Jenna writes:
I am currently trying to chose a career path. I will be going to college soon taking medical radiography (to become an x-ray and ultrasound technician); however, I don’t think this is the career I really want (bad hours and too much human suffering). I want to do something that is a little unusual — not your average job. I want to retire early … comfortably. I want to learn a lot of new things on my way. Some ideas I’ve had are: commercial pilot, architect, something in astrophysics… What I really want are ideas for cool careers. Careers that when someone asks you what you do for your living, they feel intimidated by your answer! I don’t know what’s out there. Hopefully you do! So… any great ideas?
What’s out there as a career for you? It’s a cliché, but it’s true: if you have the intelligence, the determination, and the resources, just about any career path can be yours.
But, don’t think so much about one career shaping the rest of your life; think more about a series of careers that span your lifetime, some of which may be related.
So, the first big question is why are you majoring in something — perhaps even attending a specific college because of it — that you have no real interest in ever doing? Why not look into other colleges and careers before you make that final choice?
As for other careers…the best sources are your teachers and your family… you can also conduct a lot of career research online, using such sources as the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Because you have a wide range of interests, it might also be helpful to take one or more career assessment tests; these tests work well in conjunction with you own assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your likes and dislikes.
As you think about majors, you might want to read my article, Choosing a College Major: How to Chart Your Ideal Path.
You also might find these two areas of Quintessential Careers especially helpful:
Kimberly writes:
I am in the process of going back to school to pursue a career as a nurse. I was hoping that you could give me a web site that offers career assessment tests. It would be nice to see if this is where my true potential lies.
I am a big believer in the use of assessment tests — but only as a small part of a much broader self-assessment, self-reflection exercise. So, while there are plenty of self-assessments tests (both online and in print; some free, some fee-based), I think you might be better served by spending some time looking at what made you consider nursing, researching nursing careers that interest you, and then if you still want to, taking an assessment test.
Nursing is one of those caring professions, where a big part of who you are must be about helping people — and their families. Besides the technical skills necessary, you must also have strong empathy skills. And even though nurses and other healthcare professionals continue to be in demand, you also need to expect to work long hours in almost any nursing situation.
According to the American Nurses Association: “Nursing has many definitions, but the essence of nursing is that nurses combine the art of caring with the science of health care. Nursing places its focus not only on a particular health problem, but on the whole patient and his or her response to treatment. Care of the patient and a firm base of scientific knowledge are indispensable elements.” Read more.
Is nursing right for you? Make a list of the activities and interests that excite and motivate you. Then make a list of those things you never want to do again. Then review your aptitude for science and medicine. From these activities, you should have a good picture if nursing is right for you. You also need to decide not only the type of nursing specialty you wish to pursue, but also where you want to practice your nursing.
And to help you better understand the specifics of different types of nursing careers, conduct some research. One of the best sources I have found on the many, many facets of a career in nursing is the career section of NurseWeek.com, where you can read details about more than 40 career paths in nursing. These details include things such as career overview, education and certifications needed, job outlook, typical venues, and more. A great resource.
Finally, you can review the types of job postings for nurses and other healthcare professionals by following some of the links we have in this section of Quintessential Careers: Jobs in Health Care, Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, and Social Work.
Chris writes:
I just finished reading an article you wrote regarding interview preparation. You briefly mentioned potential employers using assessments, testing for personality and skills, to help in their hiring decisions.
I am curious to hear your honest opinion on the subject of assessments which attempt to measure potential — assessments that are supposed to be able to predict a candidate’s job performance and potential for growth and advancement.
The Career Doctor responds:
Let me first state that I am a strong believe in using career assessment tests as a personal tool for career development and career direction.
And I think there is some value to assessments that employers use to measure skills vital to a job — typing tests for secretarial positions — but I am really against tests that demean job-seekers, especially low-wage job-seekers.
I am on the fence about personality tests. I remember one discussion with an employer that used personality tests almost exclusively to decide whether prospective job-seekers would “fit” the organization. The top management was convinced that only a certain personality type would succeed in their company and they only hired people who matched that profile.
In an era of diversity — however we define diversity — I think having employees of all personality types could only add to the creativity and decision-making of organizations.
As for tests that supposedly measure things like honesty and morality or future job performance, I say get rid of them. They are a liability to using people skills to evaluate prospective employees, and I do not support their use at all.
Anonymous writes:
I am 33 years old, and I have no idea of what to do with my life in terms of a career.
I have had one long-term job and was fired. The company had to downsize and my position was gone.
I have had to move back home. I am currently enrolled in school, earning a master’s in library science.
I am not that enthused about being a librarian. How do I figure out what to do?
If you don’t want to drift through your life — or least another 10 or 15 years of it until your next downsizing — you must immediately take a personal retreat and discover who you really are, what you like doing, what excites and motivates you, and where you want to go in terms or a job and career.
I don’t know what kind of work you were doing before you were downsized, but I can guess it wasn’t something that inspired you. My sense is that you are still in a bit of a shock over the downsizing and this master’s program was just something convenient or available, something to fill your time while you continued to wait and see what was going to happen.
