8 Steps To Choosing A Successful Career
I recently wrote this report aim at college High School and College students. However many already in the work force find themselves in the same position either through a layoff, downsizing, or business closure to name just a few.
My guess is that it applies to a much wider group. Here’s the article……..
1. Consider your interests – Your interests are an important first step in preparing for a career. Make a list of things you “like to do” and “don’t like to do”. This will help you organize your thoughts.
2. Make a list of career suggestions – Your parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other family members often have suggestions as to what you should pursue. Make a list of these to use in your decision. It’s ultimately YOUR decision….so, use this as information to assist in you.
3. Use a career assessment tool – A tool such as CareerMatch is an excellent way to access possible careers based on you core personality. Research has shown that your personality plays a huge role in your career. Choosing a career that best fits your personality will help you enjoy working and have a successful career. Choosing something else can lead you down a road of frustration.
4. Choosing a College – The career that you choose may or may not require a college or university degree. If you choose a technical career such as auto mechanic, electrician, or cosmetology, you will need technical training that is specific to that profession………a four (4) year college degree is not necessary. In this case, researching technical training schools would be best. A career such as nursing, accounting, or law is more likely to require a four (4) year college degree or more.
5. Consider self employment – This may often be passed over but the time has come when we have passed the “industrial age” where most people are hired by a 
company and work for a salary and benefits. Advancement in communications and the internet is allowing many jobs to be performed remotely by contractors. Being a contractor allows you to work for several differently companies (usually from home) using similar skills for each. You may be paid an hourly fee but are not considered by these companies to be an employee and thus save them considerable employment expense. There are many aspects of self employment that may be attractive to you as well. Working at your own pace, more control over your time, and the tax advantages may make working-from-home very attractive.
6. Visit several colleges – If you plan to attend college, check out several before deciding on one. Visit their campuses if possible. Most High Schools allow Seniors time-away-from-school to visit different colleges and universities. Take advantage of this as it is well worth the time invested.
7. What a career isn’t! – Choosing a career means choosing a direction you want to pursue not a specific job. A mechanic might choose to work on cars, or heavy 
equipment, or may choose to work on aircraft instead. You might choose to work on cars initially then decide later to work on heavy equipment. Your career path is basically the same. You simply adjust the specific training as needed.
8. Assemble what you have learned – With your personality assessment in hand, a list of your likes and dislikes, and information on advanced education for different careers, you should now be able to make an intelligent and informed career decision. This is the best way outside of the actual experience to make that choice and will allow you the pleasure of enjoying what you do for a career.
Remember: It’s your life you are choosing so it must be your decision. Just because your father, grand father, and great grand father were lawyers does NOT mean that you should follow. A decision based primarily on someone elses desires or suggestions may lead you to a very unhappy life.
Warmly,
Bob “The nonGeek Geek”
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