8 answers
Barbara
Student
California City, California
1
Question
Asked
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I need an advice on how to choose a career
I need an advice on how to choose a career
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8 answers
Stephanie Lebby
1
Answer
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hello Barbara,
I can relate to the heaviness of choosing a career path, since I remember it being a tricky decision to choose which route to go after high school. From my own experience, I first followed suggestions of others a little more than evaluating my natural talents and interests and started a career in a completely different area than what I am doing now. To lift some weight of that decision, I want to let you know that it is always possible to not stick to a path that you thought was the right career path at first and still be successful.
My recommendations on how to go about choosing a career would be to start with the steps I listed below.
I can also recommend the book 'Designing your Life' from Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.
You got this Barbara! All the Best
1. Identify your interests and passions, what you enjoy doing in your free time, what subjects in school you enjoy and excel in, what activities make you feel energized and fulfilled, where do you and the people who know you best see your strength academically and personally.
2. Explore careers that match those interests and skills and potentially find people who are doing that job on LinkedIn or through your network of friends and family and ask them the questions you have about the day to day of the job. If it still sounds interesting, try to find shadowing opportunities to find out if that career seems right for you.
3. Like I mentioned earlier, even after choosing a career, I would also advice to stay open to change and reevaluate regularly, if you feel like you are on the right path or if you need to adjust.
I can relate to the heaviness of choosing a career path, since I remember it being a tricky decision to choose which route to go after high school. From my own experience, I first followed suggestions of others a little more than evaluating my natural talents and interests and started a career in a completely different area than what I am doing now. To lift some weight of that decision, I want to let you know that it is always possible to not stick to a path that you thought was the right career path at first and still be successful.
My recommendations on how to go about choosing a career would be to start with the steps I listed below.
I can also recommend the book 'Designing your Life' from Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.
You got this Barbara! All the Best
Stephanie recommends the following next steps:
Samira Hasnain
Content Writer | Aspiring Clinical Psychologist
16
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Samira’s Answer
For some people, it's as simple as 'knowing' it. They're naturally inclined towards a career path and feel like it's their calling. For others, it's more of a multifaceted process, involving lots of guidance, research, and trial and error. I'd say, for students, it's often best to talk to a professional career counselor/psychologist trained in career and vocational counseling. Using assessments and tools, these individuals can help you discover and understand your skills, talent, and most importantly, your interests. I'd also suggest learning about yourself on your own and leaning into self-discovery. This advice is highly underrated and I wish it were given more often. You can also look up courses/short classes/volunteering opportunities regarding the subjects/professions that interest you. And remember, it's okay to try multiple things until you figure out what career interests you. And, it's okay to switch careers too!
https://www.viacharacter.org/
https://www.careerfitter.com/career-tests/the-big-5-personality-test
https://positivepsychology.com/career-counseling-test-questions/
Samira recommends the following next steps:
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
560
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Barbara,
Choosing a Career: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing a career can be overwhelming, but it's a crucial decision. Here's a roadmap to help you navigate the process:
1. Self-Reflection:
Identify your passions: What activities do you enjoy? What excites you?
Discover your strengths: What are you naturally good at? What skills have you developed?
Understand your values: What's important to you in life? How do you want to contribute to the world?
2. Explore Career Options:
Research different fields: Explore industries that align with your passions and strengths.
Consider job roles: Research specific job titles within your chosen fields.
Understand job requirements: Learn about education, skills, and experience needed for different roles.
3. Gather Information:
Talk to people in the field: Network with professionals to gain insights into their work.
Shadow or intern: Gain firsthand experience in different industries.
Explore online resources: Utilize career websites, job boards, and industry publications.
4. Consider Practical Factors:
Evaluate job market trends: Research the demand for different occupations.
Assess earning potential: Consider your financial goals and salary expectations.
Think about work-life balance: Evaluate the lifestyle you desire and how different careers align with it.
5. Make an Informed Decision:
Weigh your options: Consider the pros and cons of different career paths.
Trust your gut: Your intuition can play a significant role in decision-making.
Be open to change: Careers can evolve, so be prepared to adapt.
Remember, it's okay to not know exactly what you want right away. Explore different options and don't be afraid to try new things.
