How to Find What Career You Want

Finding your career is a journey of discovery.

Before opportunity knocks, it needs an invitation. A successful career is something that you make happen. Think of finding your dream career as a journey. Any journey begins with going out through the front door. Start where you are. No matter how long the journey, as soon as you begin, you're on your way to discovering what career you want.

Instructions

1. Discover who you are. Until you do, you'll never know what you want to be. What are your interests, your passions? What skills do you love to use? What drives you to get up in the morning?

2. Read everything you can get your hands on--books, websites, magazine articles--that relates to your primary interest. You may discover your interest has professional potential. If you love advising friends and are good at it, consider becoming a consultant. If you like music, perhaps you could go into music production.

3. Get an education. Your chosen profession likely will require special education and training. Decide what schools you'll need to attend and what kind of training you'll require. If you are changing careers, perhaps skills from your old career will assist you in the new one.

4. Research what companies hire positions for your chosen career. Look through job search engines and sites like Craigslist.com, Monster.com and Linkedin.com.

5. Research your chosen companies. Find out what they do, their history and anything else that might be helpful. Consider their location and whether you'd be willing to move there.

6. Craft a resume. Every resume you submit should be tailored to the needs of the company to which you're applying.

7. Contact companies with a resume, cover letter and anything else they require. Be specific about the job you're looking for, but be open to other possibilities companies may suggest.

8. Respond to any interview requests. Remember to ask your own questions. Find out what the company has to offer, and decide if it really is the dream job you're looking for. Even if it's not ideal, you may want to take the job if it's a step in the right direction.

References

• "Reinvent Your Work: How to Rejuvenate or Recreate Your Career"; Felicia Zimmerman; 2003.
• "Coach Yourself to a New Career: A Guide for Discovering Your Ultimate Profession"; Deborah Brown-Volkman; 2003.