5 Steps to Choosing the Right Career Path

Statistically speaking, almost half of all college students are confused about what career path they want to follow.

But with a few simple steps, you can learn how to get yourself headed in the right direction.

Speak to a career counselor about available career assessment exams. These tests can help you figure out where your interests lie and what you’re most skilled at.

It’s also a good idea to include an online learning self-assessment to help you decide if remote education is a good choice for you.

After you’ve taken a few assessments, you probably have a good list of a few careers you might enjoy. You might even notice a pattern.

For example, if you seem to have an aptitude for financial matters, you might begin by declaring yourself a business major. You can always change it down the road if you find it doesn’t suit you.

One of the best ways to find out what you do and don’t like about particular careers is to hang out with people who have them. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, stay open to possibilities.

You may start out with an interest in orthodontics by shadowing a pediatric dentist.

Networking is a great way to find out what other people do for a living and what they think is great about it. And most of the places you already frequent are probably great for meeting new people.

Aside from that, attend community events and try to never turn down an invitation to a dinner party.

Chances are your family and close friends have observed your personality and interests your whole life.

Take advantage of this knowledge and ask them all what they think you’d be good at. Their answers may surprise you.

Deciding on the appropriate career path for you can be a difficult task. This is especially true for people who have trouble narrowing down their interests.

But don’t let your indecision stop you from moving ahead. Many people make career decisions based on interests they pick up in the first years of college.