In the contemporary professional landscape, your first job doesn’t necessarily have to be the career path you stick with for the rest of your life. If you are currently in school and uncertain what to major in, or if you are in the workforce and considering returning to college because you are looking to take a new direction, finding a career can be daunting.
But don’t panic if you haven’t decided on a major for your degree or a path to embark on. With a little research, thought, and planning, you can find a career that’s right for you. Let’s look at some of the different options available.
Pursuing Business
If you feel the need to be a driving force behind the industry you enter, you could consider pursuing a business career. This can take a variety of forms. You might start a company of your own. Alternatively, you could target roles that influence the running of companies, such as business consultancy or marketing management, among others.
Getting a business major can be a good start to this journey. Not to mention that the skills and qualifications can make you a quite versatile contributor to any industry. Many business degree curriculums introduce you to the core components of entrepreneurship and management. This includes marketing skills, research and development, labor legislation, and so forth. You may then decide to get a master’s degree to further specialize in a specific area of business.
Consider the Distance
Don’t discount geography. Job markets vary greatly depending on where you live. Rural towns seldom have stock brokerages, whereas cities often lack any opportunities in agriculture. You’ll have to carefully consider your career choice if you don’t want to move or if you don’t want to stay. Still, you can overcome geographic challenges as a jobseeker no matter where you live.
Consider remote work if you seek a high-paying role but can’t find one in your local job market. For example, project management and programming are excellent career options for those who prefer to work at home. If you’d rather stay true to your area, research what opportunities are available in the area.
Meanwhile, for those with an eternal wanderlust, a career as a travel nurse can be a great way to experience new places while having a substantial paycheck. Business consultants sometimes travel from one company to another as well.
Making a Difference
Interested in making an impact on your community? If so, you’re in luck — there are many careers where you can make a difference and help others. Whether you’re interested in meeting people face-to-face or supporting others behind the scenes, you have options, including:
- Education careers, such as a teacher or school administrator;
- Government careers, particularly in local agencies;
- Nonprofit careers, especially if you can work for an organization whose mission you really believe in.
Each of these roles enables individuals to create meaningful change, enhance lives, and strengthen communities.
Considering Healthcare
If you would like to have both an enriching career and help others, you might consider a role in the medical industry. There is a significant shortage of skilled healthcare professionals in various roles at the moment, including nurses, educators, and administrators. Some workers stepped away from the industry in the wake of COVID-19, not to mention that the general population’s higher life expectancy has increased demand for medical services. As a result, shifting to a healthcare career can offer you opportunities to both improve patients’ lives and shape the new direction of the industry.
Pursuing a medical major can be a significant commitment. Particularly if you’re considering specialist physician roles, you can expect to take a 4-6 year degree course, followed by internships and residencies. Not to mention that you’ll have ongoing training as the industry evolves. If you’re interested in nursing and have already gained a degree in a different area, you may be able to gain a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) before applying for your license.
Given the commitment involved, it’s important to do some research before embarking on your journey. If possible, seek out professionals in areas you’re interested in pursuing and talk to them about their experiences. This isn’t just about gaining their advice to navigate the educational aspect, but also understanding the challenges of their day-to-day roles. Obtaining these insights can empower you to make informed decisions.
Moving Forward
Deciding to change careers can be daunting. You might feel paralyzed by indecision. So, how can you move past this block and take your first steps?
Firstly, it’s essential to take some time for self-reflection. Don’t just think about tangible elements — like salary or titles — but also how your values might align with a new career path. This can help motivate you to continue on your path during the inevitable challenges you’ll face.
In addition, you could find connecting with a mentor helpful. The journey to a new career can feel lonely and frustrating at times. The last thing you want is to experience mental health difficulties or discouragement. Having someone to provide you with relevant guidance and support throughout your experiences can, therefore, be invaluable. You may be able to utilize online groups, university programs, and friends or family connections to locate a mentor. They can be a sounding platform for your ideas and concerns, a gateway to opportunities, and simply a boost for your morale when things get tough.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a change of career, there are some exciting options open to you. Majoring in business can open options to start your own enterprise or influence the success of other companies. A medical career can allow you to help fill the current industry skills gap and make a difference in patients’ lives. However, if you’re still undecided, it’s important to commit some time to activities like self-reflection or finding a mentor to ensure you make informed choices.
Though there are various options open to you now, it can be wise to take your time. Rushing into a career change can result in missteps that you have to then correct. Instead, dig into your research and follow your curiosity. Not only is this a more cautious approach, but you may also uncover prospects you hadn’t previously considered.