If there’s anything we all can relate to is the memory of being asked this question-” what do you want as a career when you grow up?”. Someone else or you might have quizzed yourself to answer this question. You may have spent countless hours sitting in appointments with a career counselor or with google, trying to deduce meaning and conformity behind your research. You may have built a massive list of the pros and cons of careers you are interested in but still need answers. Does that sound relatable?
Even after years of education, it’s common for people to have yet to find an answer to what they want as their dream career. Consequently, a considerable proportion of the population never ends up settling in a job that aligns with their educational qualifications or talents, leading to demotivation and dissatisfaction at the workplace. Sometimes, working individuals need help to switch careers.
As individuals, we must acknowledge that time is a limited resource, so it’s essential to plan for your future when you’re just about to enter the workforce. For example, a medical professional who wants to learn cybersecurity would doubt their choices because they might feel that the risk of switching careers is too big. Here’s how you can figure out and get closer to your dream career.
1. Figure out your interests and strengths:
The most important aspect you must consider is figuring out your interests and strengths. You may classify yourself as somebody who likes everything, and that’s great! But, to figure out what would bring you fulfillment through your work, you must understand what you’re good at. Make a list of the skills you possess and the skills you want to improve on. If you need help with your strengths, start by solving questions from online courses.
2. Start with online courses:
An online course can be a significant step forward for nurturing your curiosity about a subject without spending much money on traditional university courses. Another benefit that online classes give you is the ability to learn at your convenience. For example, if you’re a software developer willing to explore digital marketing, you can get a glimpse of it by taking an SEO certification online. Conversely, if you change your mind later, you can use the certificate earned after the course completion to make the switch. You have nothing to lose, even if you later realize it’s not something you want to pursue.
3. Get a part-time job in your field of interest:
While it’s true that you need to have a college degree to get a job, there’ll always be an opportunity that would help you grasp new concepts without investing time and money in a college degree. All you would need are the necessary skills. As an explorer unsure about their ideal career, getting a part-time job in your field of choice would help you get an idea of the work culture and whether you’re a good fit for it.
For instance, if you’re a beginner with limited programming knowledge and want to get into software development, you can take up a part-time job to gain hands-on experience to advance the skills that no programming courses could’ve done for you. However, it can be much harder for specific fields like law and medicine to find employers wanting to hire you without a degree, but it’s not impossible. Even if a job in your intended field is something you can’t get, you can volunteer to assist professionals and understand their daily routines.
The experience and skills you gain from corporate work will embellish your resume. Building meaningful connections with colleagues can pave new paths toward finding your best career. Even if you don’t end up landing a job that you like, you’ll find fulfillment by connecting with different people.
