Starting Work
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Choosing Your Career
October 28, 2009
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in an Internet conference call organized by the career services office of a nationally ranked business school. Along with two other professionals, I addressed issues that are specific to people who are re-entering the workforce. Some of the participants were stay-at-home mothers who were contemplating a return to work. Others were people who had lost their job in the economic downturn and were now in search of their next opportunity.
One of the questions that participants raised was how they could best identify the type of work that would truly speak to their abilities. Another speaker suggested that the best approach does not include sitting around and asking, “What do I want to be?” Instead, the consultant suggested, people who are searching for their next career should ask: What skills do I have? What kinds of people do I like to work with? What work environment best suits me? Then, once a prospective employee understands what they do best functionally, they can determine if people actually get paid to undertake that work.
As an alternative, if you find yourself struggling to identify what work might bring you the most pleasure, start by examining your past. Identify a handful of personal stories that have special meaning for you and look for any patterns that exist. Look at each event and ask yourself: What is it that you enjoyed about this particular event? What did you do best? Why did you do it? How did you interact with other people?
By reviewing your past, you may be able to predict your future professional success.
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