Best wishes!
Choosing a Career: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing a career can be overwhelming, but it's a crucial decision. Here's a roadmap to help you navigate the process:
1. Self-Reflection:
Identify your passions: What activities do you enjoy? What excites you?
Discover your strengths: What are you naturally good at? What skills have you developed?
Understand your values: What's important to you in life? How do you want to contribute to the world?
2. Explore Career Options:
Research different fields: Explore industries that align with your passions and strengths.
Consider job roles: Research specific job titles within your chosen fields.
Understand job requirements: Learn about education, skills, and experience needed for different roles.
3. Gather Information:
Talk to people in the field: Network with professionals to gain insights into their work.
Shadow or intern: Gain firsthand experience in different industries.
Explore online resources: Utilize career websites, job boards, and industry publications.
4. Consider Practical Factors:
Evaluate job market trends: Research the demand for different occupations.
Assess earning potential: Consider your financial goals and salary expectations.
Think about work-life balance: Evaluate the lifestyle you desire and how different careers align with it.
5. Make an Informed Decision:
Weigh your options: Consider the pros and cons of different career paths.
Trust your gut: Your intuition can play a significant role in decision-making.
Be open to change: Careers can evolve, so be prepared to adapt.
Remember, it's okay to not know exactly what you want right away. Explore different options and don't be afraid to try new things.
Best wishes!
Linto K David
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Linto K’s Answer
Hello,
Discovering the perfect path can be a thrilling journey, and there are several strategies that can assist you in refining your choices. Here are some proven methods that have greatly benefited me:
1. Take a close look at yourself.
2. Reflect on what truly drives you.
3. Map out your long-term aspirations.
4. Engage in self-evaluations.
5. Reach out to experts for guidance.
6. Expand your connections.
7. Identify thriving industries and investigate the prospects they offer.
These steps will undoubtedly lead you towards a career that brings immense satisfaction and rewards.
Best wishes to you! May fortune favor your journey!
Discovering the perfect path can be a thrilling journey, and there are several strategies that can assist you in refining your choices. Here are some proven methods that have greatly benefited me:
1. Take a close look at yourself.
2. Reflect on what truly drives you.
3. Map out your long-term aspirations.
4. Engage in self-evaluations.
5. Reach out to experts for guidance.
6. Expand your connections.
7. Identify thriving industries and investigate the prospects they offer.
These steps will undoubtedly lead you towards a career that brings immense satisfaction and rewards.
Best wishes to you! May fortune favor your journey!
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
80
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Barbara -
It's great that you're thinking about this early. Right can mean many things and differ from one person to another, so you need to ponder what's 'right' in your mind. I'd venture a mixture of something you enjoy that would provide you sufficient income.
I recommend experiencing as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will increase your understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, interview professionals or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. YouTube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, where professionals walk through how they perform their duties. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that 'epiphany' that you seek, but it would greatly increase the probability of that happening.
At times, simply traveling this path of discovery is what's needed to highlight opportunities for us and trigger what we may need.
On the other hand, spend time thinking about what is important to you. What about a job or career do you value most? Money, impact (making a difference), low demand, being famous, etc. Once you know what's most important to you, that will help you further narrow down the best career for you.
Hope this helps, best of luck!
It's great that you're thinking about this early. Right can mean many things and differ from one person to another, so you need to ponder what's 'right' in your mind. I'd venture a mixture of something you enjoy that would provide you sufficient income.
I recommend experiencing as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will increase your understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, interview professionals or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. YouTube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, where professionals walk through how they perform their duties. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that 'epiphany' that you seek, but it would greatly increase the probability of that happening.
At times, simply traveling this path of discovery is what's needed to highlight opportunities for us and trigger what we may need.
On the other hand, spend time thinking about what is important to you. What about a job or career do you value most? Money, impact (making a difference), low demand, being famous, etc. Once you know what's most important to you, that will help you further narrow down the best career for you.
Hope this helps, best of luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6193
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Barbara!
Mastering Career Selection: An All-Inclusive Guide
Deciding on a career path is a pivotal moment in your life. It shapes your identity, molds your lifestyle, and plays a crucial role in your overall contentment. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to aid you in making this significant decision.
