Choosing a career can be one of the most difficult choices a person must make in their lifetime. There are several factors to consider when choosing a career, including your interests, priorities, training, skills and how likely you are to get your desired job. This article will tell you more about what factors you should consider when choosing a career.
Factors in Choosing a Career
There are several factors to consider when choosing a career. These include interests, priorities, training, skills and the opportunities in a potential career.
Your Interests
The first step towards choosing a profession is to match personal interests with potential careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, devotes a portion of its website to matching interests with careers. The site also provides information for each career field, including salary and education requirements.
Your Priorities
Salary, location and the number of hours worked per week must be prioritized when choosing a career. These factors must be balanced with travel requirements and family life.
Your Training and Skills
Skills and the ability to ability to gain them through education must be considered when choosing a new career. For instance, becoming a doctor requires extensive education and training, and this career field requires an 8-year educational commitment. www.Careervoyages.gov is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Education that lists high-demand jobs that require relatively little education.
Career Opportunities in Your Career Field
The competition in a field should also be a factor in choosing a career. It should be considered in general along with skills and education sought in a given field. Highly competitive fields require more education for less pay; however, success in a profession with a high number of applicants requires unique personality traits to stand out.