Kenneth
How do I know which career is right for me?
For long I was stuck in living the dream of those around me because either they were all doctors or they all aspired to be doctors but failed.
It took a self-evaluation of what really matters to be in life to appreciate that technological innovation and entrepreneurship were what's right for me. #career-counseling
4 answers
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Top tips on how to find the best career for you
Finding a career that is something you enjoy and suits your needs can be tricky. The best advice is to do what you feel you are capable of and what you think you would enjoy as a job.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to “try before you buy”, by volunteering or taking on a work placement. This will help develop skills as well as show you what that particular career would be like and whether it suits you.
If you are a Six Town Housing tenant in Greater Manchester, contact us to find out how we can help you find a work placement, apprenticeship or volunteering opportunity.
Check out our other top tips below to help you find the best career for you.
Think about what you enjoy in life and how you could do this in your work life. Take a moment to write down your hobbies and your interests, thinking about how particular jobs could satisfy these. For example, if you enjoy writing or being creative, perhaps a career in writing website content or design work beckons! Ask yourself if there are any jobs you would do for free. While passion for the work you do is only one part of job satisfaction, it’s useful to have to keep you inspired and motivated in your career.
Write down a second list of the things you think you are best at. These might not be hobbies or interests, but qualities you have. For example, you might have been fantastic at maths in school, or shown a flair for planning and people skills when organising a surprise party. Think about jobs that might benefit from your skills, and see if they match the first list.
If you are still not sure, or cannot think of a list of jobs that match your interests or skills, contact a careers advisor or take an online “career aptitude” test (view several online tests here). This will give you a further list of ideas that you might not have even considered. Our staff might be able to offer you some suggestions too – contact us for more information.
If any of the roles on your lists appeal to you, but you are unsure if they are the right careers for you, why not see if you can gain work experience by contacting a company and offering to volunteer. They might say no, but there is always a chance they could say yes. Work placements are another option. If you are a Six Town Housing tenant in Greater Manchester, we may have access to a work placement that matches your skills and interests (contact us here).
Find out what experience you need to get the job you want and make a career plan. You might find that you need to work in a role that has nothing to do with your overall goal to pick up valuable work experience and transferable skills. This also shows potential employers that you have a good work ethic and are driven. Apply for jobs in organisations that might offer progression into the kind of job you need, volunteer to gain extra experience, look into what training you might require and keep trying. It might take time, but if you are determined and have a clear idea of where you want to be and how to do it, then you will get there.
In: http://www.stepstosuccessuk.co.uk/tips-and-advice/top-tips-find-best-career/
Good luck in your decisions!
Rahila Mohammad
Rahila’s Answer
Thank you for the question. I like the suggestions from the other commenters. It is important to sit down and reflect on what is most important to you and what you enjoy. For example, for me, I have always been very interested in human behavior and business. HR afforded me the opportunity to be exposed to and influence both.
It is also important to understand what you value most in life and what your goals and aspirations are in the short and long term. This will likely change in different phases of your life. I would recommend evaluating regularly (at least once a year) to see how you have progressed towards those goals and if anything needs to be adjusted.
Lastly, it is common for individuals to have more than one career in their lifetime. Focus on a 1-3 year plan and ensure you understand your personal values. This should provide the compass you need to start taking the right steps.
Christine Darrell
Christine’s Answer
I can say first hand, I was in your shoes at one point! I used to always just feel like I had to follow in the footsteps of my older sister because she seemed to have her stuff all together. But I didn't think military life was for me. I always would look at the things my friends were working towards to become and go sure I could do that. But finally I had a "ah-ha" moment when I said to myself "but is that me?" "is that something I could see myself making a career of and sticking with?".
I even went from being in the culinary industry for 7+years and finally saying.....but do I love it? I mean I do I love to cook but I'd rather do it at home. And I went to becoming a Bank Teller for the last 5 years and counting. Because I truly found that I love working with people. I love helping people! And what better way than giving people their money!? haha.
But seriously, I always say Love what you do and do it with love! Because at the end of the day, you have to be satisfied with your career choice. You are the only one that should be making that choice, because at the end of the day you want to live for working not work for a living. It makes the time you spend working, worth every second if you love it.
When you can, just take some time to make a list of your top choices. Research them, and make lists of the pros and cons of each choice. And from there follow your heart. And you know what....it's okay if you change your mind....sometimes it happens. But as long as its your choice that's all that matters!
I hope this helps!!!
GOOD LUCK!
Christine
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