Many of us aspire to build a legitimate and long-lasting career, yet very few take the initiative in the right direction. The key to making a successful career lies in assessing your aptitude, interests, and taking step-by-step actions towards your goal. Without a clear strategy for career development, one can lose valuable time and resources before realising the right path.
Therefore, a step-by-step guide is crucial for forging your own path towards success while avoiding unnecessary setbacks. By following a well-defined plan, you can maximise your potential and achieve your career aspirations efficiently and effectively.
- Assess what you are before deciding your career path
Sheena and Mona, both highly competitive, were cousins who scored above 90 in their 12th board exams. Unfortunately, the healthy competition between them turned into a rat race when Sheena cleared her IAS after graduation. Mona, out of her competitive nature, then began aiming for IAS as well. However, choosing a career just because others are doing so is wrong. Mona’s true talent lies in her writing skills, not leadership and management.
After years of failure, Mona finally realised her passion for writing and switched careers, leaving Sheena to continue pursuing IAS. Although Mona emerged successful, she lost years and energy chasing a career that didn’t align with her true calling.
So what factors should you consider before making a career choice?
- Multiple Options: How many courses are available in your field of interest? Exploring different options can help you make an informed decision.
- Aptitude Skills: Does your interest match your natural abilities? Different careers demand specific aptitude skills. For instance, banking requires reasoning and quantitative aptitude, while writing requires research and communication skills.
- Interest: Are you passionate about the career you are choosing, or are you only opting for it due to external pressures? It’s essential to consider your interests and goals while making career choices.
- Total Cost: Can you afford the course or career you are considering? Does the cost match your aspirations? If you are planning to take out a loan, make sure you will be able to repay it in instalments.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed career choice that aligns with your skills and interests, helping you achieve success and fulfillment in the long run.
- Skill development
A degree does not necessarily equate to possessing the necessary skills for success. Each year, thousands of engineers graduate, but only a select few achieve success. This is because it is ultimately an individual’s skills that determine their success in their chosen field. Similarly, obtaining an MBA degree does not guarantee a successful career if the individual is not proficient in their chosen field. Therefore, rather than prioritizing degrees, it is essential to focus on developing relevant skills.
For students, it is crucial to develop skills that are relevant to their chosen field. This will enable them to excel and succeed in their career. Pursuing an internship immediately after developing the relevant skill is an excellent way to enhance knowledge and gain practical experience. Fortunately, several institutes provide internships post-skill courses, and platforms such as Internshala or LinkedIn are excellent resources for finding paid internships.
- Networking
Networking is a key aspect of building a successful career. When you connect with new people from various industries, it opens up opportunities for you to make connections and gain entry into big organizations. While talent is undoubtedly crucial, having a network of contacts can be immensely beneficial in opening doors and providing valuable insights into the industry.
Even if you don’t land a job through networking, the experience itself can be invaluable. Networking can help you gain exposure to different industries, learn from experienced professionals, and enhance your communication skills. Moreover, applying for jobs without recommendations can often result in your application being overlooked. Having connections within a specific company can help you gain insight into the organization’s culture and upcoming vacancies, giving you an edge in the application process.
For those who are introverted or struggle with networking, it’s important to recognize the importance of connections in today’s job market. By stepping out of your comfort zone and building relationships with others in your field, you can gain a significant advantage in your career. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards; it’s about building meaningful relationships that can help you succeed in your professional life.
- Take risks but carefully
Calculated risks are a vital component of a successful career. You may have heard of individuals who invest all their savings in a business venture that ultimately fails. Such outcomes are not merely unfortunate events, but the result of taking uncalculated risks. It’s essential to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket and diversify your investments instead.
Similarly, it’s crucial to invest in your child’s future by identifying their strengths and abilities.
For instance, investing in a private medical college for your child might seem like a sound decision, but if their passion and talents lie elsewhere, this could lead to a bleak future for both your child and your savings. Instead, take the time to identify your child’s talents and interests and invest in areas that align with them.
For instance, if your child has a talent for design, investing in developing that skill can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career. It’s important to consider the long-term implications of any investment and to make informed decisions based on the strengths and abilities of those involved.
- Start your career early
The earlier, the better. Gone are the days when people used to spend years on theoretical knowledge and then apply for jobs. The modern age demands a different approach from its professionals. In cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, students prefer starting their career during college days only. This not only gives them exposure but also helps them experiment and find their true passion and interest.
- Embrace feedbacks
Feeling naive at times isn’t a weakness; in fact, it’s a sign of humility and self-awareness. It’s far better to admit that you lack knowledge than to live under the false pretense of being an expert. By embracing constructive feedback, you can improve yourself and grow both personally and professionally.
Negative feedback might seem harsh at first, but it’s often necessary to identify areas where you need to improve. Instead of letting your ego get in the way, use the feedback as a learning opportunity. Making mistakes is a part of the learning process, and feedback helps you to identify and correct them.
By being receptive to feedback, you open up avenues for growth and improvement. It’s crucial to avoid the trap of living in your own ego, as this can stifle your progress and limit your potential. Remember, constructive feedback is a gift, and it’s up to you to use it wisely to improve yourself and achieve your goals.
- Sporty spirit
The essence of the sporting spirit lies in the resilience of athletes who, no matter how many times they stumble, get back up and strive to be better. This attitude is worth emulating in both personal and professional life. If you’ve tried something and failed, don’t be discouraged. Instead, get back on your feet and explore new opportunities.
It’s essential to remember that even if your efforts don’t lead to the desired outcome, the experience gained is never wasted. For instance, the preparation done for one exam may help you crack another entrance exam or excel in a different field.
We’ve all heard of students who’ve topped their class but couldn’t qualify for a seemingly straightforward exam. However, the skills and knowledge acquired during the preparation process can be put to use in other areas. So, it’s vital to remain optimistic, stay motivated, and keep pushing forward, no matter the circumstances. The sporty spirit can help you achieve great heights and overcome even the most significant challenges.
Growth mindset
Self-satisfaction can often lead to stagnation or being replaced, whether in a simple job or a glamorous career as a film star. It’s important to constantly upgrade oneself and stay relevant in an ever-evolving world. The fate of some 90’s Bollywood actors serves as a poignant reminder that mindset plays a crucial role in remaining competitive.
The job market is no different, and it’s essential to stay updated with the latest tools and technologies. Whether you’re a coder, writer, or designer, it’s important to familiarize yourself with various applications and tools that can enhance your skills and improve your efficiency.
Conclusion
A number of tactics, such as evaluating one’s aptitude, skills, interests, and job possibilities, can be used to optimise one’s potential and realise employment objectives. Career development also requires networking, developing one’s skills, taking measured chances, starting a career early, and being open to feedback.
It is essential to take one’s aptitude, skills, interests, and professional alternatives into account before deciding on a career route. Making an informed profession choice can be aided by researching many choices, matching interests and natural talents, and taking the whole cost into account.
Success in one’s chosen industry depends on acquiring pertinent abilities through post-skill courses and internships. Other benefits of networking with experts from diverse businesses include exposure to new perspectives and meaningful relationships.
A successful profession requires calculated risks, but it’s also important to diversify one’s finances to prevent placing all one’s eggs in one basket. Early career entry can help one get experience and discover their genuine passions and interests.
Accepting criticism can help one identify areas for improvement and increase performance. Hence, by putting these strategies into practise, one can fully realise their potential and successfully pursue their career goals