Before you decide what career to pursue, carefully consider your options and ask yourself the following questions:  

1. What are my interest?

The activities you enjoy doing in your free time can give you insight into the careers that would be satisfying, fulfilling and fun. To figure out your interest, ask yourself: What hobbies do I enjoy? Do I prefer spending my time indoors or outdoors? Do I enjoy working with people, animals, data or books? What activities would I miss the most if I could no longer do them?

2. What are my skills?

Right now, you possess skills that can help you succeed in the future. Think about your hard skills and your soft skills. Hard skills - skills that you’ve acquired through study, such as arts or computer programming. Soft skills - the people and life skills you possess, including teamwork and time management.  

3. What are my talents and strengths?

From the time you were little, you demonstrated talents and strengths that make you unique and can help you in your chosen career. In fact, Sir Ken Robinson, author of The Elements, Out of Our Minds, says that: You owe it to yourself to ensure that there’s some part of your day or week when you’re doing what comes most naturally to you and makes you feel at your most centered and authentic.

If you don’t know your talents and strengths, make a list of everything you’re good at doing. Your family members, friends, teachers, boss and mentors can help you write this list that you will use to narrow down potential careers.  

4. What is my personality?

Your personality is the way you think, feel and behave. It can be an important part of your career, so consider several aspects of your personality as you think about your future. Are you a leader or follower? Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Do you prefer to cooperate or compete with others? Do you enjoy helping others or prefer to empower them to do things themselves? Are you a thinker who focuses on ideas or are you a doer who takes actions? Are you a creative and artistic person?

5. What are my values?

Everyone has values or things that are important to them, such as financial security, social justice or work-life balance. These values can help you decide what type of career to pursue. Here is an instance, consider a career that pays well if you value financial security, and consider a 9-to-5 hour job if you want to achieve work-life balance.

6. What education or training do I need?

Certain careers require advanced education and financial investment. For example, you may need eight to twelve years of education and training to be a medical doctor, but you could earn a hospitality management bachelor in four years.

Think about the time and money required to pursue a career as you make your decision.

7. Are there jobs available in this career?

You should consider the potential job availability in your future career.

8. How much money do I want to make?

Different careers provide different monetary rewards. Even though salary shouldn’t be the main factor in choosing a career, your paycheck can play a role in your quality of life and where you live. Consider your earning potential as you narrow your career options.

9. Why do I want to pursue this career?

Always ask yourself why you want to pursue a certain career as you evaluate which which choice is right for you. Don't let the opinions or expectations of others sway your decision. Ultimately, your career choice is solely your responsibility.