Realistic Expectations

I attended a training meeting today about career decision making. One of our discussion points was realistic expectations.

If you are trying to decide your career path, do you have realistic expectations about the following?

1) What do the day to day operations of that position entail?

For example, being an archaeologist is more yard-work than finding historic specimens. Even then, there are tedious procedures required to extract the item. School counselors often spend more time on paperwork and schedule changes than counseling and interacting with students.

2) What is the outlook of that position/field?

Some positions may pay very well, yet do not have a positive outlook as job openings decline. Outsourcing, mergers and technological advances replace many jobs that were once prevalent.

Has anyone been to Detroit lately? Compare the difference between now and before the auto industry closed plants.

3) What are the skills needed for this position?

Many positions require more skills than one would assume. Both doctors and dentists are self-employed. How skilled are you at accounting or business management? And what about watching patients die? Can you handle it?

4) Do you understand the most appropriate path to take to get into/advance in that position?

Do you understand the requirements, but even more, the recommended path to a specific position? Often, majoring in a specific area is not enough. Medical professions often require extensive job shadowing experiences. Public Relations professionals often require a portfolio of professional or published work. Psychology graduate programs look for experience and or research. History majors are usually required to take the GRE by October of their Senior year to be admitted to the next fall's grad program. Sometimes taking the recommended classes are not enough for admission or to have an edge over the competition.

Essentially, it is important to know enough about a profession to make a sound judgement about your interest and ability to perform well in that position.

Recommendations:

1) Research outlook, pay, competencies, etc. of positions. One great resource is the Occupational Outlook Handbook by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2) Talk to professionals in that profession. Ask for an informal interview to discuss recommendations, day to day operations, requirements, misconceptions, pros and cons, satisfaction, etc.

3) Job shadow. If you are a student, contact your counselor or career center and they should assist you in finding an opportunity. Or contact professionals on your own to watch their daily operations.

4) Attend information sessions, forums, and lectures. Many colleges and universities hold meetings and forums to discuss various careers. Several government and private agencies also hold meetings for the public to discuss career openings and details about the positions.

5) Visit a career counselor or school advisor. They can offer valuable resources and insight.

***6) Participate in an internship or co-op experience. Try the job on before you committ to it, while also obtaining skills and experience. It may confirm your fit or lead you in a completely different direction.