7 answers
munira
Student
Skokie, Illinois
1
Question
7 answers
Matt Thomas, GCDF
Career Coach
7
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Some of the answers provided have been very informational and I wanted to add another response that is related to some of what was shared. Short and sweet.
Consider what are your VIPS - Values, Interests, Personality, and Strengths
Career Values: Intrinsic value examples: variety at work, helping others, independence, leadership. Extrinsic value examples: high pay, job security, work-life balance, progression, location
Interests: What industries or potential occupations do you wish to explore, based on your interest or passion?
Personality: What are characteristics or qualities that form your unique self? Do you like people, to be challenged, talking a lot, presenting, meticulous, etc
Strengths: What are some of your skills and competencies? Could be things you learned in school, on previous jobs, from hobbies, etc
Thinking of these things can help start aligning your mind and narrow down to certain career paths. Then you can begin the resume, job search, and exploration process more. Hope this helps!
Consider what are your VIPS - Values, Interests, Personality, and Strengths
Career Values: Intrinsic value examples: variety at work, helping others, independence, leadership. Extrinsic value examples: high pay, job security, work-life balance, progression, location
Interests: What industries or potential occupations do you wish to explore, based on your interest or passion?
Personality: What are characteristics or qualities that form your unique self? Do you like people, to be challenged, talking a lot, presenting, meticulous, etc
Strengths: What are some of your skills and competencies? Could be things you learned in school, on previous jobs, from hobbies, etc
Thinking of these things can help start aligning your mind and narrow down to certain career paths. Then you can begin the resume, job search, and exploration process more. Hope this helps!
Yogesh Deshmukh
manager
3
Answers
Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Yogesh’s Answer
Starting your career can be an exciting but challenging endeavor. The approach you should take will depend on your individual circumstances, interests, and goals, but here are some general steps to help you get started:
1. Self-Assessment:
- Identify your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. What are you passionate about? What skills do you possess, and what skills would you like to develop?
2. Set Clear Goals:
- Define your short-term and long-term career goals. Having a clear direction will help you make informed decisions.
3. Education and Training:
- Determine the educational and training requirements for your chosen field. It may involve getting a degree, certification, or specific training.
4. Build Skills:
- Develop the necessary skills for your desired career through coursework, workshops, self-study, and hands-on experience.
5. Networking:
- Connect with professionals in your field. Attend industry events, join online forums, and build relationships that can lead to opportunities.
6. Gain Experience:
- Internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or freelance opportunities can provide valuable experience and help you build your resume.
7. Create a Resume and Portfolio:
- Craft a professional resume highlighting your skills and experiences. Depending on your field, you may also need a portfolio showcasing your work.
8. Job Search:
- Look for job openings in your desired field. Use job boards, company websites, and networking connections to find opportunities.
9. Interviews:
- Prepare for interviews by researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and showcasing your relevant skills and experiences.
10. Continuous Learning:
- The job market is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and continue to learn and grow in your field.
11. Adapt and Be Patient:
- Your career path may not follow a straight line. Be open to change, adapt to new opportunities, and be patient with your progress.
12. Seek Mentorship:
- Finding a mentor who has experience in your field can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your career.
13. Stay Persistent:
- Building a successful career takes time and effort. Stay persistent, be resilient in the face of setbacks, and keep working toward your goals.
Remember that starting your career is a journey, and it's okay to make adjustments along the way. Your goals and interests may evolve, and that's perfectly normal. Keep evaluating your progress, seeking new opportunities, and learning from your experiences to help you achieve your career aspirations.
1. Self-Assessment:
- Identify your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. What are you passionate about? What skills do you possess, and what skills would you like to develop?
2. Set Clear Goals:
- Define your short-term and long-term career goals. Having a clear direction will help you make informed decisions.
3. Education and Training:
- Determine the educational and training requirements for your chosen field. It may involve getting a degree, certification, or specific training.
4. Build Skills:
- Develop the necessary skills for your desired career through coursework, workshops, self-study, and hands-on experience.
5. Networking:
- Connect with professionals in your field. Attend industry events, join online forums, and build relationships that can lead to opportunities.
6. Gain Experience:
- Internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or freelance opportunities can provide valuable experience and help you build your resume.
7. Create a Resume and Portfolio:
- Craft a professional resume highlighting your skills and experiences. Depending on your field, you may also need a portfolio showcasing your work.
8. Job Search:
- Look for job openings in your desired field. Use job boards, company websites, and networking connections to find opportunities.
9. Interviews:
- Prepare for interviews by researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and showcasing your relevant skills and experiences.
10. Continuous Learning:
- The job market is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and continue to learn and grow in your field.
