Statistics show that about 44% of people are planning to make a career switch. If you are in this group, career exploration can help you figure out your next steps, whether you are a recent graduate looking for a job or a seasoned professional considering a change. The purpose of this process is to understand more about your alternatives and limit your selections to one path that best suits you. Career exploration can also help you gain confidence that will impress a hiring manager and connect you with people in various sectors. This post will highlight how to explore your career options in the medical field:

Start with yourself:

Consider what piques your interest, what you like doing, and what inspires you. If you are a recent graduate from medical school, consider the roles you played in school projects, groups, or part-time work that you excelled at or enjoyed. If you are thinking about changing careers, evaluate what you have always wanted to accomplish or what you liked and disliked about your past jobs. Make a list of what is essential to you in a profession, as well as specializations or issues that can inspire you.

Look at possible careers:

After you have developed a list of places and roles that interest you the most, begin studying occupations that meet most of, if not all, of your requirements. Learn about job descriptions, typical earnings, job outlook, education and training requirements, and everyday tasks. Now, make a list of your top alternatives. This stage allows you to make an informed decision, so keep this in mind. As a tip, consider completing a free online assessment as part of your study to determine what occupations would suit your interests, experience, and skills. For instance, if you wish to work as an emergency medical technician, you can schedule a paramedic ride along to get hands-on experience.

Get rid of any jobs that do not interest you:

Some job paths may not be in your best interest as you continue to research them. Some may demand more knowledge and hard skills than you presently have or wish to obtain, others may pay less than you want to make, and still, others may not have a good employment outlook, which might lead to job instability later on. Be as picky as you need to be during this phase so that you end up with feasible prospects. Not only does this set you up for success, but you can avoid wasting your time.

Get interactive with people in the field:

You may conduct a lot of study on your final job alternatives, but the finest insights into your selection will likely come from individuals who are currently working in the field. Contact people in your professional network or instructors if you are in college and ask if they know anyone you can contact who would be willing to chat with you about their experience. Ask questions, get information, and build future connections.

Doing your research and the good old fashioned process of elimination will help you better explore careers in the medical field!

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