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Emma
Student
Capac, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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How can I narrow down all the career paths I am interested in?
There are a lot of things I want to find more about, but am not sure where to start! I have gotten some experimenting and knowledge through school clubs and asking family members about their jobs, and have signed up for one job shadow. But there aren’t many job shadows around me and I’m not sure how to find more. Any ideas?
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2 answers
Patrick Mays
Chief Operating Officer
8
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
A job shadow is a great start! Two other suggestions would be to:
1) Take a career assessment or aptitude test. The MAPP test through assessment.com takes around 20 minutes and should give you some suggestions on careers that align with both your interests and skillsets.
2) Look at job postings to see what is available out there and interesting to you through LinkedIn or Indeed. This can take a bit more time but could at least give you a sense of careers that others are pursuing today.
1) Take a career assessment or aptitude test. The MAPP test through assessment.com takes around 20 minutes and should give you some suggestions on careers that align with both your interests and skillsets.
2) Look at job postings to see what is available out there and interesting to you through LinkedIn or Indeed. This can take a bit more time but could at least give you a sense of careers that others are pursuing today.
Thank you for commenting! I will try both of those.
Emma
Praveen Prabhakar
Program Manager
48
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
Discovering your ideal career interests can be an insightful and organized journey. Here are some steps to guide you in pinpointing career paths that resonate with your interests and aspirations:
Self-reflection: Set aside time to delve into your strengths, values, and passions. Think about the activities or subjects that invigorate and inspire you. Look back on your past experiences and pinpoint the tasks or projects that brought you the most joy.
Research: Investigate various industries, job roles, and professions that pique your interest. Search for information online, read books, visit career fairs, and connect with professionals in fields you're intrigued by. Familiarize yourself with the skills, qualifications, and educational requirements related to each career path.
Determine key criteria: Outline the factors that are most significant to you in a career. These may include work-life balance, earning potential, job stability, creativity, social impact, growth opportunities, or other aspects that matter to you. Prioritize these criteria based on your values.
Assess compatibility: Align your strengths, values, and interests with the careers you've explored. Evaluate how well each career matches your criteria. Contemplate the daily tasks, necessary skills, and the likelihood of long-term fulfillment in each field.
Acquire hands-on experience: To gain a real-life perspective of a specific career, consider internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in related fields. This practical involvement can help you determine if a particular career path genuinely appeals to you.
Seek advice: Engage in conversations with professionals working in the fields you're contemplating. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a specific role. Their insights and experiences can offer valuable guidance and support you in making informed choices.
Experiment: If you're still unsure, attempt projects or participate in activities connected to your potential career paths. This might involve joining clubs, attending workshops, or taking on side projects. The more you experiment, the clearer your preferences may become.
Refine your list: After completing these steps, you should have a better grasp of your preferred career paths. Begin narrowing down your choices by eliminating those that don't match your criteria or no longer inspire you. Gradually concentrate on a few potential paths that you find most captivating.
Keep in mind that career paths are flexible, and it's natural for interests and priorities to shift over time. Remain open to new possibilities, commit to ongoing learning, and be prepared to adjust your career choices as you grow and develop.
Self-reflection: Set aside time to delve into your strengths, values, and passions. Think about the activities or subjects that invigorate and inspire you. Look back on your past experiences and pinpoint the tasks or projects that brought you the most joy.
Research: Investigate various industries, job roles, and professions that pique your interest. Search for information online, read books, visit career fairs, and connect with professionals in fields you're intrigued by. Familiarize yourself with the skills, qualifications, and educational requirements related to each career path.
Determine key criteria: Outline the factors that are most significant to you in a career. These may include work-life balance, earning potential, job stability, creativity, social impact, growth opportunities, or other aspects that matter to you. Prioritize these criteria based on your values.
Assess compatibility: Align your strengths, values, and interests with the careers you've explored. Evaluate how well each career matches your criteria. Contemplate the daily tasks, necessary skills, and the likelihood of long-term fulfillment in each field.
Acquire hands-on experience: To gain a real-life perspective of a specific career, consider internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in related fields. This practical involvement can help you determine if a particular career path genuinely appeals to you.
Seek advice: Engage in conversations with professionals working in the fields you're contemplating. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a specific role. Their insights and experiences can offer valuable guidance and support you in making informed choices.
Experiment: If you're still unsure, attempt projects or participate in activities connected to your potential career paths. This might involve joining clubs, attending workshops, or taking on side projects. The more you experiment, the clearer your preferences may become.
Refine your list: After completing these steps, you should have a better grasp of your preferred career paths. Begin narrowing down your choices by eliminating those that don't match your criteria or no longer inspire you. Gradually concentrate on a few potential paths that you find most captivating.
Keep in mind that career paths are flexible, and it's natural for interests and priorities to shift over time. Remain open to new possibilities, commit to ongoing learning, and be prepared to adjust your career choices as you grow and develop.
Thank you! That is some great advice. I will definitely work through the list.
Emma