13 answers
Iqra
Student
Spring, Texas
1
Question
Updated
1360 views
How do I find a career and study coaching
I’m confused In finding career
13 answers
Taylor Meadows
Marketing
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi there!
Before you read any advice, just know this is a completely normal feeling and most everyone feels this way. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and know that if you go down one career path, you can always make a switch. My biggest advice is to look for internships that interest you and try out as many as you can. Internships are a great way to try things out but not commit to a full career path. They are also a great way to meet new people in different fields and career paths which might lead to future networking opportunities.
Now for figuring out what you may want a career in! Think about your interests and hobbies; what do you spend most of your free time doing? That might at least help you narrowing down an industry or company that you might be interested in. Using ChatGPT to help you understand different career paths might be really helpful too. For example if you are into gaming you could ask "I love playing video games and being creative, what are some career paths I could explore."
If you're planning on going to college, use your first year to get a lot of your pre-req classes out of the way and try some niche classes that count for those pre-reqs. For example, I ended up taking a criminal justice and political science class my first year just to see if I would be something be interested in them. A lot of colleges offer some great entry level classes that allow you to dip your toes in the water to each path.
I was super confused on choosing a career path. When I first went into college I wanted to do something in the medical field but ended up getting my degree in business marketing. I kind of chose marketing on a whim because I was loving those marketing classes in college!
Hope this is helpful! Stay curious and ask questions, you're already doing all the right things :)
Before you read any advice, just know this is a completely normal feeling and most everyone feels this way. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and know that if you go down one career path, you can always make a switch. My biggest advice is to look for internships that interest you and try out as many as you can. Internships are a great way to try things out but not commit to a full career path. They are also a great way to meet new people in different fields and career paths which might lead to future networking opportunities.
Now for figuring out what you may want a career in! Think about your interests and hobbies; what do you spend most of your free time doing? That might at least help you narrowing down an industry or company that you might be interested in. Using ChatGPT to help you understand different career paths might be really helpful too. For example if you are into gaming you could ask "I love playing video games and being creative, what are some career paths I could explore."
If you're planning on going to college, use your first year to get a lot of your pre-req classes out of the way and try some niche classes that count for those pre-reqs. For example, I ended up taking a criminal justice and political science class my first year just to see if I would be something be interested in them. A lot of colleges offer some great entry level classes that allow you to dip your toes in the water to each path.
I was super confused on choosing a career path. When I first went into college I wanted to do something in the medical field but ended up getting my degree in business marketing. I kind of chose marketing on a whim because I was loving those marketing classes in college!
Hope this is helpful! Stay curious and ask questions, you're already doing all the right things :)
Sarthak Patel
Cybersecurity Manager
3
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Sarthak’s Answer
Hello,
The feeling of confusion is absolutely normal. The one approach I can suggest is if you have specific interests - list those out and then do a pro's and con's list that can help you narrow down which pathways you want to take. For example, if you have interests in Business - take a few courses or certifications that are offered at your state or county college and see if those courses urge you to dig further into them. If they do not interest you, that might be a good way to gauge what you want to do and what you do not want to do. Similarly, you can also listen to podcasts, read books, go to career fairs and truly ask yourself what aligns with your ideologies as well. That will help you in picking a career that you will truly enjoy for the long run and also help you grow from there. There are also free webinars on career guidance on social media platforms such as linkedin that can help you gain understanding as well and choose your career based on what you learn.
The feeling of confusion is absolutely normal. The one approach I can suggest is if you have specific interests - list those out and then do a pro's and con's list that can help you narrow down which pathways you want to take. For example, if you have interests in Business - take a few courses or certifications that are offered at your state or county college and see if those courses urge you to dig further into them. If they do not interest you, that might be a good way to gauge what you want to do and what you do not want to do. Similarly, you can also listen to podcasts, read books, go to career fairs and truly ask yourself what aligns with your ideologies as well. That will help you in picking a career that you will truly enjoy for the long run and also help you grow from there. There are also free webinars on career guidance on social media platforms such as linkedin that can help you gain understanding as well and choose your career based on what you learn.
