Lesson 7 of 10

8 Steps to Making the Best Major Career Decisions

UPSKILL CAMP

Even adults who are far into their adult lives occasionally ponder what they want to do when
they grow up. Reading job descriptions and conducting job research might be helpful.
Additionally, career assessments and personality type questionnaires may help you identify your
ideal career. But in reality, finding the proper career is a challenging and frequently constant
process. Making decisions about your career takes time. Your life will be a ected by this choice.
Changing occupations is, of course, always an option.
If you're feeling intimidated by this chore, go over our step-by-step plan to assist you in
choosing a career.
How to make a career choice when you are undecided

There are countless career alternatives available for you to choose from. Having many choices is
great, but it can also be daunting. Taking it one step at a time is therefore helpful. You'll feel
more organized and focused on what you can do to make an informed career choice after
following these eight steps.

1. Think deeply about yourself:

Even though discussing your skills and faults can be uncomfortable, it is important for your
future job. Locate a peaceful area and take a seat by yourself. Consider your morals, interests,
and soft skills. Make a list of your strengths right now. What would your ideal schedule and way
of living be if you could travel back in time? Find a job that fits their preferences. Take one or
more career aptitude tests to get a sense of the types of employment available that fit your ideal
lifestyle.

2. Create a broad list of careers:

You now have some ideas after taking all of those career tests. Write them down in whatever
order, then read them over thoroughly. Consider what you've learned about yourself, and
compare your personality traits to those in these professions. It's also a good idea to think about
your own and your employer's values. Some jobs might be instantly crossed o your list, while
others might pique your interest. There may be occupations on your list that you never
considered. Putting down a list of your alternatives is a great place to start when you want to
learn more about a particular vocation.

3. Start investigating your list:

Now that you have some possibilities to consider, it's time to do some
preliminary study on the professions that are currently on your list. As
you analyze the choices on your list, bear the following in mind:

Where can I find these employment opportunities?

Would they compel you to reside in a particular place? 

Do you want that, or what?

What kind of schooling is needed to thrive in this field?

Are the hours in this career-long or short?

 What kind of lifestyle is typical overall?

What are the anticipated salaries?

It might be necessary to further specialize your search. For instance, you
might be clear that you want to work in healthcare but are unsure of the
exact position that would be best for you.

4. Shorten your list:

In the previous step, you undoubtedly ran into some obstacles that eliminated several job
options. That's advantageous. Your decision will be more focused if you reduce your list in light
of your research. List five potential occupations that you'd like to pursue. If you haven't already,
try quitting employment that has obligations you are aware you detest or that has demands you
have no desire to meet.

5. Talk to people in those fields of study:

You can gain insight from talking to people who have selected your potential future career that
job descriptions cannot. They could be able to point you in the proper way thanks to their first-
hand experience and open candor. You can find out how others manage their time and maintain
a good work-life balance by networking. You can inquire about how they have adapted to their
new position or how they came to hold it if they have only recently begun working in that line of
employment. Having assistance from someone when you decide on a career path will make it
easier for you to weigh your possibilities. You can get the unbiased advice you need from a
BetterUp coach to help you make sense of this di cult choice and stay on your professional
path.

6. Think of your life goals:

When considering your goals, consider how they will a ect both your career and personal lives.
Do you desire to be with your family a lot? Then perhaps a job that requires you to travel
frequently isn't the best fit for you. Identifying your goals in life will help you understand
yourself as a whole person, not just someone with a job. Write down the long- and short-term
goals that you hope to achieve, and make sure your career will let you do it.
7. Make your career choice:

It's finally time to make a decision about your job. However, if you're not prepared, you're not
prepared. Perhaps you want to do more research or take some extra time, which is perfectly fine.
Trust the research and e ort you’ve put into this decision, and understand that you aren’t
making a life-long commitment with no chance of going back. At any age, people change their
careers frequently. Your choice shouldn't make you feel confined.

8. Write out a plan:

How will you pursue your future career once you've reached your decision? Choosing a job is just
one aspect of career planning; you also need to consider how you'll get there. Outline the tasks
you must complete. Do you require a GED or are there training courses or online programs you
must complete? How many certificates are necessary for your job? Making a list of the steps you
must take will help you estimate the cost and the time it will take you to start working.
What are some tips for making the right career choice?

You can practice little strategies to help you along your decision-making journey. To make a
good career choice, it’s more than just following those past eight steps. It can also be helpful to
keep these tips in mind as you consider how to make the right career choice: 

1. Be aware of how other factors influence you

2. Never forget your strengths

3. Volunteer in your possible professions

4. Consider how you want your career to support you financially 

5. Take your time — don’t feel like you have to rush the process

6. Be patient with yourself, and keep in mind this is a challenging task

7. Reflect on what subjects in high school you enjoyed

8. Think about your dreams in life but try to understand why — what is it about these dreams
that appeal?

C O NT I NU E