Greetings Everyone,
How do you know what career path to choose when you have equally interest in multiple things?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ryan
Answers
Ryan: you may be able to narrow down your interests through learning more about each option. Something which is interesting conceptually might not be interesting practically.
For example, I thought seriously about teaching history at the college level. I sat down for lunch with a favorite college professor and asked him a ton of questions about the job in order to validate my interest. In the end, the job itself didn't seem that interesting even if the subject matter still is very interesting.
I would recommend really digging into all of the fields in which you have an interest and measuring them against one another. Compare daily routines, compensation, location, and whatever else is interesting to you about jobs generically.
Best of luck.
Hi Ryan,
I am a career coach and do not charge for military. If you'd like my help go to my website TransitionsbyTaube.com. Send me some information about yourslef and we'll talk about how I may be able to help you!
Taube (pronounced Toby)
Dear Ryan:
First pray about it and ask for God's direction - His way is always the best way.
Then think about which choice you enjoy doing the most, which choice pays the most, and which choice will make the world a better place. Then choose the one that meets all three criteria.
- Jeanne Perdue, Houston, TX
Hi Ryan, lots of great ideas and advice. Take a look at this Ted talk video.
Three Questions to unlock your authentic career: Ashley Stahl at TEDxBerkeley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMiSf7LpFQE
Hello, Ryan
First of all, thank you for your service to our country.
Like you, I have a host of work skill sets and career interests and so weighing which one to follow for a career is challenging. But, the best way to give you an answer is to share a life example with you. I have a friend, Laura, who is a fine artist and a graphic artist. She took many years of painting, sculpting and photography classes and although she wanted to be a full time artist, she realized that she would not make money from that endeavor. What she did instead was to take all of our creative, design skills and turn them into a photo and graphic design career. She now designs book covers for several book publishers and makes a good living. In the evenings and weekends she indulges her love of painting and sculpting.
So.....I would separate those multiple skill sets you have into those you can enjoy as a lifetime hobby and those that you can do to make a good wage and a living. My hobby is writing, but I spend my days mentoring scientists and engineers in marketing and starting their own businesses. But, I get the opportunity to enjoy writing in my spare time, which is restful and introspective for me, and make my money from my consulting business.
Many other people will give you a different career path, but I think it is important not to abandon one set of skills and interests to satisfy another and I don't think you have to do this.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Regards,
David F Eastman, MS, CEO, Marketing Consultant
US Navy, ASW, Vietnam-Era Veteran
Looks like you've gotten some sage advice here. I'll add my two cents: The MBTI is a FREE online assessment that helps identify your talents. Play to your talents! http://www.humanmetrics.com/hr/jtypesresult.aspx
Second, get the book What Color is Your Parachute by Bolles. Some GREAT advice in there.
Third, if you would like some professional help - I have been a vocational counselor for years. See my web site hrqa.com for details . . . . Good Luck!
Hi Ryan-
This might sound kind of trite but I really believe that passion and fun should also be part of the equation. Along those lines you might want to find some people who are currently working in each of your areas of interests and ask them what it is that gets them out of bed in the morning and chomping at the bit to get to work.
John
Hi Ryan!
I am a business coach but also help people in career development. I'd be happy to spend some time helping you define your path. If you have a resume, forward it to me.
Jim "Da Coach" Rohrbach
http://www.SuccessSkills.com
Coach@SuccessSkills.com
You might go to the job boards, print out job descriptions that appeal to you, then rank them. That would also give you an idea of what qualifications and experience you need to get the most appealing job.
Ryan,
Thanks for your years of service. This thread is still open, so I'll add my two cents.
This is a famous question, of course, which everybody asks at some point. The problem is that a good career today is usually a matter of working as a small part of a large business run by people one may never meet personally. A cubicle in a global conglomerate is now a common career path.
The ideal alternative is to run one's own company -- but that is inherently risky. Besides, a career in the military is so much like working as a small part of a large business, that managing a small or medium sized company does not seem to translate easily.
On the other hand, every job in the world, IMHO, is like running a small company. There are seven generic departments to every company (Stockholder, HR, Sales, Accounting, Marketing, Production and Advertisement).
Everybody is a Stockholder of Self. Everybody is an HR of Self. Everybody sells Self everyday. Everybody does his or her own Accounting. Everybody does Self Marketing every day. Everybody does Production (the job) every day. Everybody Advertises every day.
