Choosing a career path can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. The key is to approach it as a journey of exploration, reflection, and adaptability. By breaking the process into manageable steps, you can identify a career that aligns with your interests, strengths, and goals.
It’s not about finding the “perfect” career on the first try—it’s about understanding what excites you, what you’re good at, and how you can make those elements work together.
Whether you’re just starting your career journey or considering a change, this approach gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
Here’s how to get started:
A great starting point is identifying career topics that spark your curiosity. Career topics represent broad fields like Marketing & Creative Design, Finance, Investing & Real Estate, or Beauty & Wellness. Even if a field seems unrelated to your current experience, it’s worth exploring—this is a time for creativity, not constraints.
A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that nearly one-third of college students change their major at least once. This highlights how often people’s interests evolve as they learn more about their options. Use tools like Orchard’s career discovery resources to browse various industries and roles.
Pro Tip: Create a list of topics that excite you, even if they seem unconventional. Sometimes, the most unexpected interests can lead to fulfilling careers.
Once you’ve identified your topics of interest, it’s time to dig deeper. Research specific roles within each category to understand what they entail. For example, if you’re drawn to marketing, look into roles like digital strategist, social media manager, or product marketer. Each role may require different skills, certifications, and daily responsibilities.
Resources to explore career details:
Exploring careers at this level can help you identify which roles resonate with you and which might not be a good fit.
Did you know? Research shows that skills mismatches are a significant barrier to job satisfaction, with over 40% of workers feeling under- or overqualified for their roles. Exploring career specifics early can help you avoid this pitfall.
This step is about connecting the dots between who you are and where you want to go. Consider:
A recent Gallup study revealed that employees who use their strengths daily are six times more likely to be engaged in their work. Mapping your strengths to potential careers ensures that you choose a path where you can thrive.
Actionable Tip: Create a Venn diagram with your interests, strengths, and goals, then list careers that overlap in all three areas.
Now that you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to create a roadmap. Identify the steps you’ll need to take to transition into your chosen career, such as:
Breaking your goals into small, actionable steps can make the transition feel less overwhelming. Remember, career paths don’t have to be linear—take it one step at a time.
Even the most exciting career on paper might not feel right once you’re in it, and that’s okay! This step is about testing the waters before making a long-term commitment. Shadow a professional, volunteer, or take on a freelance project to get hands-on experience.
A report by the Harvard Business Review highlights that real-world exposure is one of the best ways to determine if a career is the right fit. Use this time to reflect on:
If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” revisit earlier steps and keep exploring. Career discovery is an iterative process, not a one-time decision.
This five-step method emphasizes flexibility and self-awareness, helping you uncover careers that truly resonate with you. Instead of rushing into a decision, it encourages a thoughtful approach that prioritizes personal fulfillment and realistic goals.
Choosing a career path as a high school or college student is a process of self-discovery and growth. There’s no single “right” answer, and it’s okay to change directions as you learn more about yourself and the world of work.
By staying curious, seeking advice, and embracing opportunities to grow, you’ll not only find a career you love but also build the skills and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing job market.
Remember, your career path is a marathon, not a sprint—and every step you take brings you closer to your goals.
Ready to start exploring careers? Visit Orchard and browse through a wide range of career paths, tools, and resources designed to help you find your ideal fit.