How to Choose Careers

One question asked of young people more than almost anything else is "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Ask a preschooler and he will tell you he wants to be a teacher or a firefighter. Ask a preteen and she'll tell you that she plans to be a superstar. When young people are of high school age, the time comes for them to really begin to seriously consider what they might like to choose as a career. The limits are seemingly endless and to many, this decision is overwhelming. Everyone can benefit from a little bit of guidance in how to choose a career. Follow these steps and you will be well on your way to choosing the career that is right for you.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to what interests you. A popular piece of wisdom often passed down from generation to generation is "Find something you love to do and find someone willing to pay you to do it." Most people are not going to find anyone to pay them to sit around and play video games, but perhaps if this is something they have a strong interest in, they can learn to design the graphics or write the plots for video games. Not everyone will make it as an actress, but what about becoming a production or sound engineer? The key is to find something you find interesting, then seek out opportunities that relate to it.

2. Be an intern. Sometimes you can't get a feel for a particular career path until you immerse yourself in the environment to which that path would lead you. If you think you might like to work in advertising, secure a position in an advertising firm for a summer. If you are considering the teaching profession, volunteer to become a tutor at a local school. Internships can be eye opening experiences that shed significant light on professions you might be considering.

3. Get to know people who do what you think you want to do. If you already know someone whose current career matches the career you think you'd like to aim for, set up an informal meeting with them during which you can "interview" them to discover the nuts and bolts of their daily grind. If you don't personally know anyone who does what you want to do, don't be shy about cold calling someone and arranging an interview. They will likely be honored to share their experience with you. You never know--your initiative might impress them and lead to a valuable connection in the future.

4. Find out what it takes to land your self in the career you are thinking of choosing. Is there a particular college degree required? You'll need to know what degree and what universities offer the program. Is there special training? Are their other jobs you could be doing in the meantime that would offer valuable experience toward the position you have your eye on?These factors may affect the feasibility of the career you choose.

5. Remain open to career paths you may not have considered. As you make your way through the process of how to choose a career you may discover alternative careers that appeal to you even more than your original choice.