Choosing a career path means answering the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Some seem to know the answer seemingly from birth, but for most of us, finding a career can feel bewildering. 

What are we good at? What do we like to do? What professions offer the most opportunity for the future? What career path should I take? Do I even have a shot at it? These and more questions need to be addressed when learning how to choose a career path.

To help you begin your journey, here are five useful pointers for finding a career that’s right for you.

What is a career path?
Simply put, a career path is a plan that lays out the job titles and positions you want to hold as you move forward in your chosen occupation. It can be an organizational career path for climbing the career ladder within a company, or a personal career path based on your skills, interests and values that you can pursue through a variety of employers in your field. Whatever path you choose, remember it’s just a starting point. Be open to where it can take you.

How to choose a career path

Finding your career is a matter of knowing yourself, identifying your interests and abilities, understanding the opportunities available to you, and acquiring the skills necessary for going after your dreams.

The first thing you need to consider is what you enjoy doing, the types of activities and interests you could pursue every day and not get bored with them. If you like lots of human interaction, for example, you may look into sales, education, or business management. A passion for math and science points toward a career in engineering, technology or medicine. A love of sports might lead to coaching, fitness instruction or sports management. Make a list of everything you’re into and see where it leads.