How to Think About Your Career
Every passionate job seeker is looking for a career that is exciting, inspiring, and rewarding. It is important to have a plan when considering your career and to think critically about the options available to you. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change, there are several strategies that you should consider when determining your career path. Here’s how to think about your career.
- Identify Your Interests and Competencies
The first step in thinking about your career is to identify your interests and competencies. Defining what you enjoy doing and what skills you have will help you narrow down your accomplishments and focus on paths that bring out your natural abilities and strengths. Analyzing your interests and skills will help make the job search process smoother, as you’ll have a better chance of finding a role that is both enjoyable and makes use of your competencies.
- Research Industries, Positions, and Companies
Once you’ve identified your interests and competencies, the next step is to conduct research about your desired position and industry. Start by reading up on the industry and any related roles, as you should have a sense of the day-to-day of the job before pursuing it further. Understand the type of company you’d like to work for and the kinds of positions available in that industry. Utilize professional networks to learn more about the day-to-day of the job from people currently working in the field.
- Network and Connect with Professionals
Networking and connecting with professionals in your chosen field is a great way to gain insight and show potential employers that you’re interested in the job. Attend conferences, volunteer at events, and try to make meaningful connections with professionals that could help further your career. Try joining groups or organizations related to your field and networking with other professionals, as these could open doors and build relationships that are invaluable to your career development.
- Take Time to Consider Your Value System
When evaluating career options, it’s important to consider what values you would like to support and how you want to contribute to the world. Identify your personal values, such as promoting justice or having a socially-responsible job. Figuring out what matters most to you is critical to selecting a career that is satisfying and full of purpose.
- Think Long-Term
It’s important to think about your career visions and goals for the long-term and not just focus on the immediate future. Consider what you want to accomplish, what you want to be, and where you’d like to be with your career in five years. Think about the types of roles and responsibilities you’d like to have as time passes and strive to work towards those goals.
- Develop Soft Skills
Employers value workers with strong communication and people skills who can contribute to the team in a positive way. Developing your soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration are essential to advancing in your career. Practice using these skills through additional coursework or practice groups and demonstrate them during interviews and other professional meetings.
- Develop Your Resume and Elevate Your Online Presence
An essential part of your job search is to develop your resume and work history. Make sure that you highlight your accomplishments and experiences that are most relevant to your desired position. Additionally, having an online presence that reflects the values you want to express and the goals you have set for yourself will impress potential employers. Create a portfolio, website, LinkedIn page, or blog that includes your professional experience and presents your skills in a unique way.
- Practise Interviewing
Whether you’re experienced in interviewing or are just beginning your job search, it is important to practice your interview skills. Prepare questions and rehearse your answers to samples of typical interview questions. Additionally, research the company beforehand and practice talking about the topics and values that interest you. Practising for interviews will give you more confidence when meeting with employers and make a good impression.
- Follow Your Intuition
Finally, once you’ve identified your interests and competencies, conducted research and connected with relevant professionals, think about how each option resonates with you. Follow your intuition and don’t be afraid to try something new. All these strategies will help you find a career that is both meaningful and rewarding.
Choosing a career path is a major decision, and it can take some time to determine the path that is right for you. It is essential to identify your interests, research potential industries and positions, and network with professionals. Additionally, taking the time to consider your values and developing your resume and soft skills are important steps when thinking about your career. And remember, trust your intuition when making this big decision. Good luck!
