How do you know what career is right for you? We spent most of our lives in the workplace, so making sure that choose a job that allows you to use your talents and feel fulfilled is essential for happiness and well-being. Maybe you’re just starting out after finishing school, or perhaps you’re looking for a change after years in a job that you’ve decided isn’t right for you. Whichever path you are on, the decision you make now could be the key to achieving and exceeding your potential – so here is our guide on how to make that choice…
Identify what you’re good at… There is little point in trying to pursue a career in, for example, medicine, if you struggle with mathematics and science subjects. You can find out what to expect in the medical profession by reading this article. Make a list of all the areas that you most enjoy, and in which you have already demonstrated some talent. For example, if you love reading and excelled at studying English at school: you could consider a career in teaching or tutoring. If you’re a whiz at mathematics and have always been fascinated by how things work: a job in the IT industry could your key to success. If you’re having difficulty identifying where your skills lie, ask for advice from previous teachers, family and friends.
Choose between academia and work based learning… Not everyone is suited to full time study, so it’s a good idea to think about whether or not you would feel comfortable with attending a college or university. Careers like journalism and sales depend on work experience rather than specific qualifications, so starting at the bottom of the ladder and working your way up may be your best option. If you decide to select a prestigious university for a chemical engineering course, you may be able to combine academic study with on the job learning: which can be a great choice for getting the knowledge and experience you need simultaneously.
Don’t chase the money… If you’re preoccupied by financial considerations when it comes to choosing your career, you’re much more likely to make a decision you will regret. You’ll find it hard to do well in a job that you’re only interested in for financial gain. To be successful, your career should be in an area that you feel genuinely passionate about, and from which you derive meaning and purpose. You’ve probably heard of a ‘vocation’: this means that you have a calling for your work, or that you feel that this is what you were meant to do. Identifying your vocation is the key to finding your niche, and to getting financial reward.
Choosing a career isn’t easy, and isn’t something that you should rush into. If you have something in mind, but still aren’t sure if it’s the right job for you: make arrangements to spend some time in the workplace you are considering, and observe and ask questions about what a typical day is like. Do your research online to find out about other people’s experiences, and weigh up the pros and cons. This is the rest of your life we’re talking about; so it’s well worth the effort.
Mavian Arocha-Rowe
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