Choosing a career isn't that complicated if you make a list of options and give yourself some time to consider them. Although "the permanent job forever" is now an outdated reality, you will have to understand in which field you want to work, in order to define your opportunities. Choose wisely with your talent, passions and skills in mind.
Steps
Step 1. Start by determining what you like to do
Many people let others decide: teachers, parents, neighbors and friends. Think about the professionals you respect and the type of work they do. Try to match your wishes with your skills - it will be necessary to do some research but it will be worth it.
Step 2. Recognize the skills you use when engaging in activities you enjoy
Analyze the things you are good at so you have a path to follow. For example, if you love animals, you could become a vet, work on a farm, make clothing and accessories for your four-legged friends, open a pet shop, etc. Once you have identified a potential field, you can begin matching its options with your abilities.
Step 3. Think about the field of work, which is much broader than the work itself
This is an area in which different careers are possible and, therefore, you will need to consider your training and your interests in relation to each path, to find at least five ideal occupations for you. For example, if you are studying engineering, in addition to working as an engineer, you can become a site or office manager, teach or be a consultant. If you study law, you can practice in a large law firm or in a non-profit organization, lead a team in an office of any type, not necessarily a judicial one, or become a manager of a company, dealing with the legislative sphere. In addition to the training received, you will also have to think about what you like and know how to do and your predisposition to learn new things.
Step 4. Consider a job that mixes two or more fields, thinking about the possibilities that might present themselves
A teacher, for example, could also be an excellent editor.
Step 5. Find out as much as possible about the qualifications required for the fields you are interested in by searching for books in the library, asking at school or university, doing an internet search and talking to people who have more experience
In this way, you will understand what you will have to study and how much and you will be able to organize your path according to the required skills, so as not to be faced with nasty surprises when it seems to you that you are finished.
Step 6. Learn from those who already work in the field you are interested in, to ask for suggestions and see the pros and cons up close
In some cases, they may even give you the opportunity to gain experience directly, perhaps with an internship.
Step 7. Evaluate the choice of field based on your perceptions and the information gathered
Take advantage of the advice received and put it on the scales with your research work and your feelings. It's time to decide if this career is right for you. Don't forget to include factors such as your lifestyle in the equation. If the profession were to require enormous compromises, you would end up being unhappy and regretting it. So combine the choice with your personal life, preferring the lesser or short-term compromises to the big, long-term ones.
Step 8. Follow a training program for the career you are interested in
While studying, don't overlook the possibility of networking in the field and offering yourself as a volunteer or intern. These opportunities will let you understand how the industry works and what kinds of people work there and help you filter out unnecessary areas of study or add knowledge and skills to broaden your horizons.
Step 9. Be positive
When your training is complete, approach the job market with a constructive attitude, preparing yourself to overturn your comfort zone. The real world moves fast and it is important to cope with the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that arise. But hold on to your uniqueness: employers are looking for skilled and knowledgeable people who have something special.
Advice
- When looking for a job in your chosen field, find out as much as possible about potential bosses to see if they are right for you. An interview is a two-way process.
- Search the internet for associations that deal with the field of your interest. Write on the search engine "association of professionals xxx". They will allow you to connect with other people who do the same job as you, participate in online discussions and meetings, and receive a newsletter or magazine.
- If you still have to enroll at university, find out about courses, job opportunities and the possibilities offered by the city in which you will study.
- Use business social networks like LinkedIn.
