By Colter Lee
People of all ages face the pressure that can come with settling on a career and signing up for a good-fit degree program to help them pursue this career.
Selecting a career is a deeply personal choice that can depend not only on your personality and strengths but also on where you are in life. To help, University of Phoenix has put together six tips to help you choose your career.
These tips can help you narrow down your options and find a career path on which you can shape your skills.
Opt for a Career That Is Widely Employable
When you apply for a role in the modern world, you might find yourself competing against candidates from across the U.S., and perhaps even further afield.
Globalization has triggered a surge in demand for professionals, skilled laborers and capital, each of which can increase income for workers who are college educated while expanding the gap between rich and poor.
Meanwhile, many entry-level jobs are becoming automated, and many companies outsource these roles overseas to save costs.
With this in mind, the first tip from University of Phoenix is to decide on a career that requires practical skills that you can develop through education and experience. This career should be available globally and come with progression opportunities. Sectors to consider include cybersecurity, finance, business operations, engineering and human resources.
1. Choose a Career That Links to Your College Degree Program
If you’ve already completed a degree program, it’s worth narrowing down your career options to those that this degree aligns with. Consider the skills that you developed during your studies and the careers in which you could use these skills.
For example, if you have a degree in IT, you’re probably skilled in Microsoft systems, PC Help Desk, Cisco Networking and information assurance, helping you pursue roles in IT.
You can use university skills and experiences like these to make yourself stand out to hiring managers.
2. Choose a Career That Aligns With Your Personality
Choosing a career that aligns with your personality is essential when it comes to identifying a career path that you’ll find fulfilling long term.
For example, while those who enjoy exploring the latest technologies may prefer to pursue STEM roles, those who enjoy communicating and improving systems may prefer to pursue business and marketing roles.
University of Phoenix recommends highlighting the elements of your personality that could inform your ideal career. Consider whether you enjoy contributing to charities, working on physical tasks or thinking intellectually. With these factors in mind, come up with career paths that match your personality and could inspire you long term while allowing you to grow intellectually and experientially.
3. Choose a Career That Aligns With Your Life Goals and Commitments
Although choosing a career that suits your personality is important, this career should also suit your life goals and commitments. If you care for a relative or have children, some careers, no matter how suited to your personality, may not be possible.
Your career should also fit around the things you love. Whether you want to travel, volunteer or run a side hustle, you may only be truly happy in your career if this career allows you to enjoy the other important things in your life, too. Focus on the careers that you can enjoy alongside your other commitments and passions.
4. Choose a Career That Utilizes Your Military Experience
If you have military experience, you can use this experience to help you decide what kind of career to embark on. For example, those who have military experience (such as those who have worked as cybersecurity analysts, supply chain clerks or satellite systems specialists) often have transferable skills that can make them invaluable hires in several industries.
Military veterans can also take advantage of the military’s transitional services. Plus, their university or educational organization may be able to help support them. For example, University of Phoenix has a dedicated Veteran Resource Center that offers career guidance and other support for veterans, both in and out of the classroom.
5. Choose a Career That Will Help You Prepare for New Opportunties
If you’d like to pursue a corporate career and climb the managerial ranks, it can be helpful to start by evaluating your functional career path.
First, consider your experience in any element of business, such as operations, customer service, project management, engineering, human resources or finance. Then determine whether you have the experience to pursue one of these functional career paths at an executive level.
You may already have the skills that can lead you to a higher-level career opportunity. Alternatively, you may need to develop your experience and skills to fulfill your executive potential.
Get Regular Career Advice From University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix has a wealth of career advice to share. You can receive regular tips and insights by signing up for the Career With Confidence™ newsletter on LinkedIn.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix supports adult and nontraditional learners as they work toward their educational goals and guides students as they navigate the career options and degree programs that suit their interests. The University has created degree programs that can help students prepare for in-demand career paths such as those in cybersecurity, nursing and business. As part of these programs, students can benefit from flexible start dates, online classes and various scholarship opportunities that can help anyone earn the degree they desire. Meanwhile, University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life® commitment for active students and graduates offers these individuals the resources needed to be prepared when entering the workforce for no additional charge. These resources include resume and interview support, education and networking opportunities, and career guidance. Learn more at www.phoenix.edu.
