Choosing to start or change a career, a job, or a business is strongly associated with identity. Still, you do not always want to let your current responsibilities determine who you are and who you want to be.  For example, you may be working an hourly job while aiming to do something else; let's set you in the right direction. 

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Start with yourself

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• What are your values? (Your values shape what matters most to you in life and work!)

• How would you describe your strengths, skills, and personality?

• Identify your strengths using career development tools such as 16 Personalities and StrengthsFinder

• What was your favorite subject in school — and why?

• What do friends and family often ask you for help with?

• What are your financial needs?

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Think about the future

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• Imagine the kind of work environment where you’d feel comfortable and motivated.

• Job descriptions list the tasks, skills, and conditions of a role — for example, some jobs require sitting for long hours, others involve standing or moving around.

• Explore different industries using your state’s job board for insights!

• Are you able and willing to go back to school? for how long?

• Your academic program should help you prepare for the career — choosing one that doesn’t align with your goals or lifestyle can lead to unnecessary stress and expenses.

• Check out My Next Move to explore careers that fit your personality and interests.

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Explore career options 

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• How much education, training, or experience will you need for your chosen career? Will you need certifications, licenses, practicums, or internships before you can start working?

• Look up career outlooks at resources like: Career Clusters, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), O* NET 

• Do you know someone whose job you admire or could see yourself doing? Talk to them about their journey!

• Browse job postings on sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and CareerBuilder. Take note of the qualifications, skills, and education employers expect — it can help you determine the skills you possess and the ones you need to develop.

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Ultimately, the question you should ask yourself is

 

 

Is this who I want to be?

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