Maritess G. Manalo
Consulting
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Maritess G.’s Answer
Feeling uncertain about your career or major choice is completely normal. This could simply indicate that you have a broad range of interests, making it challenging to pick just one. Try to focus on something that truly captivates you, an area where you find joy and satisfaction. If you happen to excel in this area, that's a bonus! To gain a deeper understanding, consider seeking advice from professionals in the field or conducting your own research.
If you're about to start college, remember that the first year often includes a variety of general subjects. If possible, consider adding subjects related to your interests to your course load. This could help you determine if it's the right career path for you. However, remember that your path doesn't have to be set in stone. As you journey through your career, you'll uncover new insights and opportunities, allowing you to adapt and evolve in a way that best suits you.
If you're about to start college, remember that the first year often includes a variety of general subjects. If possible, consider adding subjects related to your interests to your course load. This could help you determine if it's the right career path for you. However, remember that your path doesn't have to be set in stone. As you journey through your career, you'll uncover new insights and opportunities, allowing you to adapt and evolve in a way that best suits you.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Iqra,
Finding a career can be a challenging and confusing process, nevertheless, Here are some steps to consider when seeking a career path:
1. Self-reflection: Take the time to reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and skills. Consider what activities or subjects excite you and what kind of work environment would suit you best.
2. Assessments: Career assessments can provide valuable insights into your personality traits, aptitudes, and interests. These assessments can help identify potential career paths that align with your strengths.
3. Exploration: Research different careers that match your interests and skills. Look at job descriptions, required qualifications, industry trends, salary ranges, and growth prospects.
4. Networking: Connect with professionals in fields that interest you through informational interviews or networking events. Gain insights into their experiences and learn about potential opportunities.
5. Seek guidance from a coach: A career coach can provide personalized support in exploring potential careers based on your unique circumstances and goals. They will ask probing questions to help uncover hidden talents or passions.
6. Set goals: Work with your coach to set short-term and long-term goals for your career development journey. These goals will keep you focused on taking actionable steps towards finding the right path.
7. Gain experience: Consider internships or volunteering opportunities in industries that interest you to get hands-on experience before committing to a specific career path.
8. Stay curious & open-minded : Keep an open mind throughout the process, as new possibilities might emerge along the way. Be open & willing to explore them
Note that finding the right career is a journey rather than an instant decision; it may take time to discover what truly fulfills you professionally.
Best wishes.
Finding a career can be a challenging and confusing process, nevertheless, Here are some steps to consider when seeking a career path:
1. Self-reflection: Take the time to reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and skills. Consider what activities or subjects excite you and what kind of work environment would suit you best.
2. Assessments: Career assessments can provide valuable insights into your personality traits, aptitudes, and interests. These assessments can help identify potential career paths that align with your strengths.
3. Exploration: Research different careers that match your interests and skills. Look at job descriptions, required qualifications, industry trends, salary ranges, and growth prospects.
4. Networking: Connect with professionals in fields that interest you through informational interviews or networking events. Gain insights into their experiences and learn about potential opportunities.
5. Seek guidance from a coach: A career coach can provide personalized support in exploring potential careers based on your unique circumstances and goals. They will ask probing questions to help uncover hidden talents or passions.
6. Set goals: Work with your coach to set short-term and long-term goals for your career development journey. These goals will keep you focused on taking actionable steps towards finding the right path.
7. Gain experience: Consider internships or volunteering opportunities in industries that interest you to get hands-on experience before committing to a specific career path.
8. Stay curious & open-minded : Keep an open mind throughout the process, as new possibilities might emerge along the way. Be open & willing to explore them
Note that finding the right career is a journey rather than an instant decision; it may take time to discover what truly fulfills you professionally.
