One of the most difficult decisions for most young people is choosing a career to pursue. In fact, the decision is so difficult that a third of college students change their major three times. However, it is possible to make the right choice earlier. With a bit of thought and research, you can make a decision that will benefit you for years to come. Below are four tips that can help with this choice, no matter where you are in your progression.
Complete Internships
As a student, it’s hard to conceptualize exactly what a career is like. While you may learn information regarding that career in the classroom or through a textbook, it simply is not the same as actually working in that profession.
This is one of the reasons why completing an internship is so important. You will gain practical firsthand experience in that career field with real professionals. You’ll also get a good sense or whether or not that particular job is for you. Consider completing multiple internships during your college career.
Consider Your Personality and Skill Set
While it is possible to adapt to a new career, it’s often a better choice to choose a career that already seems adapted to your personality and skill set. Everyone is different. Not everyone is suited for every job.
For example, consider whether or not you are an extrovert or an introvert. Extroverts may prefer careers that involve interacting with the public. Introverts may not. Also consider your skills. If you are already very knowledgeable of computers, for example, there are plenty of career choices for you to explore.
Take a Career Assessment Survey
While you may not think of an online survey as a tool that can help you choose a career, there are in fact excellent career assessment surveys online like the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument or something similar that can help you make a more informed choice. They ask you a multitude of different questions regarding different career related topics. Your feedback is then analyzed to produce suggestions for careers you may be well suited for.
Consider Your Other Goals
While a steady career is certainly very important to living a healthy life, it shouldn’t be the only important component to your life. You also have to consider your other long term goals when choosing the appropriate career. For example, you may want to start a family. However, a career that has you constantly traveling may not be the best choice for those that want to raise a family. These are the kinds of things you need to consider.
Consider Your Passions
Lastly, you need to consider the things you actually are passionate about. If you’re passionate about food, you should become a chef. If you’re passionate about animals, you may want to study to become a veterinarian. Don’t choose a career in an industry you have no interest for. You may end up regretting it.
Overall, take your time choosing the right career. You’ll need to perform plenty of research. Choosing a career to pursue can be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Ensure that you make the right choice.
