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  • 2014
    5/30

    Look At The Big Picture When Selecting Your Career Path

    ​Making decisions is part of everyday life. Your decisions are influenced by your personal beliefs, skills, interests, friends, family, environment, situations, and more. These influences can have a major impact on your decisions within your job search and/or educational and training goals. Take a holistic approach when selecting your career path. In other words, look at the all of the things that are impacted by your choice. Don’t just look at one part.

    When you were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” did you put much thought into what you truly wanted? Maybe, but did you know what to consider when making that decision?  

    The following are things to consider and possible responses. This example shows the possible responses for a person who is considering a Computer Numerical Control job in the manufacturing industry.

    ​Things to Consider:​Possible Responses
    ​1.    Is this job a good match for your personal interests?    CNC would be great since I like to work with my hands and make things.
    ​2.    What is the occupational information?  Are there jobs like that around?    There is a high demand for CNC operators and they make good money too.
    ​3.    What type of training do you need to get the job you want?    There is a training program nearby and it only takes 6 months - 1 year to complete the program.
    ​4.    Does the job/company align with your personal beliefs?  What is your passion?    Keeping manufacturing jobs in America is important to me. I prefer to buy local products to keep my community strong.


    Short term sacrifices are something to consider when making a career path decision. You may be able to deal with these situations by changing the way you think. This new approach may open the door for new and exciting experiences.

    Marianna Williamson once wrote:
        “You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.”

    ​Old Way To Think​New Way To Think
    ​If I take that part-time job I won’t get to spend as much time with my friends or looking for work full-time.    Taking that part-time time job while looking for a full-time job could lead to a full-time job.
    ​Taking that entry-level job is not going to pay much and will put my social life in jeopardy.    Accepting an entry-level job could help get my foot in the door in a company or industry.
    ​Volunteering is a waste of time. Why would I want to spend my time working for free?    Volunteering provides a chance to meet others in the industry and learn more about the industry.


    By thinking “outside” the box, or getting out of your comfort zone is not always a bad thing; it can lead you down a new path to career success.

    When making a decision in your career:

    Look at the big picture not just one small piece 

    Make your decisions based on:

    • the facts,
    • the passion that drives you, and
    • your willingness to make short term sacrifices.

    It’s your choice.

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