Picking A Career
In picking a career, start with an understanding of what you want to do and what you need to do to have that type of career. First, answer these questions.
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- What Do You Want to Do?
- How Important is Income?
- How Well Do You Tolerate Risk?
- Where Do You Want to Live?
- What Education Do You Need?
- What Experience Do You Need?
- How Do You Relate to Other People?
- Should You Take an Aptitude Test?
- Who Hires People Who Match Your Goals and Abilities?
Be Detailed and Specific in Your Answers
Write down your answers to these questions. Compare one against the other in terms of importance. Reshuffle the order to match your priorities. Be as specific as possible. For example, preferences on location can range from one neighborhood to one city to anywhere across the country. Write down whether you want to work from home or work in a place outside of your home. Write down whether you want to work for yourself or for someone else. Notice how your interests in one of these options can limit or increase your opportunity in others.
Grow and Stay Flexible to Adjust Your Career Plan to Match Changing Conditions
You should use this process or a similar process every time you evaluate the progress of your career. A career is a process of continuous growth.
For example, as a recruiter, I started with a file card system. Additionally, I used postal mail. Over time, I added a fax to my office. Then I converted my file card system to a computer contact manager system. Email replaced postal mail. Instead of making calls to reach people, I emailed people who were in meetings and seldom could get to their phone.
In Conclusion
Remain curious. Accept the realities of an ever-changing world of business. You might need to return to college or obtain new credentials or certifications. Continue to read to stay current with events of the day. Strengthen your professional skills to become more effective in working with other people and to grow into greater responsibility.