5 answers
Sanaa
Student
Bridgeport, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
423 views
How do I find the career that I want to have in my future?
Look for that I love to do the most
Be consistent
Be patient
Have fun
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5 answers
Rina Kremer
Consulting
3
Answers
Saratoga Springs, New York
Updated
Rina’s Answer
Hi Sanaa! This is a tough question for sure - echoing what some others have said, take some time to sit down and think about what brings you joy, and then look around at ways that you can integrate that into work - or if not in your work, how can you carve out a lifestyle that allows you to pursue this outside of work?
Also, don't feel like you have to have it all figured out right now. Take time to explore different courses and subjects while you're still in school, especially in areas you haven't tried yet (if any). This strategy might just find you something you didn't even know existed but love! Additionally, many people change careers and industries, sometimes several times, throughout the course of their careers. The time you will spend working is very long, so you will also have the opportunity to try out several things if you'd like to!
Also, don't feel like you have to have it all figured out right now. Take time to explore different courses and subjects while you're still in school, especially in areas you haven't tried yet (if any). This strategy might just find you something you didn't even know existed but love! Additionally, many people change careers and industries, sometimes several times, throughout the course of their careers. The time you will spend working is very long, so you will also have the opportunity to try out several things if you'd like to!
Sara Fernandez
project manager
9
Answers
Costa Rica, Valle del Cauca
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Discovering the ideal career for you may require time and patience, as your professional journey will likely evolve throughout your working years. As your interests, motivations, and needs shift, you may find yourself transitioning between roles or industries. Considering that the average individual spends nearly a third of their life working, it's no wonder that many aspire to find a fulfilling career. To embark on this journey, start by learning about yourself, your objectives, and the broader context of work. Utilize the following list to kickstart this exploration:
1. Analyze yourself.
Identifying your interests and values can provide valuable insights into how you'd prefer to spend your working hours. This isn't about chasing a passion, which can often be misleading and perplexing. Instead, focus on feeling inspired and enthusiastic about your work. Contemplate the following questions related to your interests, values, and traits, and consider how you might respond:
Interest-based questions:
What topics spark your curiosity?
How do you prefer to spend your time?
Do you enjoy physical or mental labor?
Are you drawn to outdoor or indoor work?
Value-based questions:
What holds the most significance in your life?
What are your life's priorities?
Where do you find meaning?
What impact do you wish to make?
Trait-based questions:
How do you define success?
What do you want to experience more of?
Which strengths bring you the most joy?
Which skills make you the proudest?
2. Contemplate your motivations.
After compiling a list about yourself, shift your focus to your work-related motivations. You might desire a career with a higher starting salary or one that offers more flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere. Since most careers won't fulfill every desire, it's crucial to understand your priorities.
3. Consider your long-term aspirations.
Envision your ideal life and list your long-term personal and professional goals. This exercise can help clarify the steps needed to achieve them. For instance, do you aim to climb the corporate ladder to the C-suite? Do you dream of owning a home or traveling frequently? This list can also guide your job search more effectively. For example, if you wish to remain in the same industry for the next 10 years, research which industries are projected to grow and which to avoid due to factors like automation.
4. Experiment with various self-assessment tests.
Numerous tests can help evaluate your personality, strengths, and potential career matches. However, these tests can be overly restrictive, imposing categories upon you. Instead of relying on them for a definitive answer, use them to further understand yourself and your underlying motivations. Incorporate any useful findings into the bigger picture you're creating.
5. Investigate different sectors.
Gaining a deeper understanding of each sector and its objectives can help you determine where you'd excel. Reflect on which goals resonate with you the most.
1. Analyze yourself.
Identifying your interests and values can provide valuable insights into how you'd prefer to spend your working hours. This isn't about chasing a passion, which can often be misleading and perplexing. Instead, focus on feeling inspired and enthusiastic about your work. Contemplate the following questions related to your interests, values, and traits, and consider how you might respond:
Interest-based questions:
What topics spark your curiosity?
How do you prefer to spend your time?
Do you enjoy physical or mental labor?
Are you drawn to outdoor or indoor work?
Value-based questions:
What holds the most significance in your life?
What are your life's priorities?
Where do you find meaning?
What impact do you wish to make?
Trait-based questions:
How do you define success?
What do you want to experience more of?
Which strengths bring you the most joy?
Which skills make you the proudest?
