How to Plan a Career Path

Defining a career path can start you on the road to professional success.

Deciding what you will do for the rest of your life is not an easy decision to make. There is much to consider when planning your future. For instance, a person has to decide what he enjoys doing and what will bring them the most joy. If a person enjoys helping people, a career in teaching, nursing or social work may be the best choice. If a person is motivated by making a high salary, then being a sales representative might be more suitable. The good news is there is a plethora of jobs to choose from no matter what your personality or education level. However, defining a career path is the first step to a lifetime of professional success.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Myers-Briggs Type Inventory test

Instructions

1. Assess what suits your personality. Doing so can help you determine what areas you lean toward and what areas will give you a satisfying career. The Myers-Briggs Type Inventory is a personality test that assesses the personality on four dimensions and gives an insightful look into areas in which a person will excel. This exam should be taken before a person enters college.

2. Apply to a college program that will prepare you for your chosen career. If college is not an option, consider a vocational school or prepare by climbing up the ladder of a company whose business is what you plan to do. Do extensive research into which program to apply. The Internet makes it easy to identify colleges and requirements to apply. Consider costs as well. Out-of-state college programs will cost more than your resident state colleges.

3. Seek an internship in your chosen career to give you hands-on experience. This can either solidify your career path or determine whether you should re-access your initial decision. Don't get discouraged if you have doubts about your first choice; it is not unusual for college students to change their major a couple of times before making a final decision. Note that internships may be paid or unpaid. Don't let this affect your taking the position; the experience will be priceless no matter if you receive compensation or not.

4. Identify companies of interest and apply for positions that suit your aspirations. Know that your dream position may require experience in entry-level and mid-level positions. For example, if you aspire to be an editor-in-chief of a publication, you will most likely have to start out as a junior editor and work your way up and so on.

References

• Ivy Tech Community College Career Handbook