Keeping on Track - Finding Your Career Path

By Ellen and Dana Borowka, MA

Ever find yourself confused over what career direction to take? Or how to successfully prepare yourself for that career search? Should you invest in specific education or take a more hands-on approach? Whether one has been in a career for many years or just beginning, there is a career path that is right for you.

Starting the Search

So, where does one start in a career search? First, if you are about to graduate or in a career transition - don’t panic... this article will help to guide you through the journey.

Finding Your Direction

Finding the right career is a process. The following are some steps in finding your pathway. Here’s an exercise that you might find helpful in making an action plan for your search.

a) First, dream about three things you’d love to do in life. What turns you on? What gets your blood going? Some examples could be going to the moon, being a Broadway star or exploring ancient ruins. Don’t put limits on your dreams - write them all down. This will help you to discover what pathways you are most interested in.

b) What is it about these three ideas that really excites you? Let’s use the example of going to the moon. It may be the instruments in the Space Shuttle that really excites you. Focus in on what is so interesting about your dreams.

c) What is it about the (you fill in the blank) in your dreams that really excites you? What is it about those Space Shuttle instruments that is really interesting?

d) Now, you get to research! So, go to the library, Internet, college career placement centers or other resources to research the companies associated with what you are excited about. With the Space Shuttle example, you might research the manufacturers of the Space Shuttle.

e) Then contact a company representative in the department that interests you the most. You may be interested in design, sales, marketing, accounting, etc. so ask for that department when calling. Emphasize that you are doing research when calling, as people seem to be more helpful. You’ll gain information on opportunities and job requirements in the company and the industry. Also, ask what other companies or contacts would be helpful in your research. This can give you possible referrals and assist with networking. As part of your research, see if you can visit the area where you want to work and talk to people who are in your desired career field. This will help you decide if this is the right career for you.

Sometimes, we can be too close to the situation and need help to find our way. When this is the case, be sure to reach out for assistance from a counselor, clergy person and friends.

Researching is the Key

Research is a very important part in any career search, whether it is to find that perfect career or new position. Many people do very little research or preparation in their search - a practice that failed us in school and will fail us in our job search. How many people do you know who obtained a graduate degree, only to discover to their horror that they hate their new career? If you want that great career or position - be sure you are ready in all ways for it!

When I graduated from college, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. So, I thought about what I liked and researched three areas - business, computers and psychology. I gathered information on different careers and companies in these three areas by looking in the library’s reference section and contacting companies, individuals and counselors. I asked about the job requirements, pros and cons, and the daily routine of my desired careers. At the time, I used this information to obtain a business position in a corporation then later made a career change to counseling. This process helped me to decide what pathway was right for me at that time in my life.

Career Testing

In-depth workstyle testing can be very helpful. It is not a silver bullet, but can assist in exploring environments that would be conductive to your personality. When used appropriately, an assessment can stimulate ideas as a part of the research phase. If you would like additional information on this topic, please email Dana at dana@lighthouseconsulting.com.

There’s a Place for Everyone

Well, that’s the scoop on searching for the right career. Finally, I want to leave you with a story to ponder. A friend once told me about a young lady who was trying to sell her car to pay her college tuition. She was having little luck and tuition was due in a few days. She drove her car into a gas station and began to cry in frustration. The owner of the gas station came over to see what was wrong and she told him her tale of woe. When she was finished with her story, he made an interesting, if somewhat inspiring reply. He said, “Honey, let me tell you something. There’s an ass for every seat!” Then he suggested she leave her car at the gas station and he’d see what he could do. The next day the car was sold and the young lady was able to pay her tuition. The owner would not even take a commission for the sale. When life seems dark and hopeless, this story can remind us that everyone has a perfect place in life. So, no matter how tough things may be, the right pathway is waiting for all of us. The key is to maintain our vision.

What To Do Next

Whether you are about to graduate from high school, college or in a career transition, we hope the steps we have provided are helpful.

If you have additional questions, would like to discuss taking an in-depth workstyle assessment or if you are interested in sharing our career guidance program with PTA and non profit organizations, please give us a call at (310) 453-6556, extension 403 or email us at: dana@lighthouseconsulting.com. We have put together a wonderful "fund-raising program" for high school booster clubs, PTA and non profit organizations. When you call make sure to ask us for our Booster, PTA or non profit fund-raising kit to find out more about how LCS can bring "effective insight to your organization".

Lighthouse Consulting Services provides a variety of services, including personality assessments for new hires & staff development, team building, interpersonal/communication training, conflict management, workshops, and executive & employee coaching. Lighthouse Consulting Services, 3130 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 550, Santa Monica, CA 90403, (310) 453-6556, Email address: dana@lighthouseconsulting.com.

Permission is needed from Lighthouse Consulting Services, LLC to reproduce any portion provided in this article.