5 Tips for Choosing a Career Path

There is a significant difference between finding a job and choosing a lifelong career path.

A job is typically defined as a position of regular employment that provides a steady source of income. A career, on the other hand, is more of a calling — a commitment to progression and high achievement. Therefore, while it may be easy to accept the first job that comes your way, creating a lifelong career path takes time and careful consideration.

Here are several tips to help you find a rewarding career path:

1. Choose a Career You Are Passionate About

The most important thing to understand when laying out your career path are your goals. Where do you see yourself in five years? What about 10? It’s also vital that you work to incorporate your passion into your job. A lifelong career is not just employment; it is also the place where your passions, skills and personal values intersect. It is crucial that the roles you choose allow you to maximize your potential and further your interests.

2. Be Prepared for Your Career Path to Change

It is also critical to embrace change in your career path. Your work experience is rarely linear, and throughout your career, you may gain skills and have experiences that point you toward another path. So, even if you have settled on a career, don't be afraid to take advantage of all the career opportunities that come your way. Most career paths are not straight lines and can include a few diversions or crossroads that help you learn and grow.

3. Pick Priorities on Your Career Path

If you are learning how to find the right career, you may be considering a lot of interests and passions that you want to bring to work. Trying to align these into one singular career can be challenging, so it’s important to make intentional choices. Decide what you value most, where you visualize your career going and how you can reasonably incorporate your interests into a career plan. There are many factors that go into the day-to-day working process, so it’s important to prioritize what’s most important to you and build from there.

4. Apply Your Skills in Fast-Growing Job Markets

Fast-growing job markets have great potential for career development. Look at the skills you have to offer and research career opportunities in a rapidly growing market that align with your values and abilities. If you apply your skills in a thriving job market, you greatly increase your chances of building a career path with incremental and rewarding progressions.

5. Utilizing a Mentor for Career Advice

Once you decide your career path, identify a mentor whose career you want to emulate. A mentor can help you prioritize certain elements of your career path and break down barriers that might be in your way. They can also help you develop skills and competencies that will move you further toward the future you envision for yourself.

Balancing Authenticity with Practicality

When you’re pursuing a lifelong career, you need to prioritize both authenticity and practicality. Authenticity is important because you will not be able to sustain a lifelong career if it isn’t deeply rooted in your passions and skills. Practicality is also essential because it allows you to select what you absolutely want out of your career and extend your energies and talents toward pursuing that.

It's also essential that you hone your skills and keep improving your craft, even as your career continues to advance. Being a lifelong learner is essential to your career development, as it will allow you to stay aligned with current market trends.

Contact us for help identifying your next career opportunity.

*This article was originally developed by Aston Carter EMEA and adapted for Aston Carter North America.