12 answers
Rachel
Student
Powell, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
529 views
How do I become my dream career?
I am trying to figure out how to become my dream career, but not quite sure how to get there. Any advice?
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12 answers
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
The best way to reach your dream career is to get as much experience as you can. Volunteer, job shadow, work a part time job, intern, etc. Whatever your dream career is- work on it. Build your skills and keep learning about it. It also helps to network and get to know people who work in that career. If you say what your dream career is you might be able to get some more advice from someone in that career.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Rachel
Whitney Stevens
Technology Strategy
8
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Whitney’s Answer
This is so difficult! I like to think about in terms of energy: what gives you energy and what drains you of energy. Here are some things to consider within that...
- What parts of your school day are interesting and you wish you had more time in? What do you wish you could skip during your school day?
- When you are not at school what do you like doing and why?
- Do you like working alone or in groups?
- What do you parents, aunts, uncles, extended family do for work that seems interesting?
- What parts of your school day are interesting and you wish you had more time in? What do you wish you could skip during your school day?
- When you are not at school what do you like doing and why?
- Do you like working alone or in groups?
- What do you parents, aunts, uncles, extended family do for work that seems interesting?
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Rachel
Jenna Kashcheeva SHRM-CP
Psychologist/HRBP
10
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Jenna Kashcheeva’s Answer
Hey Hiya,
Identifying your dream career is not easy but there are some tips that can help you narrow down your options.
You can ask yourself a couple of questions for a start:
- What is something that I'm passionate about in general?
- What I am really good at/want to be good at?
- How solid is that career path that I might be interested in? Am I willing to take this risk? (for example, becoming a singer or an actor is very tempting but you might need survival jobs until you land a project or you might pursue another profession in parallel that can give you stability).
- What kind of lifestyle I am interested in (traveling, 8-5 jobs, shifts, etc.)?
- What are my educational opportunities/options (colleges available, budget, competition)?
- What is a comfortable level of income going to be based on my location/lifestyle (realistically)?
- What is really not for me? What things I don't want to experience at work? (e.g., working outdoors, starting your shift early in the morning, etc.)
Make yourself a list of all these items and do research on professions that combine all of them. This way, you should be able to get a clearer perspective of what might look attractive.
I found this test to be pretty insightful; you can try to use it as well: https://ikigaitest.com/en-personality-test/ It's free.
You can also ask other people to generate ideas for you but you should remember that it's your life to live, and their perspective might reflect more on their own interests rather than what is good for you.
Last but not least, we change over time. Sometimes the "dream career" can be very different after a decade, for example, and many people switch their paths completely several times during their career. Dream big!
Identifying your dream career is not easy but there are some tips that can help you narrow down your options.
You can ask yourself a couple of questions for a start:
- What is something that I'm passionate about in general?
- What I am really good at/want to be good at?
- How solid is that career path that I might be interested in? Am I willing to take this risk? (for example, becoming a singer or an actor is very tempting but you might need survival jobs until you land a project or you might pursue another profession in parallel that can give you stability).
- What kind of lifestyle I am interested in (traveling, 8-5 jobs, shifts, etc.)?
- What are my educational opportunities/options (colleges available, budget, competition)?
- What is a comfortable level of income going to be based on my location/lifestyle (realistically)?
- What is really not for me? What things I don't want to experience at work? (e.g., working outdoors, starting your shift early in the morning, etc.)
Make yourself a list of all these items and do research on professions that combine all of them. This way, you should be able to get a clearer perspective of what might look attractive.
I found this test to be pretty insightful; you can try to use it as well: https://ikigaitest.com/en-personality-test/ It's free.
You can also ask other people to generate ideas for you but you should remember that it's your life to live, and their perspective might reflect more on their own interests rather than what is good for you.
