Figuring out your career path can be a daunting task! Whether you have just graduated from university or you are looking for a career change, there is a lot to consider when choosing your career path. The longevity and success of your career can be heavily dictated by whether your career excites, interests and challenges you.
In order to determine which career path you would like to pursue, self-reflection, research, and experience are areas that can help you navigate the bumpy journey that is your career. In saying this, here are nine ways to help figure out your career path.
1. Determine your career goals
To set foot on your career path, it is important to consider your goals for the future. Developing both short-term and long-term goals will help you determine your priorities. Be guided by your personal goals as well! Creating a work-life balance can help determine your happiness in both areas.
2. Understand your strengths
Identifying your personal and professional strengths can be extremely helpful in determining your career path. By understanding your strengths, you can seek a career that matches your skills, giving you confidence in your abilities when applying for jobs. Not only does it ensure you are well-suited to the position, but it also ensures that the position is well-suited to you. To discover your strengths by taking a personal strength assessment The VIA Strengths Character Survey.
3. Consider your passions and interests
The saying, ‘do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’ is one to keep in mind when considering your career path. By identifying your passions
and interests, you will be able to find a career that is fulfilling and motivating. Start by listing all of your hobbies, interests and skills, and begin to think about which of those you could turn into a career.
4. Consider your previous experiences
Your life experiences are the best way to determine your potential career paths. No matter how big or small, work experience gives you a peek into the nature of the related field. The exposure you gain within your chosen industry can greatly dictate your career path. Think about where you felt the most fulfilled, where your values aligned, or where your skills were best utilised and, appreciated.
5. Do your research
After doing some personal assessment and reflection, take the time to do some hard-hitting research. Talk to people you know, surf the web, play around on LinkedIn and read through university websites. Researching will give you a wide scope of potential careers for you to shortlist. Who knows – you might even find something you might have never even considered!
6. Look at job growth opportunities
When starting your career, where you are now is often quite far from where you want to be. However, the ultimate goal is often what motivates many to work hard. To be able to achieve your future goals, it is important that you consider the growth opportunities in the job or field you are interested in. It means that in the long term, your experience will be valuable and allow you to grow and move further along in your career.
7. All experience is good experience
When starting your career journey, many job hunters have the ambition to go straight into working at world-famous companies. Although there is no problem with aiming high, smaller companies should not be overlooked. The experience you gain from working with a diverse range of companies will help you to reach your ultimate goals. The more experience you have the better! It shows employers that you are motivated and passionate about furthering your career.
8. Seek out professional guidance
Whether you have worked out your career path or you are still a little uncertain, it is never a bad idea to seek professional guidance. Career counsellors and coaches can be great resources to guide you through career decisions.
9. Enjoy the journey
Eventually, you will be halfway through your career reminiscing on the time you spent wondering how your career would unfold. A time full of hope, ambition and excitement. Rather than thinking about the job title you want to have, think about what fulfils you, your purpose and, the people you want to work with. By doing something you love, you’ll find great success in your future.
If you are ready to get your career started, contact us! We are here to help you find the perfect job to get your career on track.
