“The Department of Labor defines 840 occupations in its Standard Occupation Classification system1—and new occupations are being created at an ever-faster rate. Just ten years ago, would anyone have imagined the job of a social media marketing specialist? How about the concept of a competitive chef? As new careers develop and old careers morph into almost unrecognizable versions of their original, it’s OK if you aren’t able to pinpoint exactly what occupation or career will be your lifetime passion. However, it is important to define as best you can what field you will want to develop your career in, because that will help dictate your major and your course selections.”
The process of career exploration can be a lot of fun, as it allows you to discover a world of possibilities. Even those students who have a pretty clear idea of what they want to do should go through this process because they will discover new options as backups and occasionally a new direction even more attractive than their original choice. The career exploration process involves four phases addressing four important questions:
- Phase 1: Who Am I?
- Phase 2: What’s Out There?
- Phase 3: What Factors Might Affect My Choice?
- Phase 4: Where Do I Go From Here?
Phase 1: Who Am I?
This phase involves getting to know who you are. Understanding who you really are—is the first step of career exploration. You will have the opportunity to engage in many different career assessments in Unit 2 to allow you to learn more about your values, character strengths, personality preferences, interests, skills, and abilities. Each assessment will help you gain a better understanding of who you are and where you may fit best in the world of work.
Phase 2: What’s Out There?
Unit 3 addresses phase 2 which involves doing career research. Once you have taken time to research yourself and gain a stronger understanding of who you are, you can begin to explore what types of careers might be best suited to you. This phase involves online research, talking to professionals in the field and gaining hands on exposure through volunteer work, internship experience, and networking. This phase also includes researching industry expectations and understanding minimum qualifications for employment. The more information you gather and the more you learn about the world of work will help you make well-informed decisions about your future career.
Phase 3: What Factors Might Affect My Choice?
In phase 3, you will take time to explore factors that may affect your choice and start making some decisions. It is important to use your creative thinking skills to come up with alternative “right” answers to factors that may present an obstacle to pursuing the right career.
- Timing. How much time must I invest before I actually start making money in this career? Will I need to spend additional time in school? Is there a certification process that requires a specific amount of experience? If so, can I afford to wait?
- Finances. Will this career provide me with the kind of income I need in the short term and the security I’ll want in the longer term? What investment will I need to make to be successful in this field (education, tools, franchise fees, etc.)?
- Location. Does this career require me to relocate? Is the ideal location for this career somewhere I would like to live? Is it somewhere my family would like to live.
- Family/personal. How will this career affect my personal and family life? Do friends and family members who know me well feel strongly (for or against) about this career choice? How important is their input?
Taking time to research, these factors will help you with the decision making process and allow you to plan and prepare for your future. The decision making process will be discussed in detail in unit 4 along with internal and external factors that influence decision-making.
Phase 4: Where Do I Go From Here?
It may seem odd to be thinking about life after school if you are just getting started. But you will soon be making decisions about your future, and regardless of the direction you may choose, there is a lot you can do while still in college. You will need to focus your studies by choosing a major. You should find opportunities to explore the careers that interest you. You can ensure that you are building the right kind of experience on which to base a successful career. These steps will make your dreams come to life and make them achievable.
Keep in mind that deciding on and pursuing a career is an ongoing process. The more you learn about yourself and the career options that best suit you, the more you will need to fine-tune your career plan. Do not be afraid to consider new ideas. Keep an open mind, apply careful consideration as you narrow down your choices, and solidify your career plan. Career planning is exciting: learning about yourself and about career opportunities, and considering the factors that can affect your decision, should be a core part of your thoughts while in college.
