Career Compass: Navigating All About Careers
Once the myths are cleared, we understand that it is essential we start thinking seriously about careers. The numerous career options available today make the process more challenging. But before we understand how to plan, let’s understand why to plan a career.
As mentioned earlier, a career is a lifetime journey, so it only makes sense to ensure that we not only enjoy this journey but also bring out the best in us and for us; whether it is intellectual stimulation, money, or fame.
Hence, making a plan and deciding on a career is very important. Though it may not turn out exactly as you had imagined, a plan always helps to keep us on track, know the loopholes, and prepare a backup.
The backup plan has its own share of criticisms – the main being – ‘one will lose the focus and motivation to achieve the dream’. Merely obtaining good marks does not guarantee a seat in a desired course or college. But given today’s increasingly competitive times, lack of seats, more applicants, and well-prepared students; it becomes imperative that a second-best option is kept ready.
Nevertheless, having a plan has never harmed anyone; and especially in today’s uncertain times, it makes sense to have one. So, moving on certain aspects to be kept in mind while making a career plan:
- Try to find what you are good at
- Find what suits your personality and temperament
- Figure out what you like to do
- Understand the educational path
- Find out the time required to study the course and settle in the career
- Be aware of the expenses involved
- Know what skills you should have [other than educational qualification] or have that can be used in various fields
- Explore the job opportunities
- Know the demands, challenges, pros and cons of the career
- Find out what are your values, and what you want to achieve through your career [fame, money, stability, adventure]
- Speak to professionals [qualified counselors or someone from the field] to gain insights about the field
It is always recommended to make an informed decision rather than based on impression. Be vocal about your career choice, discuss, and find as much as possible. If you made the choices, review them keeping in mind the above points. Even if you have not thought of what you want to do, you still have time, start now…
There are many who do many things in one lifetime, but we need to know our limits and how far we can go. So be objective in this whole process. But, once you have made a decision, be focused and motivated to achieve your dream.
Remember, careers do not happen overnight. It requires proper planning, persistent efforts, and a continuous learning attitude.
