Discovering Your Dream Career Through Self-Knowledge and Experience

Discovering a career that keeps you motivated and enthusiastic about your work is fulfilling. Whether your career goal is in the corporate world, close to home or in the medical field, you can find a career that matches your personality and skill set. Personal and career exploration can help narrow down the vast array of career choices and can lead you to the career of your dreams.

Skills
Determine the knowledge and skills you have and match them to career possibilities. Look at skills obtained in school, on the job or through hobbies and favorite pastimes. Do not be afraid to look beyond traditional career paths to find one that matches your skills and knowledge. Match a practical skill to an industry you love for a rewarding career combination. For example, match a love for cars with accounting skills for a fulfilling career in the automotive industry.  

Accomplishments
Think about accomplishments that have made you proud. Analyse what made these accomplishments important to you and find a career that can offer similar types of rewards. Determine if the achievement was a singular or group achievement and if the motivation for the achievement was monetary, social or for the common good. For example, if you helped raise a large sum of money for a charity with a group, consider looking at careers in the nonprofit sector where you can turn your passion and ability to raise money into a lifelong career.

Volunteer
Find volunteer opportunities that provide a real world glimpse into careers where you have an interest. While some careers may seem a perfect fit on paper, the real life work environment may not equate to you career vision. Before investing time or money on education or skills training, take the time to really understand the day-to-day work cycle for careers that you may want to pursue. Volunteer time can help you narrow a broad career path into a more refined career goal.

Question
Question those closest to you for career recommendations. Family and friends may see parts of your personality and skills that you may not recognise yourself. Ask questions about why they made the career suggestions and take the recommendations with a positive mindset. Investigate the suggestions and you may find a great career that you would not have thought about on your own.

Discovering the career of your dreams is easier than it may appear. Find your talents and match them to an industry or business where your passions lie. When you are enthusiastic about your business industry, you are more likely to advance in any job. Your dream career is one that causes you to wake up in the morning, excited to start your day.