Right now is one of the most exciting times of your life. You’re standing at a fork (or several forks) on the road. Each has a path that will lead you to a different future. So, how do you choose a career? We’re sharing five simple steps that can help you find your calling. They include:
- identifying your skills and interests
- researching your career options
- thinking about the life you want
- talking to people in the field
- trying it out (even before you graduate).
Bonus: check out our handy career quiz that will help you explore your strengths and find a career path to match your skills and interests.
Step 1: Identify your skills and interests
When weighing up potential career paths, it’s a good idea to start by focusing on what you enjoy and what you’re good at. Think about the subjects, topics or activities that bring you fulfilment, or that feel fun or easy for you. These are great clues about what kind of work might suit you in the future.
For example, if you love solving puzzles, that could point to a career that involves problem-solving. Are you the classmate who’s always helping your fellow students (and you enjoy doing so)? Teaching might be a rewarding career for you.
To help you hone in on some ideas, here’s a quick exercise you can do. Write down three things you enjoy doing and three skills you feel you naturally excel at.
Your response might look something like this:
- I enjoy: writing stories, helping others, playing sports.
- I’m good at: organising events, communicating clearly, writing essays.
This list can be a good way to see patterns that can guide your career choices.
You might also want to try self-assessment tools like career aptitude tests or personality quizzes. Both of these tools are designed to match your interests and skills with potential career paths.
We’ve included a handy career quiz at the end of this article. It’s a quick and fun way to learn more about your career personality. You might just discover opportunities that you haven’t even considered yet.
Step 2: Research your career options
The workforce is constantly changing, and many job titles are new or not as obvious as you might think. For instance, some careers in SEO and social media didn’t exist 10 to 15 years ago – and now they’re booming.
As new industries and roles are emerging all the time, it’s worth casting a wide net to discover what’s possible – you might even choose a career you didn’t know existed before!
A proactive way to start your research is to check online career platforms and job boards, as well as social media sites and LinkedIn. Even if you aren’t in a position to apply yet, you’ll get an idea of what roles businesses are looking for.
Don’t forget to browse university course websites, career festivals and alumni stories. These often highlight the career paths of former students and can give you a sense of what’s possible when you graduate from university.
Pick one possible role that sparks your curiosity, and then you can play detective! Find out what the daily work looks like, the skills required and how people progress in that career. This will give you insight into the job, lifestyle and career path behind the title.
For example, check out the video below of a Charles Sturt nursing graduate sharing what her day-to-day career is like.
Step 3: Think about the life you want
Choosing a career isn’t just about the job title or the paycheck. It’s also about finding a role that will feel fulfilling to you – and how your work fits with your values and lifestyle goals.
Think about what matters most to you. Is a high income your top priority? Or do you want a role with flexible hours so you can balance your work, study, hobbies, travel and family life? Perhaps location is important to you, or the need to have a stable, low-stress environment.
It’s perfectly okay to prioritise work–life balance, job security or anything that means a lot to you. In an ideal world, your career should support the life you want to live, not take it over.
Ready to compare some potential careers? Make a list of roles that intrigue you and create a table to score how well each one matches your needs. For instance, you can use categories like salary, flexibility, learning opportunities and lifestyle fit. Then you can rate each as strong, average or weak.
Here’s an example of what a comparison between a marketing coordinator role and a graphic designer might look like for you.
| Category | Marketing Coordinator | Graphic Designer |
| Salary | Average | Strong |
| Flexibility | Strong | Average |
| Learning opportunities | Strong | Strong |
| Lifestyle fit | TBC by you! | TBC by you! |
Doing this may help you see which option aligns best with your priorities. So, if you try it for two or three roles you’re interested in, it can help make your decision clearer and more straightforward.
Looking for more career inspiration in creative fields? Check out our arts and communication courses.
Step 4: Talk to people in the field
Nothing beats hearing about a career straight from someone who’s living it. So try reaching out to professionals in the field to see what you can discover about your dream career!
They might be open to a casual chat or an online Zoom call where you can ask them questions about their career journey, daily tasks and responsibilities, and the skills you’ll need to be successful. These people can give you valuable insights you might not find online.
