4 answers
Opeoluwa
Student
Alabama, NY
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I know my way forward ?
I want to know the right career for me
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1355
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS
WHEN CHOOSING A CAREER
Opeoluwa if you do not have any clear goals in mind, do not worry – not everyone knows what they want to do as their career. Start by thinking about your own strengths. Are you a ‘people person’ or do you work better alone? Are you good with words or do you prefer numbers? Would you be best suited to an active, physical job outside, or would you rather be in an office? Simple questions like these can help you understand which jobs might be for you.
• JOB MARKET - If you are open to different options, it might also help to do some research into the job market. Which sectors will need workers in the coming years and what skills will they need? This way, you can find a career that is likely to offer lots of interesting opportunities. You can then focus on getting the right skills and experience to make you more employable. Remember that there are so many potential roles out there, many of which you may never have even heard of.
• GET REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE - Follow the example of companies that use interns and temps to evaluate an individual before they extend a job offer. Real-life experience in the work environment where you think you want to work can help you make up your mind for certain. Job shadows, internships and temporary assignments give you a realistic view of a day in the life of a profession.
• DO OVERS ARE OKAY - If trying out a particular job or sector and find that it is not the one for you. Don't be afraid to rethink your plans. Although most of us want stability in our careers, we sometimes have to try out a few jobs to find the right one. It is also normal to sometimes want a new challenge. If you are not enjoying your work, do not be afraid to change your route to find the right career path.
• BE PATIENT - Finding the right career is a process, not an event. An entry level position in your field may not be your dream job, but it can give you a foothold on the career ladder you want to climb. It takes time to develop your career, but setting goals and following a plan to achieve them can help you fulfill your career aspirations.
Hope this was helpful Opeoluwa
WHEN CHOOSING A CAREER
Opeoluwa if you do not have any clear goals in mind, do not worry – not everyone knows what they want to do as their career. Start by thinking about your own strengths. Are you a ‘people person’ or do you work better alone? Are you good with words or do you prefer numbers? Would you be best suited to an active, physical job outside, or would you rather be in an office? Simple questions like these can help you understand which jobs might be for you.
• JOB MARKET - If you are open to different options, it might also help to do some research into the job market. Which sectors will need workers in the coming years and what skills will they need? This way, you can find a career that is likely to offer lots of interesting opportunities. You can then focus on getting the right skills and experience to make you more employable. Remember that there are so many potential roles out there, many of which you may never have even heard of.
• GET REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE - Follow the example of companies that use interns and temps to evaluate an individual before they extend a job offer. Real-life experience in the work environment where you think you want to work can help you make up your mind for certain. Job shadows, internships and temporary assignments give you a realistic view of a day in the life of a profession.
• DO OVERS ARE OKAY - If trying out a particular job or sector and find that it is not the one for you. Don't be afraid to rethink your plans. Although most of us want stability in our careers, we sometimes have to try out a few jobs to find the right one. It is also normal to sometimes want a new challenge. If you are not enjoying your work, do not be afraid to change your route to find the right career path.
• BE PATIENT - Finding the right career is a process, not an event. An entry level position in your field may not be your dream job, but it can give you a foothold on the career ladder you want to climb. It takes time to develop your career, but setting goals and following a plan to achieve them can help you fulfill your career aspirations.
Hope this was helpful Opeoluwa
Paola Lubs
Customer Experience Manager
3
Answers
Belgium
Updated
Paola’s Answer
If the short-term priorities in your job only fulfil your material need, the long-term path will be difficult to maintain. Finding your topic of interests and develop these skills, will put your pathway into focus. Think about your strengths holistically, what energizes you, etc.
Marylou DiFilippo
Actor
36
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marylou’s Answer
Hi Opeoluwa,
Great question! I guess my simple answer is ‘You’ll know when you know’. It’s a ahaaa moment. It could come in your teens, twenties, even thirties! Patience and self awareness is key. And observation. Pay attention to what interests you. Be it nature, science, animals, history, music, whatever!
The Great contemporary philosopher Joseph Campbell said “Follow your Bliss”. It became a mantra for me. Read a book or two of his if you like to read. He’s amazing. I cannot recommend enough The Hero With a Thousand Faces. It’s based on Mythology.
BTW, he was a MAJOR advisor for Lucas for Star Wars! Got to meet him. Boy, did he have stories!
And, Follow your Bliss!
Great question! I guess my simple answer is ‘You’ll know when you know’. It’s a ahaaa moment. It could come in your teens, twenties, even thirties! Patience and self awareness is key. And observation. Pay attention to what interests you. Be it nature, science, animals, history, music, whatever!
The Great contemporary philosopher Joseph Campbell said “Follow your Bliss”. It became a mantra for me. Read a book or two of his if you like to read. He’s amazing. I cannot recommend enough The Hero With a Thousand Faces. It’s based on Mythology.