1. Self-Exploration
Before you delve into specific career options, it's vital to get to know yourself better. Reflect on the following elements:
Interests: What activities spark your enthusiasm? Are there any subjects or hobbies that truly engage you? Tools like the Holland Code (RIASEC) can assist in pinpointing your interests.
Skills: What are your strong suits? This includes both technical skills (like programming or writing) and interpersonal skills (like communication or collaboration). Identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
Values: What do you prioritize in a job? Is it income, work-life harmony, aiding others, creativity, or job security? Recognizing your values will steer you towards satisfying career choices.
2. Investigate Possible Careers
With a better understanding of yourself, it's time to delve into potential career avenues:
Job Market Trends: Look into sectors that are expanding and hold future promise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a valuable resource for job forecasts in various fields.
Job Descriptions: Learn about different roles to comprehend what they involve. Websites like O*NET Online provide comprehensive descriptions of diverse occupations.
Educational Requirements: Find out what education or training is needed for the careers you're considering. Some might require degrees, while others might place more emphasis on experience or certifications.
3. Acquire Experience
Gaining experience can be priceless when selecting a career:
Internships and Volunteering: These opportunities provide practical experience in your areas of interest without any long-term obligations.
Networking: Engage with professionals in the fields you're contemplating through informational interviews or networking events. They can offer insights into their daily work and industry trends.
4. Assess Your Choices
After accumulating information and some experience, it's time to assess your options:
Pros and Cons List: Develop lists for each potential career path, outlining the benefits and drawbacks based on your self-exploration and research results.
Long-Term Goals: Reflect on where you envision yourself in 5, 10, or even 20 years. Does the career align with these goals?
5. Make an Educated Decision
Armed with all the necessary information:
Trust Your Gut: Intuition can often play a key role in decision-making. Pay heed to your feelings if something seems right (or wrong).
Seek Advice: Share your thoughts with trusted mentors, family members, or career counselors who can offer additional viewpoints.
6. Chart Your Course
After making your decision:
Set Targets: Define short-term and long-term objectives related to education, skill enhancement, and job hunting.
Stay Adaptable: The job market is ever-changing; be ready to adjust as needed if situations alter or new opportunities present themselves.
7. Ongoing Learning
Lastly, remember that career selection is not a one-off event but a continuous journey:
Keep abreast of industry trends.
Seek further education or certifications as required.
Remain open to switching paths if your interests change over time.
By meticulously and systematically following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to select a career that resonates with your personality and life aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Offers exhaustive data on employment statistics, job prospects across various sectors, and detailed occupational information.
O*NET Online
A go-to resource for comprehensive job descriptions including required skills, tasks involved, educational prerequisites, and labor market data.
Holland Code (RIASEC)
A model used for gauging personal interests related to careers, aiding individuals in identifying appropriate occupational paths based on their preferences.
Stay Blessed,
JC.
Mastering Career Selection: An All-Inclusive Guide
Deciding on a career path is a pivotal moment in your life. It shapes your identity, molds your lifestyle, and plays a crucial role in your overall contentment. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to aid you in making this significant decision.
1. Self-Exploration
Before you delve into specific career options, it's vital to get to know yourself better. Reflect on the following elements:
Interests: What activities spark your enthusiasm? Are there any subjects or hobbies that truly engage you? Tools like the Holland Code (RIASEC) can assist in pinpointing your interests.
Skills: What are your strong suits? This includes both technical skills (like programming or writing) and interpersonal skills (like communication or collaboration). Identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
Values: What do you prioritize in a job? Is it income, work-life harmony, aiding others, creativity, or job security? Recognizing your values will steer you towards satisfying career choices.
2. Investigate Possible Careers
With a better understanding of yourself, it's time to delve into potential career avenues:
Job Market Trends: Look into sectors that are expanding and hold future promise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a valuable resource for job forecasts in various fields.
Job Descriptions: Learn about different roles to comprehend what they involve. Websites like O*NET Online provide comprehensive descriptions of diverse occupations.
Educational Requirements: Find out what education or training is needed for the careers you're considering. Some might require degrees, while others might place more emphasis on experience or certifications.
