Choosing a career that will last a lifetime is a difficult task to take on when you are still in your teens or even early twenties. How can you make such a life changing decision when you have never worked or tried out different occupations? There are steps you can take to make an informed decision, but there are no guarantees and there is no way to know that you have made the right choice until you get some experience behind you.

Let me give you some facts about the Career Planning Process:

1. The process of selecting a career is not simple and involves a process that make take some time to complete. The steps involve learning about your self and the occupation choices that you might consider right for you to fulfill your objectives.

2. Although you have career professionals you can consult, there is no one that is going to be able to tell you exactly what career is the one that you should choose. It is a very personal choice. They can only help you with the process and advise you to facilitate your decision.

3. There is a career list that will provide you with the “Best Careers” for you, but there no where will it say “this one is right for you.” The information can show you what fields and industries have the most job openings and what careers are in the most demand. These lists should not dictate to you your choice for two reasons. What careers are “hot” change from year to year and they might not contain a job that fits your skills and aptitudes. It is a personal decision based on what you can do and what you like to do. The best job for you is the one that you will enjoy spending your time doing.

4. You can make a living from a hobby, if your hobby has a commercial value. People who play professional sports fall into this category. Some one who has learned to fly a plane can certainly become a commercial airline pilot. In evaluating your hobbies, analyze what it is about them that you love to do and look for an occupation that require those same talents.

5. Consider the salary that can be earned in various occupations. Be very objective in determining how much money will make your life comfortable and fulfill your needs. Not all careers provide the same income, as you very well know; and it is important to decide what salary must you earn to make you happy in your life. Happiness does not come from money itself and that is why it is so important to choose the career in which you will invest so much of your time wisely. Use salary surveys to learn the salary information for the career of interest. Be sure to learn the salary progression and potential. What would you have to do to receive the highest salary possible, how many years of experience, what experience or credentialing, etc.?

6. Starting down one career path will not mean that you must follow it forever. If you select the wrong career for yourself initially, you can change to another. The skills and experience you gain in one job is transferable to others, even if you have to add additional skills to get prepared for a different career. It is true that you might lose headway in establishing yourself in a career, but you can make up for it later.

7. Everyone is different and you might not like the career that your father or mother has chosen for you. It is likely that if you have a lot in common with someone, you might like to do some of the same things; but it is not necessarily true that you would like to follow in their footsteps. You have to make sure that you select a career that is a good fit for you.

8. Choosing a career is just a starting place for you. There is preparation that must come before you become employed in that occupation and reach your long-term goals. If you have not attended college and received your degree, that is where you must start. Learn what requirements are necessary for the job, what certifications, and education.