5 answers
Janet
Student
Salt Lake City, Utah
1
Question
Asked
434 views
How do I know if I am setting myself up for better future when I don’t know what career to choose?
I want to know a career that fits my vision
5 answers
Simona Zaffaroni-Lucas
Financial Analyst
27
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Simona’s Answer
Hi Janet - great question and not to create any false expectations, it won't be an easy answer.
First question that I would ask myself is what do I like to do. Which are my strongest skills. Soft, analytical, program management, communication, interpersonal, technical etc skills. Then I would read material on what the market in my country outlooks for future job roles.. which trajectory, which field could have job demands and if so, which specific background is requested. Is the demand meeting my expectations? If yes, I would try to talk to a friend or someone I know he/she knows me and run the idea. Do you think I can do this - make a list of pro's and con's.. and if you find that there are skills that you don't have just now, it is normal.. if you are just starting to think about what your career will be, it's normal that you do not yet possess all qualities to fulfill. That's timing - you need to make your experience and with learning also on the job, you will manage. So don't get the list of the con's stress you in any way. It's good to know though.
I am fast forwarding here, but when you have established your choices, then you will be able to select recommendations, read information on that job / career, network with people who have that experience, get to know what they do and again ask yourself. Is this what I want?
No one has a magic answer to this important question that you have. If you read about people with great careers, you will see that some come from various backgrounds. Some don't even have titles. Don't get overwhelmed - planning can be fun too.
Good luck with your research!
First question that I would ask myself is what do I like to do. Which are my strongest skills. Soft, analytical, program management, communication, interpersonal, technical etc skills. Then I would read material on what the market in my country outlooks for future job roles.. which trajectory, which field could have job demands and if so, which specific background is requested. Is the demand meeting my expectations? If yes, I would try to talk to a friend or someone I know he/she knows me and run the idea. Do you think I can do this - make a list of pro's and con's.. and if you find that there are skills that you don't have just now, it is normal.. if you are just starting to think about what your career will be, it's normal that you do not yet possess all qualities to fulfill. That's timing - you need to make your experience and with learning also on the job, you will manage. So don't get the list of the con's stress you in any way. It's good to know though.
I am fast forwarding here, but when you have established your choices, then you will be able to select recommendations, read information on that job / career, network with people who have that experience, get to know what they do and again ask yourself. Is this what I want?
No one has a magic answer to this important question that you have. If you read about people with great careers, you will see that some come from various backgrounds. Some don't even have titles. Don't get overwhelmed - planning can be fun too.
Good luck with your research!
Mack Bailey
Manufacturing quality technical management
48
Answers
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Updated
Mack’s Answer
Hello Janet,
Simona has good suggestions, but if you are a student, your school counselling office should be able to help you as well. Check to see if they have any aptitude/preference evaluations they would recommend. An understanding of your skills, preferences, and aptitudes can help you match yourself to possible careers. In the meantime, pursue your school coursework to learn as much as you can -- your enjoyment and performance in your classes will also give you an idea of what you will be able to pursue as a successful career.
Simona has good suggestions, but if you are a student, your school counselling office should be able to help you as well. Check to see if they have any aptitude/preference evaluations they would recommend. An understanding of your skills, preferences, and aptitudes can help you match yourself to possible careers. In the meantime, pursue your school coursework to learn as much as you can -- your enjoyment and performance in your classes will also give you an idea of what you will be able to pursue as a successful career.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6338
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Janet!
Understanding Career Choices for a Better Future
Choosing a career can be a daunting task, especially when you are uncertain about your interests and goals. However, there are several steps you can take to explore your options and set yourself up for a successful future.
1. Self-Assessment
The first step in determining a suitable career path is self-assessment. This involves reflecting on your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Holland Code (RIASEC) can provide insights into what careers might align with your characteristics. For example:
Interests: What subjects or activities do you enjoy? Are you drawn to creative pursuits, analytical tasks, or helping others?
Values: What is important to you in a job? Consider factors like work-life balance, salary expectations, job security, and opportunities for advancement.
Skills: What are your strengths? Do you excel in communication, problem-solving, technical skills, or leadership?
2. Research Potential Careers
Once you have a clearer understanding of yourself, research various career options that align with your self-assessment results. Utilize resources such as:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: This resource from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed information on various occupations including job duties, education requirements, salary ranges, and job outlook.
Career Exploration Websites: Websites like O*NET Online offer comprehensive data on different careers based on skills and interests.
3. Explore Educational Pathways
After identifying potential careers that interest you, consider the educational requirements for those fields. Some careers may require specific degrees or certifications while others may value experience more highly than formal education. Look into:
Degree Programs: Research colleges and universities that offer programs related to your chosen field.
Certifications and Training: Some professions may require additional certifications or training programs that can enhance your employability.
4. Gain Experience
Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs can significantly inform your career choice. This hands-on experience allows you to:
Understand the day-to-day realities of different jobs.
Build professional networks that could help in future job searches.
Develop skills relevant to your desired career path.
Consider reaching out to local organizations or using platforms like LinkedIn to find opportunities in fields of interest.
5. Seek Guidance
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors or professionals already working in fields you are considering. Informational interviews can provide valuable insights into what it’s really like to work in certain roles and industries.
