Choose a job goal

Finding work that you like is a good place to start. It’s also important to be able to find a job in your area. To decide on a career direction, consider both your personal needs and interests, and whether employers are looking for workers in your field.

To get started, take these steps in CareerOneStop’s Explore Careers section:

1. Find out about your interests, skills and values and what careers they relate to at Self assessments.
2. Learn about work tasks, wages, and required training, at Learn about careers.
3. Find out what the Highest-Paying Jobs are in your area, and visit What’s hot? to see which jobs are growing.
4. When you have an idea for your job goal, it’s helpful to confirm your interest by doing informational interviews or job shadowing with 1-2 people who work in the field.
5. Think about how you want to build your career from where you start, at Plan your career.

Keep in mind that your first job is a place to learn about work and organizations, test out what you think you like and are good at, learn new skills, and expand your network. So don’t worry if you can’t figure out the “best” direction; no matter what, it will be one that you can grow from.

Find more help with your career choice at an American Job Center or the career services office at a community college in your area.