How to Choose a Career Path

Choosing the right career path is an important part of living an enriching life. When you find something that interests you and you enjoy, you are more likely to feel content with your career. Finding the right career can also save you time, money, and effort. Many jobs require education, so the sooner you figure out what you want to do, the sooner you can get enrolled in the program you need to complete.

Learn more: How to Find the Perfect Company

Follow these steps on how to choose a career path:

1. Reflect on your interests. Although all of your interests may not translate into a job, a few of them might. For instance, if art interests you, consider a career in graphic design or as an art teacher. If building your finances is fascinating to you, consider becoming a personal financial advisor or an accountant. Get started by writing down a list of all of your interests and brainstorming careers that are related to them.
2. Think about what you’re good at. Do you have a special skill or talent? Would it be helpful in a job setting? By picking something you’re already good at, you can continue to improve your skills and quickly advance your career.
3. Determine the lifestyle you want. For some people, this aspect of a career is even more important than the job itself. If you want to be wealthy, you need to choose a high-paying career in high demand. Perhaps benefits are more important to you. Then, you may want to choose a career that offers pensions and other perks. You may even decide that you don’t care if you go into a low-paying career as long as you can do what you love. Get to know the market average for common job titles using Glassdoor’s salary search. This tool can give you better insights into what kind of income you’d make per region. Although money isn’t everything, it is an important factor you should consider when picking a career.
4. Research educational requirements. Once you have a few careers in mind, start to look into the educational requirements for each one. You may find that a career you are interested in requires more schooling than you would prefer. When researching programs, consider where you would be able to go to school. In-state programs tend to be more affordable, while out-of-state schools can charge higher tuition.

Learn more: How to Get a Job as a Graphic Designer

Use these tips to pick the right career path for you:

• Sign up for a job shadow: Job shadowing is an excellent way to get a real-life look into a career you might be interested in. Connect with local professionals to see if you can observe their workday for a day or two. Take note of what you like and dislike about your experience job shadowing.
• Get an internship: An internship is a great way to test the waters of a career while gaining professional experience and making connections. During your internship, ask other employees questions about their role and industry. You may find that they give you some valuable career advice.
• Get a mentor: A mentor is someone who can offer your support, guidance, and advice while figuring out your career path. Try to find someone who is in the industry you’re interested in.
• Talk to a counselor or career advisor: Most high schools and colleges have a counselor or career advisor with who you can discuss your options. They may be able to help you figure out your interests and professional goals and get you pointed in the right direction.
• Explore less common careers: You’ve heard of careers like doctor, lawyer, accountant, veterinarian, or firefighter. Get to know some other kinds of careers in areas you may not think about right away. For instance, explore lesser-known titles like arborist, food scientist, and others.
• Realize you can change your mind: Picking a career doesn’t mean you need to do it for the rest of your life. Realize that over time your interests and priorities may change. One career could even lead to another one.
• Take a career quiz or personality test: Many different online resources have tests you can take to find out which careers best fit your personality. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator gives you an in-depth look into your personality and can even suggest careers that you could consider. It also helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses, which can inform your decision.
• Schedule informational interviews: These are essentially the opposite of a traditional job interview. Instead, you reach out to an employer and ask if you can interview them. During this interview, ask questions about the responsibilities of a role you’re interested in, the company culture, and anything else that can influence your decision. Along with learning about a particular company and industry, this a great chance to build your professional network.
• Check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Its website can tell you more about average salaries, job outlook, and similar job titles. This way, you can base your decision on real data and job statistics.