Although goals may change and you may take up to 10 years to find yourself in your desired role and industry, your first step in job hunting should be a solid understanding of what you can bring to the table.

The best time to do this is straight after graduation, so begin looking at potential jobs and career paths as something you want to actively pursue rather than as something you have to do in exchange for a living. After all, if the prospect of getting to work in the morning doesn’t get you moving and your job isn’t a role you can see yourself persevering in – especially when the going gets tough – there’s really no point in staying in a role or industry where you are unhappy.

Finding your raison d’être, your reason for being, can give you the hope you need to find something you love and are good at – while getting paid and being what the world needs.

But even if you find it, you will quickly understand that it isn’t about just finding out what fulfils you on a personal level, but instead going on a journey to become who you want to be. As your skills will lead you to your choice of profession and facilitate your entry to an industry or trade full of other like-minded people, make a choice that satisfies you far more than just allowing you to support yourself.

To that end, here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help guide you along as you cross over to the working world.

What are you good at?

Consider your best skill sets and strengths. List down your personality traits and technical skills. Ask yourself if you prefer to specialise in a certain area or if you prefer a multi-tasking job.

Take your temperament into consideration as well. Figure out if you work better when left alone at your desk or when you are around others, interacting or negotiating with them. Work out if you’re more comfortable working with strict office hours and rigid structures, or have a predilection for flexible working hours that needs plenty of self-discipline.

Understanding yourself will help you work more efficiently, but even before that, it’ll give you the boost you need to fathom where you should be professionally, and will also get you one step closer to your dream job.

What do you care about?

Where your treasure is, there your heart is also. Make sure your career goals are in line with your personal morals and values; they will go a long way in ensuring success.

For example, if you care deeply about animal welfare, consider joining a non-profit organisation to do your part, or go into veterinary science.

Consider your hobbies

Alternatively, think about your hobbies and what you like doing in your free time; they could be a good indicator of what you might enjoy in a career. For example, if you enjoy writing in your spare time, a job as a copywriter or even a journalist could be something to consider while looking through job listings. Moreover, it’s worth developing abilities and skills in the areas that can catch and hold your interest.

In some cases though, you can even turn your favorite hobby into a full-blown career, whether that means starting your own business as a baker, offering freelance programming services or more!

What does the world need?

Your choice of profession will, in a way, serve your community as well as the world at large, so exploring potential career paths is a way of unwrapping your gifts and finding out how they can help you give back.

Despite present dreary economic prospects, think about how you can best use your skills to contribute. While you will have to think in terms of short-term economic trends and market forecasts, don’t forget to consider how you would like to grow both professionally and personally in the long-term as well!

What type of work environments will help you grow?

Do your research on the common types of office cultures, then reflect on your personality to assess the type of work environments that will help you thrive. For example, if you prefer a more structured working style, then perhaps you should consider applying to multinational corporations, rather than startups.

 

It’s easy to thrive and prosper if you’re in your element, so take your comfort zone into consideration too. For instance, if you prefer interacting with others, you can think about pursuing a career in sales and marketing. On the other hand, if you like working alone, you can consider going into IT and technology.

What kind of impact do I want to make?

The quest for personal fulfilment often intertwines with the desire to make a meaningful impact at work. It’s not merely about completing tasks or achieving career milestones; it’s about leaving an imprint that transcends routine duties. Consider the impact you yearn to create – is it fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and growth? Or perhaps championing initiatives that address societal challenges?

Reflecting on these questions can help you gain clarity about your career preferences and guide you toward job roles or industries that align with your interests, strengths, and values. Additionally, talking to mentors, career counsellors, or taking career assessment tests can further assist in narrowing down suitable job options.