Have you found yourself feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unfocused? Have you wondered how to build your career? You may be feeling stuck or frustrated because you aren’t sure how all of the hard work you are putting in is going to translate to your future career.
Sometimes just getting started in finding a meaningful career feels overwhelming because you do not have the necessary tools or knowledge. Here’s how to build your career!
How to Build Your Career, Step-by-Step
Following these steps will bring you the clarity you are seeking and empower you to pursue your future with confidence!
Seek Career Planning Assistance
It is too easy to pick a job or career with decent pay. It appears like a good job on paper but then ends up being a poor fit for you. Taking the extra step to pursue professional career planning help has the potential to save you years spent in a career you may not enjoy or reach your full potential.
All too often job seekers do not identify their strongest skill sets or what career values truly mean the most to them, simply because they are not provided with this knowledge. Have a set of criteria with which to measure different careers for long-term fulfillment is very helpful! For example, most people say the salary of a job is one of the most important factors when making their decision, but what most don’t realize is how important their work environment is to them.
What good is it to have a decent paycheck, but hate every second of your workday because you are in the wrong career field? I can help you identify your non-negotiable work values and determine a career path that will bring you long-term fulfillment!
Speak to People Within Career Fields of Interest
Seeking guidance from those currently working in your chosen career field would give you a significant advantage once you have narrowed down what job options you believe are suitable for you. Job shadowing and interviewing these employees will give more insight into the day-to-day activities of these career choices instead of only relying on what an employer might list in a job description or what a hiring manager might ask in an interview.
Many career coaches, myself included, will recommend job shadowing to experience first-hand what the position entails, which helps solidify realistic expectations for your chosen career field. Interacting closely with these individuals will help you confidently pursue this career choice or know to look elsewhere.
Try Volunteer Work!
Volunteer work is an effective avenue for not only seeing if a job field is right for you, but you will also build your resume, and provide assistance to good causes within your community! For example, those interested in pursuing a career in the medical field may decide to volunteer in a nursing home or hospital to gain applicable experience. Local charity centers or churches are great places to reach out to serve, and you may find your passion where you least expect it.
Further Your Education
When deciding what career to pursue next you need to consider what qualifications you must meet to be considered for the position. Some entry-level jobs, like in the finance field, require specific certifications or a college degree, and it is expected to obtain some form of higher education to apply for positions higher than entry-level.
It is also wise to research what requirements will need to be met for you to grow within that company to know if you can realistically advance or if you are about to enter another dead-end job. Sometimes employers will also invest in employees to obtain desired certifications or to further their education, so ensure that you inquire about professional development opportunities within that company.
Develop a Plan of Action
The key step in changing jobs or beginning a career is to develop a realistic plan to ensure this process goes smoothly. Avoid gaps of unemployment and do your best to obtain desired training before submitting job applications. Finally, in the current pandemic, more and more employers are using software to screen online applicants. So, be sure to prepare an ats-friendly resume that will allow your resume to make it past screening software and into the hands of the hiring manager. Get help with your resume to ensure you land the interview!
Once you understand your desires and what you want out of your future career, find opportunities to gain first-hand experience. Then, you will be able to confidently pursue your education, training, internships, and, ultimately, your dream job!
Download my FREE Resume Checklist
Make sure your resume includes these three key elements so you stand out against multitude of applicants.
Step-by-Step Coaching to Guide Your through How to Build Your Career
Hi there, I’m Loren! I’m a Career Coach for students and Young Professionals! I have spent the last 10 years of my career helping others progress theirs! I love what I do and I’m good at it. Read what clients have to say! If you’ve landed on this page, you’re feeling stuck. I get it, I’ve been there. The fastest way to get unstuck and in the job/career you want is to get help and accountability. Let me guide you through the process, help you write a bang-up resume and cover letter, and land your dream job!
