How to Explore New Career Opportunities

Perhaps you have just graduated from college and are looking for a career path or your current career path is coming to an end and you are thinking about going in a different direction. Now is a good time to start gathering information about companies you might want to work for, or looking at opportunities that may present themselves. Career decisions are not easy ones to make, but you can prepare yourself for a new career by exploring your options.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Network! This is probably the single most important step you can take as you start looking for a career. Talk to your friends, your family, your co-workers, anyone you feel can help you in your job search. Think about the area you want to move into and attend Chamber of Commerce meetings or other business networking organizations related to the career path you are exploring. Get your name and face out there. Nobody is going to hire you if you sit at home and dream about your great career ideas.

2. Use the library and career/placement centers. The library will have books, magazines and other sources of information about the career you are interested in. Career or placement centers or employment services may have leads on jobs in the career areas you are exploring. They will also have information on how to get those jobs.

3. Search the Internet. Never before have we had resources at our fingertips, for free, like we do now with the Internet. Most companies post their job openings online and you can apply for them online in many instances. You will save time, and gas money if you use the Internet to find and apply for jobs.

4. Consider internships. Sometimes a company will hire an intern for a position. This is a good way to find out if you like the field, the company, or the job. You will gain experience as well that can enhance your resume. Sometimes internships are not paid, or paid very little, so keep that in mind as you are looking for work.

5. Act as a volunteer. This is another unpaid position, but you can gain experience, find out what kinds of jobs you like to do in the business, and get a heads up on paid positions as they become available. Volunteering can lead to an excellent paid position where you can bring experience and familiarity with the company to the job.

6. Go back to school, or if you are already in school, take courses related to the career path you are interested in. Pay attention to the market as well. Are there jobs available in the career you want? Will there be jobs in the future? What are the hiring trends in your home town, or across the country?

7. Stay open to new possibilities. Keep your eyes open as you go about your life – you may find yourself doing something that will trigger a career idea for you. Doing what you enjoy and then finding a career in that area is an excellent way to find fulfillment in your career choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Set long and short-term goals for your career path and revisit them often.
• Make sure you have a support system in place. Finding a good job can be a long-time effort and you will need the support of your friends and family as you search.
• As in anything, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be fooled by scam artists wanting to take your money while promising you exciting careers.

[gurso27]

on 9/19/2009 good ideas!!

[LilacGirl]

on 9/19/2009 Your article is both helpful and timely. Some good advice here for anyone needing career advice.

[sweetspirit]

on 7/30/2009 Nice article. Thanks for sharing.

[theexplorer]

on 7/29/2009 I am doing all your advices, but how looking for job online is very competitive I investigated all the Job Agencies for the city and I submitted my application on there, also in the local School District and Hospitals.
Thank you..

[cygnetbrown]

on 7/27/2009 There isn't a better time for an article like this one. Your advice couldn't be more timely.