| Do you remember when career exploration was | | | | The ten hottest careers for college graduates are |
| playing make-believe? At any given time you could | | | | network systems and data communications analysts; |
| switch from being a master chef to a brain surgeon | | | | physician assistants; medical records and health |
| to an archeologist with just the change of a costume. | | | | information technicians; computer software engineers, |
| If only choosing a career were as easy as a | | | | applications; computer software engineers, systems |
| wardrobe change. | | | | software; physical therapist assistants; fitness |
| Career exploration involves research, observation, | | | | trainers and aerobics instructors; database |
| experimentation and relationship building. And although | | | | administrators; veterinary technologists and |
| stressful at times, it can be fun and exciting. You just | | | | technicians; and dental hygienists. |
| need to develop the right approach to the process | | | | Get a closer look with internships |
| of looking for the right career. | | | | Now that you have a clearer picture of what career |
| Narrow career options | | | | piques your interest, dive in! You will need first-hand |
| One of the biggest mistakes young adults make in | | | | knowledge to make a well-informed decision. The |
| career exploration is giving themselves too many | | | | best way to find out what a career really entails is to |
| choices. The average person has a few natural skills | | | | find an internship. Internships allow you the |
| that can translate into a career. If you don't have an | | | | opportunity to work in your desired field, exposing |
| aptitude for science, you will not do well in medicine, | | | | you to the reality of the job, not the glamour that |
| even if you have always dreamt of being a doctor. | | | | many careers enjoy. |
| Identify your natural talents and find careers that | | | | While you are learning the ropes of your desired |
| utilize those skill sets. For instance, if you are | | | | profession, don't forget to make connections. Many |
| extremely patient and good at explaining things in | | | | times young adults are intimidated by the idea of |
| simple terms, a career in teaching, tutoring or early | | | | networking. It is not as bad as people make it out to |
| child care might be a great fit. | | | | be. You can start with your internship supervisor and |
| Choose a career with longevity | | | | the professionals you work with directly. Ask them if |
| Technology has continued to shape the job market. | | | | they belong to any national or local professional |
| Many jobs that were in demand a decade ago have | | | | organizations. If the do, get information about |
| decreased in importance. Others have been eliminated | | | | membership and upcoming events. These are just |
| all together. Self-check out at the grocery store has | | | | more opportunities to build relationships while learning |
| eliminated many cashier positions. It is important that | | | | the insides of your desired profession. |
| as you explore your career options you choose from | | | | No one likes to feel overwhelmed. Having too many |
| careers that will be around for a while. | | | | career choices is definitely overwhelming. Making your |
| A great place to start is the Bureau of Labor | | | | search manageable by narrowing your career options, |
| Statistics (BLS). According to the BLS, there are | | | | focusing on careers with a future such as the ten |
| some careers that will experience tremendous | | | | hottest careers mentioned above, seeking first-hand |
| growth during the next decade. Although you might | | | | experience through internships and building |
| not be interested in a particular job, you might find | | | | relationships with professionals in the field will pay off |
| that your skills are still needed in the specific industry. | | | | handsomely in the long run. |