How to Choose a Career

When we're little, the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" haunts us. The expectation to know what we want to do when we get older starts almost immediately after kindergarten. And while some people are confident in their goals to become artists, firefighters, and doctors, some of us take longer to decide.

More often than not, a large percentage of students have no idea what career path to choose. This makes me wonder: how do we even begin the job search? Knowing what you want to do is only half the battle; choosing a certain career path is the other. And if you're anything like me, you're going to need some direction.

Today's article is all about knowing how to choose a career. I will discuss what an "ideal" career is, explore different career paths, and give you a few tips on how to determine what career goals you have according to your interests and passions. Acquiring new skills is important as we get older. Whether that's learning new trades or picking up hobbies that turn into careers, I am here to give you more insight into the world of careers and how you can discover what is best for you.

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What is an Ideal Career Path?

Knowing how to choose a career isn't as easy as it seems. One day, you might think you have it all figured out, and the next, you change directions—which is okay! But let's quickly discuss what an "ideal" career path means for anyone trying to figure it out.

An ideal career path is one that supports your personal and professional goals. That means doing what you love and loving what you do. I know that sounds cliche, but it's true. The ideal career choice for you is one that is going to make you happy, keep you looking forward to going to work, and help you build stronger professional skills (i.e., problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication). This leads me to say that in order to know which career can help you acquire all of these skills, you will need to know yourself and what you are interested in.

Understanding Yourself

Before you begin your career search, I want to stress the importance of understanding yourself. This is the key ingredient when figuring out where you want to land in the professional world. So, in order to know what careers you might want to dabble in, ask yourself a few of the following questions:

1. What am I interested in?
2. What are my strengths?
3. What am I willing to sacrifice for my future?
4. What are my career goals?
5. How important is salary to me?

Though you are not limited to these questions, they can be your starting point. It's also important to be realistic about what you are and are not capable of. That is, if you are squeamish, you might not be interested in careers in the medical field. And it's okay to be honest about it! The goal is to choose a career you will enjoy learning and growing with.

Exploring Career Paths

On your journey towards your calling, one thing you should be open to is exploring your career ideas and options. Now, this might look different for everyone. Upon doing your research into different fields, you might find something you think aligns with your long-term goals and try it out. But after some time, you realize it's not for you. Do not let that deter you from finding your best career fit. This should only lead you back to evaluating career options.

Exploring different career paths and job titles will be a part of the process. Along the way, make sure you research job openings and career opportunities to get a sense of what’s available in all of your desired fields.

Career Path Options

In case you need some fresh career ideas, here are a few to consider:

• Project management
• Hospitality
• Education
• Entrepreneurship
• Freelance
• Technology
• Finance

As always, do your part and look into each field that appeals to you. And again, do not limit yourself at first. Trust the process, and you'll be sure to find yourself in an industry that fulfills you!

5 Considerations When Choosing a Career

Figuring out your future and choosing a career can be overwhelming if you don't know where to begin. Here are five factors to consider when weighing your options.

1. Identifying Interests and Passions

• Reflect on what you naturally enjoy doing and what brings you happiness.
• Ask yourself questions like “What are my interests?” and “What brings me joy?”
• Consider taking the Strong Interest Inventory test to get a better idea of your interests and passions.

2. Assessing Your Skills and Strengths

• Assess your skills and strengths to determine what tasks come easily to you.
• Ask yourself questions like “What are my skills?” and “What do I excel at?”
• Consider taking a personality test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test to understand your personality type and potential career matches. This can help you identify occupations that align with your strengths and skills.

3. Financial Stability

• Consider finances and earning potential when choosing a career.
• Ask yourself questions like “What is my salary potential?” and “What are my financial goals?”
• If a high salary is important to you, focus on industries and careers that offer high salaries and opportunities for advancement (i.e., computer science and business management).

4. Weighing Stress Level, Work-Life Balance, and Equity

• Consider stress level, work-life balance, and equity of your desired career.
• Ask yourself questions like “What are my priorities in life?” and “What kind of work environment do I thrive in?”
• Research companies and industries that prioritize work-life balance and employee well-being to consider whether it aligns with your values.

5. Researching Job Market Trends and Outlook

• Research the trends and demand for your chosen career field to ensure it has a viable future.
• Consider focusing on digital skills and IT/tech professions, as well as in-demand digital professions like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
• Stay informed about the job market to make informed career choices.

How to Choose a Career Path

So, how exactly do you choose a career path? Though it's a tricky question, it's not impossible to answer. Here are some things you can do to help you make an informed decision on your career choice.

1. Self-reflect: Evaluate what you're interested in, as well as what is important to you in terms of longevity. If you are looking for a career change, look into the things that make you happy to get a better idea of how you can transition from one field to another.
2. Talk to family and friends: This is probably an underestimated factor, but talking to family and friends can help give you clarity on which path you should lean towards. The people closest to you know you on a personal level, which works to your advantage. Let them help you.
3. Take self-assessment career quizzes: Consider seeking advice from a career coach or taking a career quiz to help narrow down your options.
4. Consider previous jobs: Look into your professional history and see what worked and didn't work for you along the way. These jobs can lead you down an unexpected path that can also lead to success.
5. Look into trendy fields and growing industries: Careers in fast-growing and trendy industries offer fresh opportunities. Do your research and learn what piques your interests.
6. Believe in yourself: The most important factor is to believe in yourself. Trust the process and allow yourself the space for growth, but don't give up on it!

Navigating Your Career Journey

When figuring out your career goals, you want to make sure you have a plan to navigate the ups and downs. Let's talk about it.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Avoid making decisions based solely on salary or job title.
• Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things.
• Prioritize your skills and interests when choosing a career.
• Be open to adjusting your career path as needed.

Build Your Personal Brand

• Put your best foot forward when networking by upgrading your online presence on LinkedIn.
• Take 2-3 hours to manage your online presence and create a personal brand toolkit.
• Develop valuable skills and join industries that excite you.
• Network and explore different career paths to find the right fit.

Taking the Next Steps

Now that you have a better idea of what you might (or might not) want to do, you want to start thinking about the next steps. Sounds daunting, but if you have a plan, you can't fail!

Creating a career development plan will set you up for success. Outline how you’ll get to where you want to be, what actions are needed, and when. You might also want to include a backup career plan in case your interests change. Review your progress constantly and revisit and review your objectives throughout your career. If you have any doubts or questions, consider seeking advice from a career coach or online resources/tests to help you figure out your career development plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Career Path

What is an ideal career path?

Understanding the ideal career path is key to helping you understand how to choose a career. The ideal career path is one that balances the trifecta of personal interests, professional development, and salary. Every person might want to prioritize a different factor of those three, but it's important you choose a career that fulfills at least some of your criteria in each of those areas.

What is most important when choosing a career?

The most important factor when choosing a career is making sure it aligns with your interests, passions, and future goals. On your hunt for your occupation, it's key to know what you can and cannot do or handle. That is, if you're not keen on blood and/or needles, a career in the medical field may not be the best fit for you. The key to choosing a career is knowing yourself, as well as your capacities.

What are some things to avoid when choosing a career?

Though you may already know you're talented or interested in certain fields, don't limit yourself to what you know. Take some time to explore other options first so that you can be sure you know exactly what you want. In addition, don't view occupations solely in terms of the job titles or salaries. While upward mobility and compensation are important, consider some opportunities will be more stressful than others and require more time, relocation, or other sacrifices.

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