Selecting the right career path can make you feel anxious. There are so many choices, and you may feel your qualifications are not the right match! Whether you have studied at a conventional college, online college such as Learn Now or completed a degree at university, you can find find the perfect job (if you follow the steps below)!
Look Inward First
Start with your fabulous self.
What lights you up? When do you lose all track of time? Make a list of these passions. Remember classes that fascinated you and think about volunteer work or jobs where you thrived. You want to ensure that you make the best possible decision and don’t regret it later so take the time to concentrate on yourself.
Ask yourself:
- How do I hope to help the world?
- What impact matters most to me?
- What work spaces would make me smile?
- What lifestyle sounds ideal for me?
Gain Valuable Experience
Alongside education, experience is so important to get you off to a good start. Find relevant opportunities while still in school and be prepared to knock on many doors offering your services. Try the following:
- Intern or work part-time in your field.
- Volunteer with local organizations making a difference.
- Attend industry events and conferences.
- Join professional associations.
- Complete relevant projects and coursework.
Hands-on experience builds your abilities and network, confirming you’ve chosen wisely.
Make a Plan
With your passions, target careers, required education, and experience plans clarified, map out goals after finishing school. This will help you have a plan to work with and give you some structure:
- What are your 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year aims?
- What can you do now to work toward those goals?
- Who can mentor you along the way?
- How will you keep expanding your skills and connections?
Having a plan will keep you focused as you embark on following your chosen path.
Stay Flexible
While plans are helpful, keep an open mind too. As you gain experiences, your interests can evolve in wonderful ways. What appealed at 18 may be very different at 25. Allow your career aims to change as you grow and be prepared to go off in a different direction in the opportunity arises.
Few end up in the exact job first envisioned. And that’s fantastic. Follow what sparks you in the present. The right fit will emerge on your journey to happiness and you may be surprised at the outcome.
Remember it is never too late to study and if you need to go back to college or online learning to gain more A-Levels it doesn’t matter. Twelve months down the line could put you in a better position. Distance learning from home could make it even more attainable.
Conduct Insightful Interviews
Informational interviews with working professionals provide priceless knowledge to guide decisions. Let their experience help you.
Here are tips for having meaningful informational interviews:
Pick Their Brain
Ask thoughtful questions about their career experiences and role:
- Why did they choose this field? Is it what they expected?
- What do they enjoy day-to-day? What are the challenges?
- How did they get started? What education and experience helped them?
- What advice do they have for someone new to the industry?
- Who else do they recommend you speak with?
Listen closely for their passion and the realities of their work. Does it fit your interests too?
Do Your Homework
Always be prepared and before your chat ensure you have the following in place:
- Research the person and their company.
- Prepare engaging questions showing you value their time.
- Be ready to explain your career considerations and why you wanted to connect.
Doing your homework makes the conversation more fruitful.
Follow Up Thoughtfully
Within a day, send a thank you note recapping key insights from your discussion.
Stay in touch by:
- Sharing related articles or ideas.
- Congratulating them on news about their work.
- Asking additional follow-up questions.
Nurture the relationship started.
Expand Your Network
At the end, request introductions to other helpful contacts.
Your network grows exponentially each time you interview. Tap into your contacts’ colleagues and connections too.
Shadow Professionals at Work
Job shadowing provides invaluable exposure to careers you’re interested in. Observing a professional for a day or more reveals their responsibilities and environment firsthand.
Here are tips for making the most of job shadowing:
Do Your Homework
Research the role and company you’ll be observing. Understand their products, services, values, and culture. Show up informed and excited to dive in.
Observe Thoughtfully
Notice how the role aligns with your passions, personality, and abilities. Pay attention to the work environment and culture. Could you thrive here? What might be challenging if it was your job?
Ask questions all day long to understand what you are seeing.
Offer Your Help
Look for small ways to assist without interfering. Offer to take notes, brainstorm ideas, or lend a hand with tasks as needed. Show initiative and eagerness to help.
Reflect on Valuable Insights
At the end of the day, reflect on what you learned. What surprised you? How did the experience expand your thinking about this career?
Be sure to send a thoughtful thank you note recapping your key takeaways.
Talk with Friends and Family
Friends and family can provide helpful perspectives as you consider career options after education. Their support and insights can guide you towards rewarding paths.
Here is how to gain their wisdom:
Ask About Strengths
What talents and abilities do they see as natural for you? Things that come easily? Knowing your strengths helps identify careers for you to thrive in.
Inquire About Interests
What topics always grab your attention and passion? When do they see your engagement sparked? Following your interests makes work and learning more joyful.
Discuss Values
What matters most to you? Helping people? Creativity? Leadership? Lifestyle? Understanding your priorities guides you to meaningful work.
Remember, It’s Your Life
While welcomed, consider input thoughtfully. Ultimately you must trust yourself to make the best decisions for the life you desire.