We just take it all for granted, so we don't carefully analyze the steps. Also, we don't usually notice the differences between Advertising, Marketing and Sales. Simply put: Advertising is a broad public announcement to anybody. Marketing means surveying current and past customers of our specific product, to get grades and scoring, especially in target locations. Sales means one-on-one negotiation. So they are very different.
The big difference is that when we do Accounting for Self, we merely balance our checkbook. But when we do Accounting for a Company, there are government rules for it. So, we all need to take a college course in Accounting, if we're going to manage our own company (or somebody else's company).
Everything else about running a business is fairly intuitive. But, IMHO, running a business oneself, and calling the shots -- that's the RIGHT career for talented and responsible people like the men and women in the US Military.
Best wishes,
--Paul Trejo
Thank you for your service.
While you have a slew of great answers here, I'll toss something out there that has worked for me even though I didnt think about it at the time. When I started in the work force I sort of had the opposite problem of not knowing what i wanted to do. I was lucky enough to start working at the right place. I have been at AT&T for 27 years. The best thing about such a large company is the opportunities. Not only is there every type of job under the sun but you can get on the job training to be qualified for new positions you are interested in along the way so you can try new things. AT&T also has a huge commitment to the military and we actively seek vets to fill open jobs. check it out at "att.jobs" (I know that looks weird but it works when you put it in a browser). Good luck!
Thank you all so much for the feedback and advice. I am definitely taking what was recommended and putting it to use. Transitioning vets like myself are grateful for people like you all. I wish there was something I could do to repay you for the wonderful advice.
Again, THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Ryan Brown
Great question. Swing big. Go to the area with the largest potential or highest margins. Identify a market where the average producer is making an above average living. Get 5 years of experience in 3 years by being the first one in and the last to leave. Work Saturdays until you make your first million. Best of luck.
Try to remember you will have several careers in your lifetime of working. Pick at least two and shadow someone doing that work for several days. Ask at a college for people in that field.
I think you should ponder the options and consider more highly the one that makes you 'feel' good when you think about it. Money is only one measure of success and a choice purely based on that factor is not sustainable. Try to vision yourself three years and five years from now doing what you love. I believe that focusing on what you love to do (so long as it is practical) is prudent.
Hi Ryan!
Thanks so much for your service!!!
First, albeit a "soft" question, what brings you joy? Can you find something in that space?
Then, "Strengths Finder" by Tom Rath is a good exercise to help you know (if you don't already) your natural tendencies. Always best to find a career that aligns with those!!
Good luck,
Martin
Hello Ryan,
You are at an important intersection in your life. Which road to take? I would say it is common for probably most people to have many interests and find that they have to make some calculated decisions along the way. I suggest you pick up a copy of the perennial best-selling career book called "What Color Is Your Parachute" by Richard Bolles. See chapter 7 about understanding more fully who you truly are. In essence, he points out that by this point in your life you are a collection of skills and experiences. You should look closely at your work experience and pay close attention to those things that really interest you. If you can move toward something that you would love to do and make money doing it - by default you will find success. You asked a simple question but the answer takes some deep digging in terms of reflection, research and eventually contact with people you discover along the way doing those things that interest you. They are the resident experts who can share with you the detailed information you are seeking.
Too much to explain here. As a professional life coach, I say this book is the best guide you could possibly have to prepare yourself for making some life changing decisions soon. You have started the process by posting here. Keep it up and good luck.
Thanks for your service Mr. Brown. you might want to try to take the online Myers Briggs Personality test to show you were your best skills might be as well as what turns you on the most: people, technology, industry, solo, etc.
Hi Ryan,
When I was searching for this answer, I learned more quickly about the type of jobs that I did not want than finding the job that I did want. Success for me came by working for a reputable company that offered a breadth of opportunities within an industry that I was interested, insurance. I was able to move within the company and experience various types of work to help me focus on what I love doing, which is underwriting. Some companies offer Leadership Programs that will rotate you through jobs within the company, which may be available to you depending on what industries interest you. The future includes being more efficient and safe through technology, automation, telematics, data/predictive modeling, as examples, as well as the need for advances in health care. Best of Luck, Teri
Hello Ryan,
You mentioned your interest in entrepreneurship. If you're looking to eventually build and lead your own company, remember that there are many skillsets and experiences you will need to be successful. You will need to sell your ideas to customers, partners & investors. You will need to manage the operations of the business. You will need to attract, retain and develop your team. Think of your career as learning opportunities to develop these skills. You will need to select an industry to narrow your focus, but then you can map out the capabilities you want to develop and look for roles that will enable you to do so.
