5 ways to find your career path

WAYS TO FIND YOUR CAREER PATH5

Choosing a career is sometimes challenging, especially if you are planning for college or an internship.

Since many employees change careers several times during their working years, often losing seniority as a result, it pays to find a meaningful career from the outset.

Here are 5 ways to find a relevant career path.

TALK ABOUT IT

Start by discussing professional interests with friends, family members, and school guidance counselors.

They may be able to offer helpful insight or advice.

High school and college job placement counselors frequently offer aptitude tests for an idea of the types of work that will be most fulfilling to you.

If you are already employed but still looking for that dream job, consult a business mentor or life coach for additional suggestions on how to find the right career for you.

From there you can check out the national and international experts in the media.

Even Oprah.com has career planning advice.

TAKE TESTS

Local guidance counselors, placement services, and employment agencies typically provide testing services to help job seekers find a position that suits their skill set.

Major organizations like Mapp Assessment at Assessment.com is one of many companies offering career planning surveys to new graduates …

… returning military personnel, and parents returning to work after raising children.

You can register online for their surveys.

And the results, along with career recommendations, will be emailed to you.

TRY IT OUT

Many educational programs offer internships or co-op opportunities for students specializing in certain occupations.

Some are paid positions while others are not.

This is a great way to become familiar with a specific career path to decide whether or not it is really what you want to do for a living.

Moreover, many interns are offered full-time employment when they graduate.

Similarly, volunteers get to know quite a bit about the companies where they donate their time and energies to assist.

If they do a good job, they may be offered paid employment and the employees already will know something about the work before deciding whether or not to accept.

NETWORK PROFESSIONALLY

It is always a good idea to join professional networks where you can get to know employers who may be looking to hire.

At online websites likeyou can showcase your experience and education, along with professional interests and contacts.

Job opportunities are posted in your career area and you can join sub-groups for more detailed information and exposure.

Locally, the chamber of commerce, Lions Club, and other civic groups provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about local commerce, which can help you narrow your focus to specific career interests.

CONNECT WITH TECHNOLOGY

Monster.com, a popular job search site, offers short videos for finding the right career.

YouTube offers a significant collection of career development videos.

Ted Talks hosts informative speakers that may offer insight into your career field.

You can host a personal website to attract employers as well as apply to most promising companies online.

Finding your career path does not have to be difficult. It just takes some research, planning and organization.

Take advantage of tools like those mentioned above to help identify your career direction.

Before you know it, you'll find the job you've always wanted.

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They can many top industry contacts and can help you land the position you want. See open positions at http://www.willis-consulting.com/financial-advisor-jobs/

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