How to Find Out What Career Suits You Best
Looking for the career that suits you best is often a process of trial and error. Although it may be frustrating switch careers several times, the process can be a valuable learning experience. Often, it's difficult to figure out what career suits you best until you've experienced first-hand how you respond in different work environments. As you begin the process of selecting a career, however, begin with your comfort zone---the fields that interest you and match you talents---and work from there.
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Instructions
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Look to your interests. As you look for what career suits you best, begin by thinking about what you enjoy talking about, reading up on, and participating in during your free time. Also consider what subjects in school held your interest, even if they were not your primary focus.
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Think about what type of work habits and environments make you feel comfortable. Do you prefer working alone or with a group? Do you like working behind a desk or do you need to be on the move? Are you more comfortable with routine or do you get bored when you do the same things every day? It is important to choose a career that matches your personality and professional style.
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Do your research. Once you have an idea of what fields interest you, research what job opportunities are available in that area. The Internet, books, and trade magazines are a good starting point, but continue your research by networking with persons who work in your field of interest. Talking to people who do your target job daily is a good way to ensure that your expectations match the actual profession.
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Get on-the-job experience. One of the best ways to figure out if a job is right for you is to actually do it. If you are in school, summer internships are an excellent way to try out several careers paths to see which one suits you best.
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Consult a career coach. If you are having difficulty finding a career that suits you on your own, consider talking to a career coach at your local college or state employment office. They can administer professional aptitude tests and give you suggestions on careers that match your interests, background, and skills. Career assessments frequently include multiple choice tests and inventories that analyze your personality, interests, values, goals, or management style.
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