11. Adapt and Be Patient:
- Your career path may not follow a straight line. Be open to change, adapt to new opportunities, and be patient with your progress.
12. Seek Mentorship:
- Finding a mentor who has experience in your field can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your career.
13. Stay Persistent:
- Building a successful career takes time and effort. Stay persistent, be resilient in the face of setbacks, and keep working toward your goals.
Remember that starting your career is a journey, and it's okay to make adjustments along the way. Your goals and interests may evolve, and that's perfectly normal. Keep evaluating your progress, seeking new opportunities, and learning from your experiences to help you achieve your career aspirations.
Molly H
Customer Success
2
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Wonderful question! I think that the first steps are exploring your interests and determining what type of work you may want to do. From there, looking for internship, part time or shadowing opportunities will help you understand if you want to pursue a given path. You may also want to look at family and friends and determine if any of their jobs are of interest and if so, interviewing them to understand their path.
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
Hi Munira,
Let's Dive into Your Interests and Talents
Embarking on your career journey begins with understanding your interests and talents. Think about the subjects or activities that light a fire in your heart and where you naturally shine. Take some time to ponder your strengths, areas for improvement, and the kind of work setting where you feel most at home. This self-reflection will guide you towards career paths that are in sync with your abilities and passions.
Discovering Your Career Path
Once you've pinpointed your interests and talents, it's time to investigate career options that align with your profile. Delve into various industries, job roles, and companies to get a feel for the opportunities out there. Chatting with professionals in fields that intrigue you can offer valuable insights into their experiences and the prerequisites for those careers.
Education and Skill Enhancement
Based on your findings, pinpoint the educational or skill enhancement routes that can lead you to your chosen field. This might mean chasing a specific degree, certification, or training program. Plus, gathering hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering can boost your qualifications and give you a sneak peek into the industry.
Cultivating Your Professional Network
Establishing a strong professional network is a key stepping stone to a thriving career. Link up with professionals in your field through networking events, online platforms like LinkedIn, or professional groups. These connections with seasoned individuals can pave the way for mentorship, job referrals, and priceless advice for steering your career journey.
Creating Your Resume and Cover Letter
As you gear up to step into the professional world, it's vital to craft a persuasive resume and cover letter that spotlight your skills, experiences, and achievements. Customize these documents for each job application to effectively demonstrate how your background meshes with the job requirements.
Job Hunting Strategies
Leverage a variety of job hunting strategies such as online job portals, company websites, recruitment agencies, and professional networking contacts to spot job vacancies. Be proactive in approaching potential employers and attending career fairs or industry-specific events to unearth opportunities.
Preparing for Interviews
When you land interviews for positions that pique your interest, dedicate time to prepare thoroughly. Research the company, rehearse common interview questions, and come up with insightful questions to ask the interviewer. Also, focus on showcasing yourself as a professional and confident candidate during the interview process.
Lifelong Learning and Flexibility
Embarking on your career is just the start of an ongoing journey of learning and flexibility. Keep your finger on the pulse of industry trends, pursue ongoing skill enhancement opportunities, and stay open to adapting to shifts in the professional world.
Top 3 Trustworthy Reference Publications or Websites:
Harvard Business Review: A respected source for business wisdom and career growth strategies.
Forbes: A premier publication offering insights into business, entrepreneurship, and career guidance.
LinkedIn Learning: A trusted platform providing a plethora of professional development courses led by industry gurus.
These resources have been used to deliver all-encompassing guidance on kickstarting a career, based on authoritative insights from notable publications and platforms.
Take Care,
James.
Let's Dive into Your Interests and Talents
Embarking on your career journey begins with understanding your interests and talents. Think about the subjects or activities that light a fire in your heart and where you naturally shine. Take some time to ponder your strengths, areas for improvement, and the kind of work setting where you feel most at home. This self-reflection will guide you towards career paths that are in sync with your abilities and passions.
Discovering Your Career Path
Once you've pinpointed your interests and talents, it's time to investigate career options that align with your profile. Delve into various industries, job roles, and companies to get a feel for the opportunities out there. Chatting with professionals in fields that intrigue you can offer valuable insights into their experiences and the prerequisites for those careers.
Education and Skill Enhancement
Based on your findings, pinpoint the educational or skill enhancement routes that can lead you to your chosen field. This might mean chasing a specific degree, certification, or training program. Plus, gathering hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering can boost your qualifications and give you a sneak peek into the industry.
Cultivating Your Professional Network
Establishing a strong professional network is a key stepping stone to a thriving career. Link up with professionals in your field through networking events, online platforms like LinkedIn, or professional groups. These connections with seasoned individuals can pave the way for mentorship, job referrals, and priceless advice for steering your career journey.
