Almost everyone goes through the process of choosing a career path. Even individuals who can inherit a family business may decide to pursue a different career based on their interests and skills. Your career will determine how you spend your professional time, who you interact with, and what credentials you need, which is why it’s a good idea to spend time evaluating your options.
Earning a bachelor’s degree can significantly increase your lifetime earnings, which is why it’s crucial to think about attending college. Choosing the right post-secondary program will expand your job prospects and prepare you for a satisfying career. Let’s look at how you can identify the ideal profession for you and obtain the education required for your chosen career.
Consider your interests and skills.
Boredom is one of the leading reasons people quit their jobs. Your workday will go by faster if you’re staying busy and focused on interesting tasks.
Different people have various strengths. Suppose you have the physical strength and stamina needed to be an electrician, but you’re colorblind. You may opt for a different career that enables you to capitalize on your strength and stamina but doesn’t rely upon your ability to distinguish between colored wires.
Determine which professionals are in demand.
Some professionals expect high job growth rates in their field, while others are seeing new opportunities decline. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a government site that compiles information about multiple careers. You can learn about the education requirements, the median annual income for different professionals, and the anticipated job growth rates for each reported profession.
Suppose you have the physical strength and stamina, and color vision. You could consider becoming an electrician, but the BLS expects job opportunities for electricians to increase by nine percent between 2020 and 2030. This is comparable to the average rate of job growth for all occupations during the same decade. However, the BLS projects that wind turbine technicians will see jobs increase by 68 percent during the same period. This could prompt you to consider a career as a wind turbine technician instead because the job prospects are better.
Gather your research.
Using higher education project management software can help you organize the information gathered while researching career options. Bublup also helps you find relevant information during the research phase. Create folders where you store job data, college program information, and application tips to simplify the entire process of choosing a career. Bublup will also come in handy once you begin your undergraduate studies because you can share folders with classmates and exchange notes or organize your essay research when you’re writing papers.
Work with a college admissions counselor.
Getting an early start on your career planning and thinking about potential occupations in high school is a good idea. A college admissions counselor can help you through every step of the way on your journey to your career. When you work with an expert from a college admission counseling service, they’ll clarify your interests and strengths and help you identify suitable postsecondary programs that can prepare you for ideal career opportunities.
Whether you already have a dream college in mind or haven’t decided where to complete undergraduate studies, they’ll guide you through the application process. Your counselor can help you find internship opportunities to strengthen your resume and give you practical experience to determine if you’re focusing on the right career path. They can also help you revise your application essay to ensure you impress the college admissions, review board.
There are thousands of careers you can consider when choosing an occupation. Consider your interests and skills and identify in-demand jobs to find the right career for you.