Where to begin?

What’s one of the all-time biggest misconceptions in life? Everyone has it all figured out.

The truth is, most people have more questions than answers for just about everything—and that includes career paths.

Mission: Career Discovery

We all have to start somewhere. How did you learn to walk? You took a first step. How did you learn to drive? You started in a (hopefully large and empty) parking lot.

The same goes for deciding on a career. Start simple! First, explore tools like the Holland Code Career Test. Through a series of questions, you’ll gain insights into your interests and recommended associated careers. Once you get your results, you can use your recommended careers to guide your exploration of various degree programs.

Reflection required ahead

Now that you have some insights about potential career options, take some time to ask yourself some things and reflect on the answers. How do they align with your interests?

What do you love?

Think about the classes you’ve taken, extracurricular activities, hobbies, volunteer gigs, and jobs you’ve had. Then, think about all the media you consume. Identify your interests and passions. Try to think narrowly—you may not love every aspect of every interest or job you’ve had, so note the specific aspects that fulfilled you. Understanding what you like can help you think about degree programs that can get you there.

What do you dislike?

On the other hand, knowing your dislikes is also important. Which activities leave you feeling drained, bored, or unengaged? You might consider whether these tasks involve people, things, or events. Eliminating or reducing the likelihood of encountering these tasks can help you narrow down possible careers or degrees.

What are you passionate about?

List out the missions you’re passionate about. Can you envision them being associated with your future career? For example, you might want to work with an organization devoted to serving underprivileged communities. Or perhaps you prefer working with STEM professionals in advancing medical care. Choosing an organization whose mission aligns with your values can make your career more fulfilling.

How do you envision your work-style and lifestyle?

When thinking about degrees or careers, an important aspect to consider is quality of life. The ever-important work/life balance. For example, do you enjoy devoting most of your time and energy to work? Or do you need a more flexible job that allows you to balance work and life in a more favorable way?

It may take some work, but with enough effort you’ll be able to identify a viable career path that will satisfy your professional—and personal—aspirations.