Last but not least, we change over time. Sometimes the "dream career" can be very different after a decade, for example, and many people switch their paths completely several times during their career. Dream big!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Rachel
Riya Mehta
Intern
8
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Riya’s Answer
Give everything a go! Discovering your ideal job is all about exploring various possibilities. This could involve part-time work, internships, job shadowing, or even volunteering. You'll find loads of chances, like joining clubs and taking part in extracurricular activities during school and college. Make sure to try out as many things as possible to pinpoint your interests. And remember, the internet is always there to help you! Keep researching and learning about the paths that interest you, and find out what truly excites you.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Rachel
Lisa Williams ACC, CPC, ELI-MP
Career Coach
5
Answers
Jericho, New York
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Your dream career is one that is unique to you - being clear about what you enjoy, how those things energize you will help you get started in thinking about what work will inspire you and create a fulfilling career for life. If you know in your heart that there is a certain thing you are already passionate about it, find people who are already doing that work and get curious!! Ask them how they got started, what they love about the work, what aspects of the work are harder than they may have anticipated and what they've learned about themselves along the way. Ask how you might get started with moving into that field/craft/work and what elements of education, skill or preparation will make you a good candidate.
Wishing you the best of luck as you move towards the career of your dreams. Remember, if your heart is in it and you are willing to put in the effort, anything is possible in life!
Wishing you the best of luck as you move towards the career of your dreams. Remember, if your heart is in it and you are willing to put in the effort, anything is possible in life!
Lisa, thank you!
Rachel
Eric Mensah
IT Consultant
13
Answers
Frederick, Maryland
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hey Rachel,
Achieving your dream job takes thoughtful planning, commitment, and persistence. Begin by learning about the necessary skills, qualifications, and experiences for your chosen field. Look into education programs, certifications, or degrees that will equip you with the required knowledge and credentials. Make the most of internships, volunteer work, or entry-level jobs to gain hands-on experience and establish a solid foundation. Connect with professionals in your target industry, attend related events, and find a mentor for valuable insights and advice. Keep enhancing your skills through self-study, online classes, or workshops. Stay informed about industry trends and new technologies. Set attainable short-term and long-term objectives and develop a plan to monitor your progress. Be resilient and flexible, as obstacles and challenges are bound to happen. Embrace ongoing learning and ask for feedback to improve and grow. With determination, hard work, and a well-planned strategy, you'll make steady progress towards your dream job.
Achieving your dream job takes thoughtful planning, commitment, and persistence. Begin by learning about the necessary skills, qualifications, and experiences for your chosen field. Look into education programs, certifications, or degrees that will equip you with the required knowledge and credentials. Make the most of internships, volunteer work, or entry-level jobs to gain hands-on experience and establish a solid foundation. Connect with professionals in your target industry, attend related events, and find a mentor for valuable insights and advice. Keep enhancing your skills through self-study, online classes, or workshops. Stay informed about industry trends and new technologies. Set attainable short-term and long-term objectives and develop a plan to monitor your progress. Be resilient and flexible, as obstacles and challenges are bound to happen. Embrace ongoing learning and ask for feedback to improve and grow. With determination, hard work, and a well-planned strategy, you'll make steady progress towards your dream job.
Ashley Gershoff
Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hey there! From what I've seen, discovering your dream career often happens as you progress through your professional journey. Some individuals might already know their ideal path and pursue the necessary education, making their quest for the perfect career a bit shorter. I suggest that, early in your career, you try to learn as much as you can to determine your likes and dislikes, as well as the activities that energize you. It's also a good idea to jot down your interests and passions, and then evaluate which jobs might align with them. Most importantly, don't stress too much about finding your dream career right away. Embrace the adventure of uncovering it, and remember that it's completely fine to make mistakes, change jobs, or even switch careers and interests along the way!
Thank you for the advice, Ashley.
Rachel
Madeline Merrill
Senior Consultant
10
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Madeline’s Answer
I think the one piece of advice I wish I had learned sooner is that there IS no dream career. You're going to constantly reinvent yourself, meet new people, gain new skills, etc.
Find something that makes you money, and find something else that gives you joy. Try LOTS of new things, fail, grow, and try again!
Find something that makes you money, and find something else that gives you joy. Try LOTS of new things, fail, grow, and try again!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Rachel
Marisa Fitz
CareerVillage.org TeamPartnerships Manager
21
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marisa’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
My top suggestion is to put in great effort into the activities you truly care about. Your particular dream job might transform and grow as you acquire more understanding and expertise throughout your life. Remain faithful to your personal aspirations by embracing the possibility of change!
Rachel Gertler
Product Owner
2
Answers
Silver Spring, Maryland
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
The most effective approach is to discover new courses and shadow various professions as much as possible to gain insight into different career paths. Consider your passions and search for jobs that match those interests.
