How to Navigate Your Career Path: My Advice on Finding Your Dreams

Recently I got a request to talk about advice for career paths. More specifically, advice on choosing one. I love this question- and I love that people trusted me enough to ask! Business Professional Charty making her debut... First off, I’ll start by saying half the battle is sitting in this journey and questioning it. To admit you're unsure and trying to figure things out. We live in a world where everyone seems to have their shit together, and to question or be unsure of what you want is labeled as messy or negative. But I think it’s noble and strong for people to say they’re still figuring it out. Living in the uncertainty is one of life’s best lessons.

There is no black and white career path. I wish it was easier to figure out, but sometimes the journey makes the destination so much sweeter. I was one of the annoying people who have known what they’ve wanted to do since I was 14 years old, but that doesn’t mean it’s come with zero hardship. I’ve had to pivot, give up what I wanted for what was meant for me, I’ve known challenges, and I’ve worked hard. Let me start by saying there isn’t a perfect job awaiting you. But there are jobs that can get you that .1% closer to what you want. And if you want it, you better go freaking get it. Work hard and push yourself because the dreams don’t chase you back. There are wonderful career paths out there, and it’s all about making tiny steps toward the ultimate goal. I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned along the way with career path and choices.

Interests and Values: To choose a career or a job field, it’s important to have conversations with yourself about your identity. Sometimes, when we’re struggling with our relationship with ourselves, this can be difficult. Start with the basics. What are you interested in? What sorts of things make you feel alive? What are your values? Do things like creativity, teamwork, kindness, or community mean more to you than others? This involves really reflecting in this process and having hard conversations. So many times, we’re worried about what others will think of us or say about our journeys. But this is about you. Say it again! It’s your voyage, your life, you choose. When I would tell people I wanted to go into the social work field, the looks and opinions I would get hurt my feelings. “You’ll never make money,” or “Wow you’re going to be miserable after a few years.” Guess what? I beat both of those odds! This part can feel scary to reflect upon who you are and your own identity—but it’s so important for a career decision.

Strengths: The dreaded interview question! What are your strengths and weaknesses? Your honor I have zero weaknesses! Kidding (sort of). All jokes aside, after looking into your interests and values, narrow in on your strengths. Are you good at communicating? Maybe you excel in technology or writing. Can you hold a conversation? How about leadership skills? Don’t come back and tell me you have none! Everyone has a few, it’s just about uncovering them. And sometimes, it’s pieces of your personality you would’ve never thought could be a strength. For example, humor is one of my strengths at work…something I thought was only reserved for my personal life shines through in so many cool ways in my career. So, dig deep! Figure out what makes you, well you, and things you excel at and zero in on them. Be boastful! What sets you apart?

Charty tip: in any job interview, make sure you’re building on these strengths in the meetings and highlighting the best parts of your personality and/or performance.

Research: Ugh. I know! That word is brutal. But in this case, it’s our friend. Researching career paths can help us determine what we want. Delving into potential opportunities, jobs, or fields you may be interested in is a key piece of that search. What sets your soul on fire? Make sure you investigate every possible option on the table before deciding for or against something. Be thorough!

Goals. Dream Big: Now it’s time for goals. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? How about 10 years? 20 years? What do you want for yourself? Go on, write it down. When we write pen to paper, it’s a way of our mind comprehending it differently than saying it aloud or in our heads. When you write or say these goals, I want you to dream big. There are no limits, or monetary or logistical limits when you do this. See what happens or what ends up on paper!

Okay now let’s narrow it down. Where do you see yourself in a working environment? Do you see yourself on a team? Independently? What kind of boss do you see yourself working for? What does it feel like? More specific questions related to a job can help you really think about what path or career choice is right for you. Where you see yourself in 5, or 10, or 20 years can help set expectations of where you want your life to go. This can help factor into what ignites your spirit.

Volunteer and Experience: Ah yes. One of the most important pieces of figuring out what you want. Go volunteer, or get an internship, or any kind of experience if you can. More times than not, this will help you further along the path of deciding what you do or don’t want. Seek out ways to immerse yourself in the job field of your interests in some way—this can also be beneficial for the type of job environment or team you may want.

Network: Okay sometimes this is annoying, but other times so beneficial. Looking for ways to send your resume to potential employers, or network at an event are going to help you. Show up to a networking event, share your LinkedIn or Indeed profiles, send the resume out to places! This can help build confidence, meet interesting people, and make you more visible. It makes you stand out as a person apart from a piece of paper resume. These connections can help foster more opportunities down the line as well. I’ve found networking my personality to be way more efficient than a list of where I’ve worked!

It's not you...it's them: Rejection is the arch nemesis of a career journey. There are so many interviews or opportunities you'll chase, only to find out someone else was chosen over you. Plain and simple. That HURTS. Of course we take it personally, but it's not really about us. They don't know our true selves; they see a snippet of us in real time and on paper. And often times these rejections are a pivot to something better. Something more aligned with your values. A life that's waiting for you. Make sure you sit in the rejection, but don't let it keep you from moving forward. This rejection should propel us into that next best thing, as it forms us into stronger people.

Slow Down and Be Present: We’re always in a race to figure things out, to advance our lives, and have all the answers. You will figure it out. Especially in your early 20s, everyone is so wrapped up in their jobs, futures, and comparing ourselves to others. Take a deep breath. Slow down and be with this version of yourself, as you will never have it again. Life is about embracing the messy, the uncertainty, and the unknown. It can feel untethered not knowing what the next move is or taking a job you’re miserable at. It’s scary to make big leaps and not know the outcome. But it’s so worth it. Your career path is never going to be linear and there are so many wonderful rooms that you don’t even know exist in yet. It’s all about opening the door. Taking that step toward what you want. That half a step forward is better than not moving at all! Head up, heart full, march on. And remember, this is about you. So, screw what other people are saying or doing, make sure you’re doing it for you.

Love,

Business-Professional Charty