As a college student, the world is your oyster. However, some people find all this choice overwhelming. You may have no idea where to begin or you may have several careers in mind, each of which would require you to choose a different major. This may be frustrating if you have friends who know exactly what they want to do. To figure out the right career path for you, here are a few steps you can take.
1. Make a List of Possible Careers
Begin by writing a list of all the careers you can picture yourself doing. This will take some time, as you’ll need to be aware of all your possible options. A good starting point may be to use a career self-assessment tool and pick out just the jobs that appeal to you. This method may reveal careers you never knew existed but that may be worth exploring further.
2. Decide on Your Goals
Consider what you want to achieve after you graduate. Where do you want to live? What salary range are you looking to earn? What kind of lifestyle do you want? Think about what kinds of work could help you reach your goals.
3. Narrow Down Your Options
Do further research to narrow down your options to a shortlist. In addition to reading job descriptions, find out the educational requirements, job outlooks, and the earning potentials of each job. Strike from your list any careers that require more training than you’re willing to do, need skills you’re uninterested in acquiring, and won’t help you reach your goals.
4. Connect with Professionals
Once you have a shortlist of between two and five careers, explore these options in more depth. A great way to do this is to talk to people who are already working in these occupations. You may be able to find contacts through your network or you may need to reach out to professionals you find online. Even better than having a conversation is seeing the work in action. Ask the professionals you connect with if job shadowing for a day is a possibility.
5. Use the Career Services on Campus
If you still have doubts about your career choices, seek support. The career center on campus has a variety of services to help you, including career counselors who can provide you with personalized advice. You may also be able to take an aptitude test that considers your interests, skills, and values to recommend you potential careers.
Key to figuring out the right career path for you is learning about yourself. College is definitely a time of self-discovery, but it’s much easier to learn about your interests, your values, and what kind of lifestyle you want when you’re living independently, rather than on campus. An alternative to Durham College residence is Foundry Simcoe. You’ll have your own room and an en suite bathroom in a three-bedroom suite or five-bedroom townhouse. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of campus and near cafés, restaurants, shopping, and parks. Book a tour to pay us a visit.
