Kandice
How do you choose between two careers that you're considering?
I have two careers that I'm determining to pursue but I am having trouble choosing between the two. How can I narrow it down to just one? #college #career #career-choice #college-major
5 answers
Jan Gajdos
Jan’s Answer
Think about what matters to you, not just from professional but also personal point of view. Create a pros and cons list for both career paths.
To help you decide, how would you answer these questions?
- What makes me happy? What motivates me to do my best?
- How do I want to spend most of my day?
- What do I enjoy doing? Am I a creative person, or more analytical? Do I like meeting new people every day?
- How do I handle stress?
- Do I like a routine job or want to do a variety of activities with wide range of tasks?
- Where do I want to be in 5 years?
- What does success mean to me? Can I be successful in both career paths?
- Which career path allows me to utilize more of my knowledge and skill set?
Before you start a certain career, consider finding a person who works in that field already and ask questions. Alternatively, consider taking an internship or short term (1yr) assignment that would allow you to better understand the career specifics and day-to-day challenges.
Good luck.
Jan
Valerie Gulston
Valerie’s Answer
Finally, ask your friends what they can see you doing!!!! Years ago a friend asked me if so thought she should be a lawyer. I was honest and told her I didn’t think so because she is rather impatient and didn’t think she would enjoy writing and re-writing briefs, filing appeals etc. She loved Mathematics and is very analytical; suggested she go to business school and study finance. She went to Columbia Business School and had a great career on Wall Street as a bond trader!!! She thanks me regularly for my input!!!
Valerie recommends the following next steps:
Preeti Singh
Preeti’s Answer
Figure out what really matters , consider where you could negotiate , make a side-by-side comparison and try talking to people who are in the fields you are considering before making your choice ..
Preeti recommends the following next steps:
Brian Kellmann
Brian’s Answer
If you're having trouble deciding between two career options, the best way to figure out which one you want to pursue is to experience what both have to offer. Here's a couple ways you can do that:
- Internship/Summer jobs in the fields.
- Volunteer
- Connecting on social media with people in the fields you're thinking about.
You won't know which one to pursue unless you try them out.
Kim Gravell
Kim’s Answer
Hi Kandice!
Preeti has given you some excellent advice. My only additional thought to consider is to gain insight into your true strengths and how that may influence your career path. My favorite assessment is StrengthsFinder. The resulting report will provide insights into your natural strengths and provides some options for you to consider. This may help you to determine which option or additional opportunities are best for you. Best of luck with your journey.
Kim recommends the following next steps: