5 Essential Steps for Choosing a Career

Choosing a career path—or pursuing a new one—is complex. As you start the process, create a simple spreadsheet to track and organize all the information you gather. Use columns for a side-by-side comparison of different career options as you work your way through these five steps:

1. Do some soul searching. Start with what you already know about yourself. What are the things that are most important to you? When you were a child, what did you daydream about doing? Are there certain careers that you’re particularly drawn to? You might be surprised by what comes to mind most quickly. These answers are a good starting point as you start to explore possible career paths.

2. Ask for input from the people who know you best. Friends and family members who have known you for decades will be able to offer perspective on what traits seem to be a natural, ingrained part of who you are. Maybe you’ve been drawing since you were a child, and your childhood bestie would attest to what a gifted artist you are. That could contribute to your decision to become a graphic designer. Or maybe your dad will remind you of the time you disassembled his stereo just so you could see how it works. A career in engineering, perhaps?

3. Research typical salaries in your area. The career itself needs to be a good fit for your natural gifts and skills, but let’s be honest: salary matters. Do a little digging online so you can assess which careers offer a salary that would meet your financial needs and goals. A job that sounds fun but leaves you unable to cover your monthly bills, pay down debt, or save for emergencies might not be a viable option after all.

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4. Talk to people who already work in that field. No job is exactly as it seems on the surface. There may be a part of the job you’re drawn to, but there are other aspects that might be less obvious—and less desirable. Maybe you’re considering a career in nursing because you’re passionate about health and you love helping people. Talk to someone who works as a nurse to get the full picture. The job may also entail long shifts on your feet, working with difficult patients, or a frequently-shifting work schedule. If you know in advance what you’re truly signing up for, you’re better equipped to make an informed decision about whether that’s the job for you.

5. Consider what it would take to make the leap. Do you already have the training and education you need to pursue a particular career, or would you have to go back to school first? Are there any other gaps in your skill set that you’d need to address? Would you need to relocate? Assess whether your current location, schedule, and budget would allow you to take the next steps and make a list of what you would need to move forward.

Once you’ve gathered all of the information about the career paths you’re considering, look at your spreadsheet again. Notice which career allows you to express your natural gifts and talents, aligns with what’s most important to you, excites you in the day-to-day responsibilities, and meets your financial needs. Then take the next steps toward pursuing your new career path, confident that you’re embarking on a journey you’ll love.