The First Step of Career Exploration: Identifying your Skills & Interests

High school is a journey of profound transformation and self discovery for many students, including myself. It is a pivotal juncture to embark on a thoughtful exploration of potential future careers, allowing us to take those essential first steps towards our aspirations. While the prospect of navigating a labyrinth of career opportunities can appear daunting and overwhelming, it doesn't always have to be that way if you have the right resources.

Moreover, its important to remember that while preparing for your future career in high school is invaluable, it doesn't require locking yourself to a single career path already. Flexibility and adaptability are your allies, and it's perfectly acceptable to explore multiple avenues as you evolve in high school.

In this blog, we will unravel the art of career exploration during our high school years, breaking down this seemingly colossal task into manageable steps. Treat this blog as your compass for the early stages of your career exploration journey, where we embark on the first step of indentifying your skills, interests, and lifestyle goals - the foundational elements that pave the way for informed decisions in your career journey.

The first aspect to consider when engaging in career exploration is your skills and interests. What do you enjoy? What do you want to learn more about? It's all about understanding what truly excites you and where your talents lie. There are various approaches to this process, but the key is to ask yourself these essential questions with an open mind.

1. What school subjects do you enjoy the most and why do they captivate you? (Insights into areas of academic interest)

2. When it comes to extracurricular activities, which ones do you find the most engaging and what is it about them that you enjoy? (Clues about passions and interests)

3. What are you truly passionate about? Is there a particular cause, hobby, or area of study that genuinely excites you? (Directs you towards fulfilling career possibilities)

4. When envisioning your future, what kind of lifestyle do you want to lead? Do you see yourself in a busy city, working remotely, or traveling the world? (Lifestyle aspirations can influence career choices)

5. What major life and career goals do you have in mind? What achievements or contributions do you want to make? (Goals help shape the path that you'll take in your career journey)

While these questions may appear broad and deep, they are crucial for early consideration. Take some time to reflect on potential answers before proceeding to the next sections.

Additionally, if you want a structured approach to understanding your strengths and preferences, taking a personality test such as the Clifton Strengths Assessment (for students) can be a valuable resource in your journey of self discovery and career exploration.

Take the CliftonStrengths Assessment (for students) Now

Identifying Your Skills

When it comes to career exploration, skills play a vital role. Simply asking yourself, "What am I good at?" might be a good place to start, but that is a limited line of inquiry. Instead of bombarding yourself with such a broad question, consider all the different kinds of skills sets you possess and how they connect to each other. Remember that not all skills are purely academic, so thinking outside the box is essential.

Take a look at the following list and evaluate where your skills might lie. These simplified examples are provided to get you thinking, but don't forget that there's a world of possibilities beyond them.

Area	Skills	Career Opportunities
Writing	You have excellent grammar and vocabulary skills. You know how to organize your ideas into well-formatted essays. You can edit your thoughts to make them more streamlined / clear.	Television Writer Creative Writer Editor Journalist
Mathematics	You know how to think logically. You understand number systems and formulas. You can find and correct your mistakes in a math problem.	Mathematician Research Scientist Engineer Coder
Organization	You're always on time and you never miss a deadline. Your notes are clear and concise. You're amazing at planning events and parties.	Project Manager Human Resources Manager CEO Project Administrator
Public Speaking	You're a natural in front of a crowd. You know how to answer questions clearly and effectively. You might even be a part of your school's debate club.	Lawyer Motivational Speaker News Anchor Teacher
Arts	Music, dancing, painting, or theatre is your passion. You love to create in the medium of your choice. You have a great visual eye and you understand the power of stories.	Singer Dancer Artist Actor
Teaching	You might already be a tutor for younger students. You're great at explaining concepts to your friends when they struggle with homework. You understand how to help others learn efficiently.	Teacher College Professor Teacher’s Aide Childcare Practitioner
Problem Solving	You think creatively to work out solutions to problems. Complex puzzles aren't daunting but a fun challenge. You understand how to look at issues from various perspectives.	Creative Director Business Advisor Entrepreneur Filmmaker
Teamwork	You understand people's individual skills and attributes. You are a great team leader and with your help, your peers always produce great results.	Human Resources Specialist Hospitality Manager Recruiting Manage Film / Theatre Director
Self Motivation	You don't struggle much with procrastination. Self directed projects are easy for you. You don't need much oversight to get work done.	Executive Assistant Life Coach Craftsman Chef

Please note that the careers listed here are just a small representation of the possibilities. Knowing your skillset can help you consider jobs that might suit you, but it should not limit you to a particular subset of jobs by any means. Your skills can open doors to a wide range of career options, so stay open to the opportunities that align with your abilities and interests.

Identifying Your Interests

Understanding your interests and passions is a critical aspect of career exploration. Your career will take up an enormous portion of your life, so aligning it with your interests can have a profound impact on your overall happiness in the long run. Just like your skills, your interests don't have to be academic in nature for them to be valuable to your career planning.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to discover your interests (if you haven't already):

1. What activities do you enjoy in your free time? What hobbies bring you joy and fulfillment?

2. Are there specific subjects or concepts that make you light up?

3. When do you feel your curiosity sparked?

4. What are your favorite movies or books, and what themes or topics do they revolve around?

5. What questions about the world around you intrigue you the most?

Perhaps your favorite subject is history or you find solace in knitting during your spare time. Maybe you have always wanted to learn more about blackholes or simply enjoy immersing yourself in the world of video games.

All of these interests are valuable and can lead you to various career possibilities (even video games). In the end, your interests are the compass that can guide you towards a fulfilling and enjoyable career path, so embrace them and explore the opportunities they present.

Identifying Your Lifestyle Goals

In addition to understanding your skills and interests, identifying your lifestyle goals is a crucial step in your career exploration. Different careers come with varying lifestyles and align with distinct goals. While pursuing a career that truly interests you is essential, choosing one that aligns with the lifestyle you desire can be equally rewarding, if not more so, in the long run.

Consider the following lifestyles goals and corresponding career opportunities:

Your Goals	Career Opportunities
You want to travel the world.	Consider roles that offer travel opportunities; such as a nature photographer, diplomat, or pilot.
You want to be a parent.	Look for jobs that have opportunities to work remotely; like an author or software developer.
You want a lucrative career.	Explore high-powered careers with room for advancement; such as a doctor, COO, or dentist.
You want free time during the summers.	Consider jobs that provide seasonable flexibility; such as a teacher, high school coach, or recreation worker.
You want stability.	Look for jobs in growing fields, role with tenure, and positions offering opportunities for advancement within the company.

Selecting a job that you genuinely enjoy, one that aligns with your skills, and that provides the lifestyle opportunities you desire may seem like a significant challenge. However, with thoughtful consideration, planning, and dedication, it is a goal that you can work towards. Your career journey is a path that you have the power to shape according to your unique skills, interests, and lifestyle aspirations, so make it an exciting adventure that leads to a fulfilling and satisfying future.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this blog!