1. Your passion and skills
What do you love to do? What would you do for free and still be happy? Your career may not ultimately be a perfect match to what you come up with, but daydream for a bit and then write down the biggest reasons you get up in the morning. What inspires you? What drives you? After you write that initial list, do you see any links in common?
Furthermore, take a minute and write down your top skills (writing, mathematics, computer coding, etc.). Do you see any connections that jump out between the two lists? If you do, you might be well on your way down your career path.
2. Your personality
Equally important to knowing what you love and what you are good at is knowing what makes you you.
If you are a people person, it would probably not be a good idea for you to run a library. If you are more of an introvert, you may not want to get into the field of customer service or hospitality.
3. Your goals
Career - Education - Knowledge & Skill - Experience/Training - Ability - Goals
What do you want out of your career the most? Is having a high salary the biggest motivator or is a solid work-life balance your North Star? Do you want to travel the world or work remotely with ease from your kitchen table? Do you want to live in the heart of a major city in an apartment or in a more rural setting on a big plot of land? Where do you see yourself five, 10, or 20 years down the road?
Before you begin searching for your possible careers, you need to start plotting out what your future could look like. Write up a list of what is most important to you. This is where creating a vision board could also come in handy to help you begin to hone in on the pillars of your potential career.
4. Your values
What do you value the most when it comes to finding a career? Just as you need to start thinking about your goals, you need to determine what values will help propel you to those goals. It may be handy to keep your list of personality traits nearby for this exercise because many of them may be connected to your values.
What type of work culture or leadership structure do you think you would thrive in? Are there any “deal breakers” that arise from your personal convictions? Many of these answers may take years to reveal themselves, but some may be easier to see than others.
For those who love to read, several books have been written on the subject, such as “In Search of Values: 31 Strategies for Finding Out What Really Matters Most to You” by Sidney B. Simon.
5. Your options
Now that you have a better idea of what your ideal job may look like, it is time to see what occupations are out there.e. Search for careers out of close to 800 job titles. You can also browse by the fastest growing jobs in North Carolina; or filter and sort results by a range of options. If you are not ready to type in an exact occupation, you can also click on the “Career Cluster” to look at jobs for an entire industry. Write down the job titles that interest you the most. You can save career clusters in your CFNC Account as well.
6. Your potential salary
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7. Your job prospects and outlooks
Along with passion, you must also factor in practicality — as in what jobs are dying off and which ones are projected to surge in terms of popularity and necessity to meet the needs of our changing world.
Although we cannot stare into a crystal ball for insight into occupations 10 years down the road, there are tools available to help glean a better idea of the fastest-growing and most in-demand careers. One of those resources is the Occupational Outlook Handbook by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This site can also serve as a good guide for salary projections.
8. Your educational costs and training
Simply put, no two occupations are the same when it comes to the amount of education and training needed. Some require graduate school. Some require internships. Some professions, such as becoming a doctor, require logging in a certain number of hours as a resident.
As you continue to whittle down your list of possible occupations, know how much schooling and training will be necessary for you to obtain a certain profession. That will help you begin to create a rough timeline in your mind of when you can go from student to practitioner — and determine the possible costs of those educational paths as you start planning for college and managing your finances. The Occupational Outlook Handbook’s “Field of Degree” page is a great starting point.
9. Your resources at home and school
It also pays to seek out a traditional in-person third party, such as a school counselor. In addition to providing you with resources to help you select the next step in your higher education path, a counselor can also help you envision your career path. In addition, several high schools in North Carolina have NC Career Coaches, which serve as ambassadors to nearby community colleges, and College Advisors, which is part of the College Advising Corps.
Lastly, you can always sit down with a parent or family member — especially if he or she is in a profession that is of interest to you. Even if they are not, there is a good chance that they might know someone who is — and could possibly set up an informational interview (see below).
10. Your learning opportunities
One of the best ways to get a feel for a particular occupation is to set up an informational interview with a person from that industry. Reach out to someone via email to set up 15 minutes to talk either by phone, Zoom, or, if local, in-person for a cup of coffee.
