How to Choose Right Career Path for Students?
When you were a child and people would ask you what you would like to be when you become an adult, the answer was ready at the tip of your tongue. You had no doubt that you would love to be an astronaut, a ballerina, or a firefighter.
But closer it gets to the time when you actually have to choose, the doubt seems to increase. And even though you still could be an astronaut, a ballerina, or a firefighter, it is very likely that you aren’t sure about it anymore.
Unfortunately, you will have to make up your mind at some stage. And here is how you do it.
# Think about your passions
The things that you love most to do, that you work hard on despite not getting paid for it, can tell a lot about the right career path you should follow.
Maybe you love to write or paint. Or fix things. Or give advice. Or organise parties. Or talk in public. Maybe you are great in sports or create science projects at home just for the fun of it.
Any of these things can be a hint to your future career.
# Consider your personality
Sometimes, we would love to follow a specific career, but we know that we don’t have what it takes to be good at it. And it is not about persistence or lack of skills, but because our personality doesn’t match the requirements.
So if you already know that you can’t deal with blood, it is very unlikely that you will be happy as a doctor. If you feel uncomfortable about speaking your mind in public, maybe law isn’t exactly the best path for you.
Still, always think outside the box. Taking the examples above, you still could be able to go to medical school and try an academic career. Or study law and remain alone with the paperwork in the office. Just make sure that you won’t feel frustrated because of it.
# Have a look at your grades
Your grades in school can also tell a lot about your best career path. Just check in which areas of expertise you do better to help you out and try to figure out to which professions those skills could be useful.
You might be great in sciences, or maybe in Math? Do you need to search for “essay website” every time you need to prepare one? Or are you the best at it? Or Humanities are more your thing?
Also, have a look at your extra-curriculum activities. Maybe you were a cheerleader, or the newspaper editor, or a student leader.
Grab as many information you can get from your school accomplishments and also have a look the other way around – subjects that you hate can be an indication of areas you should stay away.
# Ask your teachers
Your teachers are a perfect source of information when it comes to a career path. They know you and a great deal about skills and professions, so they can help you to match yours. Talk to them and let them know that you are unsure about which choice you should take.
Always ask for an honest opinion and be prepared to it. They might tell you something entirely different from what you would like to hear, so don’t be upset. Of course, you don’t have to do what they say, but it will be a great way to get a new perspective on the topic.
# Take a career test
There are several career tests that you can take so to define in each career you are more likely to be successful. And there is nothing wrong in trying some of them.
Even though they might not be perfect, along with your own inquiries, they can be an extra resource in your decision-making process. Also, check if your school doesn’t offer their own career assessment tests.
# Try an internship
Sometimes, the best way to know if you would like to do something for the rest of your life is by doing it. So if you get a chance to try an internship or even get a job in the industry you are hoping to join, it would be the best way to help you to know if it suits you for sure.
Even if you aren’t in college yet, you might get an opportunity, especially if you are willing to accept something unpaid and temporary. So have a look around and see if there is anything that could suit you.
# Talk to a career coach
A career coach is someone that certainly could help you to choose the best career for you. They are specialised in this kind of challenge, so even though they can be quite expensive, it worth every cent.
If you contract one of them, they will go through a personality assessment, and let you know what are the right choices for you. They will also give you tips on how to get there. Yes, they will take your opinion into consideration, but be aware that they will be honest with you all the time.
# Talk to professionals in the industry
You should also take some time talking to people that already work in the industry. Ask them how they work, how is one working day in their lives, and if they are happy with the decision they made.
Check which skillset they think is essential to be successful in the area and ask everything you want to know, from salary to most exciting moments. Just try and talk to more than one person, as opinions might differ about many aspects.
The bottom line
There are many ways to choose the right career path while you still are a student. But they usually work better if you use them as a group. Talking to teachers, to a career coach and professionals of the industry can help you a lot, as you will hear as many opinions as you might need.
Tests are also perfect for insights, along with having a look at your passions, grades, and personality. And, above all, it is always cool if you can get into the business and see how it happens in real life.
Beside it, don’t worry if you still feel confused. It is not like you can’t change your mind in the future. Of course, it takes effort, but see it as part of a process. And make the best choice that you can at the moment.