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Are you trying to determine a long-term career plan and don't know where to start?
I felt the same way. I went to college for psychology but wasn't aware of the potential careers I could explore within the field. After researching online and giving it a lot of thought, I eventually found my passion. I went to graduate school and today I'm happily working in the human resources field.
Preparing yourself adequately for potential careers can help avoid any career confusion down the road. But don't worry, it's completely normal to be unsure of the direction you want to go. These tips will help you figure it out!
1. Research Potential Interests
The best way to decide on future long-term career goals is to fully understand your own interests, skills, and personal abilities through research.
Research potential career fields using your best resource: THE INTERNET!
Taking personality and career interest quizzes can also be a great option for helping you narrow down areas of interest if you're unsure where to start.
Did you know?
Another way to research areas of interest is by taking elective courses in high school and college to learn first-hand about that topic or field.
2. Consider Industry Growth
As a first-generation college student myself, I often worried about graduating college and then not getting a job in my field.
So, I found it helpful to research industry growth and specific job position growth.
This can also be helpful for:
Determining the field/industry that's a practical option for you
Determining salary expectations
Understanding potential career development down the line
3. Consider the Long Term
After researching things like what I might be interested in, and determining whether it was a realistic option in terms of growth, I then had to consider how this position would align with my personal interests and abilities.
Ask yourself:
How does this position align with my major?
Would I be good at this job?
Would I enjoy this job?
Will the salary support the lifestyle I hope to have?
Quiz
Jenny is hoping to narrow down her options for a long-term career after college. What should she do? Select all that apply:
Identifying your own interests using the internet, consider long-term factors like enjoyability, and researching interests' potential growth are great ways of narrowing down long-term career goals.
Take Action
To decide on long-term career goals:
This Byte has been authored by
Grace A
Graduate Teaching Assistant