When you are in college or completing your studies, one of the biggest questions that comes to mind is – “What next?” And the most common answer is – “I have to choose the right career.” But choosing the right career is not an easy task. It requires you to balance your interests, abilities, earning needs, and the demand for that career in the market.
In this article, we will find out the answer – how you can choose a career for yourself that not only gives you satisfaction, but also makes you financially strong and leads to a successful and happy life in the future.
What is the right career?
Every person is different – his interests, abilities, dreams and needs. So there is no set definition of the “right career”. The right career for you will be the one that gives you satisfaction, rewards your hard work, and reflects both your abilities and passions.
For example, if someone likes helping people, then fields like social work or counseling will be better for him. On the other hand, if someone is interested in technology, then he can go into engineering or data science.
1. Understand yourself – look inside yourself
- Skills means your strength
First of all, identify your skills. What are you good at? Do you talk well with people? Are you an expert in presentation? Do you enjoy computers or technology? These are all your ‘hands-on’ and ‘soft’ skills.
Example: If you like working on Excel or Canva, then you can choose a career related to data analyst or design. - Interests means what you like to do
What do you like to do in your free time? Reading, painting, coding, teaching children or writing stories? Your interests indicate what kind of work will not bore you for a long time.
Example: If you like writing stories, then content writing, editing or journalism may be the right choice for you. - Passion is something you feel connected to
Some things are very close to our heart. Maybe you want to work for an initiative related to the environment, or want to do something for the education of underprivileged children. Find a career that can pursue these passions of yours.
2. Is there money in the career?
It has to be accepted that along with passion and interest, money is also important. Because career is not only to keep yourself happy, but also to fulfill responsibilities and become self-reliant.
But it is important to maintain a balance here. Do not run after money only. Choose a career that is close to your interest and also gives a good financial future.
Example: If you like computer coding, then software engineering is a field that has a good salary and also keeps your interest engaged.
3. Which career is in demand?
At all times, some career options are in high demand in the market. For example, nowadays sectors like AI, data science, digital marketing, cyber security, healthcare, green energy, and ed-tech are growing very fast.
You have to see which sector matches your interest and skills and how many job opportunities are there.
Example: If you like running social media, then you can take up the role of digital marketing or social media manager, which is in great demand nowadays.
4. Start networking from college time itself
Networking is nothing but tying with people and learning from them. You can learn a lot from talking to your professors in college, your seniors, or even your alumni. Start building your network into a more professional one on sites such as LinkedIn.
Examples: Attending events or seminars, meeting new contacts as they share about their businesses, figuring out whether that kind of career might be or not for you.
5. Get experience – do an internship or volunteer work
Studying theory and working in the real world – these are two different things. So whenever you get a chance, do an internship, take up freelance projects, do volunteer work. This will give you an idea of what a job really is like.
Example: If you are interested in teaching, you can volunteer with an NGO where you get a chance to teach children.
6. Consult a career counselor
If you are very confused, seek the help of a career counselor. They can show you the right direction based on your personality, interests and skills. There are also some counseling tools and psychometric tests that help you understand better.
7. Make a career plan
When you understand your skills, interests and market demand, make a plan. What courses do you have to do to go into that career? How much will it cost? Where should I do an internship? Plan all these things beforehand.
Conclusion – Choosing a career is a journey, not a race
Choosing the right profession is not a day-to-day decision but a continuous effort in which one learns about oneself over time. Occasionally, a wrong turn may lead to the greatest lesson learned. So, stay calm, take every step carefully, and get help where necessary.
Its achievement will not only be successful in it but will also give tremendous happiness and self-satisfaction if passion, skills, and opportunity are balanced.
