Career Exploration 101In this podcast I will be sharing 3 things you can do now to lead to a career path that is a good fit for you.

Whether you’re embarking on your first career out of school or looking to make a career change, the first step is to think carefully about what really drives you.

You might find it hard to get past thinking about “what pays the most” or “what is most secure,” especially in today’s economy. But the truth is most employees rank job satisfaction above salary in ensuring they feel happy at work.

So, unless you’re in a situation where you have to take the first available job to make ends meet, it’s important to focus on your primary interests and passions. This can open doors to careers that you might not have considered.

Once you have that foundation, you can start fine tuning your search for the right career. You may be surprised at how you can fit your passions into a new career.Exploring your career opportunities

Focus on the things you love to do. What have you dreamed of doing in the past? What do you naturally enjoy doing? Jot down what comes to mind, no matter how improbable it seems. For me: Fashion, Exercise Physiology, Making a Difference in People’s LivesLook for clues everywhere. Take note of projects or topics that stir your compassion or excite your imagination. Reflect on stories of people you admire. Ask yourself why certain activities make you happy, and pay attention to times when you are really enjoying yourself. Noticing that I love cheering people onBe patient. Remember that your search may take some time and you might have to go down a few different roads before finding the right career path. Time and introspection will help you identify the activities you most enjoy and that bring you true satisfaction.

What is one action step you can take now to get closer to a career path that is a good fit for you?