How to choose your future career with these easy tips

Whether you're already in the workforce and considering a change or a student stepping into the world of work for the first time, deciding what direction to take is a big step.

Read on for a step-by-step guide to simplifying the process.

What is a career path?

A career path is the series of jobs and experiences you undertake as you progress in your working life. It might be a clear and structured journey within one field, or a more flexible path involving different industries and roles. Some people follow a straightforward route, while others explore multiple fields before settling.

Why do people struggle to decide on a career path?

• There are too many options, leading to decision paralysis
• They’re unsure of what truly interests them
• They feel pressure to make the 'perfect' choice early on
• They lack information about different professions
• They’re worried about making the wrong decision and wasting time or money

Tips on choosing a new career

There’s no one-size-fits-all method, but the following steps will guide you through how to choose a profession that leads to a career.

At each stage, write everything down. This will help you spot patterns and keep track of your thoughts.

Identify your interests and strengths

Start by looking inward. Understanding what excites you and where your strengths lie is a great kick-off point for choosing a career.

• Are you a words or numbers person?
• What jobs and careers initially interest you?
• Were there school subjects that came naturally to you or hobbies you could spend hours doing?
• Think about the skills you’ve already developed. Are you a great communicator, a logical thinker or a creative problem solver?
• Do you enjoy working with people, analysing data or creating things?

Equally, it’s helpful to be clear about what doesn’t interest you. If you dislike working in fast-paced environments or hate writing, that’s good to know.

Research career options and explore different industries

Once you’ve made note of what you like and are interested in (as well as the things you want to avoid), it’s time to see how they align with actual roles in the job market.

• Consider all industries – including healthcare, technology, education, hospitality and finance as your dream role could appear in an unexpected industry.
• Look into job market trends and see which sectors are growing and offer stability (if that’s important to you)
• Use online career guides and job sites to learn about various roles and the qualifications you would need to get into them.

Reading real job descriptions can be eye-opening. You might discover careers you hadn’t considered or realise that a job that sounded good includes a lot of the tasks you hate.

Seek guidance

If you’re in high school still wondering “How do I find the best job for me?” speak with a career adviser or school counsellor for professional advice and tools. They can help you uncover career options that match your personality, skills and long-term aspirations. School Career Counsellors often have access to up-to-date labour market information, training pathways and insider tips on how to enter certain industries.

If you're already working, reach out to mentors or professionals in fields you’re curious about. A short chat or informal coffee with someone already working in your area of interest can offer a realistic view of what the job entails and how to get started. You might also discover alternative paths or roles within that field.

You can attend career fairs, webinars or industry open days, where you can speak to people who work in the field you’re interested in.

Ask family and friends for their perspective. Sometimes others can see your strengths more clearly than you can. They can share helpful insights or even introduce you to people in their networks.

Platforms like LinkedIn can be useful for following industry leaders, joining interest groups and staying in the loop with job opportunities or advice.

Gathering a range of perspectives will give you a more balanced view and could even open up options you hadn’t previously considered.

What is your desired lifestyle?

A job isn’t just about the tasks you’ll perform each day; it’s also about how it fits into your overall lifestyle.

• Think about the salary range you’d be comfortable with
• Consider the type of work-life balance you want — do you prefer regular hours or flexibility?
• Reflect on job stability and long-term prospects
• Decide whether you’d be open to relocating for work or prefer to stay close to home

These factors play a key role in long-term job satisfaction. For example, if you value security you might favour roles in education or public service, while a person who prioritises creativity may enjoy freelance or entrepreneurial paths.

Career tools and quizzes

If you’re still unsure, career assessment tools can point you in the right direction. These tools often ask about your interests, preferences and values to match you with potential career options.

• Try the Career Crush tool, which is designed to help you discover your working style and suitable roles
• Use free online quizzes like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
• Create a mind map listing your interests, values, preferred working conditions and any must-haves (e.g. remote work, high salary, creative freedom)

These tools won’t make the decision for you, but they offer a clearer picture of what might suit you best.

Choosing a career can feel like a major life decision, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one! Many people change careers multiple times throughout their lives. The key is to stay curious, do your research and take practical steps to explore your options.

By understanding how to choose a profession, assessing what matters most to you, and using available resources, you’ll be better equipped to answer questions like "How do I decide what career I want?"

Remember, the right path is one that aligns with your strengths, interests and lifestyle. Start exploring today and take the first step towards a future that excites you.