Best wishes.
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
105
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Iqra, I will do my best in answering. I am not exactly sure I fully understand your question. I am also, admittedly not working in the field of career counseling or coaching. My work is similar, however. To work as a coach, you can train (online or in-person) with a coach training program. I recommend one that is affiliated with the International Coaching Federation or the Association of Coaching. There are many different types of coaches- ones that specialize in nutrition, holistic health and lifestyle, addiction, ADHD, spiritual coaches and more. This is one way to get experience and build a business. You can also study psychology, counseling, social work, or academic guidance counseling (to name a few) in an undergraduate school. You might get an undergraduate degree in education to learn skills in developing curriculum and to understand how people learn, and how to be a confident instructor and leader. Consider what setting and type of population you want to work with- children/youth, adults, school-based, university, non-profit, or as a private contractor? This will help you decide what to study and how to gain the experience that will lead you to a job you love! If you choose to get a Masters (graduate) degree in counseling psychology, you will take courses on career counseling. You may then decide to specialize in this type of work. If you are leaning more towards academic counseling- helping people decide what classes to take or what colleges to apply for, this is a different degree route. If you find you like helping people with their writing, editing resumes, assisting with job interview preparation, you might study English or volunteer at your school's writing lab. Most colleges have opportunities for students to work as peer tutors; they help fine tune student's paper writing skills. Granted, you will need to be very good at this yourself to help others! In the interim, to gain experience you might look at public school volunteer positions in the classroom, as a teacher's assistant, or afterschool tutor. I hope I did not add to your confusion but instead opened up the possibilities!
Joanna Rose Mañaol, CPA, CISA
IT Auditor
200
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Joanna Rose’s Answer
Hi Iqra,
Start with self-reflection - ask yourself what you truly enjoy and what you're naturally good at. Do some research, look into different fields, and see what sparks excitement in you. Don't hesitate to connect with people who work in those fields, it can give you a real-world perspective. And remember, it's perfectly fine to try different things. Your career is a journey of discovery, and it's okay to take your time to find what really suits you.
Remember, it's okay to take small steps. Each one is progress towards finding a career you love.
Start with self-reflection - ask yourself what you truly enjoy and what you're naturally good at. Do some research, look into different fields, and see what sparks excitement in you. Don't hesitate to connect with people who work in those fields, it can give you a real-world perspective. And remember, it's perfectly fine to try different things. Your career is a journey of discovery, and it's okay to take your time to find what really suits you.
Remember, it's okay to take small steps. Each one is progress towards finding a career you love.
Kameswari Naga Shruthi Kompella
Software Developer
12
Answers
Bayonne, New Jersey
Updated
Kameswari Naga Shruthi’s Answer
It’s okay to feel confused about choosing a career; it’s a big decision, and many people feel this way. Here are a few steps that might help you:
1. Explore Your Interests: Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time. Do you like drawing, playing sports, helping others, or building things? Your hobbies can give you clues about careers you might enjoy.
2. Learn About Different Jobs: There are many different jobs out there, and some you might not even know about yet. Talk to adults you know about their jobs, or read books and watch videos about different careers.
3. Consider Your Strengths: Think about what subjects you do well in at school. Are you good at math, writing, science, or art? Matching your strengths with a career can be a good idea.
4. Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask teachers, family members, or school counselors for advice. They can help you figure out what careers might be a good fit for you.
5. Be Open to Change: Remember, you don’t have to decide right away. It’s okay to try different things and change your mind as you learn more about yourself and different careers.
Finding a career is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time. Keep exploring and learning, and you will find something that makes you happy!
1. Explore Your Interests: Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time. Do you like drawing, playing sports, helping others, or building things? Your hobbies can give you clues about careers you might enjoy.
2. Learn About Different Jobs: There are many different jobs out there, and some you might not even know about yet. Talk to adults you know about their jobs, or read books and watch videos about different careers.
3. Consider Your Strengths: Think about what subjects you do well in at school. Are you good at math, writing, science, or art? Matching your strengths with a career can be a good idea.
4. Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask teachers, family members, or school counselors for advice. They can help you figure out what careers might be a good fit for you.
5. Be Open to Change: Remember, you don’t have to decide right away. It’s okay to try different things and change your mind as you learn more about yourself and different careers.
Finding a career is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time. Keep exploring and learning, and you will find something that makes you happy!
Ankita Pimple
Currently Student pursuing MS in Management Information System
18
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
Heya. Figuring out your career path can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process much easier. Here's a simplified guide which i followed throughout
Self-Assessment: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. What activities do you enjoy? What are you good at? What matters most to you in a career? Understanding yourself better will help you identify potential career paths that align with who you are.
Explore Options: Once you have a sense of what you're interested in, research different career fields and occupations that match your interests and skills. Look into job descriptions, required qualifications, salary ranges, and growth opportunities for various careers. You can use online resources, career websites, and informational interviews with professionals in different fields to gather information.
Education and Training: Determine what education or training is needed for the careers you're interested in. Some careers may require a specific degree or certification, while others may value experience or skills gained through vocational training or apprenticeships. Consider whether you need to pursue further education or gain relevant experience to enter your desired field.
Narrow Down Choices: Based on your self-assessment and research, narrow down your options to a few career paths that seem like a good fit for you. Consider factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, advancement opportunities, and alignment with your values and long-term goals.
Gain Experience: If possible, gain hands-on experience in your chosen field through internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or job shadowing. This will not only help you confirm your interest in a particular career but also build valuable skills and connections that can enhance your employability.
Set Goals and Take Action: Once you've identified your desired career path, set specific, achievable goals to work toward. This might include obtaining relevant qualifications, networking with professionals in your field, or gaining specific experience. Break your goals down into smaller steps and take action to move closer to your career objectives.
Adapt and Iterate: Remember that career exploration is a continuous process, and it's okay to change direction or adjust your goals along the way. Stay open to new opportunities and experiences, and be willing to adapt your plans as you learn and grow.
By following these steps, you can navigate the process of finding a career path that's right for you in a way that's manageable and straightforward.
Self-Assessment: Start by reflecting on your interests, strengths, values, and goals. What activities do you enjoy? What are you good at? What matters most to you in a career? Understanding yourself better will help you identify potential career paths that align with who you are.
Explore Options: Once you have a sense of what you're interested in, research different career fields and occupations that match your interests and skills. Look into job descriptions, required qualifications, salary ranges, and growth opportunities for various careers. You can use online resources, career websites, and informational interviews with professionals in different fields to gather information.
Education and Training: Determine what education or training is needed for the careers you're interested in. Some careers may require a specific degree or certification, while others may value experience or skills gained through vocational training or apprenticeships. Consider whether you need to pursue further education or gain relevant experience to enter your desired field.
Narrow Down Choices: Based on your self-assessment and research, narrow down your options to a few career paths that seem like a good fit for you. Consider factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, advancement opportunities, and alignment with your values and long-term goals.
Gain Experience: If possible, gain hands-on experience in your chosen field through internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or job shadowing. This will not only help you confirm your interest in a particular career but also build valuable skills and connections that can enhance your employability.
Set Goals and Take Action: Once you've identified your desired career path, set specific, achievable goals to work toward. This might include obtaining relevant qualifications, networking with professionals in your field, or gaining specific experience. Break your goals down into smaller steps and take action to move closer to your career objectives.
Adapt and Iterate: Remember that career exploration is a continuous process, and it's okay to change direction or adjust your goals along the way. Stay open to new opportunities and experiences, and be willing to adapt your plans as you learn and grow.
By following these steps, you can navigate the process of finding a career path that's right for you in a way that's manageable and straightforward.
Victoria Davis
School Counselor
10
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Hi there! It can be confusing to find a career but start with learning about yourself. I will list a few steps for you 🙂
Make a list of your hobbies and extracurricular activities
Ask yourself what you love to do on your spare time
Take a free career assessment
Research your top 3 career choices
Take time to conduct an informational interview with someone in that profession
Victoria recommends the following next steps:
Diggesh H Joshi
Consulting
4
Answers
Sanford, Florida
Updated
Diggesh H’s Answer
Hello!
As a student, one great way to start exploring your career options is by attending career fairs at your school. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet professionals from a variety of fields. Don't hesitate to be inquisitive and ask them lots of questions about their jobs, including things like salaries, work-life balance, and so on. Once you've discovered what sparks your interest, you can make a shortlist of potential careers. From there, look for internship opportunities in those fields. This could be a helpful stepping stone on your career path.
As a student, one great way to start exploring your career options is by attending career fairs at your school. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet professionals from a variety of fields. Don't hesitate to be inquisitive and ask them lots of questions about their jobs, including things like salaries, work-life balance, and so on. Once you've discovered what sparks your interest, you can make a shortlist of potential careers. From there, look for internship opportunities in those fields. This could be a helpful stepping stone on your career path.
Aparna Sarnu
20
Answers
Updated
Aparna’s Answer
Hello Iqra,
Absolutely, it's totally normal! Career coaching and study coaching are indeed connected.
Let's talk about Career Coaching:
1. It's all about assisting you in discovering and reaching your professional dreams.
2. It helps you delve into your strengths, passions, and principles to pinpoint a rewarding career journey.
3. Usually, it includes exploring various career paths, crafting a career growth plan, and assembling a professional portfolio.
Now, let's move to Study Coaching:
1. It's centered on helping you attain academic triumph and cultivate efficient learning tactics.
2. It aids you in setting and accomplishing academic objectives, managing your time, and enhancing your study routines.
3. It helps you hone skills for taking notes, preparing for exams, and conducting research.
So, while career coaching takes a broad view of your professional life, study coaching zeroes in on the scholastic side of things.
Absolutely, it's totally normal! Career coaching and study coaching are indeed connected.
Let's talk about Career Coaching:
1. It's all about assisting you in discovering and reaching your professional dreams.
2. It helps you delve into your strengths, passions, and principles to pinpoint a rewarding career journey.
3. Usually, it includes exploring various career paths, crafting a career growth plan, and assembling a professional portfolio.
Now, let's move to Study Coaching:
1. It's centered on helping you attain academic triumph and cultivate efficient learning tactics.
2. It aids you in setting and accomplishing academic objectives, managing your time, and enhancing your study routines.
3. It helps you hone skills for taking notes, preparing for exams, and conducting research.
So, while career coaching takes a broad view of your professional life, study coaching zeroes in on the scholastic side of things.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Iqra,
Making a career decision can be a challenging and confusing process for many individuals, especially in today’s rapidly changing job market. Career counseling, also known as career guidance or employment counseling, is a process that helps people identify their interests, values, skills, and aptitudes to make informed decisions about their education, training, and job choices. In this response, we will discuss the key components of career decision-making and provide some resources for further exploration.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to career decision-making. Each person’s circumstances are unique, and various factors can influence career choices. These factors may include personal interests and values, educational background and skills, economic conditions and labor market trends, family circumstances and social influences, and individual motivations and goals.
To begin the career decision-making process, it is helpful to assess one’s interests, values, skills, and aptitudes. There are several tools available to help individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses in these areas. For example:
Interest inventories: These assessments measure an individual’s preferences in various occupational areas based on their responses to a series of questions. Examples include the Holland Code assessment (RIASEC) and the Strong Interest Inventory (SII).
Values assessments: These assessments help individuals identify their core values or beliefs that guide their actions and decisions in life. Examples include the Values Assessment Questionnaire (VAQ) and the Personal Values Card Sort (PVCS).
Skills assessments: These assessments measure an individual’s abilities or competencies in various areas relevant to employment. Examples include the Work Keys assessment system and the My Next Move tool developed by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Aptitude tests: These assessments measure an individual’s natural abilities or talents in specific areas related to learning or problem-solving skills. Examples include the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
Personality tests: These assessments measure an individual’s personality traits or characteristics that may influence their work style or preferences in different careers or work environments. Examples include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the HEXACO Personality Inventory (HEXACO PI).
Self-assessment exercises: These activities help individuals reflect on their experiences, achievements, strengths, weaknesses, values, interests, goals, motivations, fears, challenges faced throughout their lives to gain insights into their career preferences and potential paths forward.
Career exploration: This involves researching various careers through informational interviews with professionals in different fields; attending workshops or seminars; reading books or articles; visiting websites; watching videos; observing people at work; volunteering; shadowing someone in a particular job; taking internships or apprenticeships; participating in job fairs; networking with professionals; joining professional organizations; attending conferences; conducting informational interviews with alumni from colleges attended by prospective students; etc., all aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge about potential careers before making a final decision about which path to pursue further educationally or occupationally.
Once individuals have identified their interests, values, skills, aptitudes through self-assessment exercises or formal assessments like interest inventories mentioned above - they can then explore various careers that align with those results using resources such as ONET OnLine (a comprehensive database of occupational information), My Next Move tool developed by the U.S Department of Labor & Education Planning Center at Boston College’s CareerOneStop website which offers free access to numerous career exploration tools including interest profilers & skill matches among others.
It is important to note that while these tools can provide valuable insights into potential careers based on one’s interests and abilities - they should not be considered definitive answers but rather starting points for further exploration into specific fields of interest. Additionally, it is crucial not only to consider salary potential but also other factors such as job satisfaction levels, growth opportunities, work environment, flexibility, alignment with personal values, long-term prospects, educational requirements, required skills set, etc., when making informed decisions about your future career path.
In conclusion, career decision-making involves understanding oneself through self-assessment exercises followed by exploring various careers that align with those results using reliable resources like O*NET OnLine & My Next Move tool from US Department of Labor & Education Planning Center at Boston College’s CareerOneStop website. Remember that there is no perfect answer when it comes to choosing a career - instead focus on finding something that resonates with your interests, values, skills, aptitudes while providing opportunities for growth both personally & professionally.**
Authoritative References Used:
National Center for ONET Development (NOD). ONET OnLine [Online]. Available: https://www.onetonline.org/ [Accessed March 2023]. 2) U.S Department of Labor & Education Planning Center at Boston College’s CareerOneStop [Online]. Available: https://www.careeronestop.org/ [Accessed March 2023]. 3) Holland R., Swanson R., Johnson P., Veenman D., Powell L., Terrell T., Sussman R., Chanenchuk S., Parloff J., Ladd H., Furnham W., Chamorro-Premuzic T., Goldstein M., Kuncel NR.(2005). The structure of occupational space: An analysis based on Holland’s theory of vocational choice. Psychological Bulletin, 131(4), 658–698.
God Bless You,
JC.
Making a career decision can be a challenging and confusing process for many individuals, especially in today’s rapidly changing job market. Career counseling, also known as career guidance or employment counseling, is a process that helps people identify their interests, values, skills, and aptitudes to make informed decisions about their education, training, and job choices. In this response, we will discuss the key components of career decision-making and provide some resources for further exploration.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to career decision-making. Each person’s circumstances are unique, and various factors can influence career choices. These factors may include personal interests and values, educational background and skills, economic conditions and labor market trends, family circumstances and social influences, and individual motivations and goals.
To begin the career decision-making process, it is helpful to assess one’s interests, values, skills, and aptitudes. There are several tools available to help individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses in these areas. For example:
Interest inventories: These assessments measure an individual’s preferences in various occupational areas based on their responses to a series of questions. Examples include the Holland Code assessment (RIASEC) and the Strong Interest Inventory (SII).
