A fast food position is a job. Being an accountant is a career. It's important to understand the difference between the two and not just settle for the former. In the beginning, lots of people work at their "job" while also training for their "careers".
Development Issues: Careers develop over time - and you will realize whether a particular career is valuable and acceptable to you. There will come a time when you will realize the true significance of a career. Generally, career specialists are of the same opinion - that careers are progressive and change over time - what you decide to do at 18, 25 and 30 will sometimes be markedly different.
There will be occasions where you will probably may have quite different views of every profession and still remain in a dilemma as to what career to pursue. Settling down in a particular career is a decision you can make only when you determine the areas you are good at and the activities that you enjoy doing.
Secret # 2 - Be Familiar with Yourself and What You Want
One of best ways to be unsuccessful in your search for the right career is to be unclear as to what you want. In Secret # 1, it was said that it is all right not to have a specific career track (at least in the beginning), since it is impractical to believe that you can flawlessly prepare a career path.
On the other hand, you should be very observant when you are hunting for a job. You should be able to determine that a career you are submitting an application for is heading in the right direction, even though you may be a bit unclear on your long-term objectives.
The Kind of Jobs that are Appropriate for Me: Evaluate your strong points, interests, principles, and character. Make use of career guides and personality tests. Try seeking guidance from a certified career coach or therapist.
No matter what techniques or tools you use, you will be accumulating a private assessment and outline that will direct you on a suitable career path.
Secret # 3 - Identify What You Have to Offer
There is no doubt that you must be able to highlight your skills, strengths and accomplishments when applying for a position. Prospective employers simply want to know what you have to offer. They will ask you the question "What can you achieve for us?" In order to be able to answer this, you must market your skills and expertise well, as well as your ability to adapt quickly to changing environments.
Carrying out an evaluation of yourself, as supported in Secret # 2, is one method to develop your self-marketing plan. Your interests, expertise, and principles form the foundation of your career. They also give prospective employers a good idea as to who you are and how you will be valuable to their business.
