by What Should I Do For a Career?
Though it is difficult to know what you should choose for a career, many people have experienced a great sense of accomplishment when they were able to make an informed decision. Before taking a plunge into a career path of your choice, it is important to understand what are your interests, passions, skills, values and desires. The following steps will guide you through the process of finding a career that is right for you.
Steps to Find the Right Career Path
- Gather Information: Research your interests and passions to understand the potential career paths which you can pursue. Speak to people who are already on the field you are drawn towards and find out about their experiences. The more informed you are about the profession, the closer you are to actually taking a plunge.
- Develop your Skills: Do an honest self-assessment of the skills you possess and the skills that are required in the profession you are choosing. Figure out the gap between these two and take up courses or online courses to hone up your skills and make yourself competitive.
- Create a Plan: After gaining the required information, get clear on the plan – where you are now, where do you want to be, and how you want to get there. Keep in mind that this career plan can change as per the requirements.
- Follow Your Instincts: Many times, instinct combined with research and passion can help you discern a good career decision. If a career feels right to you even after weighing all your options, follow it through as it can be the one for you.
Different Types of Careers
The world of work holds many different types of jobs and careers. Explore the options available and take into account your personal attributes and preferences. Here are some of the career paths that you can pursue.
STEM Careers
One of the most popular career paths today is the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) career field. These careers offer lucrative job opportunities and bright prospects. STEM jobs require a great deal of precision, attention to detail, and problem solving skills. Some examples of STEM jobs are Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Research Scientist and more.
Business Careers
Business careers involve working in any type of organisation or enterprise, and the roles can range from accounts and finance to sales, marketing and advertising. People who are good at understanding numbers and are able to think strategically usually make great business professionals. Some of the most popular business careers are Business Consultant, Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Accountant, Entrepreneur and more.
Creative Careers
The K-Space economy is blooming, and with the rise of digital platforms, there are many opportunities available for Creative professionals. People who are creative and have an artistic mind fit very well into these creative careers. Popular creative jobs include Graphic Designer, Photographer, Video Editor, Creative Writer, Animator, Theme Designer and more.
Social Careers
Social careers revolve around helping others. These careers are also known as Caring Professions and they involve providing someone with physical, emotional or mental support. People who are empathetic and want to make a difference in the world can choose to pursue a career in this field. Popular positions include Teacher, Nurse, Psychologist, Social Worker, Counsellor, Therapist and more.
Legal Careers
Legal careers involve specialising in legal matters such as offering legal advice, researching and writing laws, representing clients in courtrooms, and or preparing legal documents. To be successful in this field, you should have a deep knowledge of the legal system and the ability to understand and interpret complex laws. Popular legal positions include Judge, Lawyer, Attorney, Corporate Lawyer and more.
Making the Final Decision
Now that you understand the process of finding a suitable career and the different types of careers available, it is time to consider all your options and make the final decision. Here are a few tips to actually choose a career and make it your own.
- Listen to Your Gut: Along with all the information available, what matters the most is whether the career path feels right for you. So listen to your gut, choose something that excites and drives you and not something which is simply good for the market.
- Be Prepared to Fail: Even after choosing your career, you may not feel at ease. Certain paths require hard work, dedication and perseverance that may not be easy to manage in the beginning. So be prepared to fail, learn and try again.
- Seek Professional Help: You can always seek help from teachers, career counsellors and members of the career service at your university. They can help you assess your strengths, values and talents and direct you to the right career path.
- Focus On Your End Goal: Remember to always focus on the end goal – where you want to be in 5 or 10 years. This kind of clarity will help you stay focused on your career path even when times get hard.
Conclusion
Though difficult, it is possible to make an informed decision about your career path. Research your interests and skills and understand what is required to excel in that career. Consider the kinds of opportunities available and evaluate their potential. Then make a plan, focus on the end goal and stay committed to your decision. Once you make a plan and nail it, there will be no looking back and you will soon be on your way to a successful career.
