How to Choose the Best Career for You
When choosing a career, think long and hard about your abilities and interests, and be honest about your expectations. While you may end up changing jobs in the future, starting out on a career path is still an important decision. There are some basic strategies you can use to determine which direction to take.
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Instructions
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Analyze your abilities, skills and natural talents. Identify things you enjoy doing. Consider taking an interest inventory, or job test, to help you decide which career to pursue. Many such job tests are available on the Internet. Be sure to take your own personal work style into consideration, as well. For example, some people flourish within a structured environment, while others prefer the flexibility of a more spontaneous atmosphere. Some people need the social interaction of a team environment to do their best work, while others love to work at home, or to travel around the world.
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Research job descriptions; find out what you would actually do on the job, as well as what benefits it offers, such as salary, health care and vacations, continuing education, job training, and the opportunity for advancement. Give careful consideration to how much stress the job entails, as well. For example, you may love the idea of studying animals in a veterinary program, but if you can't bear the sight of a sick kitten, that career path may not be the right one for you.
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Decide whether you want a balanced home life and work schedule, or if you're willing to sacrifice time with the family to get ahead on the job. For some people, a long commute and hours of overtime is worth the sacrifice, while for others a job closer to home, with long vacations and shorter work days, is the way to go.
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Evaluate whether working for a business and climbing up the corporate ladder is fulfilling to you, or if you'd prefer to give up some corporate perks and contribute to the goals of a non-profit organization. Secure an internship in the field for an insider's look at a given career, and establish a network of contacts in the industry. Ask people you know if they can help you get an internship where they work, or apply on your own.
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Explore career options by speaking to knowledgeable people who can offer advice. Friends and family, members of your school alumni association and college career centers can provide a wealth of information and contacts.
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Tips & Warnings
Make the best decision you can, and remember that if you aren't happy in your job, you can always use your experience and change careers.
References
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