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What career path is best for you? This is a decision that only you can make. Career decisions are very personal; they are based on what you like and what is important to you. To make a career decision you will need information about yourself and about the world-of-work. Deciding what you want to do for a living can be a difficult task, but if you follow these steps it can become a lot easier.

Step 1: Identify your interests

Since you will spend more hours at work and in work-related tasks, such as getting ready for work, than you will spend engaged in any other activity, you will want your career to be something that you enjoy.

To determine your interests, think about what you like to do during your free time. What do you like to read about? What do you like to watch on television? What are your favorite courses in school?

While there are many tests available on the Internet that claim to help you narrow down your interests, it is best to use reputable, well-researched tests. Two recommended interest inventories are the Self-Directed search (http://www.self-directed-sear ch.com/) and The Career Key (http://www.careerkey.org/).

St ep 2: Determine your career values

Career values are qualities of work that are important to you. To determine your values, you must decide what aspects of work are most important to you. Examples of work values include earning potential, prestige, helping others, flexibility, and excitement.

You must also ask yourself questions such as how long you are willing to train for your career. Are you willing to go to school for ten years? Four years? Two years? Six months? The amount of time you are willing to devote to training will narrow down career options available to you.

Some careers may not be available in your area. If this is the case, you have to ask yourself if you are willing to move for a career. If you are not willing to move, you will need to select only careers that can be found where you live.

Step 3: Discover your options

Once you have decided what you like to do and what is important to you, you must gather information about the career options that fit with your interests and values. There are websites designed to help you do learn more about different professions.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/) provides detailed information about many careers. The information includes requirements to enter each field, the amount of money the career field pays, the work tasks involved, and the likelihood of job openings in the future.

O*Net (http://online.onetcenter.org/ ) explains the tasks, skills, knowledge, and abilities required for various occupations.

Career Zone (http://www.nycareerzone.org/) provides information about a variety of occupations including a description of each job and the required education.

Step 4: Make your decision

Once you have gathered information about yourself and about the career options available to you, it is time to choose a career path. After you have narrowed down your chooses, you should gather more in-depth information about each field.

This knowledge can be gained by talking with people who work in the career field, reading books devoted to the occupation of interest, shadowing someone who works in the field, or doing volunteer work in the industry. It is also highly recommended that you also discuss your options with a career counselor, academic advisor, or guidance counselor.

After you have gathered in-depth information about the occupations that suit your values and interests, you can select the one that best fits you.

Learn more about this author, Susan D. Bates.
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