You need to break the cycle by taking a break. Find a weekend — at least to start — where you can learn about yourself. Take time reflect on the types of activities that motivate and excite you; think about activities (work, hobby, volunteering) that you love doing and ones that you never want to do again. Once you have this list — and hopefully a better understanding of yourself — then you should consider one or more self-assessment tests; there are any number online, but there are also plenty of career assessment books.
Once you have a better sense of who you are and what interests you, your next step is researching careers that fit you. For example, with me, it’s activities that empower people to better their lives — so things such as this blog, my Website, teaching, and consulting all excite me and keep me energized. You need to find that niche for yourself. There are lots of career exploration resources — books, online sources, college career professionals, and career coaches and counselors.
Once you’ve identified some career options, the final step is organizing a career plan to achieve your goal — identifying employers, writing dynamic cover letters and targeted resumes, interviewing well, and following-up when necessary.
Some resources on Quintessential Careers that can help you with your quest:
Will writes:
I have a whole lot of experience, but not a tremendous amount of in any one area. How could I narrow down my choices so I know what kind of job to pursue? Also, what would be the best way to lay out my resume?
There’s good news and bad news here. As employers continue to downsize and have employees multitask by combining job functions, there is certainly a need for job-seekers who have multiple talents and abilities. On the other hand, job-seekers without a specific focus will rarely ever get a second look from employers.
So, as you mention, your task is to find a way to parlay your years of varied job experiences into some cohesive strategy that plays itself out on your resume. You don’t want to be seen as someone who does not know what you want to do, or one who gets easily bored.
What is it you want to do next? If you truly have no clue, take the time to conduct some self-assessment. First, spend some time reviewing all your experiences (work, hobby, etc.) and make two lists — one with activities you enjoy and one with activities you never want to do again. You could also consider taking one or more assessment tests, many of which you can find online.
Once you have a better picture of your likes and interests, the next step is researching careers that closely match your profile. Take the time to do this important career exploration. Many online and print resources can help you in this process. My favorite is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Once you’ve identified a career path (or paths), the next step is finding employers in that field — and developing a strategy for breaking into it. In any job market, but especially in this job market, your key to success is building a new network for your new career. Find and join professional organizations in your new career field, use alumni networks to find people in your new career field.
Use the Career Exploration Resources section of Quintessential Careers to help you.
And learn more about networking in the The Art of Networking section of Quintessential Careers.
And all sorts of great resume-writing tools can be found in the Resume Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Darlene writes: I need your help. I’ve surfed the net looking for a site where I can go to for a free career aptitude test, and there is no luck for me. I’m a student in college about to finish an AA degree in social work. The problem is I really don’t know if I love what I’m studying. I need a site where I can research on careers and how much they pay and what the demand is for them. Can you please guide me into finding a career? Thank you.
So my advice is this: before you even think about taking one of these tests, sit down in a quiet place and contemplate who you are, what your likes and dislikes are, what kinds of experiences or courses get you fired up, and what you are passionate about. Why did you originally choose social work as a major? What kinds of jobs do you see yourself having in the future? Do you plan to get education beyond the associate’s level?
Then, and only then, should you take one or more of these assessment tests. Go to the career assessments section of Quintessential Careers.
Finally, go to the career exploration section of Quintessential Careers, where you can find numerous resources to help you explore career opportunities, including one of the best sources, the Occupational Outlook Handbook, from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Kenn writes: I would like to find a new career or even new location and would like to try and find someone online that can help me out in this endeavor. Do you have any idea of where I can find a person or site that may be of help??????
May I suggest some critical career self-assessment exercises?
First, to help you develop a clear picture of your work values and passions, I recommend you use an assessment on Quintessential Careers: Workplace Values Assessment: Do You Know the Work Values You Most Want in a Job and an Employer — and Does Your Current Employment Reflect Those Values?
Second, once you’ve identified your core workplace values, I urge you to take the next step and develop a personal mission statement. Reading this article should help you accomplish the task: Using a Personal Mission Statement to Chart Your Career Course. The article also has links to various sample mission statements, including my own.
Third, take your self-assessment one step deeper and complete a SWOT analysis on yourself and your career. A SWOT analysis has you examine your job/career strengths and weaknesses while examining the potential opportunities and threats in various career choices. Read: Using a SWOT Analysis in Your Career Planning.
Fourth, whether or not the first three steps helped you or not, you could also consider using a professional career counselor — who can help you with some one-on-one advice and guidance. You can find a directory of career counselors by going to the Career Counselors Consortium. See also our own Quintessential Careers Directory of Life and Career Coaches.
Finally, remember that Quintessential Careers has tutorials on job-hunting, as well as articles on job search strategies, career change, relocating and long-distance job-search, and much, much more.
Steve writes: I am a branch manager for a large retail bank in New England. I have been in banking for 8 years and I have experience in various areas. My banking career started as a telephone sales representative (one year), transitioned to the Training Division as a training associate for new hires (three years) and transitioned again to branch retail banking where I worked my way up to manager of a very busy, full service, supermarket branch (four years/two years as manager).
