As a child, most of us are asked about what we want to become in the future and why. Then, you must’ve had it all figured out. But as you started growing up, you realized that your childhood ambitions were too far-fetched. Your present line of the study didn’t match your childhood dreams. Like as a child, you might’ve dreamt of being a ballerina, but in higher secondary school, you chose science and aimed to be a pilot!. People’s career paths can be long, with many detours and indecisions. So if you’re not sure which career path you should choose as a mature man, this article is for you! Keep reading to find out which career path to choose.
Self-reflection
Sit with a pen and paper and map your journey so far. It should incorporate points such as why you chose a line of study, the potential career options in that field, possible alternatives, etc. When answering these questions, it is important to stay completely honest. List down your strengths and weaknesses and how they can be translated into career options. If you’re proficient in English and have a knack for fault finding, you can be an editor in the publishing industry. You can also take the help of a professional career counselor if you’re too clueless. The choice is yours ultimately.
- Observance of interests
You may have some hobbies or interests that can lead to some career paths. For example, if you are interested in reading newspapers and staying well-informed about the world, you can make for a good news reporter or journalist. If you’ve always volunteered to design your school or college souvenirs, you might consider the role of a designer. Study your interests well and do some adequate research to understand their professional applicability.
- Internships
Training or internships play a vital role in helping you to understand the kind of work your choice of field demands. It provides an opportunity to build the skills that may be required as a professional. If the work meets your expectations, you can give it your best shot and learn the most from your trainers. If the seniors and top officials are impressed with your work, they might give you a permanent employment opportunity. Later, you can strive for more advanced roles.
On the other hand, if you realize that this kind of work doesn’t suit you fine on joining the internship, you can quit with a proper excuse and apology. You can look for different job opportunities and work profiles in the same field. For example, if you’re a sportsperson, you can train to be a good coach because not every good player makes for a good coach and vice versa.
- Certifications
Your certifications and letters of acknowledgment can indicate your expertise in something; as a 17-year-old, you might have wanted to live your childhood dream of flying airplanes and joined Hillsboro Aero Academy. You can use that certification to pursue a flying career in commercial aviation or apply for the U.S. air force. Certifications can open up many new avenues for professionals.
- Core value assessment
Although a person’s values may change over time, the core values mostly remain unaltered. Like if you believe in gender equity and equality, you might not want to go to a brand or company that appears patriarchal or racial in its hiring procedures. So it’s a good idea to make a list of things you’d allow and those that you won’t. You can check company descriptions and websites to make a call.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you figure the right career path for yourself!
