If you are also thinking about career at this time and are unable to decide in which direction to move forward, then this article is for you. In this, we will tell you in simple language how to choose the right career, and also tell you in detail in which ways you can find the right path for yourself.
A person spends about one-third of his life at work. In such a situation, it is very important that you choose a career in which you get satisfaction, in which you can stay for a long time, and which can help you fulfill your life goals.
Read the points given below carefully, these will help you think and take decisions in the right direction.
1. Understand Your Values and Interests
Before choosing any career, you have to understand yourself. This does not mean that you have to find a ‘passion’, but it is important to know what things you like and how you like to spend your time.
Ask Yourself:
Interest Questions:
- What subjects am I interested in?
- What do I like to do in my free time?
- Do I like mental work or physical work?
- Do I prefer working outdoors or indoors?
Values Questions:
- What is most important to me – money, satisfaction or social contribution?
- What are my priorities in life?
- What kind of change would I like to bring about?
Personality Questions:
- What is my definition of success?
- What qualities do I like most about myself?
- What skills am I proud of?
The answers to these questions will gradually create a clear picture in your mind, which will help you decide on the right career path for you.
2. Know What You Want
Now that you have identified your qualities and preferences, the next step is to know why you want to work. Some people want a good salary, some want freedom. Some want to work from home, while others want to work with a team.
Make a List of Your Priorities:
- High salary
- Benefits like health insurance, pension
- Self-reliance
- Work-life balance
- Flexibility (e.g. remote work)
- Career growth opportunities
- Good company culture
Now rank these things in order of your priority. Also, decide what is important to you and without which you will not accept a job (e.g. a deal breaker).
3. Identify Your Long-Term Goals
Imagine what your ideal life looks like. Do you want a bigger position in the future, or start your own company? Do you want to travel abroad every year, or retire early and settle down in the village?
Some Examples:
- Where do I want to live in 10 years?
- Do I want to be a manager or a specialist?
- Do I want to get married and start a family?
- Do I want to be part of a social change?
When you have these goals, you will be able to move towards a career that helps you achieve these goals.
4. Use Self-Assessment Tools
Nowadays, there are many career tests available online that tell you about potential careers based on your personality, interests and skills. Although these tests do not give any final answer, they definitely give you a chance to understand yourself better.
Some Popular Self-Assessment Tools:
- MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
- Holland Code Test
- StrengthsFinder
- 16 Personalities
Use them for your self-analysis and include the things that seem right to you in your plan.
5. Know Different Sectors (Understand the Sector)
Not every career is the same. It is also important to understand what kind of sector you would like to work in.
Major Sectors:
Private Sector: Companies that work for profit. There are more opportunities for growth here.
Public Sector: Government institutions which are for the service of the public. There is more job stability in these.
Non-Profit Sector: These institutions work to fulfill some need of the society. The level of money in this may be less, but satisfaction is more.
Compare these sectors and see what kind of environment you like.
6. Do Industry Research
Apart from the sector, selection of industry is also very important. The way of working, growth potential, and career growth opportunity of every industry is different.
Popular Industries:
- Technology (such as software development, artificial intelligence)
- Healthcare (such as nursing, medical research)
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Digital Marketing
- Construction
Every industry has different roles. Research the type of jobs available in the industry you like.
7. Take Help of Professional Resources
If you are not able to decide alone, then some experts can also take help.
Available Resources:
College Career Center: If you are a student, then consult your college career center. There the career counselor can guide you.
Career Coach: These are professional people who help in career planning. Although they can be a little expensive, but they can be consulted if needed.
Online Platforms: A lot of career related information is available on websites like LinkedIn, Coursera, Internshala.
How to Research Career Options?
Now that you have detailed information about yourself, it is time to research different career options.
Research Career Options:
Make a List:
- What are the careers you are interested in?
- Do they match your values and goals?
- Do they have growth potential?
- What is the starting salary?
Then research each option in depth. If you are creative, look at fields like graphic design, content creation. If you are interested in social issues, look at NGOs and policy-making.
What Steps to Take?
- Search on Job Portals: Look for job profiles related to the career on LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster. Read the job description and understand if it matches your preferences.
- Read Company Reviews: Get information about companies from websites like Glassdoor – like culture, growth opportunities, employee opinions, etc.
- Take Informational Interviews: Talk to people working in the field you are interested in the role. You can connect on LinkedIn and ask for suggestions from people.
Learn Skills on Platforms Like Coursera
If you want to explore a new field, then take courses from platforms like Coursera. Here you can find courses created by companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft. You can do certificate courses anytime, from anywhere, which can prove helpful in your career.
Conclusion
Choosing a career is not a one-time decision. It is a continuous process, in which you understand yourself better, look at new options, learn from mistakes, and finally find a path that is right for you.