Step 1: Write down what matters to you
Rank each factor from 1 (least important) to 5 (most important).
| Factor | Importance (1–5) |
|---|---|
| Pay and earning potential | |
| Time and cost to train | |
| Job openings and security | |
| Work setting (indoors, outdoors, remote) | |
| Physical demands | |
| Helping people | |
| Schedule and work-life balance |
Step 2: Research three careers
Use the career directory and each career’s salary and day-in-the-life pages.
| Question | Career A | Career B | Career C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career name | |||
| Median pay | |||
| Training time and cost | |||
| Typical entry education | |||
| Job growth | |||
| What a typical day looks like | |||
| What I’d enjoy most | |||
| What worries me | |||
| Fit score (1–10) |
Step 3: Test before you commit
- Talk to at least one person who does each job (see our informational interview guide)
- Take the career’s fit quiz and practice test
- Shadow, volunteer or take a short course if you can
Step 4: Decide your next step
My top choice is: ____________________
The first action I will take this week: ____________________