It’s always good to have a referral from somebody who can help with an introduction. Alternatively, if you’re approaching a person ‘cold’ – here’s a helpful script to help start a conversation.
“Hi [Name], my name is [Name] and I’m thinking about studying [Degree] at [Uni]. I’m interested in working in the [Industry] industry. You seem to be successful in the field, and I’d love the opportunity to speak with you to get some insight into your career path. Would you be open to having a chat with me?”
- Do: Be polite, clear about what you’re asking for and respectful of their time.
- Don’t: Be pushy or use the opportunity to get a foot in the door. (You’re reaching out to them for an informational chat, not a job interview!)
Most people are happy to help if they have the time, and these conversations can give you a clearer picture of your career options.
Step 5: Try it out (even before you graduate)
One of the best ways to choose a career is to ‘try on a career’ before making a big commitment. Gaining hands-on, practical experience lets you see if a role really suits you.
Work experience, internships or volunteering are all great ways to get a taste of a career. Therefore, it’s a good idea to explore opportunities in these areas.
- If a role is a good fit, you’ll gain valuable experience and might make important connections.
- If you learn the job isn’t right for you, it’s important to remember that this is just as valuable as discovering a perfect fit. A ‘no’ helps you narrow your options and focus on what truly excites you.
Either way, trying out a career before committing to it is a great way to learn something about yourself, as well as the field you’re interested in.
What if I can’t choose a career path?
It’s completely normal not to know what you want to do. Many people take time to find the right path, often changing and refining their career direction well into their lives. Times change, people change and priorities change and this is totally normal. Having a good understanding of your skills and interests, as well as being flexible, will help you make the right decisions – trust yourself and know that you can always change your mind!
This is why it’s important to try new things. University is a great place to explore different subjects within your degree. You could even do a double degree if you’re interested in more than one area or unsure which career path to follow.
Key takeaways – so you can choose a career that works for you
Picking a career is like crafting your own adventure. You get to explore different paths, speak to new people and learn more about what lights you up. It’s about finding where your passions, values and strengths collide and how to make that part of your future career.
When you’re ready to make your career choice, here are some key things to remember:
- Be open to change: Your career path may evolve as you grow and learn new things. Be flexible and develop with it.
- Focus on what matters to you: Instead of chasing prestige or salary alone, consider what best matches your values and lifestyle. What will make your life fulfilling?
- Keep learning: The job market is always shifting. Stay curious and adapt to new opportunities.
- Use both research and gut instinct: Gather as much information as you can. However, also trust how the thought of a career in any given industry makes you feel.
Try before you commit: Gaining hands-on experience can help you make the most suitable decision as to what path to choose.
Still trying to choose a career? Take our quiz!
Discover what type of career might best suit you and discover insights into your job prospects. You might even find the perfect course for your dream job!
Ready to take the next step?
Choosing a career is an exciting and rewarding time. It might feel overwhelming, and that’s perfectly normal. Breaking it down into smaller, practical steps will make it more manageable, and remember that you’re likely to change direction as you learn and grow.
Ready to get started? Explore our wide range of courses. We also provide a suite of dedicated support services that are designed to help current students and alumni find their next career move.
Start your journey today and discover where your future can take you.
FAQs
How can I find accurate career recommendations?
Using career aptitude tests and personality quizzes can provide personalised insights based on your skills, interests and personality traits. These tools analyse your personal information and quiz results to suggest potential career matches.
If you’re a Charles Sturt student, our Career and Skills team is ready to help you prepare for your career. Book a one-to-one appointment with a careers and skills adviser to discuss your resume, interview preparation, job applications or career planning.
What should I consider when changing careers?
If you’re thinking of changing careers, consider your career goals, job market demand and how your skills transfer to new roles. It’s also worth researching career paths thoroughly using online resources. This will help you to understand the different opportunities out there before making a move.
How can international students choose a career while studying in Australia?
For international students studying in Australia, a good way to choose a career is to explore career opportunities related to their degree. Career assessment tools and connecting with university support services may help them make a decision.
Are career quizzes reliable when I’m trying to choose a career?
No test is perfect. However, career quizzes and aptitude tests can offer a helpful starting point for understanding your career personality. They can also point to ideal careers you might not have considered.
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