Skip to Main Content

Career Research

Getting Started

I recommend starting with this video. Amba Brown does a wonderful job putting post-graduation career anxiety in perspective. You don't have to figure out your whole life now! You just have to decide what your next steps will be. 

 

10 Things to Consider 

  1. Your passion and skills 
    • What are you interested in? What do you enjoy doing?
    • What are you good at? Do any of these things align with the things you already enjoy?
  2. Your personality 
    • Are you outgoing? Would you like a job where you talk to people all day?
    • Do you prefer structure, or loose creativity?
  3. Your goals
    • What life do you want for yourself down the road?
    • What is important to you?
    • Where do you want to live? Would the job you're considering be possible in this location?
  4. Your values
    • What is most important to you?
    • Do you have any deal breakers that would make you turn down a job?
  5. Your options
    • Explore what jobs actually exist in your area of interest.
  6. Your potential salary
    • How much do you have to make to achieve the goals you mentioned in q3?
    • Will your area of interest make this amount?
    • Is it more important to you to be financially comfortable, or to be passionate about your work? (no right answer!)
  7. Your job prospects and outlooks
    • Which fields are growing, and which jobs may not be needed in the near future?
    • You can refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore the expected future of different industries.
  8. Your educational costs and training
    • Do you want to transfer to a four year college after finishing at Bristol? Or would you prefer to start working right away?
      • Do you have the finances to support this goal?
    • What degree or certifications are required in the field you are considering?
    • What skills do you already have that could be applied to a new field?
  9. Your resources (at home and school)
    • Consider meeting with Career Services to have a 1:1 chat about your options and ideas.
    • Consult your friends or family members about their professions and their opinions for your career.
    • Can you take advantage of any relationships or opportunities you currently have? 
  10. Your learning opportunities
    • Reach out to people in that field and set up an informal interview! Most people are happy to chat with you about their experience and advice for you.
    • Explore more resources on this page to evaluate your strengths and possible areas to pursue. 

 

This list was adapted from College for North Carolina (CFNC). See their article here: https://www.cfnc.org/news/how-to-choose-a-career/.