Making the decisions of whether to leave high school and enter the working force or continue one’s studies into university can be a stressful and intimidating process for young adults. Particularly if you are uncertain about what career pathway you wish to pursue.
With such a big decision ahead of you, it can be hard to decide. Fortunately for you this article will give you tips and things to consider when making a decision on your future career, to ensure you make a decision that is beneficial to you.
What Is A Career Path?
A career path is a plan that outlines the specific roles you will pursue as you progress in your field. For instance, your first job or college degree may be the starting point of your career path. As you obtain further expertise and abilities, you may ascend, or move upwards, into more complex positions. Alternatively, some people may switch to equivalent but different job roles as they focus or alter their career paths.
Identify Your Interests and Skills
When choosing a career, it is important and helpful to identify your interests and skills. Having a strong sense of self-awareness when it comes to your interests and skills can help you find a career that best suits your personality and strengths.
Start by making a list of your interests. Perhaps you have an interest in teaching, social work, finance, or medicine. Maybe you have always dreamed of owning your own business or writing a book.
Note down your skills that you have acquired, particularly ones that you both enjoy and are good at. It is also important to learn new skills. For example, have you done any coding or have experience with web design?
Even if you have no formalised training, your hobbies can demonstrate technical aptitude and skills that could be applied to certain fields such as a digital marketing specialist.
Research Different Career Options
When researching different career options, it is important to consider the various types of jobs available and make sure to consider what type of career path is the best fit for your skills, interests, and goals. Researching different career options can involve exploring the different types of industries, their job descriptions, and salary ranges.
It is also important to understand the qualifications and experience needed to be successful in the field, as well as the potential growth opportunities. Additionally, researching different career options can involve researching the culture of the company and the work environment to make sure it is a good fit for you. Researching different career options can be an overwhelming task, but it is well worth the effort if it leads to a fulfilling and successful career.
Assess Strengths and Weaknesses
One way to assess your strengths and weaknesses is to take an inventory of your skills and attributes. This can be done through writing down the things you do well, such as problem solving and communication, or noting areas you could use improvement in, such as organisation or time management. Additionally, you can ask friends and family for their feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. This can be a helpful way to gain an outside perspective on yourself.
Another way to assess your strengths and weaknesses is to reflect on your past experiences. Think about the areas where you have succeeded and failed in the past. Consider how you responded to different challenges and what you can learn from them. This can give you insight into how you react to various situations and how to better utilise your strengths.
Finally, consider the ways in which you can improve upon your weaknesses. Identifying areas that need improvement is an important step in personal growth. Make a plan to work on these areas and set achievable goals. This will help you become more self-aware and confident in your abilities.
Assessing your personal strengths and weaknesses is an important part of self-discovery. Taking the time to reflect on your skills and attributes can help you better understand yourself and how you interact with the world around you. With this knowledge, you can use your strengths to your advantage and take steps to improve upon your weaknesses.
Consider Job Security and Longevity
When looking at different career options, it is important to consider the security and longevity of the job. With the ever developing rate of technology advancements, there are more jobs becoming obsolete and new jobs being created.
When considering job security and longevity, it is important to look for an organisation that values its employees. A company that takes the time to invest in its employees, and provides them with the support they need to succeed, is likely to provide job security and longevity. Additionally, look for organisations that value their employees’ contributions and provide them with opportunities to grow within the organisation.
Consider Career Progression and Salary/Wage
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to career progression and salary/wage. Each job and employer is different and they each offer unique opportunities and challenges. However, there are some general steps you can take to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your career and salary/wage.
When it comes to career progression, it’s important to be proactive and take steps to advance your career. This could include furthering your education, taking on additional responsibilities in your current role, or seeking out new opportunities with other employers. All of these steps can help you move up the ladder and secure higher pay.
In terms of salary/wage, it’s important to understand what your current job pays, as well as what your desired salary/wage would be. You should also consider the cost of living in the area you are considering working in. This will help you determine if the salary/wage you receive is in line with the cost of living in the area. Additionally, research the market rate for your position and the industry to ensure that you are receiving a competitive wage.
Conclusion
Remember there is no timeline for choosing a career. Additionally, If you select a career and change your mind, it is never too late to change your career. As a young adult it can be stressful and overwhelming choosing a career pathway. Taking your time, doing your research and consulting family and career advisors can help ensure you choose a career that you will enjoy and find purpose in.