3 answers
Kathryn
Student
Blue Springs, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
522 views
How do I know which path is right for me?
I am having a very hard time choosing between going into welding and becoming a lawyer or going into the national guard how do I know which to choose
3 answers
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
Determining the right career path for you is a process that involves self-discovery, exploration, and thoughtful consideration. Here are steps to help you find a career path that aligns with your interests, skills, and values:
Self-Assessment:
Reflect on your interests, passions, and values. What activities make you feel engaged and fulfilled? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Self-assessment tools and career assessments can provide insights.
Skills and Talents:
Identify your skills and talents. What are you naturally good at? Consider both hard skills (e.g., technical skills) and soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving).
Set Goals:
Define your long-term and short-term goals. What do you want to achieve in your career and personal life? Setting clear goals can help you focus your efforts.
Research Careers:
Explore different career options. Research industries, job roles, and organizations. Speak with professionals in fields you're interested in to gain insights into their experiences.
Education and Training:
Determine the educational and training requirements for your chosen career path. Consider whether you need to pursue a specific degree, certification, or training program.
Internships and Volunteer Work:
Gain practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These experiences can help you confirm your interests and build a network.
Networking:
Connect with professionals in your desired field. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and use platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network.
Mentorship:
Seek mentorship from experienced professionals who can provide guidance and advice as you explore your career options.
Try It Out:
If possible, take on projects or side gigs related to your areas of interest. This allows you to gain hands-on experience and test the waters.
Continual Learning:
Stay open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt. The career landscape is constantly evolving, and being open to learning new skills is important.
Work-Life Balance:
Consider your desired work-life balance. Think about factors like location, schedule, and the impact of your career on your personal life.
Financial Considerations:
Assess the financial aspects of your career choices. What are the salary expectations, job stability, and potential for advancement in your chosen field?
Seek Advice:
Talk to career counselors, mentors, friends, and family members for advice and perspective. They can provide valuable insights and support.
Take Small Steps:
Don't feel pressured to have your entire career path figured out immediately. It's okay to start with small steps and make adjustments along the way.
Evaluate and Reflect:
Periodically assess your career satisfaction and progress. Are you still passionate about your chosen path? Are you achieving your goals?
Remember that finding the right career path is a journey, and it's common for people to explore multiple options before settling on a long-term career. Be patient with yourself and stay open to new opportunities and experiences. It's also important to prioritize your own happiness and well-being as you make career decisions.
Self-Assessment:
Reflect on your interests, passions, and values. What activities make you feel engaged and fulfilled? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Self-assessment tools and career assessments can provide insights.
Skills and Talents:
Identify your skills and talents. What are you naturally good at? Consider both hard skills (e.g., technical skills) and soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving).
Set Goals:
Define your long-term and short-term goals. What do you want to achieve in your career and personal life? Setting clear goals can help you focus your efforts.
Research Careers:
Explore different career options. Research industries, job roles, and organizations. Speak with professionals in fields you're interested in to gain insights into their experiences.
Education and Training:
Determine the educational and training requirements for your chosen career path. Consider whether you need to pursue a specific degree, certification, or training program.
Internships and Volunteer Work:
Gain practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These experiences can help you confirm your interests and build a network.
Networking:
Connect with professionals in your desired field. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and use platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network.
Mentorship:
Seek mentorship from experienced professionals who can provide guidance and advice as you explore your career options.
Try It Out:
If possible, take on projects or side gigs related to your areas of interest. This allows you to gain hands-on experience and test the waters.
Continual Learning:
Stay open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt. The career landscape is constantly evolving, and being open to learning new skills is important.
Work-Life Balance:
Consider your desired work-life balance. Think about factors like location, schedule, and the impact of your career on your personal life.
Financial Considerations:
Assess the financial aspects of your career choices. What are the salary expectations, job stability, and potential for advancement in your chosen field?
Seek Advice:
Talk to career counselors, mentors, friends, and family members for advice and perspective. They can provide valuable insights and support.
Take Small Steps:
Don't feel pressured to have your entire career path figured out immediately. It's okay to start with small steps and make adjustments along the way.
Evaluate and Reflect:
Periodically assess your career satisfaction and progress. Are you still passionate about your chosen path? Are you achieving your goals?
Remember that finding the right career path is a journey, and it's common for people to explore multiple options before settling on a long-term career. Be patient with yourself and stay open to new opportunities and experiences. It's also important to prioritize your own happiness and well-being as you make career decisions.
Brook Rasmussen
CWI
9
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Brook’s Answer
If you want job security, and never wait longer than a week or two to find work. Go with welding. I am a welder, now I am a weld inspector on my way to making six figures, i did this in less than 5 years. No schooling needed, just a high school diploma.
National guard is not forever and being a lawyer in an over saturated field stems fierce competition between high ranked colleges and firms.
Welders are sorely needed and pay is increasing every year just to maintain a companies work force, for fear welders/inspectors will leave for higher pay.
Not just welding but so many other job roles related to metal fabrication that will give you a long-lived career you will be able to retire with.
Only preference to really decide on is if you want to go union or not,
Edit**** National Guard will have welding positions available ( buildings, tanks, planes, humvees etc). if military is something you are wanting, talk to a recruiter about becoming a welder for the national guard.
Enroll in a community college with a welding program
Get a couple certificates if it is something you enjoy and are comfortable with the hard work
Find a structural steel company weld for them for 4 years
Get your certified welding inspectors license
Become a Special inspector at an engineering firm and watch that money stack.
National guard is not forever and being a lawyer in an over saturated field stems fierce competition between high ranked colleges and firms.
Welders are sorely needed and pay is increasing every year just to maintain a companies work force, for fear welders/inspectors will leave for higher pay.
Not just welding but so many other job roles related to metal fabrication that will give you a long-lived career you will be able to retire with.
Only preference to really decide on is if you want to go union or not,
Edit**** National Guard will have welding positions available ( buildings, tanks, planes, humvees etc). if military is something you are wanting, talk to a recruiter about becoming a welder for the national guard.
Brook recommends the following next steps:
Mandi Conger
Title Clerk
46
Answers
Nashville, Georgia
Updated
Mandi’s Answer
I would suggest that you look at all the pro's and con's to each field that you are interested in. Also take into account what interests you MOST. What path do you feel like would give you the most out of life and a good challenge? These are key things to look at, you don't want to get stuck in a job that you "like" but wind up hating. I would do some extensive research into each one, then come back to compare. If your school offers a welding class you could sign up for that and see if you enjoy it, this will give you some good hands on experience to see if you truly like it. I would research becoming a lawyer, know what you would be looking in terms of school and the bar. Also research the National Guard, the military offers bills to help with school, so while you are serving you can become a lawyer if you want!
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