7 answers
Recce
Student
Miami, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How to choose a career?
How to build skills and also to double work into the career path
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7 answers
Carie Casey
Human Resources, Growth and Development
2
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Carie’s Answer
Choosing a career is a pivotal decision that can shape your life's trajectory. Here are detailed steps and considerations to help guide you through the process of selecting a career that aligns with your personal and professional goals:
1. Self-Assessment
Interests: Identify what captures your interest. Consider activities that you enjoy and topics that you are naturally drawn to.
Skills: Assess your current skills and identify what you excel at. This can include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (like communication and leadership).
Values: Determine what values are important to you in a job. This might include work-life balance, helping others, innovation, or financial reward.
Personality: Some careers are better suited to certain personality types. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Holland Code (RIASEC) test can provide insights into careers that might suit your personality traits.
2. Research Potential Careers
Explore Options: Use resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ O*NET Online to explore different careers and understand what each job entails.
Educational Requirements: Look into what education or training is necessary for the careers you are interested in.
Growth Opportunities: Consider the future outlook for potential careers. Look for growing fields that will likely have opportunities available by the time you enter the workforce.
Salary and Benefits: Research the typical salary ranges and benefits for the careers you are considering to ensure they meet your financial needs.
3. Gain Experience
Internships and Part-Time Jobs: These can provide hands-on experience and a closer look at what working in a particular career might be like.
Volunteer Work: This can be especially useful if you are interested in careers in non-profit organizations, healthcare, or other service-oriented fields.
Shadowing: Spending a day with a professional in your field of interest can provide invaluable insights and help you make informed decisions.
4. Educational Pathways
Academic Courses: Choose courses that align with your career interest. This can provide a deeper understanding and help you build necessary skills.
Degree Programs: Depending on your career choice, you may need a specific degree or certification. Plan your education accordingly.
5. Consult with Professionals
Informational Interviews: Talk to people who are currently working in your field of interest. They can offer real-world insights and advice.
1. Self-Assessment
Interests: Identify what captures your interest. Consider activities that you enjoy and topics that you are naturally drawn to.
Skills: Assess your current skills and identify what you excel at. This can include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (like communication and leadership).
Values: Determine what values are important to you in a job. This might include work-life balance, helping others, innovation, or financial reward.
Personality: Some careers are better suited to certain personality types. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Holland Code (RIASEC) test can provide insights into careers that might suit your personality traits.
2. Research Potential Careers
Explore Options: Use resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ O*NET Online to explore different careers and understand what each job entails.
Educational Requirements: Look into what education or training is necessary for the careers you are interested in.
Growth Opportunities: Consider the future outlook for potential careers. Look for growing fields that will likely have opportunities available by the time you enter the workforce.
Salary and Benefits: Research the typical salary ranges and benefits for the careers you are considering to ensure they meet your financial needs.
3. Gain Experience
Internships and Part-Time Jobs: These can provide hands-on experience and a closer look at what working in a particular career might be like.
Volunteer Work: This can be especially useful if you are interested in careers in non-profit organizations, healthcare, or other service-oriented fields.
Shadowing: Spending a day with a professional in your field of interest can provide invaluable insights and help you make informed decisions.
4. Educational Pathways
Academic Courses: Choose courses that align with your career interest. This can provide a deeper understanding and help you build necessary skills.
Degree Programs: Depending on your career choice, you may need a specific degree or certification. Plan your education accordingly.
5. Consult with Professionals
Informational Interviews: Talk to people who are currently working in your field of interest. They can offer real-world insights and advice.
Cristina Marin
Customer Success Manager
4
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Consider the activities that bring you joy and highlight your strengths. Your passions and motivations are just as crucial as your academic achievements and education level. If you possess a talent, chase your dreams with confidence and determination.
Andrew McIlwraith
Technology Consultant
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
1) Start by reflecting on what truly brings you joy and harness that passion. Ask yourself - are you a team player or do you prefer to work alone? Do you have a knack for leadership or are you more inclined towards becoming a technical expert? Do you appreciate the freedom of working from anywhere or do you prefer the structure of an office environment?
2) Evaluate your personal values and make sure they are in harmony with your career choices. If your goal is to earn a substantial income to support a certain lifestyle or your family, consider high-paying sectors like technology, financial services, or consulting. On the other hand, if your heart is set on making a difference, ponder on how you could achieve this. You might want to consider teaching, working in the renewable energy sector, volunteering, and so on. Don't fret if you're unsure about your values... it's a journey of self-discovery (refer to point 3!)
