1 . Tips for Choosing a Career

Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Most people spend half or more of their waking hours five days a week at their jobs. While selecting a career can be a difficult process, the following tips can make this process easier for you.

Extensive reading about potential careers is vital.     1     It’s important to collect vital information such as career descriptions, career outlooks, employment statistics, educational requirements, and potential earnings.

    2     Do this frequently since these lists keep changing. A “hot job” today may not be “hot” next year or the year after next year. When evaluating these lists, keep in mind your interests, skills and job satisfaction requirements.

Find a mentor. Many colleges and employers have a formal mentoring program.     3     It is a great way to learn about a career, and a mentor can provide valuable networking opportunities. “Mentworking” is a new trend which combines mentoring and networking, and which has shown good results.

Interviewing people in the field is an excellent way to learn about the various aspects of a career.     4     Informational interviews often change a person’s perspective about an occupation. You can find interview candidates by asking friends, teachers and neighbors. You can also contact relevant professional associations and societies and visit appreciate social and professional networking sites online.

The skills required for a career are an essential factor for an individual’s potential for success in that career. Write a list of the skills needed for a particular field. Place a check next to each skill you possess.    5    

Your skills should be a vital factor in your career selection process. A satisfying career is often built upon a match with what you are naturally good at. Natural strengths allow an individual to work with ease and acquire expertise faster.