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In today's workforce, there are so many different career options it can become overwhelming. How do you know which field is the right one for you? If you are uncertain which path to go down, you aren't alone. Many struggle with that age old question: what do I want to do when I grow up?
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The uncertainty begins early on. For many new students, college is the next logical step after high school. When students begin their academic pursuits, some of them expect to change their major at some point, and the majority of them actually do. In fact, many college graduates wind up on a career path quite different from their initial expectations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average number of jobs started by individuals between ages 18-38 is 10 jobs! There are many valuable resources that can help you to avoid the trial and error of job-hopping and to select the right career field for you.
Evaluate your Skills and Interests
Assessment testing is one resource readily available. Career assessment testing is a great first step in academic concentration and career path selection. This process can aid you in identifying your strengths and weaknesses—as well as clarifying your values, and what motivates you. For example, if earning a high salary or that feeling of accomplishment in knowing what you do makes a difference. Career assessment testing enables you to consider your interests, abilities, and values and how they relate to academic concentrations and careers.
 Click here for more tips on "Assessment Measures—Finding Your Niche"
Follow the Growth
If you would like your career path to follow job market trends, it is a good idea to look into openings in your area and research industry growth. Some people feel they could be happy doing anything if they were being compensated at a certain level. It is a great idea to read up on industry trends, however, you may also want to do some searches in your local area to make sure those positions will be available to you. It will be a good way to look into some of the salary ranges and experience levels as well.
Click here to learn more about "Labor Statistics—What Careers Are Hot?"
Ask the Right People the Right Questions
Informational interviews are also great tools to use while trying to decide which field you are interested in, as well as a great networking technique! Consider going straight to the source, people actually employed in the career field you are interested. Speaking with someone in the specific career field can help give you an authentic representation of the industry. You can also gain tips on how to break into the field, what to expect, and what it takes to have a successful long term career. You may find the realities of that industry are not at all what you are looking for or even discover opportunities you never knew existed!
Click here for more tips on "Informational Interviewing"
If would like more information, please contact our Career Services Department at 877-701-3800 ext 15060 or careerservices@aiuonline.edu. For information on AIU Online degree programs, call 877-701-3800 or visit http://www.aiuonline.edu.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79).
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