3) It's completely okay if you're uncertain about your career path. If you dive in with enthusiasm and dedication, you'll naturally progress until you stumble upon something you truly enjoy. Remember, building a career is a marathon, not a sprint (think 50 years!) so don't stress too much about landing the perfect role or industry right off the bat... just take the plunge!! If you're eager to keep growing, don't remain stagnant... explore new roles and seize opportunities. Each opportunity, whether enjoyable or not, will provide valuable insights and help guide you towards your ultimate career goal!
2) Evaluate your personal values and make sure they are in harmony with your career choices. If your goal is to earn a substantial income to support a certain lifestyle or your family, consider high-paying sectors like technology, financial services, or consulting. On the other hand, if your heart is set on making a difference, ponder on how you could achieve this. You might want to consider teaching, working in the renewable energy sector, volunteering, and so on. Don't fret if you're unsure about your values... it's a journey of self-discovery (refer to point 3!)
3) It's completely okay if you're uncertain about your career path. If you dive in with enthusiasm and dedication, you'll naturally progress until you stumble upon something you truly enjoy. Remember, building a career is a marathon, not a sprint (think 50 years!) so don't stress too much about landing the perfect role or industry right off the bat... just take the plunge!! If you're eager to keep growing, don't remain stagnant... explore new roles and seize opportunities. Each opportunity, whether enjoyable or not, will provide valuable insights and help guide you towards your ultimate career goal!
Yesenia Salazar
Profesor Primaria
30
Answers
Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador
Updated
Yesenia’s Answer
Greetings, dear Recognition. Choosing a career path is an important decision that can significantly influence your future. Here are some steps you might consider in making this decision: Self-assessment: Reflect on your interests, skills, values and personality. This will help you identify potential areas of study and careers that align with who you are and what you enjoy doing.
Research: Explore different careers and fields of study. Consider job prospects, industry growth, and how they align with your interests and skills.
Education and Training: Look for educational programs that offer the training necessary for the career you are interested in. This may include college degrees, technical courses, or professional certifications.
Practical Experience: Try to gain experience in the field you are interested in through internships, volunteer work, or part-time employment. This will give you a better idea of what the daily job entails and will help you build a network of professional contacts.
Decision Making: After gathering all this information, make a pros and cons list for each option and decide which feels like the best choice for you.
To develop skills and double down on your career, consider the following: Communication Skills: Develop your verbal and written skills, as they are essential in almost all professional fields5.
Continuous Learning: Stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in your field. This may involve taking additional courses or attending workshops and seminars.
Network of Contacts: Build and maintain a network of professional contacts. Connections can open doors and offer opportunities for growth in your career.
Time Management: Learn to manage your time efficiently so you can handle multiple projects or roles if necessary.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Being willing to adapt to new roles or responsibilities can help you double your efforts and advance more quickly in your career.
Remember that choosing a career is a personal and unique process for each individual. Take the time to make an informed decision and don't hesitate to seek professional guidance if you need it. Fondly. Yesenia
Research: Explore different careers and fields of study. Consider job prospects, industry growth, and how they align with your interests and skills.
Education and Training: Look for educational programs that offer the training necessary for the career you are interested in. This may include college degrees, technical courses, or professional certifications.
Practical Experience: Try to gain experience in the field you are interested in through internships, volunteer work, or part-time employment. This will give you a better idea of what the daily job entails and will help you build a network of professional contacts.
Decision Making: After gathering all this information, make a pros and cons list for each option and decide which feels like the best choice for you.
To develop skills and double down on your career, consider the following: Communication Skills: Develop your verbal and written skills, as they are essential in almost all professional fields5.
Continuous Learning: Stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in your field. This may involve taking additional courses or attending workshops and seminars.
Network of Contacts: Build and maintain a network of professional contacts. Connections can open doors and offer opportunities for growth in your career.
Time Management: Learn to manage your time efficiently so you can handle multiple projects or roles if necessary.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Being willing to adapt to new roles or responsibilities can help you double your efforts and advance more quickly in your career.
Remember that choosing a career is a personal and unique process for each individual. Take the time to make an informed decision and don't hesitate to seek professional guidance if you need it. Fondly. Yesenia
Jacqueline Soriano
Cardiac sonographer
5
Answers
Garland, Texas
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
Have you ever taken an aptitude test? These are supposed to match you with jobs and careers that fit your personality, skill sets, and interests. I started my career from this kind of test. However, they aren't perfect so take the results with a grain of salt. They do provide you with a wider aspect of possible jobs! Good luck (:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6072
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Recce,
Choosing a Career and Building Necessary Skills:
Selecting a career is an important decision that requires careful consideration. The process of choosing a career involves assessing one’s interests, values, strengths, and weaknesses. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision and build the necessary skills for your chosen career path:
Self-Assessment: Begin by evaluating your interests, values, personality traits, and work style. You can use various self-assessment tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Holland Code Theory, or StrengthsFinder assessment to gain insights into your unique characteristics. These assessments can help you identify potential careers that align with your preferences and strengths.
