Choosing a career path is not a decision that should be taken lightly. We will spend a large portion of our lives working, so the work that we pursue should be monetarily and spiritually fulfilling and rewarding. Because it is such a big decision, many people have trouble figuring out what career they see themselves in and, more importantly, how they can manage to work their way into their desired position.
Whether you are just starting the process and have yet to launch your career or are someone who is in a position that doesn’t meet their needs and are seeking out a new one, here are some valuable tips that will help to make the process much simpler.
Discover your strengths and long-term goals.
Your career is essentially an extension of yourself and, as such, it is easier to figure out where you want to go professionally if you know who you are and what you are looking for out of life. What are some of your strengths and skills that you could leverage to your advantage in a professional setting? What are some of your interests and passions that could develop into a long-term, prosperous career? Are you looking to work for someone else and, if so, what companies and roles appeal most to you? Are you instead looking to work for yourself and, if so, what kind of business and responsibilities are you seeking? What impact are you looking to make in any role? Do you want to totally switch fields, for example, attend a reputable medical assistant program in order to leave the finance industry and join the medical profession? What would you like to do for the rest of your life? While this is by no means an exhaustive list of questions that you need to ask yourself, these are a few that can help to get you started in finding the right career.
Figure out what you are looking for from your job.
While being able to provide value to your employer is important, it is also important that your chosen career path is providing something for you as well (besides money). Your position and career should consist of fulfilling work that helps you to achieve more and succeed both in your professional and personal life. Some of the expectations that people have from their positions include an engaging workplace environment, a workplace culture that focuses on well-being and self-care, and the ability to make an impact in their chosen career. Jot down a list of what is most important to you in a job, and use this information to search for roles that would meet those needs.
Research options that appeal to you and meet your criteria.
Armed with a better idea of who you are and what you want, you can rush into the sea of potential career opportunities and start singling out the ones that would meet your needs, wants, and goals. Because you’re not taking the first step just yet, don’t feel too pressured when you are career-hunting. Simply start listing some of the career options that are realistic for you and the roles within those career paths that are positions you would like to work toward. It will take some time, but with the right research, you will be able to narrow down the list and move forward from there.
For those who are truly serious about their careers, you may also be looking for an advisor who can help you utilize these tips to find your path and guide you through the process from start to finish. If this is the case for you, seek out career counseling in NYC to receive the proper support you need and get a head start on your career.