Or here's another option. Consider consulting. It's a career I've loved because it's given me the opportunity to fulfill many roles, and develop a varied set of skills.
Good Luck!
Go look at a website called www.careerleader.com - it was started 25+ years ago by two smart Harvard PHDs. You can do an online profile for $95. It looks at interests through the filter of business careers and even suggests which business culture you match up with best.
I have no axe to grind for it but I did one 20 years ago and the profile I got back nailed me.
Did you know that over 50% of incoming college freshmen list their major as undecided? You are not alone in being unsure of what the future holds.
My suggestion is that you continue to explore and learn about things that you are passionate about. Follow your dreams and try that career. (It doesn't mean that you are shackled by one choice.) If you find that your new career isn't exactly what you thought it was going to be, look for something else. (I wouldn't suggest that you necessarily job hop, but give it a good try and then decide.)
You may need to retool and get some new training, but if you are a good employee, work well with others, get to work on time, and work hard, you will be fine.
Hello Ryan,
Which of your choices attracts your passion?
Diana, CPC
Hi Ryan,
I don't know if it aligns with your interests, but the field of photonics -- optics, lasers, fiber optics, etc. -- is rapidly growing and there is a great demand for engineers and technicians. There are several opportunities for education in this area in Florida as well as other states depending on what you need. I suggest you look at Univ. of Central FL - http://www.creol.ucf.edu/ - for BS and graduate programs and at Indian River State College for AS & AAS programs in the SE USA - http://www.laser-tec.org/. There are also continuing education programs available online and in some locations. I will also be glad to talk to you about any of this.
Ryan ,in my past I have focused on startup and taken several companies across the country successfully. The best I have found is Real Estate, buying , renovating, selling both whole sale and retail.
This turned out best because you can get the loan system to do all the work on a house by house basis with our company.
Most companies are required to be alive and doing profitable business for 5 years befor any lending for growth is available,..
This is hous e by house. It works fast and allows profit quickly due to following the correct process.
Call 503 705 5883 or email larry.louwagie@Homevestors.com
Yes it is a franchise it is the best, you can get in for little, and plug into a proven process and available funding right out the door. We have 783 franchises across the US . Where do you live?
Dear Ryan:
The coolest careers with the most future potential for growth are those areas where there is an intersection of two things. Examples: I like science and I like to write, so I became a Technical Writer. Also, the oil industry is becoming more tech-savvy, so I started a magazine called Upstream Technology that focused on IT for oil companies. These intersections are where it's really happening! So my advice to you would be: Find two interests you have and figure out what career would be at the intersection of the two. If you like art and like to sell things, sell art. I'm sure you will figure something out that will satisfy two of your interests, which will be far more fulfilling than choosing only one.
- Jeanne Perdue, Houston, TX
Ryan,
Been in your position, and frankly, even after 10 years of leaving the Army I still ask the same question sometimes. A couple pieces of advice:
1) Where you start matters. Not so much the company, but those PEOPLE you work for will matter. Make sure you find a position that allows you to explore more than just the role and function (as I suggest you try to "Feel" out where you want to be), and then doubly focus on whether you leadership (manager and their manager) will be the type to help you develop, or the type that will use you. There's a lot of users out there unfortunately.
2) Make sure that you put a 1-2 year timeline on making a decision on the function and industry you want to be in for the following five years (suggest you don't think about long term beyond that until you figure out what business is like). The first couple years and jobs after separating can be excused if it doesn't match with your next 5 year goals - plus you won't be so far along in pay and title that you can't make a switch. Basically, take the first couple years "figuring things out" before nailing down where you want the next 5 years to take you.
3) EDUCATION is a check the box requirement, but not the end all be all. Depending on what you determine after the first couple of years make the decision if you need a Bachelors (don't know your background), and MBA, or some other educational certificate/degree. Student loans (without the GI Bill) can be crushing, and may not return your investment. So be smart about it, don't jump into it without know what you want on the back end of it, and doing the math on whether it will pay off or not. ALSO - don't forget that a lot of companies will offer educational assistance (pay for your tuition), take advantage of it, but be aware of the commitments associated with it.
