• What do I do well?
You are more likely to succeed in a field where you have natural abilities. What are your hobbies? What were your best subjects at school? Make a list of your abilities.
• What do I enjoy doing?
No matter what your abilities, you must be sure that work for you is, for the most part, enjoyable.
Other Considerations
• Salary: Happiness does not depend entirely on earning power, but it is an important factor. Don’t be money-driven— remember your lasting priorities. Choose a career that will support your life’s goals and priorities.
• What industries are growing and declining on a national level? On the Internet at www.bls.gov you’ll find regularly updated information on U.S. trends and projections.
• What are the local growth industries?
Local trends may differ from national trends. A drop in tourism nationally may be true in Idaho, but not in Florida. You can compare regularly updated job salaries and growth by state on the Internet at www.dws.state.ut.us
• Where are you prepared to live ?
Similar jobs often pay differently in different states. Compare salaries by state on the Internet at www.dws.state.ut.us.
• What are your prospects for promotion or adapting to another career?
Does your career allow you to adapt and meet changes in the market place? The more adaptable you are, the more opportunities you will have.
• Test the Water: You may not want to decide on a specific career yet. If you are uncertain, experiment. Summer, part-time, or volunteer work will give you an insight into a wide variety of careers and professional lifestyle. The only bad decision is a decision to do nothing.