Things to consider when making career decisions
Choosing a future career can be exciting and daunting at the same time. Many factors play a role in making career decisions and study including course type, entry requirements, location, mode of study, cost, and duration. But one of the most important factors, that sometimes gets overlooked, is knowing yourself! It is so important to try and understand yourself so that you can make decisions that are right for you.
The following factors are important to consider:
Interests – John Holland, an American Psychologist, describes the importance of matching our interests to our careers in his work for over 30 years. He suggests that people who work in jobs and environments that they have an interest in are more likely to feel satisfied and motivated with their work and develop fulfilling careers. I couldn’t agree more, it is so important to love what you do! I enjoy working with and helping people so I would be completely unsatisfied in the Financial or I.T. sector.
Personality – we are all different and unique. Our careers must match our personalities. There are a lot of theories on personality and careers but the most popular is the theory on the Four Temperaments: Idealist, Theorist, Improvisor, and Stabiliser. Idealists enjoy personal growth, and leading meaningful lives. They like being with and helping people and value honesty and being truthful. Theorists value knowledge and enjoy problem solving. They are independent, curious, and logical. Improvisors thrive on freedom, independence, and adventure while Stabilisers value law and order. They are reliable, dependable, and responsible. Most of us are a mix of two personality types and it is important to understand your own personality type so that you can choose a career to match it. This will lead to contentment within your career.
Strengths – think about what you are good at. What do you enjoy doing and doing well? This could be things in school, college, work or in your free time. Reflect on your strengths and make a list of the things you feel you are good at. Make sure your future career decisions allow for your strengths to shine through.
Qualities & Skills- all careers will require certain qualities and skills for you to possess to be successful in that position. Qualities are innate within us whereas skills can be learnt and developed. Our skillset can develop through life experiences and job opportunities. Some careers require a great deal of patience whereas others may require excellent numerical ability. Think about your own qualities and skills. Write a list of your top five in each and remember to include these in your career making decisions.
Values- our value system makes us who we are. Our values are what we feel is important in life. They are influenced by many things such as family, friends, school, and work. We all value different things such as the healthy food, clothes, environment protection. Our occupations need to match our value system for us to lead happy and rewarding lives.
When making your career decisions, remember to reflect on the above. Our careers, just like our lives, are a journey. A journey that encompasses all of who we are. And in the words of Steve Jobs, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking”.
One way to get to know yourself better is by completing a few self- assessment exercises. There are some excellent free ones available at www.careersportal.ie , www.qualifax.ie and www.yooni.ie . They are just a guide but a good place to start.
Best of luck with the journey x