Article • reading time: 4 min. | 02. Aug 2024, written by Kobi Cohen
How to choose a career – for many, it’s a big and scary question. Deciding on the right career path is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your life. It can shape your future, enhance personal growth, and have major effects on your long-term happiness. With endless career options available, making the right choice and finding your dream career can be overwhelming. But don't worry - you're not alone. We're here to guide you.
In this article, we'll take you through a comprehensive journey, to help you discover a career that aligns perfectly with your:
Passions
Skills
Values
Goals
Plus, we'll show you IU International University of Applied Science can help you achieve your career aspirations by equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need. Ready? Let’s get started with our guide on how to choose a career.
To start, consider what you naturally enjoy doing, and what brings you happiness. Ask yourself the following questions:
What topics or activities do you naturally gravitate towards?
What do you enjoy learning about?
What activities bring you the most satisfaction and happiness?
What do you find yourself thinking about or talking about most often?
If you love technology, a career in computer science or cyber security might be your jam.
Have you heard of the Strong Interest Inventory test? It’s a self-assessment test used by many young professionals who are asking themselves how to find the right career for me. Take the test to get a strong indication of where your interests and passions really lie, and you’ll have a better idea of how to choose the right career for yourself.
Follow your passions, and you'll find success in whatever you do.
Next, reflect on your skills and strengths. Determine what tasks and activities come easily and what you excel at. To help you understand your strong suits, consider the following questions:
What tasks or activities do you find easy and enjoyable?
What are you particularly knowledgeable about?
What past accomplishments are you most proud?
In what situations have you received positive feedback from others?
Struggling to answer these questions? Consider taking a personality test, like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test.
In this test, you’ll answer a series of questions about yourself, to see which one of the 16 possible personality types you match. Your MBTI result, which is often used by hiring managers assessing candidates for a role, will give you a strong indication of the type of personality you have, and which occupations match it best.
Values and beliefs are another key factor to consider during your career exploration. It's essential to think about what's important to you, and find a job that aligns with your beliefs. Ask yourself questions like:
What causes or issues do you care about most?
What do you believe is most important in life? Job titles and a high salary, or a job that makes you feel fulfilled?
What motivates you?
What makes you happy and satisfied?
For example, if you believe in equal opportunities to all, you might want to look into careers in non-profit or human rights organisations, or government agencies. If you care about the environment, you might want to consider jobs in sustainability, renewable energy, or environmental law. And if you’re passionate about helping others and supporting your community, a career in healthcare management - or even workplace psychology - might be your calling.
Of course, we can't forget to mention the actual state of the job market – now and in the years to come.
It is essential for you to research the trends and demand for your chosen career field. To avoid investing in a career that may not be in demand in the future, consider things like:
Which industries are growing? Which are declining?
What are the future job growth prospects for the careers you are considering?
What skills and qualifications are in high demand and what are the upcoming trends?
One way to ensure the career you’re planning on has a viable future, is to focus on digital skills and IT/tech professions – especially those who are expected to grow in demand over the next decade.
To help you understand more about 3 of the most in-demand digital professions - according to a 2020 Future of Jobs report by the World Economic Forum - we’ve prepared detailed career roadmap guides for each:
Finally, we can't ignore financial stability and earning potential when considering how to choose a career. We all want to make a living doing what we love, but we also need to pay the bills. Ask yourself these questions:
What is the average salary for the careers you are considering (Glassdoor is a great tool for this purpose)?
How does the salary compare to the cost of living in your area?
Are there opportunities for professional growth and career advancement in the careers you are considering?
Are there benefits and other forms of compensation that can improve your financial situation?
If you're interested in computer science, software development is a highly paid and in-demand field. If you're into business, a management career can provide you with a high salary and opportunities for advancement.
Want to study and work in Germany? Get your free IU guide via email.
Are you still wondering how to choose a career that perfectly aligns with your interests? Our dedicated video guide may hold the answers. Gain insights on self-assessment, the value of internships, and practical steps to choosing the right career for you. Watch on for practical advice and industry secrets.
Now that you have a better understanding of your motivations and goals, it's time to get down to business. Here is a practical guide on how to choose a career path:
Utilize online resources – websites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn, career centres, and professional organisations - to gather information about different career ideas. Attend job fairs and career talks, and seek networking opportunities to learn about various industries, job titles and job opportunities.
Research educational requirements for various careers and determine if additional education or certifications are necessary. Consider online or traditional universities that offer the necessary programme or certification.
Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in your desired field through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions. This will help you get a better understanding of the job and its responsibilities.
Connect with individuals who are currently working in your desired field through professional organizations, industry events, and social media networking opportunities. Seek their advice and learn about their experiences to gain insights and make informed decisions about your chosen career path.
After exploring your options and gaining some experience, it's time to create a plan. Develop a step-by-step career plan with goals, timelines, and specific actions to achieve your desired career. Identify the education or training you need, create a list of potential employers through LinkedIn, and develop your job search strategies.
Choosing the right career is no doubt a critical decision that can impact the course of your life. It involves introspection regarding your interests and skills, along with thorough analysis of the job market to make a well-informed decision. While this process can be challenging, especially with constraints like time and finances, IU's innovative learning approach offers an ideal solution.
Our programmess allow you to explore various career paths, earn valuable credentials, and acquire skills essential for career success. IU's learning model uniquely positions you to advance in your current role or transition to a new career by applying real-time learning opportunities to gain practical experience - and 86% of IU students and alumni are satisfied with this practice-oriented learning approach. Studying on-campus in Germany also enhances your career trajectory, giving you access to thriving job markets and the possibility of exploring career options in the European corridor equipped with an 18-month post-study visa in Germany.
At IU International University of Applied Sciences, you can attend on campus lectures supplemented by self-study with our digital tools — truly experiencing the best of both worlds.
Discover how we can accelerate your journey towards a brighter future.
Whether you're aiming to fortify your crucial skills, utilise career counseling, or actively partake in high-demand hard skill programs, IU is your partner in creating your dream career. Fill out your details in the form above, and we'll reach out to demonstrate how IU's learning model can make your career aspirations a reality.
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