How to figure out the right career path when you're uncertain | Why follow your passion is bad advice
Recent graduates can find it tough to pick a career, especially if they're no longer interested in the major that they studied. People who are already working may face a similar challenge when their current job no longer fits their life goals, making them uncertain about what to do next.
People often advise that you should follow your passion, things you care about, and your natural strengths. However, this can be confusing to some people because it's abstract and doesn't provide clear guidance on how to practically match their interests and skills with a suitable career.
In this article, we’ll explore some practical ways to help you discover careers that best suit your abilities and aspirations.
A career aptitude test is an assessment designed to help individuals identify their strengths, interests, and skills in order to make more informed decisions about their career choices. These tests involve questions and tasks assessing abilities, preferences, and personality. Test results offer career recommendations, aiding individuals in choosing a suitable path based on their unique traits.
Here are some career aptitude test sites:
I completed the career aptitude test on Truity, and the results match my intrinsic areas of interest. Here's a glimpse of my outcome.
Personally, I lean towards using tools that provide prescriptive answers that serve as a guide over tools that ask open-ended questions and leave you to figure the rest of it out.
2. Connect the Dots: Transferable Skills
Transitioning to a new career doesn't mean starting from scratch. You likely possess transferable skills from your undergrad degree or your previous experiences that can be applied to your new career path. For instance, if you were a nurse trying to transition into product management, your ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, and work under pressure can be highly valuable in that role. Take time to assess your previous roles and responsibilities, and consider how these skills could be relevant in your desired career. Connecting the dots between your past experiences and your future aspirations is a crucial step in making a successful transition.
Assessing your transferable skills can also help you sell yourself during interviews as it enables you to present yourself with the advantage of your existing experience rather than starting from scratch. The story you tell is important.
3. Understand Web Development
Having a broad grasp of web development is crucial, regardless of whether you're entering the field of software development or not. Technology has left its mark on every aspect of work, so having a foundation in technology understanding can be beneficial, even for ALL roles. This knowledge can aid you in navigating the job landscape and excelling in the workplace.
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You can search for videos about "web development" or "web development trends 2023" on YouTube and watch them to enhance your understanding.
4. Attend a bootcamp | Take courses
Participating in a boot camp or enrolling in relevant courses can provide you with the structured learning and hands-on experience needed to kick-start your career transition. These programs often offer a supportive community of like-minded individuals and experienced instructors who can guide you through the learning process. Joining such programs not only provides you with essential skills but also connects you with a network of professionals in your chosen field.
5. Develop a Career Moat
In the competitive job market, having a moat is invaluable.
A "career moat" is a concept borrowed from the business world and is used to describe the competitive advantage or unique set of skills, experiences, or qualifications that an individual possesses, which make you valuable and less vulnerable to competition or job market changes. Just as a moat around a castle provides protection and makes it more difficult for outsiders to enter, a career moat shields an individual from career-related challenges and enhances their long-term job security.
A career moat can include specialized skills, certifications, a strong professional network, a unique set of qualifications, writing, or any other attributes that set you apart in your field. Having a career moat can make it more challenging for others to replace or compete with you in your chosen profession.
6. Build a network
Building a network is a key step in your career transition journey. Connect with professionals who are already established in your chosen field by attending industry events, conferences, or online forums. Reach out to individuals for informational interviews, where you can gain insights into the industry, learn about potential job openings, and even secure mentors who can guide you on your path.
Conclusion
Transitioning to a new career is a challenging but rewarding endeavor.
You can navigate the uncertainties that come with changing careers by:
These practical steps will help you make informed decisions and set yourself on the path to a successful and fulfilling career.