Many of my former students, younger relatives and friends have asked me to choose a career for them. Most of them got disappointed when I tell them I do not know and it is for them to find out. One has to find his or her call and each person is unique; there is no silver bullet or a one size fits all answer.
To know what one wants, one has to engage in deep soul searching; I mean here being honest with oneself and being able to differentiate between real ambitions and faulty desires. One has to know what really makes them happy and enjoy life. Some people are thrill seekers, others prefer a predictable life, some enjoy offering others help, some want to make money, some want fame and prestigious few want to extend human knowledge.
Generally knowing the source of one joy could be translated into an array of careers, for example enjoying helping others could be in careers extending from health care to teaching. It is important to narrow one's choices by comparing the skill and knowledge required and the skills and knowledge that one has. This will narrow the choices, but it is important to know that even if one does not have the necessary skills and knowledge, one can always acquire them by going to school or get the training necessary if one has the will.
To make sure that you are in the right direction, it will a good idea to interview someone who likes their job and successful in it to know what it takes. It is a great idea if you were allowed to shadow them , follow them closely, this will give you a more realistic feeling of a typical day on the job and if you enjoy what you see them it may be the job for you. To make sure that you want this career try getting an internship to get closer look IE if you want to become a lawyer get a job as a law clerk or volunteer in a hospital to learn more about the work enviroment.
Finally, be ready to follow on your plans by getting the necessary education and training and try to excel in acquiring it to be the best you can be .