Retail banking does not hold the same appeal for me that it once did. The hours are long, and stress levels are high. The challenges offered in branch management just aren’t appealing. I feel like I am just a babysitter and that I am not using my skills to their full advantage. I would like to get out of retail and I am having trouble determining where to go and how to get there.
What suggestions do you have for someone in my position?
Believe it or not, a lot of job-seekers are in your shoes. We tend to get hired for one thing and as we get promoted or transferred — or switch jobs — we end up somewhere that either bores us or fails to challenge us, and one sometimes a distance away from our career interests and passions.
You need to rediscover your career interests and passions. Sit down and make a list of the skills and experiences you enjoy — either in your work experience or in hobbies or volunteer work. Now make a list of stuff you never want to do again; things you dislike about your job. The next step is then discovering the types of jobs that match your skills and interests. If you’re having trouble — or just for some fun — you might want to take one or more of these career assessments.
Whether you’ll want to use any of your previous skills and experience, you certainly have some solid experience that can be a great platform to build other opportunities. Keep in mind, however, that you may need get more education or training to accomplish your goals.
I also suggest you also read this article: Research Your Next Job by Targeting Your Preferences and Ideal Companies.
Finally, I recommend you take advantage of the resources we have in the career change section of Quintessential Careers.
Just remember to take your time and relax…the more time you spend finding your ideal job, the happier you’ll be. Best of luck.
Anonymous writes: I am a 20 year old who had to withdraw from college because of an automobile accident. My therapy/recovery is coming to an end. The free time I’ve had has presented the opportunity to question where I want to go career and college wise. I struggled for a year and a half at a small liberal-arts college — my effort was minimal, and my grades show it. The accident and long recovery has given me a greater appreciation for what I need to do to be successful. I’ve always been very handy and enjoy taking things apart — I would probably be a great engineer, but my lack of math and science skills would make it difficult. Any advice on how to evaluate my strengths/weaknesses and where I might go from here??
The Career Doctor responds: I find it interesting that there are many people who have experiences that change their lives forever — and often for the good. I certainly hope you are well on the road to recovery and I extend my best wishes to you.
But based on your own assessment of your previous college experience, this accident sounds like it served as a wake-up call for you … and I wish you the best in moving ahead with your quest.
I talk a lot to my students and clients about finding their work and career passion — and that is what you need to do now. You have already taken a couple of steps in the right direction, but there are more steps to take. I’m going to give you a few Web resources, but first, I have to tell you that this process is tough. It’s going to take some work in matching up your talents, skills, and interests with one or more potential careers. Be prepared to commit a fair amount of time to the process. This process is a journey, and for most people, not a short one.
I think a great place to start is my article, Choosing a College Major: How to Chart Your Ideal Path. This article takes you through the six steps necessary to make your journey to career self-discovery. It also includes some great resources, including other Websites and some useful books.
I also suggest you review some of the other articles we’ve published on Quintessential Careers, specifically in our Career Planning Articles section, which includes an article on completing a SWOT analysis (where you will complete an analysis of your strengths and weaknesses).
Patricia writes: Hi! I need some advice. I am a college student about to enter my junior year, though I am a double major, so I will need to go a fifth year (I have three years left). My problem is simply that both my majors are fields that require master’s degrees. I will not be able to afford graduate school right away, so my question is whether there is a good job out there you can suggest, that utilizes one or both of my degrees, until I can afford graduate school, get a master’s, and really enter into one of the fields.
My majors are 1) psychology and 2) speech/language pathology and audiology. These are both fields that I am highly interested in. Is there something I can do with a bachelor’s degree in each field? Something that can support me through graduate school? I would appreciate any suggestions you can give me. I’m just scared that I will graduate with two degrees and have gone through five years of school, and yet have no career. Thank you so much.
The Career Doctor responds: Wow. You are quite ambitious — and I offer my full support of your efforts. It’s great to see a college student doing some career planning so early! It’s good to see that you are planning ahead, thinking about your career both prior to and after graduate school. So…let me suggest a plan for you that has several steps.
First, do some self-assessment. What is it that you really want to do with your life? What are your short-term and long-term goals? How would you like to combine your interests and majors?
Second, talk with your two major advisers. Talk with them about your concerns for a career prior to attending graduate school. Ask about options for fellowships and other grants that may pay for all or most of your graduate work. All of my graduate school expenses were covered by research and teaching fellowships.
Third, go to the career services office of your college. These professionals are ready and able to help you tackle all these issues, from helping you define a clearer vision of your career, to potential internships, to help with finding employment upon graduation, to guidance about graduate programs and financing. We have a great article on the subject: It’s Never Too Early — or Too Late — to Visit Your College Career Office. The article is written by Mary Keen Krikorian of Hartwick College.
Fourth, go to the Web and do some exploring. You can start at the Career Exploration section of Quintessential Careers.
Just remember that you have plenty of time — three years — so don’t get too worried. If you follow the steps I’ve outlined, you’ll get (or find) lots of great advice and have a much stronger and clearer plan for your future (which could still change again during the next three years!). Good luck. adve
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