Have you set goals for your career?

Choosing a career is one of the most significant life decisions, impacting not only your financial health but also your personal happiness and well-being. Taking control of this process by setting clear career goals and following a thoughtful plan can help you find a fulfilling career path.

Many workers end up in jobs they are not passionate about, often due to external factors like convenience or pressure, rather than deliberate choices. In fact, surveys show that up to two-thirds of employees feel dissatisfied in their current jobs​. (Enterprise Apps Today)

Here’s a step-by-step approach to making a more deliberate and informed career decision:

1. Begin with a Self-Assessment

Start by reflecting on your strengths, interests, values, and skills. Understanding what drives you and what you’re good at is key to choosing a fulfilling career. Tools such as career assessments or personality tests (like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) can provide helpful insights.

Tip: Look for patterns in past work or school experiences where you felt motivated or successful. This can help clarify the types of work environments or tasks that align with your natural abilities.

2. Brainstorm Career Ideas

Once you have a clear sense of your strengths and interests, brainstorm career options. Think about industries that match your values, as well as specific roles where you can apply your skills. At this stage, don’t limit your thinking—cast a wide net and explore all possible fields, even those you hadn’t previously considered.

Tip: Talk to people in various industries to get a better understanding of what different careers entail. Conducting informational interviews or shadowing professionals in the field can also give you firsthand knowledge.

3. Research Your Options

Once you’ve brainstormed, start researching specific roles and industries. Find out what qualifications, skills, and experiences are necessary. Additionally, look into salary expectations, industry growth, and the overall outlook for different careers. Understanding the long-term potential of various industries is essential for ensuring career stability.

Tip: Use online resources such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to research job outlooks, salaries, and job descriptions.

4. Take Final Steps

After researching, narrow down your options to one or two potential career paths. From there, determine the steps you’ll need to take to qualify for your chosen career, whether it’s gaining further education, building new skills, or seeking out internships and experience in your chosen field.

Tip: Set specific short- and long-term career goals. Make a concrete plan for how to achieve them and regularly review your progress to make sure you’re on track.

At CareerPaths NW, we specialize in more than just finding jobs—we focus on helping people find careers that lead to long-term success. Taking a structured and thoughtful approach to your career planning will help expose you to more options and increase your chances of finding fulfilling and sustainable employment.