What Should I Do If I Don't Know What Career I Want?

Feeling unsure about your career path is a common experience, especially if you're finishing school, just starting in the workforce, or transitioning between jobs.

It's okay to be uncertain, but it's essential to approach your decision thoughtfully. Here’s a guide to help you explore your options and find a career that aligns with your strengths, interests, and goals.

Key Factors to Consider

Before diving into career choices, reflect on these aspects of your life:

• Your skills and strengths: What subjects did you excel in at school? Do you have technical skills from hobbies or past experiences that could be useful in a job?
• Qualifications: What level of education or training do you have? Are there roles that match your qualifications, or do you need to seek further education?
• Personal qualities: Are you a great communicator or particularly organised? Consider what natural talents you have that might align with different jobs.
• Passions and hobbies: Can your interests be turned into a career? For example, if you love photography or writing, there may be ways to work in related fields.
• Life priorities: What kind of work-life balance do you want? Is salary or job flexibility more important to you? Think about how your career might impact your overall lifestyle.

Tips for Choosing the Right Career Path

Choosing the right career is a big decision, and it’s okay to take time figuring it out. Here are ten tips to help you navigate this journey:

1. Take Career Assessments

Career tests can offer valuable insights into your personality, strengths, and interests. They suggest careers you may not have considered and give you a place to start researching. These assessments often help identify fields that suit your natural aptitudes and preferences.

2. Self-Reflection

Take time to think about what truly motivates you. Ask yourself:

• What excites you or brings you satisfaction in your personal life?
• What career could you see yourself enjoying long-term?

Understanding what drives you is key to finding a job where you can thrive and stay engaged.

3. Explore Unfamiliar Careers

There are countless career paths beyond the traditional ones we often think of, such as doctor, lawyer, or teacher. Look into industries you haven’t considered, and explore niche roles that match your skills and qualifications.

4. Gain Experience Through Volunteering

Volunteering for internships or short-term work experience gives you a real taste of different careers. It allows you to explore fields you may not have considered and builds your resume at the same time. Plus, internships can sometimes lead to job offers down the line.

5. Turn Hobbies into Careers

Many people find fulfilling careers by turning their hobbies into work. For example, if you’re passionate about fitness, consider training to become a personal trainer or physical therapist. Your hobbies can often point you toward a career that feels less like “work” and more like doing something you love.

6. Seek Advice from Others

Talk to people in your life who have built successful careers, whether they’re family members, teachers, or friends. Even if they’re not in your field of interest, their career journeys may give you valuable insights into making informed choices. You might even discover job opportunities or connections through these conversations.

7. Network Professionally

Building a network of professionals across different industries can provide you with a wide range of perspectives and career ideas. Attend networking events, join professional groups, or reach out to people on platforms like LinkedIn to learn about different jobs and career paths.

8. Consider Further Education or Training

If the careers you're drawn to require skills or qualifications you don’t have, consider going back to school or taking professional courses. Short courses or evening classes can help you gain the necessary qualifications without upending your current lifestyle.

9. Set Ambitious Goals

Think big when considering your career options. Setting long-term goals, like reaching a leadership role or starting your own business, can motivate you to push yourself further. Ambition can be a great driver for success, and having a vision helps steer your career choices.

10. Apply for Various Roles

If you’re not entirely sure what you want to do, applying for a range of jobs gives you a chance to test the waters. You don’t have to stick with the first job you land—many people switch careers several times before settling into the right one. Trying different roles is a learning experience that can help you better understand what you want.