Shakira K
Consultant
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Shakira’s Answer
Discover what truly brings you joy and happiness. By pursuing your passions, financial success will naturally follow.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Rachel,
Unleashing Your Dream Career
To make your dream career a reality, it's crucial to kick off by delving into and grasping the unique requirements and routes to that profession. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate your way to your dream career:
Self-Reflection and Research: Start with a self-check on your hobbies, talents, and passions. Dig into various careers that match these elements to pinpoint the one that truly clicks with you. Think about aspects like job duties, work atmosphere, growth prospects, and the qualifications required for the job.
Education and Training: Once you've spotted your dream career, find out the education and training prerequisites needed to break into that field. This could mean chasing a specific degree, certification courses, or vocational training. Scout for esteemed educational bodies or training providers that offer courses linked to your chosen profession.
Networking and Mentorship: Creating a network of professionals in your selected field can offer priceless insights and guidance. Hunt for mentors who are veterans in the industry and can give tips on how to steer your career journey. Networking can also pave the way for internships or job shadowing experiences, letting you get a real feel of the profession.
Gaining Experience: Bagging relevant experience is key to unlocking your dream career. This can be done through internships, part-time gigs, volunteer roles, or entry-level jobs within the industry. Hands-on experience not only polishes your skills but also makes you more appealing to prospective employers.
Professional Development: Always be on the lookout for chances for professional development to boost your skills and knowledge within your chosen field. This could mean attending workshops, securing extra certifications, or taking part in industry-related gatherings and conferences.
Persistence and Adaptability: Realizing your dream career may not always be a smooth ride. It's vital to stay determined and flexible when faced with obstacles or hiccups. Be ready to grab unexpected opportunities that may pop up along the journey.
Top 3 Go-To Reference Publications:
Harvard Business Review: A prestigious publication offering a peek into various industries, career growth tactics, and expert counsel from business gurus.
The Muse: A trusted source offering career guidance, job hunt tools, and articles on professional growth.
Forbes: A top-tier publication featuring business, entrepreneurship, leadership, and career-related topics with pieces from industry authorities.
These sources were tapped to compile extensive information on career discovery, educational routes, professional growth, and networking tactics pertinent to realizing one's dream career.
Take care,
James.
Unleashing Your Dream Career
To make your dream career a reality, it's crucial to kick off by delving into and grasping the unique requirements and routes to that profession. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate your way to your dream career:
Self-Reflection and Research: Start with a self-check on your hobbies, talents, and passions. Dig into various careers that match these elements to pinpoint the one that truly clicks with you. Think about aspects like job duties, work atmosphere, growth prospects, and the qualifications required for the job.
Education and Training: Once you've spotted your dream career, find out the education and training prerequisites needed to break into that field. This could mean chasing a specific degree, certification courses, or vocational training. Scout for esteemed educational bodies or training providers that offer courses linked to your chosen profession.
Networking and Mentorship: Creating a network of professionals in your selected field can offer priceless insights and guidance. Hunt for mentors who are veterans in the industry and can give tips on how to steer your career journey. Networking can also pave the way for internships or job shadowing experiences, letting you get a real feel of the profession.
Gaining Experience: Bagging relevant experience is key to unlocking your dream career. This can be done through internships, part-time gigs, volunteer roles, or entry-level jobs within the industry. Hands-on experience not only polishes your skills but also makes you more appealing to prospective employers.
Professional Development: Always be on the lookout for chances for professional development to boost your skills and knowledge within your chosen field. This could mean attending workshops, securing extra certifications, or taking part in industry-related gatherings and conferences.
Persistence and Adaptability: Realizing your dream career may not always be a smooth ride. It's vital to stay determined and flexible when faced with obstacles or hiccups. Be ready to grab unexpected opportunities that may pop up along the journey.
Top 3 Go-To Reference Publications:
Harvard Business Review: A prestigious publication offering a peek into various industries, career growth tactics, and expert counsel from business gurus.
The Muse: A trusted source offering career guidance, job hunt tools, and articles on professional growth.
Forbes: A top-tier publication featuring business, entrepreneurship, leadership, and career-related topics with pieces from industry authorities.
These sources were tapped to compile extensive information on career discovery, educational routes, professional growth, and networking tactics pertinent to realizing one's dream career.
Take care,
James.