Ready to begin finding the career that can be right for you? It can be an exciting journey, whether you’re just beginning or going down a different path than the one you started.

With a number of possibilities out there, you might not know where to begin. The job market is always changing, offering new opportunities to pursue your evolving goals and interests. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources out there that can help you become more informed about your options and make a decision about the direction that may be right for you.

Understanding Yourself

Assess Your Interests and Passions

Identifying what you enjoy doing is the first step in discovering your ideal career. Tools like the O*NET Interest Profiler, Holland Code (RIASEC) Tests, and the CareerOneStop Interest Assessment can help you uncover your interests and passions. These assessments provide a clearer picture of the types of careers that might be a good fit for you.

Evaluate Your Skills and Strengths

Recognizing your talents and skills can also play a role in what career you end up pursuing. In fact, 76% of employers surveyed use some skills-based hiring when scouting for future potential employees.

Think about what you’re good at or a skill you picked up. Are you hands-on, finding yourself always DIY-ing furniture or other knick knacks in your home? Or are you often coming up with big business ideas and solutions for various audiences?

If you’re still unsure, online assessments like Skills Matcher on CareerOneStop can help you assess your strengths. Understanding what you excel at can guide you toward careers where you can leverage your abilities effectively.

Define Your Values and Priorities

After getting a picture of what you can potentially offer an employer, you will want to consider what matters most to you in a career. Your values, needs, and priorities are just as important when considering your next steps. Aspects like work-life balance, salary, job security, and many more, can influence your decision. Other values can be related to your ambition, philanthropy, prestige, and more. Having a job that aligns with your values can ultimately increase your job satisfaction.

If you’re not sure of what values at work resonate with you, exercises like the Values Card Sort and Work Values Inventory can help identify them. Knowing your priorities ensures that you choose a career that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Exploring Career Options

Research Various Career Fields

Exploring different industries and their characteristics is crucial. Resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*NET Online, and LinkedIn Career Explorer provide comprehensive information on various career options. These tools can help you understand the duties, qualifications, and outlook for different professions.

Consider Future Job Market Trends

Looking at projected job growth and demand is vital for making a sustainable career choice. The BLS Employment Projections and OECD Skills Outlook offer insights into future job market trends. These sources can help you identify careers that are likely to remain in demand.

Shadowing and Internships

Gaining first-hand experience through shadowing professionals or internships can provide valuable insights into potential career paths. Ask your current network of friends and family if they know of any opportunities or if they can let you shadow them as they work. In addition, utilizing resources like Internships.com, LinkedIn Learning, and professional associations can help you find opportunities for real-world exposure.

Making an Informed Decision

Identify Required Degrees for Your Chosen Career

Once you know the career you want to pursue, you will want to find the degree that can help you reach your new goal. Understanding the educational requirements for your desired career is crucial. Resources like CareerOneStop, university websites, and professional certification and credentialing organizations can provide detailed information on degree requirements.

Evaluate Educational Institutions

Choosing the right college or university involves considering factors like location, cost, and reputation. Resources like the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges can help you evaluate educational institutions.

Seek Guidance from Mentors and Advisors

Mentors and academic advisors can offer valuable guidance in your career and educational decisions. Networking on LinkedIn, joining professional associations, and utilizing college career services can help you find and connect with mentors. Have meaningful conversations with them, ask industry-related questions, and seek any advice they may have that can enhance your chances of success.

Conclusion

Choosing the right career and degree path can be rewarding in many ways. Once you have a grasp of who you are and what you want, you can start making informed decisions that lead to achieving your goals. Whether you are starting fresh or pivoting from your current path, take advantage of the resources available to you and make a plan. Eventually, you will take the first step towards a fulfilling academic and career path.