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All too often young professionals believe that their future career opportunities are based solely on their education. In most cases, this isn’t true. Sure, there are certain education paths that are highly specific to a career but many people end up in careers that have little or nothing to do with their majors.
Think back to your sophomore year of college. You probably needed to declare a major in order to graduate on time. Fast forward a few years and now you’re in a job that “matches” that major and you realize it doesn’t quite line up with what you want to do. Don’t panic, this is completely natural. As you grow and mature, your interests and motivations often change. As you’re trying to figure out what career is right for you, these steps can help start you off on the right foot.
Know yourself
Job fit is a pivotal reason people excel in their careers. If you haven’t already, take a personality test. My favorite is the Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment. This will help you find out what type of work environment and role will suit you best. Do you thrive on being exposed and interacting with others or do you prefer backroom analysis? Do you like having a predictable schedule or variety? Do you like traveling or do you never want to leave the office? Instead of choosing a career that fits your major, choose one that suits your needs on a more personal level.
Ask someone in the field
Rather than looking at titles and dissecting job descriptions, interview someone already in the field. Unfortunately, many times the job description does not match the reality. Finding someone who can give you the good, the bad and the ugly will give you much more insight to the job and company as a whole. Ideally, find someone you know AND knows you. Having someone who knows your skills and personality can help determine if there is a fit.
Finding the sweet spot
What do you enjoy doing, what are you good at, what does the organization need done, and do you have the necessary skills? Don’t focus only on your passion and what you enjoy doing. Find something you’re passionate about but also aligns with your skillset. Understanding your passion, personality, and preferences and how they align with the organization will help you build a fulfilling career.
These are just a few things you can do to start finding the career that fits you. As you start and continue your career, some of your interests may change. Don’t be discouraged to branch out and try something new. Your education can be applied to opportunities in many different fields other than your major. It may take a little longer to get where you want, but the hard work will be worth it in the long run.
