Starting a new career can be an exciting time in your life — though it can also be a nerve-wracking one as well! There are already many unknowns, and the last thing you want to be unsure about is whether or not the job you’re entering into is the best option for you. So, we’ve put together some things to consider in our guide for how to choose a career path!
Figure out your ideal work environment
Do you dream of working in the office of a fast-paced startup, or would you prefer to spend your days outdoors? Do you enjoy interacting with people, or would you rather have a more solitary job? Consider what your perfect workday looks like to get started on finding the right career to fit it.
Determine how high of a salary you’d need
Next, take a look at your financial goals and what level of salary you would need in order to reach them. Do you have debts to pay off? Do you want to buy a home? Is being able to afford regular vacations important to you? Have a range in mind for the type salary your goals will require and the lowest salary amount you’d be willing to accept.
Weigh all factors to decide what’s most important
When you’re looking at how to choose a career, some factors may weigh more heavily than others. Would you be willing to take a lower salary if it meant being in a job you’re truly passionate about? Do you love being around people, but would rather have a more isolated job if you got to be outside all day? Rank all the aspects that are important to you and know which ones you would forgo if you had to.
Research jobs to find ones that match your needs
Doing thorough research is crucial for finding a career that fits you and your needs. Search online at sites such as Payscale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics for jobs that match your ideal scenario, and then read more about each one to make sure it’s actually what you’re looking for and if there are enough job opportunities near you. After all, you don’t want to go through all the work of entering a new career, only to find out the day-to-day isn’t what you thought it would be or that job prospects are slim.
Note any education/experience requirements
Finally, once you’ve determined what careers are right for you, you’ll want to make sure you know about any education or training levels required by the job. Some might require a doctorate and several years of training, while others — including the types of careers taught at several Climb partner schools — may require a certificate and less than a year of training. The last step in finding out the best career path for you is to understand how to get there!