Values assessments: These assessments help individuals identify their core values or beliefs that guide their actions and decisions in life. Examples include the Values Assessment Questionnaire (VAQ) and the Personal Values Card Sort (PVCS).
Skills assessments: These assessments measure an individual’s abilities or competencies in various areas relevant to employment. Examples include the Work Keys assessment system and the My Next Move tool developed by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Aptitude tests: These assessments measure an individual’s natural abilities or talents in specific areas related to learning or problem-solving skills. Examples include the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
Personality tests: These assessments measure an individual’s personality traits or characteristics that may influence their work style or preferences in different careers or work environments. Examples include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the HEXACO Personality Inventory (HEXACO PI).
Self-assessment exercises: These activities help individuals reflect on their experiences, achievements, strengths, weaknesses, values, interests, goals, motivations, fears, challenges faced throughout their lives to gain insights into their career preferences and potential paths forward.
Career exploration: This involves researching various careers through informational interviews with professionals in different fields; attending workshops or seminars; reading books or articles; visiting websites; watching videos; observing people at work; volunteering; shadowing someone in a particular job; taking internships or apprenticeships; participating in job fairs; networking with professionals; joining professional organizations; attending conferences; conducting informational interviews with alumni from colleges attended by prospective students; etc., all aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge about potential careers before making a final decision about which path to pursue further educationally or occupationally.
Once individuals have identified their interests, values, skills, aptitudes through self-assessment exercises or formal assessments like interest inventories mentioned above - they can then explore various careers that align with those results using resources such as ONET OnLine (a comprehensive database of occupational information), My Next Move tool developed by the U.S Department of Labor & Education Planning Center at Boston College’s CareerOneStop website which offers free access to numerous career exploration tools including interest profilers & skill matches among others.
It is important to note that while these tools can provide valuable insights into potential careers based on one’s interests and abilities - they should not be considered definitive answers but rather starting points for further exploration into specific fields of interest. Additionally, it is crucial not only to consider salary potential but also other factors such as job satisfaction levels, growth opportunities, work environment, flexibility, alignment with personal values, long-term prospects, educational requirements, required skills set, etc., when making informed decisions about your future career path.
In conclusion, career decision-making involves understanding oneself through self-assessment exercises followed by exploring various careers that align with those results using reliable resources like O*NET OnLine & My Next Move tool from US Department of Labor & Education Planning Center at Boston College’s CareerOneStop website. Remember that there is no perfect answer when it comes to choosing a career - instead focus on finding something that resonates with your interests, values, skills, aptitudes while providing opportunities for growth both personally & professionally.**
Authoritative References Used:
National Center for ONET Development (NOD). ONET OnLine [Online]. Available: https://www.onetonline.org/ [Accessed March 2023]. 2) U.S Department of Labor & Education Planning Center at Boston College’s CareerOneStop [Online]. Available: https://www.careeronestop.org/ [Accessed March 2023]. 3) Holland R., Swanson R., Johnson P., Veenman D., Powell L., Terrell T., Sussman R., Chanenchuk S., Parloff J., Ladd H., Furnham W., Chamorro-Premuzic T., Goldstein M., Kuncel NR.(2005). The structure of occupational space: An analysis based on Holland’s theory of vocational choice. Psychological Bulletin, 131(4), 658–698.
God Bless You,
JC.
Éverton Backes
Saxophone teacher
71
Answers
Joinville, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Updated
Éverton’s Answer
Hello Iqra! There's no need to be puzzled about choosing a career. I'm not sure about your age, but if you're still young, don't stress. Your perfect moment is just around the corner. Reflect on your abilities - what have you honed over time? It's okay if you don't land the perfect career right away. Try out different jobs before making your final decision. I believe in you - you've got this!
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