Finding Your Career Path

In each country, there is a relatively high unemployment rate among the younger generation. Many complain about their inability to find a job. Or worse, they don’t know what they want to do with their life career-wise. They are ill-prepared for dealing with the real world. Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey made comments about people solving their financial problems by just getting a good job. How can people qualify or pitch themselves to get a well-paid job?

More often than not, we find many of the younger generation going onto benefits programs or drifting along in life with no sense of direction. To overcome this obstacle, parents, teachers and mentors must strive to provide clear advice and direction to the emerging generations so that they can gain clarity on their purpose in life. Essentially, ‘where it is they fit in the world!’ Now often the younger generation has their sights set on becoming rich and famous by becoming a sports or music star. And even though it is a credible career choice, there are only a select few who will qualify to have a professional career in those chosen fields.

Knowing what to do with your life isn’t an easy decision for most, and it cannot be taken lightly. However, there are steps that can be taken to make that decision easier to get onto the right path.

Learn how to get a job that you want

You need to know how the job market is. Is there a demand for jobs in that particular industry? And if so, what qualifications and skills are required to be considered for the role. Ask yourself, will you be able to apply for the role given your current situation, or will you need to receive training by the company or on your own to successfully gain and sustain employment with the company? Additionally, will you need to continue training and developing your skills over time?

Are you someone who aspires for more?

If this is you, then you need to consider how you would like to see yourself grow in your career. You may need to set yourself promotional goals to fulfill your sense of achievement. For example, you may want to climb the corporate ladder to become a supervisor or manager in your career.

In your career, your goal is to make as much money as possible while enjoying your work. You are doing a job to increase your wealth. But you also want to enjoy the work as much as possible. You will spend up to 80% of your life at your workplace, so it is strongly advised that you choose a career that you will enjoy if you want to avoid being miserable. Choose a career that will compliment your lifestyle choice. It is important to manage the work-life balance.

Identify your area of interest

If you know what you are passionate about or if you can identify an area of expertise that continues to motivate your interest, then it will spur your passion. If you have a natural talent or gift in a particular area, then it will be wise to play this strength to your advantage.

Find out what courses are on offer to study

Do some research for higher education at learning centres such as universities and TAFE courses online to gain the knowledge and skills to pursue a career that will get you qualified for a job that will allow you to increase the long-term value of your income.

Get experienced

The ultimate way you can improve your career path is by getting actual work experience in the field that you would like to pursue. You can get experience by undertaking apprenticeships that are offered at TAFE colleges that provide you on the job practical training while you learn the theory at their educational centres.

It may take some time to find the right career. Quite a few successful people spent years, even decades soul-searching for their working purpose in life. If you don’t get it right the first time, it isn’t the end of the world. But it certainly does benefit you more if you can get it right the first time around. Start taking action and start fulfilling your career potential.

Author Bio: Caitlin Giles is a professional career coach. Her passion for career coaching stems from her desire to help people reach their career aspirations and offer them genuine guidance and support as they make their life-changing transition. She works in partnership with TAFE Courses online to provide her clients with advice on courses that will improve their career opportunities. Her success can be largely attributed to her natural ability to empathise with her clients. When she isn’t coaching, she enjoys cooking up a storm for her family and friends.

Article sponsored by TAFE Courses