Hope that helps! And good luck! Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss more.
Ryan (also)
Hi, Ryan. First, thanks for your service. This is a great (and difficult!) question. A couple of thoughts for what they are worth:
- having multiple interests can feel overwhelming, but I believe this is a strength. Varying interests / skills means more opportunities. If you can only do ONE thing well, your career options are limited. If you can do several things well, your options increase.
- speaking of multiple interests / skill sets, it's a good idea to have more than a single income stream. Again, that's hard to do if you can only do one thing. Humans are complex and capable of many things. Try to embrace your complexity. I recommend reading James Altucher. You can find his blog here: http://www.jamesaltucher.com He has also written several books. He has founded multiple companies and is a proponent of diversifying your skills and your income.
- IMHO, there's no right or wrong path. Your career path will depend on a number of things, some of which are out of your control. These things include your interests, abilities, available opportunities, your network, your geographic location etc. Here's an article I wrote encouraging readers to think of their career through this lens (I don't sell anything - this is just info to chew over): https://www.themuse.com/advice/no-really-why-there-are-no-right-or-wrong-career-decisions So basically, just get started somewhere. We all craft our own positions to some extent, so wherever you land, make the most of it and put your skills to use in lots of creative ways within your job. Make new contacts, and see where it takes you. Best wishes!
You will have to really take a closer look at what those interests. You may have to narrow down your selections and find a job that suits that specific interest. If the position you've applied for or created continue to hold your interest then you may have something. If it does not then you may want to try the other interest you placed on hold. And repeat the process of you have to. Don't stop until you find something you love to do and holds your interest. You will have your career path
Hello Everyone,
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback. I have already started taking some of the personality test that were recommended. Becoming an entrepreneur is my ultimate goal, but I'm still trying to figure out the path that will help me get there.
Again, thank you all so much for the wonderful feedback. I really appreciate it.
Ryan
Hi Ryan- thanks for your service. I think your question that a lot of continue to ask throughout our careers. As a couple of the advisers have mentioned, maybe the time is right for you to take some diagnostic tests. As previously mentioned, the Myers-Briggs personality test will give you a clue as to how you're wired. The book StrengthsFinder 2.0 has a diagnostic tool that will narrow down your areas of strength.
An organization that has been doing aptitude testing since the early 20th century is the Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation and they can provide you with a battery of aptitude tests that will narrow down your aptitudes and map them against potential career areas.
Everything I mentioned can be Googled and found online. Good Luck in your journey!
Find a mid size/ large firm. Go into Supply Chain/Procurement/Purchasing. Learn everything you can - stay there for 3 or 4 years and be ready to move up. Get to the job early and stay late - become known as a "hard worker":- no drugs; avoid office problems.
Good luck.
I'd say you should do what comes easiest to you. That's how to choose. At some point, you might want to add a second or third career in a small business you could run on your own. You look quite young so you have time ahead. I would not endeavour to make a career of something you like but for which you're not really talented. Studying is hard work and so is managing a career because you start having a serious personal life at one point with spouse and family responsibilities which are very challenging. Sometimes young people don't realize that it's good to be free and conservative when young, so you could build a future for your family, later on, without messing up your life.
All good answers and options Ryan. I would definitely check out the Interest surveys and self-assessments online, most are free. This would help you narrow down your choices.
The other thing I suggest is Informational interviews. Once you narrow down what you are interested in, call and set up some interviews to learn about the job - "A day in the Life" information sharing. Good leaders will give you at least 30 minutes to talk about their job. Good luck to you!
Ryan:
All good advice from others. Also understand that the "perfect" career can change on you. I have a B.S. in Geology/Geophysics and had almost finished a Masters in Geochemistry while working as a major oil company exploration geologist when the price of a barrel of oil fell to around $9.90 back in 1986. I thought I would be in the oil and gas industry the rest of my life. As a kid, I loved collecting rocks and studying the earth.
So, when I got laid off from my oil company job in 1986, I spend nearly a year out of work while trying to figure out what else I can do. Fortunately, I had been using computers since about 1978 in my work at NOAA as a geological oceanographer and at Phillips Petroleum, so I was able to get a job with a software development company (in technical publications) later in 1987. That kind of work paid very well, but it really wasn't my first choice for careers.
