How did you make your career decision and job research?

 

How can one make a career choice? This is difficult, especially, for someone who had never worked before. It is easier for someone who wants to make a career change. However, one needs to make decision in both cases, either to start a new career or to change to another direction. The first thing is to decide the career you want and the second thing is to do a research about it. Although it is difficult to make a decision about career, one has to do it. What are the red flags that will help you know it is time to make a career decision? 

(a) when you hate going to work;

(b) when you are afaraid of Monday approaching;

(c) when you don't sleep well;

(d) when you are involved in work, but you are not part of it;

(e) when the enthusiasm and passion are lacking;

(f) when everything is easy and you feel that you are not challenged;

(g) when one finished college and starts work, but finds out that someone has to die for him or her to be promoted.

Once you identify these symptoms, it is time to do a self-analysis to see who are and what motivates you as an individual. Then, you can go and check where you fit well. 

Once a decision has been made, the next thing is to go for a research. The next challenge is to find out where to get information about careers, professions, and occupations. You can get free resources from colleges and universities career centres. On the other hand, you can get updated information from the US Depatment of Labor, section on industry outline. You can also find useful information specialized websites, such as, Vault.com, Indeed.com, and Glassdoor.com. You can get specific information by interviewing someone who is already in the career you want and working in the segment you wish you work for. You can ask him or her out for lunch where you can ask specific questions about his or her career. Examples of questions you can ask the person (mentor) (https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-a-mentor) are:

(1) How did you get into your career?;

(2) Which obstacles have you had in your career and how did you handle them?;

(3) What career accomplisments are you proud of?;

(4) Have you read any books that helped you develop your career?;

(5) What do you see as my strengths?;

(6) What areas can I improve?;

(7) How am I viewed by others?;

(8) How can I prepare for my performance review?;

 (9) What is your leadership style?

These questions will help you see how prepared you are for the new challenges. I would like you to write a comment regarding your career decision, what provoked it and how you made it.