BUILDING A C AREER
BUILDING a CAREER
SOME PEOPLE KNOW FROM AN EARLY AGE exactly what they want to do when they grow up. For others, it takes time to figure out what kind of career matches their interests and skills. Either approach can lead to a great job or career. Whether you know what you want to do or not, it is important to know how to go about building a career. Here are some important steps to consider:
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OR PASSIONS? Work is more fun when it is something you like doing, so it is good to pursue jobs in areas that match your interests. That doesn’t necessarily mean if you like sports or music you have to pursue jobs in those industries although you can certainly try those areas. Try thinking about where your interests might work well. If you like working with your hands, manufacturing or construction might be a good fit. If you’ve always liked science, maybe there is a career in health care for you. 32
STUFF SE
| 2020
WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE? Many students may have big dreams like becoming a professional athlete or musician, publishing a great novel or becoming a social media influencer. There’s nothing wrong with having or pursuing these dreams, but it is also important to think about the number of opportunities in those fields in comparison to other industries. Be realistic about the work it will take to achieve those dreams and consider if something else may be just as fulfilling. You should also think about the job prospects for your chosen industry in the area you want to live and whether you’re willing to move to pursue your career.
HOW CAN YOU DEVELOP SKILLS AND GAIN EXPERIENCE? Depending on the industry you want to go into, there’s a good chance you will need some kind of education beyond high school. In some cases, this means going to a four-year college or university and jobs like being a lawyer or doctor require even more schooling. That said, there are many careers when you can get started with a twoyear degree, a technical diploma or a certificate. There are also opportunities for apprenticeships and internships where students get on-the-job training in their chosen field.
HOW CAN YOU BUILD YOUR NETWORK? No matter your industry, the relationships you form with people you work with can help you grow and take advantage of opportunities. It is often said that it is not what you know but who you know that can help you land a job. This can be frustrating for someone just trying to break into an industry and it takes time to develop a network of people who can help you out. One place to start is with your instructors or professors when you’re in school. Ask them if they know of businesses looking for interns or entry-level employees. Your family and friends might also be able to help. When you do get your foot in the door, do your best to build relationships with people and don’t burn bridges unnecessarily. You never know who might be able to put in a good word for you or make an introduction. It’s also a good idea to ask someone if it is OK to use them as a recommendation for a job. Keep in mind that your career relationships shouldn’t just be a one-way street where you look for people to help you. If you’re always asking for help and never offering it, people will stop making time for your requests. A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA