What career should I choose?

I won't tell you what career to choose, but how to find the career that's good for you and that will give you fulfillment. What you want to do is see how your personality matches others who enjoy and are successful in a wide variety of careers. There are surveys or questionnaires available that will go through a long set of questions, usually multiple-choice. The analysis is of course computerized, and it matches your responses to exactly those people -- those that are happy and successful in those careers.

I say this because I really believe that being happy in a career is a win-win proposition. I tell my students that you are likely to be good at what you enjoy, and you are likely to enjoy what you are good at. And if you enjoy what you do, others around you will benefit as well.

We often talk about money and happiness and how they're related. We also know that there are rather poor people who are happy and rich people who are miserable. But we don't often find someone who is very good at what they do and hate it, or love what they do and are terrible at it.

So that's my advice. Take the easy, straightforward approach. Take a personality assessment test like, for example, RIASEC. I'm sure local colleges or employment agencies can point you to a source. It's more efficient than simply hoping you bump into someone who has your ideal job by chance. Once you get a list of careers you seem to fit into, seek out those people. The test is fun, cheap and very effective. And may surprise you. I for example matched well with exactly what I do, but also Park Ranger. I didn't choose that particular career, mind you, but it did give me something to think about in my personality. Like I said, easy, fun, cheap. What's not to like?

Hi Pravin,

I love what the others have posted and I will add my own spin to it.

I have been working (before and after college) for for 13 years now. I have had seven different types of jobs in that time. Mostly, that was because I gave myself permission to explore until I found something that I really loved to do. The job I have now is my dream job but I would never have thought I'd be doing what I am doing now (strategy & operations for a tech company). Based on my own experience, I recommend you explore a bit, if you feel you have the flexibility in your life to do that.

I would start by writing down all the things you're interested in. People? Computers? Travel? Food? Math? Science? Physical activity? It can be anything! Just start the list as a way to get clear on what you might want to explore first. Once you've got your list, you can start looking for people with job in a field related to your interests.

I love the recommendation you got to meet with people who have careers you think you'd be interested in. These are called "informational interviews". Often, if you send an email or Linkedin message to a person you'd like to learn from, they will agree to meet with you for about 30 minutes over coffee (always offer to buy the coffee, if you can afford it). You can also ask adults in your life about their career paths. Do you have someone at home or at school who might be doing something you're interested in? Talk to them as a low-pressure way to get started.

Once you have an informational interview scheduled with someone, go to the meeting ready to ask questions and always end the meeting by asking if that person has any recommended next steps for you or has other people they think you should meet with. Here is an article about how to conduct a good informational interview: https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-steps-to-a-perfect-informational-interview

Best of luck! Be willing to explore and know you won't always get it right the first time (I certainly didn't).

Think of what excites you, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time, could you make a career of it? You need to balance what you are really interested in with being able to make a living from it. No matter what you do, if you can become expert enough in it, you can often make a decent living from it. Definitely explore what your passion is rather than being guided into what others feel you should do.

Having said that, it depends how important job security is to you. If you are very concerned with that, then a qualification in an industry that is in high demand might be something to complete, or at least have in your back pocket as a fall back.

Hi Pravin,

From my experience, I can tell you that choosing a career can be very tricky at times. I remember I was deciding between medicine and engineering. Now, I am currently pursuing a degree in biomedical and mechanical engineering and totally love my decision. I just want you to remember that you should consider your interests before choosing a career path. Talk to others who are already in the profession that you are interested in. This way, you will get a better idea about the profession in general and it will be easy for you to decide what you wan to do. I would recommend that you create a list of professions you are interested in and do research on them. If you have more questions, let me know!

Hi Pravin

You have been given some excellent advice already. My only additional thought to consider is to gain insight into your natural strengths as a starting point in selecting your career. My favorite assessment is StrengthsFinder. The resulting report will provide insights into your true strengths and how they align with certain careers. This will give you areas to further investigate in finding the right fit for you. Best wishes to you.

Hi,

The answer for your query lies within yourself, yes, none can decide which career suits you good.. Expect one, that's yourself.. Only you shall find the right and best fit answer for your query.

To get this answer you shall seek suggestions some career guidance counsellors or your superiors whom you feel as well wishers or someone whom you trust the most. But ensure you get their suggestions in identifying what you want or seek , at he end the only one decision you make should be from yourself and from your heart..

Find a career or profession that best fits your talent or interest or skill set or something that you love or get fascinated the most for no reason. Once you identify your thirst, that would further drive you to lime light.. Everyone are gifted with some skills and talent so identify what is yours..

Wishing you all success...