"What do you want to do?"
It's the dreaded question we hear too often throughout our lives. More often than not, this question is referring to our desired career path. Choosing a career can be a hard decision, whether you have many interests, not too many interests, or you're simply not sure what's a good fit for you.
There's never a simple answer to this question, and it's an answer that can change over time and at any age. And that's okay — normal, even! Whether you’re looking to start a second career, or just entering the workforce, here are some helpful steps that can help you choose the right career path for you:
1. Make some lists
No, not like a grocery store list. These lists may be a bit harder to compile, but the work you put into them will help you identify potential career paths best suited for you. Start by narrowing down the following:
- Things that interest you
- Your strengths
- Your values
- Things that don't interest you
There may be some overlap in these lists, and that's totally okay. By capturing these on paper, you'll be better able to visualize and make connections between your strengths, interests, and values, while also concluding what areas of focus may be less relevant when it comes to your career.
These lists don’t need to be compiled in one sitting, one day, or even all by yourself. Ask your friends, family, or teachers where they feel your strengths lie. Sometimes the people closest to you know you better than you do yourself!
2. Focus on your strengths
Now it's time to take a closer look at your lists and narrow down the items you're drawn to the most.
Ponder projects you enjoyed working on or assignments you consistently excelled at, and think about how those skills could be best applied in a career setting. What careers require those skills or interests?
Using your lists, start a new list of potential career paths that align with your skills and interests to get a better idea of what path may best suit you.
3. Do your research
Once you've identified potential career options, it’s time to start doing some digging! Here are some key items to focus on when you begin the research portion of your decision:
Requirements
What courses, credentials, or skill sets are required or seen as assets in this position? Obtaining the proper educational background and training will be the first step to entering your chosen field. Some schools, like Juno College, offer free advising appointments with their Student Success Teams so that you can learn more about what learning journey is best for you and your goals.
Job Market
Take a look at what your job prospects will be like. Is there projected hiring growth in the coming years, or is the industry demand dying out? Choosing an industry which is seeing steady growth will increase your chances of landing a job and staying employed in the field long-term.
Salary
Look up the salaries of different roles on sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or Indeed. Will the median salary in this field be able to support your lifestyle? Remember that entry-level salaries are often lower to start — be patient, work hard, and you'll more than likely be earning more as you grow in your new career!
4. Network with industry professionals
It's valuable to hear about what it's like to work in the industry directly from the source. Seeking out people working in the field will be your best resource in learning what to expect once you hit the job market — and it's as simple as putting out a call on LinkedIn or other social media, or messaging a colleague.
Many schools provide assistance from industry experts who are on the ground and immersed in the field. For example, Juno offers specialized career support that includes networking with hiring partners, mentorship from alumni working in the field, and courses taught by professionals who have the latest industry insights.
5. Try out some courses
From free workshops to part-time classes, sampling courses is a great way to make sure you're all aligned with your possible new career direction. At Juno, we host free coding workshops and events every month so that students can dip their toes into coding and get to know our community.
Curious about a career in tech?
Our Web Development Bootcamp is designed for career changers looking to break into the booming tech industry. Download our Bootcamp package below to see what you'll learn and build: