We received emails occasionally seeking for advice on the right kind of career to pursue. Needless to say, majority are fresh graduates. Recently, one of them was in this situation. She possessed a Degree in Science (major in Mathematics) but not interested in anything to do with figures. However, she is not sure what type of career to pursue now.

I’m sure she is not alone. Some of us are lucky enough to know exactly what we want early in life and hence choosing the right course of study was easy. But majority of us are not. And some may thought they knew until they got into their first job. Is it too late to switch then?

Emma completed her ACCA and started her first job in an audit firm but nine months into her job, she discovered that is not what she wanted to do on long term basis. She quit and switched to marketing. That was more than fifteen years ago. She is now a Senior Business Development Manager with an FMCG company. Asked whether or not she has any regrets, she said that was the best decision she’s made. How did she know auditing was not the right career for her but marketing was?

Choosing the right career is not the easiest thing to do. But if you are at a cross road right now, the following questions/tips may guide you to decide the right career path.

1. What are the things that I’m passionate or interested about?

The top reason why people are at their career cross road is mainly due to their lack of interest in what they are doing. The reverse is also true - asked anyone that has a fulfilling career, I bet most of the time the answer is, “I’m happy because I love what I’m doing.” Doing something that you love or interested about and at the same time, able to make a living out of it is the best deal.

2. What is the scope of the various careers?

How far can they go? What are the opportunities and limitations of each career? Does advancement required additional education? Can it take me to achieve my ultimate goal? Say, in the education field. For you to advance in your career, taking a higher or additional qualification may need to be taken into consideration – is that something you would look forward doing? Is being the Dean your ultimate goal?

3. What are the skills required?

Find out the skills required for those careers that interest you. Do you have them or do you need to pick up additional education or short courses to acquire the skills? Skills required may include educational qualifications, knowledge of technical skills, certifications, or diplomas. The skills required forms an essential factor of your potential in succeeding in your career.

4. Do you have the aptitudes required for the career?

A fulfilling career is often resulted from a match with what you are good at whether they are natural or nurtured strengths.

5. Conduct research

Read books, internet articles, researched papers, blogs and etc. Get information about the employment statistics, job descriptions, qualifications required and potential earnings.

6. Talk with and interview people in the relevant field

Get an inside scoop of the real deal. Ask the right questions - What are the things you love about your job? What are the things you hate about your job? What is the greatest challenge faced in your job? What is the greatest skill employed while executing your job? Their replies will give you an inkling of what are to be expected if you are in that career.

7. Check out the list of jobs in demand or hot jobs in the market

Is the career that you desire in the list? How would that affect your outlook? Are you willing to forgo a lesser income for your pursuit of this career?

Top 10 Hot Jobs And In Demand »

8. Check out the salary range

Interest aside, you need to know the income bracket of the various desired careers.

9. Attend career talks and conferences

If you are a final year student reading this, please seize the opportunity to attend these events organized in your campus. Find out all the information required. The more you are aware of what is in store for you in the working world, the more prepared are you in knowing whether or not you will like the career that you have been trained to do.

10. Observe and learn during internships

Again, this applies to final year students. Internships give you a realistic picture of the working society, the various requirements of the job and etc. Let me tell you my little story – I was trained to be a Company Secretary. It was during my internship with a public listed company that confirmed my intuition that this career wasn’t my cup of tea.

All the best in your search for the right career!

Related Readings:

Top 10 Hot Jobs For Fresh Graduates »

Graduates, Before You Begin »

10 Things To Check Before Chucking Your Job »