Prepare a brief list of questions to ask, with the last question being “How can I help you?” Ask who else you should contact. Follow up with a thank-you note, and, before long, you will be well on your way to learning about the art of networking as you continue to progress down your career path.
Now that you have an idea of what careers and majors may interest you, you can begin searching for colleges that have majors to match your needs. Use the CFNC College Search to create a list of schools. After assembling a list of schools, use the CFNC Application Hub to apply, send transcripts, and monitor the progress of your college applications.
How to choose a career
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Overall, choosing a career involves a thorough exploration of your passions, skills, personality, goals, values, options, salary potential, job prospects, educational requirements, resources, and learning opportunities. By taking the time to assess each of these factors, you can make a more informed decision about which career path aligns best with your interests and aspirations. It is important to gather information, seek advice from professionals in the field, and continuously reassess your choices as you gain more experience and knowledge. Following these steps can help you embark on a successful and fulfilling career journey.
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1. Your passion and skills
Description: Identify what you love to do and what you excel at. Consider what activities make you happy and fulfilled, as well as your top skills and talents.
Explanation: By understanding your passions and skills, you can align your career choices with activities that bring you joy and utilize your strengths, increasing your chances of finding a fulfilling career.
2. Your personality
Description: Evaluate your personality traits to determine the work environments and roles that will suit you best. Consider whether you are more introverted or extroverted, detail-oriented or big-picture focused.
Explanation: Matching your personality with your career choice can lead to greater job satisfaction and success. Understanding how you work best can help you avoid roles that may not align with your natural tendencies.
3. Your goals
Description: Define your short-term and long-term career goals, including factors such as salary, work-life balance, travel opportunities, and future aspirations.
Explanation: Setting clear goals can guide your career decisions and help you prioritize what is most important to you. Knowing where you want to be in the future can help you make informed choices in the present.
4. Your values
Description: Determine your core values and beliefs to assess what matters most to you in a career. Consider factors such as work culture, leadership style, and personal convictions.
Explanation: Aligning your values with your career choice can lead to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment. By choosing a career that reflects your values, you are more likely to feel fulfilled and content in your work.
5. Your options
Description: Explore a wide range of career options to identify potential roles that align with your interests and skills. Research different industries and job titles to expand your possibilities.
Explanation: Understanding your career options allows you to explore diverse paths and find a role that matches your passions and goals. By researching various occupations, you can discover new opportunities and avenues for growth.
6. Your potential salary
Description: Research the salary ranges for different career paths to understand the earning potential of your chosen field. Consider factors such as experience, education, and location.
Explanation: Knowing the potential salary for various careers can help you make informed decisions about your future. Understanding the financial aspects of different roles can guide your career choices and financial planning.
7. Your job prospects and outlooks
Description: Evaluate the job market trends and projections for different industries to assess the demand for specific roles. Consider factors such as industry growth and job stability.
Explanation: Understanding job prospects and outlooks can help you choose a career with long-term viability and growth potential. By considering industry trends, you can make informed decisions about your career path.
8. Your educational costs and training
Description: Assess the educational requirements and training needed for different career paths to understand the time and financial investment required. Consider factors such as degree programs, certifications, and training programs.
Explanation: Understanding the educational costs and training needed for your chosen career can help you plan and prepare for your professional development. By evaluating the time and financial commitment required, you can make informed decisions about your education and career path.
9. Your resources at home and school
Description: Utilize the resources available to you, such as career counselors, school advisors, and family members, to gather information and guidance on your career path. Seek advice from professionals in the field and network with individuals in your desired industry.
Explanation: Leveraging the support and guidance of career resources can provide valuable insights and assistance as you navigate your career choices. By seeking advice from experienced professionals and utilizing available resources, you can make informed decisions about your future.
10. Your learning opportunities
Description: Take advantage of learning opportunities, such as informational interviews and networking events, to gain insights into different career paths and industries. Connect with professionals in your desired field to learn about their experiences and expertise.
Explanation: Engaging in learning opportunities can help you explore diverse career paths and make connections within your desired industry. By obtaining firsthand knowledge and advice from professionals, you can gain valuable insights to guide your career decisions.