How to choose a career wisely

How can you choose a career that both suits your personality and answers the needs of the job market? Here are a few pointers to help you make a wise and informed choice.

You can’t improvise making a career choice. In addition to taking your interests and your abilities into account, it’s also important to take some time to question yourself about the values that drive you and on what it is that you wish to prioritize.

Remember, choosing a career then looking for a job is an investment in your future. Some questions you can reflect on are:

• Are you ready to spend many hours doing the work you're passionate about?
• Would you like to have more leisure time even though this might yield a lower revenue?
• Do you prefer team work or would you rather work alone?
• First and foremost, do you want to stimulate your creativity?
• Do you want a job that lives up to your skills and that will allow you to move forward?

Learn about every aspect of the trades or the professions that may have caught your eye.

• There are positive and negative aspects to every job, so the more you know, the better equipped you'll be to make your choices. In turn, the better you will face the challenges that await you.
• By contacting someone within your desired field, you'll gain insight into its working conditions.

Meeting with guidance counsellors may prove to be a wise choice.

• They will define your needs and guide you towards the avenues to be considered.
• Using psychometric tests, they'll evaluate your interests, aptitudes, personality, strengths and even shortcomings.
• Such a consultation can help anyone hesitating before several career possibilities to better target a career that suits them.

Don’t hesitate to continuously reflect on your professional journey.

• If you're starting the process for a career shift (be it necessary or desired), an employment agency professional can help you move forward and evaluate your options.