It’s a daunting question to answer – what do you want to do with your life? Few people could probably answer it confidently. There aren’t many classes that teach you how to know which “next steps” to take in your career. College degree or not – you might find yourself wandering around trying to decide which path is right for you.
Finding a career that allows you to combine your passions and skills can be difficult. We hope these tips will help to lead you in the right direction:
Take Career Assessments
There are a wide variety of career assessments that cost a significant amount of money and offer you poor results. However, there are a few that are known to truly guide you towards the right career.
A few of the recommended assessments are:
123 Test – This aptitude test gives you insight into your job personality. Based on your personality, you will learn which work environments suit you best. The results will provide you with a list of professions that would be the best fit for you based on your career personality.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator – This is one of the most popular and well-known assessments. This test considers how you act as well as what motivates you to work. Many high schools, colleges, and even workplaces require this test. Here is an online free version or you can take the assessment with a certified administrator.
The Big Five Personality Test – In less than 10 minutes this test will inform you on how you relate to others, how open you are to new experiences, how much self-discipline you have, whether you are introverted or extroverted, and how you handle stressful situations. This test is especially helpful in understanding what type of work environment you will work best in.
Interview Others
When trying to decide on a career path, you should consider having a conversation with someone in the industry. Asking honest questions to those who know the industry best is one of the most proven ways to help you determine whether or not it’s a job that you’d like to pursue. Though it might be time-consuming and can force you to step outside of your comfort zone, it’s a practice that might just lead you exactly where you need to be.
Start with those you know personally and then reach out to those you don’t know in the field of work. Professors and supervisors are two great options to start with. When you have to go beyond your circle, be willing, flexible, and ready to learn. These are professionals that are giving up their time to meet with you and could serve as a great connection one day in the future – you want to make a good impression.
What questions should you ask? One of the most important questions is how they got to their current position. Many times when you are at the beginning of your career journey you can get discouraged by not immediately finding a position you love at the top. However, if you were to talk to those in high-up positions you will quickly find that it wasn’t that easy for them to get to where they are. Learn about what steps they took to grow and develop along their journey.
Never Stop Learning
When you are still figuring out what you want to do, it’s important to explore a lot of different options. If you are in high school and college and have free elective classes to fill up, sign up for courses that interest you. Make use of that time to learn more about different fields that spark your interest.
If you’re not able to take an educational class, search for online resources. Research about each industry, what you need to know to work in that particular field, and how to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Put in the hard work now so that it pays off in the long run.
Utilize Staffing Agencies
If you are starting your job hunt and don’t know where to start, staffing agencies would love to chat with you. Working with recruiters gives you a cutting edge against other competition seeking out the same positions, as well as gives you access to a large network of companies eager to hire.
Recruiters also serve as career path coaches who want to see you succeed! If you’re unsure what type of position you are looking for, they can help you narrow down your options based on your interest and qualifications. They will walk with you through the application process, ensuring that your resume is in tip-top shape and that you are fully prepared for any interviews.
Figuring out your career path can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Through the help of career assessments, professional interviews, educational and online courses, and staffing agencies you will be on your way towards a fulfilling and successful career.
This article was originally published here at mystratice.com. Stratice is a staffing agency based in Montgomery, Alabama with a second location in Bentonville, Arkansas.