Be prepared with ancillary skills and expertise (and perhaps secondary interests) when and if the "perfect job" is no longer so perfect. Career changes are never easy (as I wrote about in my career strategy books)...sometimes like turning around an aircraft carrier, but having that peripheral functional skill set will help if you're faced with having to make a change.
Good luck!
Donn LeVie Jr.
Donn LeVie Jr. STRATEGIES
I would prioritize potential career opportunities, and review the educational and job experience required by the field of your interest with your own experience and education. Compare the requirements with those you possess. Determine the types and number of opportunities that are available and the compensation offered along with future growth possibilities. Develop a resume to illustrate how your education experience and interest parallel those in the field you are pursuing. Contact local employment agencies and headhunters to see what is available, and determine your interest. Joining Linkedin, a social network that specializes in enabling you to find fields of interest and committees, listed on their network, to demonstrate your ability. Network, talk to people to learn more about the field and possible employment opprortunities
Hi Ryan,
Thank you for your service. It is good that you have multiple interests as it shows intellectual curiosity. The criteria for choosing a career is not linear as we all have to make decisions based on incomplete information but that is true about much of life. The first point is not to confuse your passion and with your career; if they happen to align, that is fine but don't force it. There is a survivorship bias from people who say follow your passion and the money will come. Mark Cuban said it better - follow your effort.
The second point would be that you choose which interest has a stronger growth potential, professionally and financially, based on your skillsets and views on the industry. For that, you can reach out to people in the different industries to form your own view about the fit. Hope this help.
Rgds
JW
I suggest you use StrengthsQuest (a Gallup product, online, only $10) to get a good assessment of your strengths. You will probably get some confirmation of what you know already and, even better, some new insights!
Also, look for something that you like, but few others like (if there is such a job). This will place you in higher demand!
There are several Career Aptitude tests you can take which will "guide" you. Do a google search on Career Aptitude tests and you should see plenty. Some are free, some are free if you're going to college. I did this after the Marine Corps and was very happy with the results.
Ryan: I don't think I can help you with a career. I never wanted to work for anyone else and I wanted to spend as much time around my family as possible. I got out to be a business owner. I realized early on that you have two choices starting at the top. Learn to be an employee or learn to be a business owner. The options are endless on both sides but knowing that they exist is the first step to knowing that what choices you make now should be based on knowledge of the path that interests you and what that will get you in life. Not in the next few days or even weeks or months but in a year. What it can get you in 5 years, What it will mean for your family, your lifestyle and your retirement when its time. I am not saying one is better than the other although my biases tilt me towards ownership but just knowing that options exist and what they entail helps you make the more informed decision.
Hey Ryan:
Good question. I highly recommend you read the book called "What Should I Do With My Life" by Po Bronson. It came out in 2002 so you should be able to borrow it from your local library or get a used copy for cheap on Amazon. In short, think about what is going to get you excited to get out of bed every day and want to go to work. And keep in mind that just because you choose a career today doesn't mean that you are locked in it for life.
All jobs are work, not play. Work at something you have an interest to in. You will watch the days and years roll by if you have an interest in the work. Start with your hobbies. Hobbies are part of a vast network of companies that make profits....year after year. Work wholesale. Work manufacturing. Imports are not going away. If I were plannng 2017...I was in manufacturing...go get a job with manufacturer that produces hardware off-shore. Spend time off-shore improving quality control. Airline mileage, expense report living, income tied to increasing profits....you get that in a job like that. Contact direct for more info.
Drew,
Thanks a lot for sharing. I will keep those questions in mind as in searching for individuals to speak with.
Ryan: sure. I asked about the process to get qualified, the job search, the working environment (office politics, etc.), and advancement. Generally.
I approach those kind of interviews with questions like: how did you get into your current position? What do you feel helped? Hurt? What do you daily? What challenges do you face daily? etc. It gets people talking, I find, and reveals things one may not have thought to ask specifically about in the first place.
Drew, do you mind sharing some of the questions that you asked?
Thanks,
Ryan
Thank you all so much for the feedback. I will definitely take your advice and apply it ASAP.
Thanks,
Ryan
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