Most likely when you were a child you heard the same question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Dozens of times. Maybe you dreamed of being a doctor, an actor or a lawyer or maybe an astronaut. With your eyes shining you imagined the day you would live in a large mansion, surrounded by servants and gardeners. At that time the work seemed to belong to a life light years away, but now the time to choose has finally arrived and your interests are probably not what they used to be. Finding the career of your dreams can come with some challenges, but it's definitely possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Analyzing Your Ambitions
Step 1. Ask yourself the key question
Respected philosopher Alan Watts said the best way to find out what we should do with our lives is to ask the following important question: "What would you want to do if money wasn't an issue?" If you win the lottery and you could do anything you can think of, what would that thing be? Most likely you would like to take a break to rest for a while, but in the long run you will start to feel bored. At that point what do you think would make you truly happy?
Step 2. Break your dream job down into its basic components
Analyze the activity or job identified in the previous step and break it down into its fundamental parts. Pretend to have a three-year-old in front of you, how would you describe what you want to do? If the child asked you what makes him funny or what sensations it causes, what would you answer? These basic components give rise to what you should be looking for in a career.
Step 3. Think about what really makes you happy
Reflect on the basic components of your chosen career and decide which aspects you feel attracted to. Be aware of the implications that you consider compelling. Maybe it's being able to help other people that makes you happy? Or maybe you are attracted to the possibility of being an art creator connected to a career as a director?
You can perform the same exercise on your current job as well. Break it down into its main elements and then analyze them as you did with your dream career
Step 4. Look for jobs that allow you to have experiences and feelings similar to those you want
Think about and identify activities that will allow you to achieve comparable results. For example, if you dream of being a millionaire in order to travel freely around the world, some of the jobs that can give you the chance to have a similar experience are as a tour guide, teacher abroad or flight attendant. If you'd like to spend most of your time outdoors in the outdoors, you can consider becoming a geologist, nature guide, lumberjack or forest ranger.
Step 5. Evaluate the pros and cons of your chosen career
When considering the more affordable uses, don't forget to do thorough research. Become aware of what it entails to embark on such a life path. To avoid regretting your decision, make sure you are aware of any downsides associated with your chosen job.
Step 6. Be aware of your financial needs
If your job makes you truly fulfilled and happy, turning it into a source of wealth may not be all that important. Unfortunately, life today is full of duties that do not take happiness into consideration. If your dream job doesn't allow you to afford your own expenses or those of your family, you may be forced to turn around and look for an alternative. Even in this case, however, focus on those opportunities that allow you to experience sensations as close as possible to what you define happiness.
Step 7. Take into account your skills
Is there an area where you particularly excel? It doesn't have to be simply something you are good at, but something you are much better at than most people you know. In choosing your dream career, you should take this skill into account. Even if you don't find it a fun enough job, the truth is that it's very difficult to succeed in something we don't like at least a little. Your ability could therefore turn into hard cash or allow you to highlight, and pursue, the aspects that you consider interesting.
Step 8. Analyze your hobbies
Many hobbies can be converted into cash. To do this, you may have to start a small company, and put up with the concerns, but over time you can establish yourself in the industry you are passionate about. Before you discard your hobby as something impossible to monetize, do some research on the web. You may be surprised at the results.
Step 9. Take an online test
If you don't know where to start and none of the suggestions given seem to really help, consider taking an online aptitude test or going to an employment center to get some advice from a professional. The web offers very good tests, but some are paid (albeit at a modest cost).
Part 2 of 3: Laying the Foundation for Success
Step 1. Read the announcements related to the chosen career
Before seriously applying for a job, do a research to find out what positions are required. Include all offers related to your skills, including those related to other cities in your country. Note what the basic requirements are, your goal should be to make them yours and, if possible, to exceed them.
Step 2. Talk to industry professionals
Identify people who have walked the same path you aspire to too. Try to get in touch with those in charge of hiring new people as well. Talk to both of them and ask questions about the less obvious details. What do they think are the most important qualities? Commit to making them yours!
Step 3. Carefully review the education possibilities
Reflect on your skills to make sure they match those required. You may have some education gaps, but if they do, don't let them limit you. There are many courses aimed at people who need more knowledge in the field of work (especially regarding the most requested positions), many of which are subsidized by the European institutions. In order to obtain the necessary skills you can also rely on: scholarships, internships and internships.
Step 4. Expand your resume
Offer to work for free or to fill different positions to be able to acquire the skills required for your dream job. Search for other required roles in the same industry or volunteer directly in the role you intend to fill. While it is a different experience from the one you are looking for (for example that of working in a store to acquire the ability to manage customers) in the long term, it will allow you to hone your skills and raise the funds necessary to receive a greater education.
Step 5. Choose the right friends
To do this, it will not be necessary to attend the most prestigious universities or become a member of a secret organization. Simply commit to meeting and meeting people connected to the industry you are interested in (so they can get to know you too). You can volunteer in an organization, attend themed conferences and visit trade fairs to meet new people. The important thing is that you are able to make a good impression and that your name begins to be recognized.
Step 6. Run a test job
Propose yourself for an internship or an internship or work alongside an expert to find out what daily life is dictated by the chosen career. This experience will help you put the romance aside, allowing you to see if the job you are aiming for is truly passionate. You will also have the opportunity to meet people who can help you broaden your skills and decide to support you in a future application.
Part 3 of 3: Getting the Job
Step 1. Take the initiative
Technically everything you have done to put the previous steps into practice is to take the initiative. Now make sure you continue on this road without stopping. You must pursue your dreams and take an active role in the process that will make them a reality. Even when things don't go your way, don't give up and try again. Experiment with new avenues and do everything in your power to achieve your goal.
Step 2. Be willing to take the necessary steps to get your dream job
Reaching the top of the mountain from the slopes can take some time and multiple intermediate steps, but the climb is worthwhile. Eventually you will conquer the summit and get what you want.
Step 3. Look for open positions
Going to trade shows and doing research on the web and in trade magazines is essential to be able to find work. Also remember that you can go directly to the companies you would like to be part of. Find out who you want to work for and keep an eye on the section of the site dedicated to recruiting. You can also contact the company directly and ask to be able to send a resume.
Step 4. Get good references
Having followed the previous steps you should have a great resume, nevertheless don't forget the section dedicated to references. Avoid listing work experiences that have no bearing on the position you are looking for and do not include any references to people you have had problems with. Also, don't just ask to be able to list your chosen people for reference, make sure they are willing to provide a valid recommendation to you.
Step 5. Make it through the interview brilliantly
Once you have a job interview, make sure the interviewer understands that the best choice to make is to hire you. Choose suitable clothes and arrive prepared. Analyze common questions in advance and think about possible answers. Also elaborate some questions that demonstrate your real interest in the position you want to fill.
Advice
- Be honest and kind to everyone, it will help you impress the people who matter.
- Make a list of the jobs that interest you, then think about which ones are relevant to your skills.