Creating Your Resume and Cover Letter
As you gear up to step into the professional world, it's vital to craft a persuasive resume and cover letter that spotlight your skills, experiences, and achievements. Customize these documents for each job application to effectively demonstrate how your background meshes with the job requirements.
Job Hunting Strategies
Leverage a variety of job hunting strategies such as online job portals, company websites, recruitment agencies, and professional networking contacts to spot job vacancies. Be proactive in approaching potential employers and attending career fairs or industry-specific events to unearth opportunities.
Preparing for Interviews
When you land interviews for positions that pique your interest, dedicate time to prepare thoroughly. Research the company, rehearse common interview questions, and come up with insightful questions to ask the interviewer. Also, focus on showcasing yourself as a professional and confident candidate during the interview process.
Lifelong Learning and Flexibility
Embarking on your career is just the start of an ongoing journey of learning and flexibility. Keep your finger on the pulse of industry trends, pursue ongoing skill enhancement opportunities, and stay open to adapting to shifts in the professional world.
Top 3 Trustworthy Reference Publications or Websites:
Harvard Business Review: A respected source for business wisdom and career growth strategies.
Forbes: A premier publication offering insights into business, entrepreneurship, and career guidance.
LinkedIn Learning: A trusted platform providing a plethora of professional development courses led by industry gurus.
These resources have been used to deliver all-encompassing guidance on kickstarting a career, based on authoritative insights from notable publications and platforms.
Take Care,
James.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to find out what career you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Brijesh Vashishth
Technology Consultant
12
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Brijesh’s Answer
It's a great question that crosses the minds of countless students as they embark on their academic journeys. Pondering about how to kickstart a career is not only natural but also a crucial step towards building a fulfilling and successful future. It shows that you're proactive and forward-thinking, which are invaluable traits on the path to success.
First things first, dive into your passions and strengths. What gets your heart racing and ignites that spark of curiosity? That's your starting point! Next, set some clear, exciting goals - think short-term wins and long-term dreams. Now, let's gain some knowledge! Whether it's college, vocational school, or online courses, soak up all that wisdom. Gain hands-on experience, whether through internships, part-time gigs, or volunteering. It's where you turn theory into real-world magic! Networking is your secret weapon. Engage with like-minded folks, attend events, and explore online communities. Time to craft that stellar resume and cover letter - your golden ticket to new adventures! Hit the job market with gusto, apply to positions that resonate with you, and let your unique brilliance shine. Interviews? You've got this! Practice, research, and let your authentic self shine through. Embrace any setbacks as stepping stones, because each one propels you closer to your dream. Keep evolving, keep learning, and watch your career soar to unimaginable heights! Remember every step is a victory.
First things first, dive into your passions and strengths. What gets your heart racing and ignites that spark of curiosity? That's your starting point! Next, set some clear, exciting goals - think short-term wins and long-term dreams. Now, let's gain some knowledge! Whether it's college, vocational school, or online courses, soak up all that wisdom. Gain hands-on experience, whether through internships, part-time gigs, or volunteering. It's where you turn theory into real-world magic! Networking is your secret weapon. Engage with like-minded folks, attend events, and explore online communities. Time to craft that stellar resume and cover letter - your golden ticket to new adventures! Hit the job market with gusto, apply to positions that resonate with you, and let your unique brilliance shine. Interviews? You've got this! Practice, research, and let your authentic self shine through. Embrace any setbacks as stepping stones, because each one propels you closer to your dream. Keep evolving, keep learning, and watch your career soar to unimaginable heights! Remember every step is a victory.
Paul Morris
Portfolio Management
6
Answers
Elmhurst, Illinois
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi,
This is a complicated question to answer without further insights into you. One suggestion has genuinely grounded me in my professional and personal life. Take the time to understand your strengths; the Gallop Strength Finder 2.0 is a great place to start. Once you know your strengths, that should help you decide where you should focus. Don't worry about your weaknesses, but focus on your strengths.
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_strengths_branded_cs_ecom&utm_term=strengthsfinder&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxreqBhAxEiwAfGfndNOwS6rpJFZVVOwoKyBocmbq9irbyUjWyhnawZiFNdUn_Q60pE-eYhoCvVwQAvD_BwE
This is a complicated question to answer without further insights into you. One suggestion has genuinely grounded me in my professional and personal life. Take the time to understand your strengths; the Gallop Strength Finder 2.0 is a great place to start. Once you know your strengths, that should help you decide where you should focus. Don't worry about your weaknesses, but focus on your strengths.
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_strengths_branded_cs_ecom&utm_term=strengthsfinder&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxreqBhAxEiwAfGfndNOwS6rpJFZVVOwoKyBocmbq9irbyUjWyhnawZiFNdUn_Q60pE-eYhoCvVwQAvD_BwE
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