I can go anywhere. But where do I start? What's the best clue for finding your direction in life? That would be you

Career World, Sept, 2004 by Tamra B. Orr

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" You've heard that question most of your life, but if graduation is in the not-so-distant future, it may have a lot more significance now. Thinking about what career you want to have for the rest of your life can feel intimidating, and according to most experts it should! Almost 40,000 potential careers exist today. Knowing which is right for you takes a combination of experience, research, questioning, and--most important--self-awareness.

A few people may know early on exactly what they want to be, but most of us hop around and explore different options as we get older. Mary Rose Remington, career counselor, syndicated columnist, and author of Career Quest, says, "Just as it is highly unlikely you'll find the love of your life on the first date, don't expect to find your calling or dream job right out of school. The average American worker will have six to eight different careers in [his or her] lifetime. That's careers, not just jobs!" Remington says that each new job helps you learn what you are good at and what you truly love. She adds, "Except for rare individuals, that learning only comes with trial, error, persistence, and a certain level of pain."

EXPLORATION 101

The first step in deciding on a career path is to explore your options. You can start now to gain experience in fields that interest you most. If you think you want to work with children, check out day-care or recreation centers for part-time or volunteer work. Is music your passion? Find out if there are any openings at the local CD store or give piano lessons. Fascinated by computers? Offer computer consulting services or create Web sites.

"If money is not the issue, consider getting an internship," says M. Rose Jonas, known as "the Job Doc" on NBC. Internships and apprenticeships are usually unpaid positions that can be an investment in your future. They offer an opportunity to make great contacts and gain valuable experience. "How can you possibly know what you want to do if you haven't done it?" asks Jonas. "Get as much experience as you can. If you do the work and all you can think is 'Let me out of here,' it probably isn't the right field for you," she adds. "On the other hand, if you go to work and feel like you've come home, you're probably in the right place."

Consider a hands-on apprenticeship at a local business. Learn the ins and outs of being a short-order cook, or work with a photographer to learn how to take pictures of wiggly babies. Find a person whose job seems fascinating, and work alongside him or her to see if that job is right for you.

Patrick Snow took that route. He was sure he wanted to be an attorney, so he interned at a local law office. "I hated it!" he exclaims. Snow began to work in sales instead and soon moved into motivational speaking. Today, as the author of Creating Your Own Destiny: How to Get Exactly What You Want Out of Life, he speaks at high schools around the country. "Volunteering will either reaffirm your interest in the field or show you that you hate it and it's time to move on," he says.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Take time to do some research about careers that appeal to you. Make sure the career is what you think it is. Career coach and author Gail McMeekin says, "I encourage young people to make a list of careers of interest and visit related Web sites and workplaces. Talk to people in those fields. See if you can write a paper or do a project on a career you think you are interested in."

Many people are willing to act as mentors to young people who are interested in their field. "Find someone you admire and see if he will take you under his wing," says Jill Sanborne, creator of the teen Web site MyCoolCareer.com. "Any direction you take to find out more information is a step forward."

Research may clarify aspects of a career that you had never considered and give you a better picture of how it will ultimately fit with your personality and interests. "I loved English, loved to read and write," says Lea Ball, remembering her college days. "I decided to pursue a degree in education so I could spend all my time with classics and compositions. But I was a shy person. As I approached my practice teaching semester, I realized I was terrified of being up in front of people every day in the classroom. So I decided to choose another direction." Ball became a writer instead of a teacher--a much better fit for her personality. Finding out what a job entails before you commit time, money, and effort puts you ahead of the game!

KNOW YOURSELF

You already possess the most important key to finding your career path--you.

Ask yourself some serious questions: What are your strengths? What are your passions? What do you like to spend time doing? What do you dream about doing? "That which fascinates is a good direction to go," says Jonas.

Keeping a journal can help you focus on your real interests. Write about what you like to read and to talk about with others. "There are some powerful clues there," says McMeekin. "What section do you go to first in the bookstore? What are your favorite magazines? What Web sites do you frequent?"