2. Contemplate your motivations.
After compiling a list about yourself, shift your focus to your work-related motivations. You might desire a career with a higher starting salary or one that offers more flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere. Since most careers won't fulfill every desire, it's crucial to understand your priorities.
3. Consider your long-term aspirations.
Envision your ideal life and list your long-term personal and professional goals. This exercise can help clarify the steps needed to achieve them. For instance, do you aim to climb the corporate ladder to the C-suite? Do you dream of owning a home or traveling frequently? This list can also guide your job search more effectively. For example, if you wish to remain in the same industry for the next 10 years, research which industries are projected to grow and which to avoid due to factors like automation.
4. Experiment with various self-assessment tests.
Numerous tests can help evaluate your personality, strengths, and potential career matches. However, these tests can be overly restrictive, imposing categories upon you. Instead of relying on them for a definitive answer, use them to further understand yourself and your underlying motivations. Incorporate any useful findings into the bigger picture you're creating.
5. Investigate different sectors.
Gaining a deeper understanding of each sector and its objectives can help you determine where you'd excel. Reflect on which goals resonate with you the most.
Diane Gibson
Underwriter
58
Answers
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Updated
Diane’s Answer
A great question. Think about interests that you truly enjoy, challenge you and where you'd like to make an impact. Once you determine what those are look into locating a mentor in those careers that you can shadow to get a better idea of the day to day structure and what those career opportunities involve and look like. Best of luck to you!
Lauren Moore
Learning Support
1
Answer
Dayton, Kentucky
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
This is an excellent question that everyone wonders about!
First and foremost, I recommend not focusing solely on the salaries of various career paths. While money matters, it's not worth being unhappy every day.
Discover something that genuinely interests you, and then investigate what steps you need to take, such as attending college or pursuing an apprenticeship in that field. Diving deep into the education and learning associated with your chosen interest will be incredibly beneficial.
Don't allow yourself to feel trapped; give yourself the freedom to explore different career options. You don't have to decide on your career immediately after high school or even during your first year of college. You might begin an apprenticeship and later realize that the career you initially wanted isn't the right fit for you! Many people, including myself, have entered college with a completely different career in mind. It was only after learning more and exploring further that I decided to change my path – and that's perfectly fine!
First and foremost, I recommend not focusing solely on the salaries of various career paths. While money matters, it's not worth being unhappy every day.
Discover something that genuinely interests you, and then investigate what steps you need to take, such as attending college or pursuing an apprenticeship in that field. Diving deep into the education and learning associated with your chosen interest will be incredibly beneficial.
Don't allow yourself to feel trapped; give yourself the freedom to explore different career options. You don't have to decide on your career immediately after high school or even during your first year of college. You might begin an apprenticeship and later realize that the career you initially wanted isn't the right fit for you! Many people, including myself, have entered college with a completely different career in mind. It was only after learning more and exploring further that I decided to change my path – and that's perfectly fine!
ALi Habbache
Customer Success Manager Architect
11
Answers
Addlestone, England, United Kingdom
Updated
ALi’s Answer
Great job on asking this question, Sanaa! You're definitely a bright individual. Discovering the career you want for your future can be both enjoyable and challenging for a variety of reasons. First, it's enjoyable because you get to do what you love and love what you do. For instance, I grew up with easy access to computers, which led me to fall in love with computer science. I always admired Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and others in the computer/technology field.
On the other hand, finding your desired future career can be challenging since there are countless career options available today, and some that don't even exist yet.
A good approach is to explore topics that interest you, connect with communities, and learn from people who have already pursued the career you're considering. For example, at IBM, I'm currently shadowing someone in the role I'd like to have next. This gives me a real-life taste of the job and helps me confirm it's what I want.
In summary, identify your career interests, connect with people who have experience in those roles, and engage with them to help make your decision. When you love what you do at work, it feels like you're always on vacation! ;)
On the other hand, finding your desired future career can be challenging since there are countless career options available today, and some that don't even exist yet.
A good approach is to explore topics that interest you, connect with communities, and learn from people who have already pursued the career you're considering. For example, at IBM, I'm currently shadowing someone in the role I'd like to have next. This gives me a real-life taste of the job and helps me confirm it's what I want.
In summary, identify your career interests, connect with people who have experience in those roles, and engage with them to help make your decision. When you love what you do at work, it feels like you're always on vacation! ;)