Follow these 3 steps to discover your ideal career path

When you think about your future career, what do you envision? Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to move into a new role or industry, knowing your ideal career path can set you up for future success. By having a clear plan for your career, you can take specific, targeted steps to work toward your goals.

This article will guide you in establishing and working toward your ideal career path. We’ll discuss:

• What a career path is and what it may look like for you

• Why it’s important to have a career path

• The steps you can take to plan your career path

What is a career path?

A career path is a plan outlining the steps you can take to progress in your career. It often includes vertical steps to advance into higher positions. For example, when you get promoted to a management position, that’s known as a vertical career move.

However, your career path may also include horizontal steps, where you move into a new job with different responsibilities but equal pay or status to your previous position. If you get a new job in a different industry, for example, this horizontal move can allow you to expand your skill set and broaden your knowledge.

What is the ideal career path for you?

No one’s career path looks the same, even if you have similar goals or work in the same industry. When and how you choose to move forward in your career will be unique to you. That means you’re the only person who can determine what your ideal career path looks like.

To identify your ideal path, it’s essential to think honestly about what you want in your career. Ask yourself a few questions to determine your values and goals, such as:

• Do you want more responsibilities at work, such as leading a team or managing budgets?

• Do you value the status and earning potential that comes with promotions and job titles?

• Do you want to find a job that aligns with your values and interests?

• Are you looking to answer your calling and fulfill your purpose in life?

Why is a career path important?

Your career path can (and likely will) change over time. While it may ebb and flow, having a plan for your career can have many advantages. Knowing your ideal career path can help you:

• Create clear goals. When you know where you want to be, you can set clear, focused goals to get there.

• Develop the right skills. Choosing a career path allows you to work on developing the skills and expertise you need to achieve your goals.

• Make decisions more easily. If you have a plan, you can make decisions about your career with your end goals in mind.

• Increase your job satisfaction. By working in roles that align with your career goals, you can increase your job satisfaction and feel happier at work.

• Take a proactive approach. With a clearly defined path forward, you can take a proactive approach to your career and go after the jobs you really want.

How to find your ideal career path

If you want to have more control over your career, follow these steps to discover your ideal career path:

1. Consider your interests

Start by thinking about what interests or excites you. Do you love to be outside? Do you have a passion for animals? Do you feel good when you can help someone else? Knowing your interests can provide guidance on what your dream career might look like.

2. Know your personality type

Your personality type refers to your natural traits, strengths, and weaknesses. When you know your personality type, you can gain insights into your values and motivations to help guide you to your ideal career.

If you’re not sure how to determine your personality type, start by using one of these assessment tools:

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is a personality assessment tool providing 16 personality types. Knowing your MBTI type can help you recognize careers that will be satisfying and provide you with fulfillment.

• Truity Personality Test. This free assessment combines the Myers-Briggs theory of 16 personality types with the Holland Code system of career typing to determine your traits and interests.

• The Self-Directed Search. As a career-oriented assessment tool, it matches your aspirations, activities, and talents to your best career options. The tool is broken into six types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

• The Work Behavior Inventory (WBI). The WBI assesses your work style to give you insight into the best job fit while also identifying your strengths and potential weaknesses.    

• The O*NET® Career Exploration Tools. These are self-directed career assessment tools to help you discover your ideal career path.

• CliftonStrengths Assessment. The CliftonStrengths Assessment can help you identify your strengths, leading to an ideal career with increased harmony in your personal life.

• Career Liftoff Interest Inventory (CLII). The CLII tool evaluates your career interests and aligns them with the interest profiles of various career fields.

Read more about how a career path quiz can help you plan your future.

3. Assess your skills

Whatever stage of your career you’re currently in, you have skills and abilities that can help you determine your ideal path. Consider what skills you’ve used in the past to be successful, whether in a job, school, or other setting. Make a list of all the hard skills you have, such as computer or data analysis skills.

Additionally, think about the soft skills that can benefit you in your future career. For example, you might be a creative thinker or have excellent communication skills. Assessing your skills can allow you to pursue a career path that aligns with both your technical expertise and natural abilities.

4. Create goals

With your traits and skills in mind, set some career goals for yourself. Think about short-term goals you want to accomplish, such as finding a job in your desired field. Also, set some long-term goals for yourself. Consider where you want to be 5-10 years in the future. Remember that your goals can change over time, so plan to revisit them frequently.

As you create your goals, consider both your career aspirations and your preferred lifestyle. Make sure you’re setting goals that align with the life you want to have. For example, if you want to travel, you might pursue a career that allows you to work remotely or consult on a freelance basis. If you want to build a family, your goals may center on finding a work-life balance.

5. Research job requirements

Most jobs have specific requirements for education, skills, and experience. Once you’ve set some career goals, research the requirements you’ll need to meet to achieve them.

If you have a long-term goal to become a chief financial officer, for example, you may consider going back to school to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other jobs, such as a sales manager, may prefer candidates who have several years or more of relevant experience. Know the requirements for the positions you want to hold in the future, so you can start working toward them now.

6. Work with a career coach

Working with a career coach can be a rewarding experience. A career coach can help you focus on your individual and career goals while guiding you toward your ideal career path. When working with a career coach, you can explore ways to define, execute, and achieve your career goals. Search online or ask your professional network to find recommendations for a career coach in your area or industry.

7. Look for opportunities

Once you know your ideal career path, start looking for opportunities that match your goals, interests, and motivations. In some cases, you may look for opportunities by searching for new jobs that better match your goals.

Other times, you can pursue new opportunities in your current role. For example, you may ask your manager if you can take on additional responsibilities or work on different types of projects to build your skill set and expertise. When researching and assessing an opportunity, consider how it fits into your defined career path to ensure you’re making progress toward your goals.

Are you ready to chart your ideal career path? Plan for your future with Career.io’s Career Pathways and take the first steps toward a successful career!

Key takeaways

1. A career path is a set of steps for progressing in your career, whether you want to get promoted or make a transition.

2. Determining your career path can allow you to set clear goals, make proactive decisions, and increase your job satisfaction.

3. When choosing a career path, start by identifying your personality type and assessing the skills you already have.

4. Set short- and long-term goals and consider working with a coach to make progress and find satisfaction in your career.