Research Careers: Once you have identified some potential career paths based on your self-assessment results, conduct thorough research on each career. This may include reading books, articles, and industry reports; attending informational interviews or job shadowing; and networking with professionals in the field. Gain a clear understanding of the day-to-day tasks, required skills, education and training needed, salary ranges, job outlooks, and growth opportunities for each career.
Set Specific Goals: Based on your research and self-assessment results, set specific goals for acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge for your chosen career path. These goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). For example: “I will enroll in a coding bootcamp within the next 6 months to learn web development.”
Build Skills: Pursue opportunities to develop the skills required for your chosen career through formal education (e.g., degrees or certifications), informal learning (e.g., online courses or workshops), or hands-on experience (e.g., internships or volunteer work). Be consistent in your efforts to learn new skills and stay updated on industry trends through professional organizations or online resources like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera.
Network: Connect with professionals in your desired field through networking events, social media platforms like LinkedIn, or alumni associations from your university or college. Building relationships with experienced professionals can provide valuable insights into the industry and open doors to potential job opportunities down the line.
Stay Flexible: Keep an open mind about different career paths as you gain more experience and knowledge throughout your life. Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances in the job market by continuously updating your skills and staying informed about emerging trends in your industry.
Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your career path. A mentor can provide valuable advice based on their own experiences in the field and help you navigate challenges along the way.
Stay Persistent: Building a successful career takes time and dedication – don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow at first! Stay focused on your long-term goals while also celebrating small victories along the way to keep yourself motivated and engaged in the process.**
Authoritative References Used:
Myers, I., & McCrae, P.(1993). The Personality Dimensions: Type Theory in Psychology (2nd ed.). Toronto: Addison Wesley Longman Canada Ltd..
Holland, JL (1997). Making Vocational Choices. Odessa FL: Psychological Assessment Resources Inc..
Rath, T.(2001). StrengthsFinder 2.0. New York: Gallup Press
God Bless You,
JC.
Choosing a Career and Building Necessary Skills:
Selecting a career is an important decision that requires careful consideration. The process of choosing a career involves assessing one’s interests, values, strengths, and weaknesses. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision and build the necessary skills for your chosen career path:
Self-Assessment: Begin by evaluating your interests, values, personality traits, and work style. You can use various self-assessment tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Holland Code Theory, or StrengthsFinder assessment to gain insights into your unique characteristics. These assessments can help you identify potential careers that align with your preferences and strengths.
Research Careers: Once you have identified some potential career paths based on your self-assessment results, conduct thorough research on each career. This may include reading books, articles, and industry reports; attending informational interviews or job shadowing; and networking with professionals in the field. Gain a clear understanding of the day-to-day tasks, required skills, education and training needed, salary ranges, job outlooks, and growth opportunities for each career.
Set Specific Goals: Based on your research and self-assessment results, set specific goals for acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge for your chosen career path. These goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). For example: “I will enroll in a coding bootcamp within the next 6 months to learn web development.”
Build Skills: Pursue opportunities to develop the skills required for your chosen career through formal education (e.g., degrees or certifications), informal learning (e.g., online courses or workshops), or hands-on experience (e.g., internships or volunteer work). Be consistent in your efforts to learn new skills and stay updated on industry trends through professional organizations or online resources like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera.
Network: Connect with professionals in your desired field through networking events, social media platforms like LinkedIn, or alumni associations from your university or college. Building relationships with experienced professionals can provide valuable insights into the industry and open doors to potential job opportunities down the line.
Stay Flexible: Keep an open mind about different career paths as you gain more experience and knowledge throughout your life. Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances in the job market by continuously updating your skills and staying informed about emerging trends in your industry.
Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your career path. A mentor can provide valuable advice based on their own experiences in the field and help you navigate challenges along the way.
Stay Persistent: Building a successful career takes time and dedication – don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow at first! Stay focused on your long-term goals while also celebrating small victories along the way to keep yourself motivated and engaged in the process.**
Authoritative References Used:
Myers, I., & McCrae, P.(1993). The Personality Dimensions: Type Theory in Psychology (2nd ed.). Toronto: Addison Wesley Longman Canada Ltd..
Holland, JL (1997). Making Vocational Choices. Odessa FL: Psychological Assessment Resources Inc..
Rath, T.(2001). StrengthsFinder 2.0. New York: Gallup Press
God Bless You,
JC.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1790
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. You have to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!