What career to choose and how.

I often reflect on when I was younger and when I tried to decide which career I should choose. One thing which should always be kept in mind is we are most generally a product of our locations and environments and can find limitations as a result of those. If I could give advice to a young person who is trying to decide what they want to do with their life I would tell them: Pick a career which meets a lot of your core values, and pick a career which makes you genuinely happy to do! I have held a number of titles over the years, but there is one thing I have found to always hold true. No amount of money will make you fully happy unless at the core level you are meeting your own individual standards of happiness. Money can make people meet many of their needs but so can leading others, so can having fun at work, some people may enjoy cooking, some people find personal fulfillment from managing a companies finances or making major business decisions which might impact a workforce. Try to find a job which encompasses a number of those things you enjoy. I personally enjoy helping people, having fun at my job and being a high quality leader, I enjoy being able to analyze information and to help make critical decisions for my company. Therefore, the positions I have held and been the happiest, honored all of those core values. 

Find what your strengths are and exploit them the more you honor your core values the more likely you are to have those talents recognized. Sometimes it can be difficult to truly figure out what makes you happy and makes you tick. It seems cliché at times, but many companies use Myers Briggs personality assessments to help their employees better identify their talents. These assessments can be beneficial, but remember often when starting out in a career you may not be the one handling all of the staff, going over all of the financials, or in the front line helping the people etc. These positions tend to be held by seasoned veteran employees with years of experience. However, educate yourself and seek out your managers for knowledge and training. The more willingness you show to learn and grow the more you show your boss you are ready to take the next step in your career. It is your managers job as a leader to develop and help grow your career. The more growth and success you have the further along the company will be in the long run, so do not be afraid to ask! 

Education: I have always been a huge proponent of education. However, choose your education and expenses associated with it wisely. Be sure not to over commit your financials unless you know with certainty a number of factors are in your favor. Before you choose a degree you must understand you might have to be willing to relocate to be able to do your profession of choice. For instance before you get a specialized degree in Aviation make sure there are locations near you which will facilitate this career. If you major in Biology with plans to be a wildlife biologist make sure there are locations near you which will facilitate this or be willing to relocate to an area which needs a biologist. Use your current companies educational opportunities to your advantage! These will show your employer your willingness to learn and help to advance your career! Sometimes the small personal development things you do will go a long way! Lastly, consider a trade school! Some of the fastest growing careers currently in the United States are trade related!

Know you Boundaries and Limitations: Be patient! You will likely not be the CFO right away! Sometimes in your career you may find despite yourself having more than adequate levels of education, extensive experience and having done everything you can in your job to develop your career that you may still be limited in career growth or by the size of your organization. Be open with your employer about your goals and aspirations. Ask for the opportunity to grow in your career. Be upfront and if your goals are to be the CFO make sure you have done everything possible to reach your goals. You can ask for the opportunity to handle special projects or might engage in special trainings to help you reach your goals, but remember do not let the limitations of your work environment limit your personal goals long-term.  If after sometime you find you still have not reached your goals for your own personal development or aspirations then you may need to make the difficult decision to move on!

In conclusion, being successful in your career and reaching personal growth requires balance. To be the best at what you do you have to master certain skills and often hold certain certificates, but certificates are only a small portion of success! Finding the right job can be a challenge and ultimately you will find yourself a product of your own community/location, your companies growth and even your own limitations; however, regardless of your limitations try not to define success after monetary items or needs. You will find you are best at your career when you exhibit a number of talents as opposed to skills. You can spend time developing these talents as you prepare for your next career move. Being respectful to others, helping people, leading, being punctual, open, offering development and growth to your staff, setting the standard and maintaining it, and going above and beyond to provide operational excellence, guest service and business growth. If you enjoy writing, honor this value by showing an ability to provide detailed reports or special analysis while also being a great communicator. These talents come from your core values. They are what makes you be the best version of yourself. Honor Those Traits.  These traits are not skillsets which are taught in a classroom environment or just simply during on the job training, but they are ultimately far more necessary in your growth and happiness whether you are exercising them in your first job or at the end of your career! Find the job which allows you to meet your core values. 

Best Regards,

Bradley Presley