with My Job Connections to get personalized career advice and job recommendations that are suited to your skills, education and experience. We can help you get the career you want. You should also read how to prepare for that next job interview.