Steps To Find The Right Career For You

 

Do you ever wonder if you're on the right track in your career? I'm sure I have... In my early twenties, I made a radical career change from counterterrorism expert to career coach! It was difficult to accept that the career I had spent so long building and pursuing wasn't the right fit for me, but discovering my true path was so rewarding.

And I'm not the only one going through this. Approximately 25% of Indians have changed careers at least once, and approximately 75% are currently considering it.

Fortunately, I've been there and am here to assist!

Don't be concerned if you're feeling stuck, unsure, or confused. Here are five steps you can take to find a career that truly fulfils you.

1. Take career assessments.

Remember in high school when you were given career personality tests to determine what you should be when you grew up? They may have appeared silly, but the right career assessment can be an extremely useful tool in determining your path, especially if you are unsure where to begin. A career assessment consists of two parts.

It should be reliable and valid. The test should actually measure what it claims to measure, and the results should be consistent across multiple attempts.

You should understand how to use the outcomes to your advantage. Having a list of potential careers is one thing. It's another thing entirely to use a career assessment as a springboard for insight and self-reflection.

2. Make a list of your options.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the need to make a decision? Whether you know what you want to do or not, figuring out how to get there is difficult. You must carefully sort through your options in order to find the best path to your dream career.

Make a list of all your options, whether they are actual job opportunities, educational opportunities, or career paths. Once you've written everything down, you can sort out what isn't quite right and narrow your goals. Make as many options as possible for yourself so that you have plenty to choose from. You can also rank your options in order of preference, and even combine some that are similar.

3. Look for overlap.

What you're good at, what companies need, and what you enjoy doing may all be different, but it's critical to look for overlap between the three. That is how you determine your best career path. Instead of focusing on job titles, think about your interests, hobbies, and skills, and then figure out how they translate.

While you're at it, consider your past experiences to help guide your future. What did you like to do in previous jobs? What did you find objectionable? Knowing your values, interests, and skills will help you decide what type of career to pursue. And being aware of these factors allows you to actively seek out jobs that require your specific skills.

4. Network.

Whether you're actively looking for a new job or just trying to figure out what path you should take, networking is a great way to get your feet wet. The more people you meet, the more you will learn about the work environment, the people, and how they enjoy their jobs. And, if you're looking for a new job, networking is essential. According to surveys, networking accounts for approximately 85% of all job placements!

5. Ask a mentor.

Never underestimate the importance and influence of a good mentor! When I decided to change careers, I knew I couldn't do it alone. I made the decision that I wanted to learn from the best, so I began working with mentors.

There are many different kinds of mentors, from those you pay to those who have been there and done that to those who can advocate for you at work. The right mentor, regardless of type, will guide you and help you advance in your career. And the research backs it up: roughly 80% of CEOs attribute their success to working with mentors.

Trust me when I say that finding your dream job isn't easy, and the journey can be frightening. I recall it vividly. But just because it's difficult does not mean it's not worthwhile! Consider how much time you'll spend at work in your lifetime — the average person spends 90,000 hours. You want to make sure you're making the most of your time by pursuing a career that makes you happy, aligns with your values, makes use of your talents, and so on. You have the ability to get there, and you now have the resources to get started. Are you prepared?