Career moves

If you are graduating in the next few months, chances are, that you will not land your dream job on your first try. Do you even know what’s available to you? You can be a teacher, an entrepreneur, a computer technician,engineer and the list goes on but how do you choose a career?{{more}}

The key is to find a way to do what you most enjoy and get paid for it. That’s the secret formula to be successful at work. Too many people end up in careers that are not suited for their skill set. Whether you are in school or looking to make a change, begin your career exploration now.

Conduct informational interviews with family, friends or alumnus of your school.

Take part-time jobs in a different field if possible just to get the exposure or even volunteer your time to get the experience.

Use the Internet and free professional networking groups like www.linkedin.com to make connections to people across the globe in different professions. And with everything have a plan.

Career Choices Exercise. Answer the following questions.

Even if you are no longer a student, follow the exercise below if you are thinking of a career change. Times are slowly changing and it’s not uncommon to have two or three different careers in one lifetime.

Take a few moments to think about your future and write down your thoughts. Forget about what your friends may think and block out any thoughts that may suggest “You can’t do that” or “You are too old for that” You can achieve your dreams when you work at it one small piece at a time. Let’s get started!

1. When you get older, what do you want to be?

2. Give 3 reasons why you want this career.

3. What are the educational requirements for this career?

4.What do you need to do now to make sure you’re on the right track?

5. What skills, characteristics and/or personality traits do you currently have that will help you in your future career?

6. List at least one action you can take every month that will help you achieve your dream career.

7. What barriers may prevent you from achieving your dream career?

8. Who can you turn to for help to break down these barriers and what can you do on your own?

These questions are designed to help you think seriously about your career, it may take some time to make a decision and you might change your mind but be determined because your future depends on it. Best wishes.

Karen Hinds President/CEO –
Workplace Success Group,
Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775;
Tel: 1-203-757-4103
A CT Winner of the Make Mine a Million Dollar Business award!
Karen@WorkplaceSuccess.com