BTW, he was a MAJOR advisor for Lucas for Star Wars! Got to meet him. Boy, did he have stories!
And, Follow your Bliss!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3953
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Opeoluwa,
Finding the Right Career Path
Finding the right career path can be a challenging and daunting task, but with the right approach and self-reflection, you can discover a career that aligns with your interests, skills, and values. Here are some steps to help you identify the right career for you:
Self-Assessment:
Interests: Start by identifying your interests. What activities do you enjoy doing in your free time? What subjects or topics fascinate you?
Skills: Evaluate your skills and strengths. What are you good at? What tasks do you excel in?
Values: Consider your values and what is important to you in a career. Do you value creativity, helping others, leadership, stability, or flexibility?
Research:
Explore Careers: Research different careers that align with your interests, skills, and values. Look into job descriptions, required qualifications, salary expectations, and growth opportunities.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in fields of interest for informational interviews. This can provide valuable insights into a particular career path.
Internships or Job Shadowing: Consider participating in internships or job shadowing opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a field before committing to it.
Education and Training:
Further Education: Determine if further education or training is necessary for your desired career path. This could involve pursuing a degree, certification programs, or specialized training.
Skill Development: Identify any gaps in your skills and work on developing them through courses, workshops, or online resources.
Networking: Build a professional network within your desired industry by attending events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
Experimentation:
Try Different Paths: Don’t be afraid to try out different roles or industries through part-time jobs, volunteering, or freelance work to gain exposure and insight.
Evaluate Experiences: Reflect on your experiences in different roles to understand what aspects you enjoyed and what didn’t resonate with you.
Feedback: Seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or career counselors to gain an outside perspective on your strengths and areas for growth.
Decision Making:
Set Goals: Define clear short-term and long-term goals for your career based on your self-assessment and research.
Evaluate Options: Compare different career paths against your goals and criteria to make an informed decision.
Take Action: Once you have identified a potential career path that aligns with your interests and goals, take proactive steps towards pursuing it.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: Provides insights on career development strategies, self-assessment tools, and expert advice on finding the right career path.
The Balance Careers: Offers comprehensive resources on exploring different careers, skill development tips, and guidance on making informed career decisions.
Forbes: Known for its articles on professional development, Forbes provides valuable information on industry trends, networking strategies, and success stories of individuals finding their ideal careers.
By following these steps and utilizing reputable sources for guidance and information, you can navigate the process of finding the right career path that suits your aspirations and abilities effectively.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Finding the Right Career Path
Finding the right career path can be a challenging and daunting task, but with the right approach and self-reflection, you can discover a career that aligns with your interests, skills, and values. Here are some steps to help you identify the right career for you:
Self-Assessment:
Interests: Start by identifying your interests. What activities do you enjoy doing in your free time? What subjects or topics fascinate you?
Skills: Evaluate your skills and strengths. What are you good at? What tasks do you excel in?
Values: Consider your values and what is important to you in a career. Do you value creativity, helping others, leadership, stability, or flexibility?
Research:
Explore Careers: Research different careers that align with your interests, skills, and values. Look into job descriptions, required qualifications, salary expectations, and growth opportunities.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in fields of interest for informational interviews. This can provide valuable insights into a particular career path.
Internships or Job Shadowing: Consider participating in internships or job shadowing opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a field before committing to it.
Education and Training:
Further Education: Determine if further education or training is necessary for your desired career path. This could involve pursuing a degree, certification programs, or specialized training.
Skill Development: Identify any gaps in your skills and work on developing them through courses, workshops, or online resources.
Networking: Build a professional network within your desired industry by attending events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
Experimentation:
Try Different Paths: Don’t be afraid to try out different roles or industries through part-time jobs, volunteering, or freelance work to gain exposure and insight.
Evaluate Experiences: Reflect on your experiences in different roles to understand what aspects you enjoyed and what didn’t resonate with you.
Feedback: Seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or career counselors to gain an outside perspective on your strengths and areas for growth.
Decision Making:
Set Goals: Define clear short-term and long-term goals for your career based on your self-assessment and research.
Evaluate Options: Compare different career paths against your goals and criteria to make an informed decision.
Take Action: Once you have identified a potential career path that aligns with your interests and goals, take proactive steps towards pursuing it.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: Provides insights on career development strategies, self-assessment tools, and expert advice on finding the right career path.
The Balance Careers: Offers comprehensive resources on exploring different careers, skill development tips, and guidance on making informed career decisions.
Forbes: Known for its articles on professional development, Forbes provides valuable information on industry trends, networking strategies, and success stories of individuals finding their ideal careers.
By following these steps and utilizing reputable sources for guidance and information, you can navigate the process of finding the right career path that suits your aspirations and abilities effectively.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.