From Passion to Practice: Exploring Careers Based on your Values and Ideal Lifestyle

Imagine waking up every day and springing out of bed because you are excited about what the workday ahead will bring. Picture knowing that in your career, each day is another opportunity to impact the world or your community in a way that is meaningful to you. This mindset of daily fulfillment is possible, but it first starts with picking a career that will afford you the opportunity to put your passions to practice. There are four components that you should consider when exploring careers.

1. What activities make you feel happy or energized?

This component of career exploration will make the greatest difference in your landing a job you are passionate about. Once you have identified what makes you happy and feel energized, explore the careers that include duties that correlate with those activities. Have you ever heard people say that they like having a job that does not feel like work? This is often because their tasks include activities that they enjoy doing and would likely do even if a profit was not involved.

2. What are your favorite classes and why?

Let’s talk academics! Your performance inside the classroom and subject areas that you are naturally good at are key when exploring careers. You want to especially consider this component if your current careers of interest require a lot of education and training.

Additionally, you can use your favorite classes as a foundation for what careers you want to explore. If you excel in science class, you may want to explore a STEM-related major or scientific-based certification.

Be sure not to let academics keep you from pursuing what you are passionate about. You may not be the best person in math but want to

become an accountant. This is okay! If you run into a situation such as this, you will want to use the resources on your campus designed to assist you with your courses. For example, attend office hours or enroll in tutoring to receive additional help so that you continue to excel in classes that you may find challenging.

3. How do you want to be remembered, and what impact do you want to make on the world?

Let’s take it a step further and talk about the impact that you strive to create within your career. You may want to find a cure for a chronic illness, teach students how to read, help families with their finances, or take photos capturing the precious memories in someone’s life. No matter what career you choose, know that you have the ability to make your mark on your surrounding community in some way. You have the willpower to make your impact unique, so keep this in mind as you explore careers. Try asking yourself these questions: If I could change one thing about the world, what would it be? If I could alleviate one problem in another person’s life, what would it be? Analyze your answers to these questions and explore fields that closely align with your answers.

4. How do you define success and what is your ideal lifestyle?

Take some time to consider what success means to you and what it looks like. Everyone’s idea of success differs and should be centered around their goals and ideal lifestyle. How many hours would you like to work in a week? Do you want to have holidays off or report to work? How many vacations would you like to take a year? What type of work environments do you thrive in? You must ask yourself some tough questions and be aware of what you value in life. Your career should allow you to live your ideal lifestyle.

Take Stock in College scholars, we want you to land the career of your dreams! You have worked so hard to reach this point, and it is only upward from here. Take the time to enjoy your college experience and explore the various opportunities that your campus offers. You never know what experience you may participate in that will spark interest in your future career. Allow yourself to explore, learn, and grow!