Making the right career choice

There are multiple career options available today which results in a dilemma among students regarding which career to zero in on. Choosing your career may be a lengthy and difficult process but is certainly worth it. After all having a successful career will lead you to a happy and satisfied life ahead.

Here is a step by step guide that will help you make the right career choice.

1. Ask yourself what you actually want and accordingly plan for it. Do not fall prey to peer pressure. Take your decisions rationally based on your own likes and dislikes. Assess yourself carefully regarding your personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, values and interests. Even your hobbies should be given due consideration as you may want it to pursue it as your profession. A career counselor explains, “It is not always your education that counts in building a good career. The choice should be made keeping in mind the type of person you are. If you are outgoing by nature a career in journalism or customer care will be suitable. Again if you have a creative bent of mind you can go for fashion designing or acting as a career choice.”
2. Based on your self-assessment make a list of some careers that you would wish to pursue. You can preferably limit yourself to three choices. It is better to keep some alternatives as back up. Consider the costs involved, loans available, institutes offering such courses and their location. Other relevant factors include job prospects, career growth path, salary offered and if the job involves any travelling.
3. Making a judicious choice involves extensive research. Gather information from different sources like newspapers, magazines and the internet. Talk to people who are already working in that particular area. Consult your family as well. Ask them if they are okay with your choice. After all you need their support as well.
4. Once you have considered the pros and cons of all the available options settle down on the one that interests you most. You can take up summer jobs or internships in your chosen field to get a feel of the actual work environment. This will also help you to develop contacts and gather more information about a place where you would want to spend the rest of your life.

Making the right career choice is a very critical aspect of your life. Therefore consider it as your top priority, be rational and devise a realistic plan. Settle down on the one that is close to your heart and that which will help you gain a strong financial position.

- Ranjita Chattopadhyay (views expressed in the article are that of the author)