3. Acquire Experience
Gaining experience can be priceless when selecting a career:
Internships and Volunteering: These opportunities provide practical experience in your areas of interest without any long-term obligations.
Networking: Engage with professionals in the fields you're contemplating through informational interviews or networking events. They can offer insights into their daily work and industry trends.
4. Assess Your Choices
After accumulating information and some experience, it's time to assess your options:
Pros and Cons List: Develop lists for each potential career path, outlining the benefits and drawbacks based on your self-exploration and research results.
Long-Term Goals: Reflect on where you envision yourself in 5, 10, or even 20 years. Does the career align with these goals?
5. Make an Educated Decision
Armed with all the necessary information:
Trust Your Gut: Intuition can often play a key role in decision-making. Pay heed to your feelings if something seems right (or wrong).
Seek Advice: Share your thoughts with trusted mentors, family members, or career counselors who can offer additional viewpoints.
6. Chart Your Course
After making your decision:
Set Targets: Define short-term and long-term objectives related to education, skill enhancement, and job hunting.
Stay Adaptable: The job market is ever-changing; be ready to adjust as needed if situations alter or new opportunities present themselves.
7. Ongoing Learning
Lastly, remember that career selection is not a one-off event but a continuous journey:
Keep abreast of industry trends.
Seek further education or certifications as required.
Remain open to switching paths if your interests change over time.
By meticulously and systematically following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to select a career that resonates with your personality and life aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Offers exhaustive data on employment statistics, job prospects across various sectors, and detailed occupational information.
O*NET Online
A go-to resource for comprehensive job descriptions including required skills, tasks involved, educational prerequisites, and labor market data.
Holland Code (RIASEC)
A model used for gauging personal interests related to careers, aiding individuals in identifying appropriate occupational paths based on their preferences.
Stay Blessed,
JC.
Marina Zennaro, MBA
Product Marketing Senior Manager
2
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Marina’s Answer
Hello Barbara,
Thanks for the thoughtful question! Picking a career path can often be influenced by your current stage in life. An interesting concept to ponder over is "Ikigai."
Ikigai is a remarkable Japanese philosophy that translates to "purpose of life." It revolves around discovering a harmony between what you adore, what you excel at, what the world necessitates, and what you can earn a living from.
Reflect on what activities bring you joy, where your talents lie, and what the world could benefit from. The intersection of these aspects may lead you to a career that's not only rewarding but also impactful.
Once you've identified the right field, I suggest seeking out a mentor who can offer insight and encouragement as you navigate your journey.
Wishing you all the best!
Thanks for the thoughtful question! Picking a career path can often be influenced by your current stage in life. An interesting concept to ponder over is "Ikigai."
Ikigai is a remarkable Japanese philosophy that translates to "purpose of life." It revolves around discovering a harmony between what you adore, what you excel at, what the world necessitates, and what you can earn a living from.
Reflect on what activities bring you joy, where your talents lie, and what the world could benefit from. The intersection of these aspects may lead you to a career that's not only rewarding but also impactful.
Once you've identified the right field, I suggest seeking out a mentor who can offer insight and encouragement as you navigate your journey.
Wishing you all the best!
abdullah Ahmed
laboratory technologist
12
Answers
Misrata, Misrata District, Libya
Updated
abdullah’s Answer
Hello Barbara, that's an excellent query! Remember these three vital elements:
1. Passions: Discover what truly sparks joy in your heart. Think about your hobbies, favorite school subjects, or activities that make you forget about the passing hours.
2. Talents and Abilities: Reflect on your unique strengths and abilities. What are your areas of expertise? What tasks do you find effortless?
3. Priorities: Establish what you value most in a job. It could be a balanced lifestyle, the opportunity to assist others, a high income, or job security.
Here's to your success!
1. Passions: Discover what truly sparks joy in your heart. Think about your hobbies, favorite school subjects, or activities that make you forget about the passing hours.
2. Talents and Abilities: Reflect on your unique strengths and abilities. What are your areas of expertise? What tasks do you find effortless?
3. Priorities: Establish what you value most in a job. It could be a balanced lifestyle, the opportunity to assist others, a high income, or job security.
Here's to your success!