How to Choose a Career and Create a Career Path Today

Adults spend a large number of hours at their workplace. Therefore, they need to pick a path that does not just lead to a job but can also be regarded as a career. A rewarding career can lead individuals to have satisfied lives where they are excited about going to work. It also makes professionals want to invest time learning new skills that will lead to promotions and impactful leadership positions. Therefore, it is crucial for high school students to learn how to choose a career as a teenager. This will offer them enough time to research their interests and goals and help them to finalise their career paths as adults.

People should choose a career based on their interests and the remuneration offered by certain fields.

This article will cover how to choose a career path after researching the various available options and where people can seek guidance.

Table of Contents

What is a Career Path?

Before one can learn how to choose a career path, one must understand it. A career path does not mean the roles or profiles a person has completed, rather, it serves as a plan they intend to achieve.

A career path is defined by the roles and profiles that a person plans to achieve throughout their professional lives. It includes vertical growth in terms of promotions and greater responsibilities. At the same time, it can also include any lateral job changes, such as a role or industry change.

A career path can help individuals visualise their future career growth, identify any gaps in skills that they might have, and enrol in courses on time to make themselves more attractive to prospective employers.

How to Choose a Career Path?

Before choosing a career path, narrowing down the role or type of industry in which one wishes to be employed is essential. It cannot be based on something they find appealing or articles they might have read about a particular field. Students must independently research or take a career quiz to decide on a path.

To determine what career is best for one and subsequently plan one, one must also identify interests, strengths, and skills.

Students can follow these simple tips when trying to finalise a career path.

Interests: Students need to identify their interests in subjects and outside of school. Someone interested in numbers, for example, could choose a career in finance or accounting, while someone interested in languages could aim to work in tourism or the UN.
Personality: A person’s personality can also influence their career choice. An outgoing personality is better suited for the service industry or for roles in sales and consulting.
Future demand: Students can also research jobs that will be in high demand in the near future. They can learn more about their educational qualifications and demands.
Network with people in the field: Students should interact with people working in fields or positions they are interested in. They can help guide them on educational requirements and job prospects.
Educational costs: Before one can begin their professional journey, they must be equipped with adequate knowledge and skills to excel in the field. Therefore, they need to consider the cost of education and if bursaries are available to help with aid.

How To Research Career Paths?

Research is an important aspect when considering how to choose a career path. This helps individuals better understand the educational qualifications and soft skills needed to excel in that particular field.

Students can take this research a step further and gain practical experience by picking a part-time job in a field they are interested in. Practical experience combined with their research can help guide individuals to the best option.

Understand your strengths and interests: Individuals need to first identify their strengths and and interests. This can help narrow down the fields for them. For example an artistic individual who is interested in computers, could find a graphic design career rewarding.
Explore education and training options: Students can also research the level of education or training required to work in the field. Also, identify if a higher certificate or undergraduate degree is sufficient to begin working or if an advanced degree is required at a later stage in the career.
Gaining practical experience: Applying for an internship or a part-time job can allow students to observe the inner workings of their chosen field.
Making a decision based on your findings: Since a career path helps plan a person’s future professional path, they should base their decision after evaluating their findings.

How to Develop a Career Plan?

Once students have decided on their field of study, they can begin to develop their career plans. This will help them set targets and achieve their goals. Individuals can develop their career plans on paper, in a PowerPoint presentation, or in their journals. The purpose of developing a career plan is to identify potential career options, identify areas of growth, and set timelines to achieve set goals.

Below are some of the steps that individuals can follow when developing a career plan for successful professional growth.

Identify your area of interest: It is easy to identify how to choose a career or a field of interest once a person has understood their interests and skills, followed by research where they can be applied.
Discover growing job markets: It is possible to study and apply for a job anywhere in the world. Therefore, one must identify the best markets for the particular profile while developing a career plan.
Study salary and benefits: Individuals must also review the salary and benefits offered for comparable positions at different companies. This can be done using websites such as Payscale and Glassdoor.
Compare possible paths: Finally, identify the various pathways available to accomplish the goal of your career plan. This could include upskilling or taking time out to pursue an advanced degree at a later stage.

Getting Help and Guidance

Identifying a career path and creating a plan is a major life decision. High school students should seek help from college or career counsellors to help them identify the various options and opportunities available. They should also seek guidance from their parents or other people they admire.

University and college students can speak with faculty or their department head if they are feeling confused or unsure about the path that they have selected. Students and professionals should remember that it is never too late to opt for change.

Know What Does Learning Business Management Do for Career Growth Here

Are There Any Special Considerations for the South African Job Market?

Information Technology, healthcare, and renewable energy are among the fastest-growing sectors in South Africa and have immense potential for growth. These careers require professionals to possess both technical and soft skills to be successful leaders.

When students make a career plan for industries that are thriving in South Africa, it might be beneficial to pursue their higher education in this country. This will help familiarise them with the culture and work ethics of South Africans. It will also demonstrate to future employers that the candidate is willing to take extra effort to be successful.

Conclusion

Individuals should research various fields and occupations that interest them and determine whether they have the capability to meet the educational requirements for each. This will help people learn how to choose a career path. They should also try to identify roles or profiles that they would like to work in and identify how to meet the requirements for them. Choosing a career is just the beginning of a successful professional journey. It needs to be supported with a solid educational background that is required to gain a foothold in the industry.

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How to Choose a Career in South Africa? – FAQs

How to decide on a career path?

Before you choose a career path, you need to identify your interests, the industry’s future growth potential, and whether your personality and aspirations match.

How to choose a career in South Africa?

One should identify the most in-demand courses and careers in South Africa, research them, and see if it aligns with their career growth.

How to choose a career as a teenager?

High school students should speak with their parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to discuss their options. This can be based on their interests, academic goals, and current grades.

What if I don’t know what to study?

If you do not know what you would like to study in the future, begin by identifying areas or fields that might interest you. Research and narrow them down.

How to know what career is best for you?

If you are deciding on a career, apply for an internship or take up a part-time job where you can gain experience. This can help you understand if the career is a good choice for you.