Additionally, academic advisors at schools often have resources and tools available to help students navigate their career choices effectively.
6. Stay Open-Minded
Finally, keep an open mind throughout this process. Career paths are rarely linear; many people change careers multiple times throughout their lives based on evolving interests and market demands. Be flexible and willing to adapt as you learn more about yourself and the world of work.
By following these steps—self-assessment, research, exploring educational pathways, gaining experience, seeking guidance, and staying open-minded—you will be better equipped to choose a career that aligns with your vision for the future.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends across various occupations including salary information and job outlooks which are crucial for making informed career decisions.
O*NET Online - A valuable resource for exploring different careers based on personal interests and skills; it offers detailed descriptions of job responsibilities along with necessary qualifications.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) - A widely used personality assessment tool that helps individuals understand their personality types which can guide them toward suitable career paths based on their traits.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Understanding Career Choices for a Better Future
Choosing a career can be a daunting task, especially when you are uncertain about your interests and goals. However, there are several steps you can take to explore your options and set yourself up for a successful future.
1. Self-Assessment
The first step in determining a suitable career path is self-assessment. This involves reflecting on your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Holland Code (RIASEC) can provide insights into what careers might align with your characteristics. For example:
Interests: What subjects or activities do you enjoy? Are you drawn to creative pursuits, analytical tasks, or helping others?
Values: What is important to you in a job? Consider factors like work-life balance, salary expectations, job security, and opportunities for advancement.
Skills: What are your strengths? Do you excel in communication, problem-solving, technical skills, or leadership?
2. Research Potential Careers
Once you have a clearer understanding of yourself, research various career options that align with your self-assessment results. Utilize resources such as:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: This resource from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides detailed information on various occupations including job duties, education requirements, salary ranges, and job outlook.
Career Exploration Websites: Websites like O*NET Online offer comprehensive data on different careers based on skills and interests.
3. Explore Educational Pathways
After identifying potential careers that interest you, consider the educational requirements for those fields. Some careers may require specific degrees or certifications while others may value experience more highly than formal education. Look into:
Degree Programs: Research colleges and universities that offer programs related to your chosen field.
Certifications and Training: Some professions may require additional certifications or training programs that can enhance your employability.
4. Gain Experience
Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs can significantly inform your career choice. This hands-on experience allows you to:
Understand the day-to-day realities of different jobs.
Build professional networks that could help in future job searches.
Develop skills relevant to your desired career path.
Consider reaching out to local organizations or using platforms like LinkedIn to find opportunities in fields of interest.
5. Seek Guidance
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors or professionals already working in fields you are considering. Informational interviews can provide valuable insights into what it’s really like to work in certain roles and industries.
Additionally, academic advisors at schools often have resources and tools available to help students navigate their career choices effectively.
6. Stay Open-Minded
Finally, keep an open mind throughout this process. Career paths are rarely linear; many people change careers multiple times throughout their lives based on evolving interests and market demands. Be flexible and willing to adapt as you learn more about yourself and the world of work.
By following these steps—self-assessment, research, exploring educational pathways, gaining experience, seeking guidance, and staying open-minded—you will be better equipped to choose a career that aligns with your vision for the future.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends across various occupations including salary information and job outlooks which are crucial for making informed career decisions.
O*NET Online - A valuable resource for exploring different careers based on personal interests and skills; it offers detailed descriptions of job responsibilities along with necessary qualifications.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) - A widely used personality assessment tool that helps individuals understand their personality types which can guide them toward suitable career paths based on their traits.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Charles Ituah
School Counsellor
13
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Hello Janet, your question has always been the top topic on the mind of every student in life.
But first, to answer that for yourself I will help make the process easier.
Ask yourself these five questions.
1. Where do I see myself in five years if I choose this career path that I am sure will lead me to better opportunities?
2. What are my basic strengths and weaknesses and how can I align it with my goals, mission, vision, and values?
3. What problems in the world can I solve with my chosen career path?
4. How much resourecs both financial and physical would I need to make my dream come true?
5. What is my Why?
After you answer these questions, take a free personality test from "16 Personalites" and use that as your leverage going forward.
You got this Janet.
But first, to answer that for yourself I will help make the process easier.
Ask yourself these five questions.
1. Where do I see myself in five years if I choose this career path that I am sure will lead me to better opportunities?
2. What are my basic strengths and weaknesses and how can I align it with my goals, mission, vision, and values?
3. What problems in the world can I solve with my chosen career path?
4. How much resourecs both financial and physical would I need to make my dream come true?
5. What is my Why?
After you answer these questions, take a free personality test from "16 Personalites" and use that as your leverage going forward.
You got this Janet.
Kazi Rubayee
Acupuncturist
22
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
Identifying and understanding your interests, desires, strengths are crucial in shaping a fulfilling career path to where you want to be in the future. Taking a career quiz can be a helpful starting point, as it matches your preferences with potential career paths.
Websites like Coursera and College Board offer resources and quizzes that can guide students in exploring various fields and developing the necessary skills for their desired careers.
Remember, setting clear and achievable goals is the foundation for creating a better future.
Websites like Coursera and College Board offer resources and quizzes that can guide students in exploring various fields and developing the necessary skills for their desired careers.
Remember, setting clear and achievable goals is the foundation for creating a better future.
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