Making Informed Career Choices

My goal remains consistent: to leave a lasting, positive impact in every place I find myself.

By Esiobu Ngozika Peace

As a passionate advocate for humanity, I engaged in various initiatives, inspiring others to join me.

Many young people struggle with choosing the right career path, and this decision can feel overwhelming.

However, career choice is not just a single decision but an evolving process that involves self-awareness, exploration, and sometimes trial and error.

Before delving deeper into this subject, let me share my career journey with you.

Making Informed Career Choices

When I was growing up, I loved to play football, even as a female.

I wanted to go into it full-time, but due to family background, restrictions, etc., I couldn’t pursue football as a career path.

So, while I continued through secondary school, I developed a strong interest in studying Economics since I wouldn’t be chasing football as a career anymore.

I understood Economics so well, but life had other plans.

After graduating from secondary school, I sat for my first JAMB exam and scored 210.

I then took the Post UTME at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, meeting their cutoff mark. However, I wasn’t given admission.

As I waited to reapply again the next year, my uncle stepped in, suggesting, “Why not study English Language?”

Initially, I was hesitant; English wasn’t my interest, and my WAEC background was in Social Sciences, not Arts.

Literature wasn’t even part of my curriculum.

Yet, my uncle’s words resonated: “English Language course will fit you well. The opportunities are vast, and if you do well in it, you’ll excel in the field.”

His encouragement shifted my perspective.

After considering my uncle’s advice, I decided to leap.

To pursue English Language, I needed to retake WAEC, as my previous background was in social sciences.

Instead of opting for external tutorials,

I chose to enrol in a secondary school again, however, sitting alongside SS3 students to learn and prepare for the exam.

Moving forward, I sat for the WAEC, but unfortunately, I scored an ‘E’ in Literature.

The school faced issues with WAEC, leading to a collective poor performance in that subject.

Seeing my result devastated me, especially since Literature was my focus.

Ironically, I excelled in Literature in my JAMB exam, which I wrote before the WAEC, scoring 90+.

I expected the same excellent grade in WAEC Literature, but it didn’t happen.

Due to my low WAEC score in Literature, I sought to enrol in GCE.

However, the registration portal had closed.

Making Informed Career Choices

Uncertain about my next steps, my uncle suggested re-applying for WAEC the following year.

But I was determined to progress, refusing to spend another year at home, making it three years.

Instead, I purchased the University of Benin’s post-UTME form, despite carrying an ‘E’ in Literature.

I wrote the exam and achieved an excellent score.

As fate would have it, I secured admission to study English Language and Education at the University of Benin.

The course proved very challenging, demanding critical thinking and creativity beyond textbook knowledge.

Undeterred, I persevered, did my best, and graduated successfully.

During my time in school, I focused on personal growth.

Two key factors contributed to my success: research and community development.

As a passionate advocate for humanity, I engaged in various initiatives, inspiring others to join me.

Initially, I explored coding, but realizing it wasn’t my true passion, I shifted focus to teaching and academic growth.

I invested in numerous international exams, driving me toward my goals.

Also, to enhance my public speaking skills, I participated in public speaking programs.

From there, I started getting invites to address diverse audiences.

Today, I’ve successfully imparted knowledge to national and international students and empowered teachers.

Currently, I work with multiple online schools, serving as a teacher, head of academics, and various other roles.

My goal remains consistent: to leave a lasting, positive impact in every place I find myself.

This purpose drives me, and I encourage fellow young individuals to engage in meaningful pursuits,

pursue education, and live up to ‘standard’ in the career they have chosen for themselves. 

This sums up my career journey.

Making Informed Career Choices

Now, let’s explore strategies to help you make informed career choices that align with your interests, strengths, values, and long-term objectives.

What are the key factors to consider when selecting a career path?

How can you identify your passions and leverage your skills?

1. Understanding Yourself (Self-Assessment)

The first step in choosing the right career path is to understand yourself.

This includes knowing your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values.

The better you understand these aspects, the more likely you’ll choose a fulfilling career.

Psalm 11:3 KJV
[3] If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?
https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.11.3.KJV 

Key Areas to Assess:

 – Interests: What are the activities, subjects, or hobbies that you naturally enjoy?

Think about what excites you, whether it’s working with technology, interacting with people, solving problems, or creating art.

– Skills and Strengths: What are you good at?

Skills could be technical (coding, writing, designing) or soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving).

Consider what others often compliment you on.

– Values: What principles or causes are important to you?

Do you value creativity, financial success, helping others, or work-life balance?

Your career should align with your personal values to keep you satisfied in the long term.

– Personality: Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Do you prefer structure or flexibility?

Careers like teaching, sales, or customer service might be better suited for extroverts,

while fields like writing, programming, or research could appeal to introverts.

Making Informed Career Choices

2. Researching Careers (Exploration)

Once you understand your strengths, interests, and values, it’s time to explore different career options.

Research allows you to understand the day-to-day responsibilities of different jobs, growth prospects, and what education or training is needed.

Steps to Explore Careers:

– List Potential Careers: Based on your self-assessment, make a list of possible careers that might suit your strengths and interests.

For instance, if you love math and solving problems, fields like engineering, data science, or finance might appeal to you.

– Research Job Descriptions: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed to read job descriptions and understand the roles and responsibilities of different professions.

– Look at Career Growth: Consider the future demand for the career.

Fields like healthcare, technology, and environmental sciences are growing, while others may be shrinking.

– Educational Requirements: Some careers require advanced degrees or certifications, while others may only need short-term training or apprenticeships.

Ensure you understand the time and financial investment required.

Useful Resources for Career Research:

– Job Market Reports: Check platforms, Bureau of Labor Statistics or your country’s labour department for job outlook data.

– Industry Websites: Many industries have dedicated sites with resources, articles, and job boards to explore.

For example, the IT field has sites like Stack Overflow and GitHub where developers can network and find jobs.

Making Informed Career Choices

3. Gaining Experience (Experimentation)

You don’t have to commit to a career before gaining real-world experience.

Experimenting through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering helps you get a feel for different careers without long-term commitments.

This can help confirm if a field is the right fit or guide you toward something different.

Ways to Gain Experience:

– Internships: Internships allow you to gain hands-on experience in a field of interest.

Many companies offer internships for high school and college students.

– Part-time Jobs: Even if the job is not in your dream field, any job can teach you valuable skills like time management, customer service, and professionalism.

– Volunteering: Volunteering is another way to gain exposure. For instance, if you are interested in healthcare, you can volunteer at hospitals or clinics.

– Job Shadowing: Job shadowing allows you to spend a day or more following a professional in a field you’re interested in.

You’ll get to see the daily responsibilities of the job and ask questions.

– Online Courses and Certifications: If you’re interested in a particular field but don’t have experience,

consider taking online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning to build your skills.

Making Informed Career Choices

4. Seeking Guidance (Mentorship and Counseling)

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Seeking guidance from experienced professionals can give you valuable insights and help you avoid common mistakes.

Where to Seek Guidance:

– Career Counselors: Most schools and universities have career centres where you can meet with a career advisor or counsellor to discuss your options.

– Mentors: A mentor is an experienced professional who can guide you through the career decision process.

They can provide insights into what to expect and offer advice on career growth.

– Networking Events: Attend industry events, workshops, or seminars where you can meet professionals in your field of interest.

– Family and Friends: Sometimes, people in your close circle can provide a different perspective on your strengths and potential career paths.

Making Informed Career Choices

5. Making a Decision and Setting Goals (Planning)

After gathering all the necessary information, the next step is to make a decision.

It’s important to remember that your first career choice does not have to be final.

Many people switch careers multiple times before finding the right fit.

However, setting clear goals and taking steps to achieve them can help you get started on your journey.

How to Set Career Goals:

– Short-term Goals: These could include completing a degree or certification, gaining experience through internships, or improving specific skills.

– Long-term Goals: Think about where you see yourself in 5–10 years. What positions would you like to hold?

What additional education or experience would you need to get there?

– SMART Goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

For instance, “I will complete a coding course and build a portfolio website within six months.”

Remember, It’s okay if your career path doesn’t follow a straight line.

Being adaptable is important in today’s job market, and your career can evolve as your interests and the job market change.

Making Informed Career Choices

6. Staying Open to Change

Your first career decision may not be your last.

It’s common for people to change career paths as they gain new experiences, develop new interests, or encounter new opportunities.

The key is to stay flexible and open to learning.

Tips for Navigating Change:

– Lifelong Learning: Always look for opportunities to upskill or reskill. The job market is constantly evolving, and continuing education will keep you competitive.

– Networking: Stay connected with professionals in different industries. Sometimes, opportunities arise where you least expect them.

– Reassessing Your Career Goals: Every few years, reassess your goals and interests.

Ask yourself if you’re still happy and fulfilled in your current path, or if it’s time to explore something new.

Making Informed Career Choices

Conclusion

Choosing the right career path is a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and growth.

By understanding your strengths, exploring different career options, gaining real-world experience,

and seeking guidance, you can make informed decisions that align with your values and aspirations.

Remember, there’s no perfect path,

but with careful planning and flexibility, you’ll find a career that’s both fulfilling and aligned with your long-term goals.

Also Read: Choices: Two Ways to Live – Diademng

Making Informed Career Choices

About Ngozika Peace:

Esiobu Ngozika Peace is a passionate educator, content creator, and editor with a degree in English Language and Literature Education.

Versatile and tech-savvy, she has honed her skills as an online tutor, gaining extensive experience with the British, American, Canadian, and Chinese curricula.

Her clientele spans multiple countries, reflecting her global reach and impact in the educational field.

Ngozika has also played a significant role in mentoring and training young teachers, helping them establish successful careers in the educational sector.