Best Tests and Resources To Find Your Career Path

Are you or a loved one having difficulty finding a career path? Read below to learn where to find the best resources for a career change.

There is a high probability you are one of the 70% of working-age Americans considering a career change. Regardless if you are a high-school graduate or a long-time professional, finding direction and establishing your next career is an intimidating experience. Most people are intimidated by career changes because they are overwhelmed by the options, available. If you are having difficulty deciding on your next career move, consider the following while making considerations. 

Consider Your Lifestyle Preference  

Some career opportunities sound incredibly fun and rewarding. Just because a career opportunity sounds like a good experience does not mean it will suit your lifestyle or long-term goals. For instance, many individuals say becoming a chef sounds like a rewarding career path. However, when they consider how becoming a successful chef usually requires demanding late hours, forgoing excellent benefits packages, and working several holidays, they often reconsider their desire to work as a full-time chef. Consider the physical, time, and financial demands of the potential career and determine whether or not the lifestyle of your next career would fit your desired lifestyle.  

Consider Job Outlook 

Despite the endless career options, you should take some time to research the projected career outlook for careers you consider pursuing. You can expect that many careers will become irrelevant with technological and artificial intelligence advancements. Many jobs, like telemarketing and machine operating are expected to be fully automated by 2030. Even if your potential career options are not threatened by technological advancement, you will want to see whether or not your career field is oversaturated. 

Lawyers have prestigious careers and make promising salaries. However, many lawyers cannot find work as legal professionals because there has been a rapid decline in available work. Make sure your prospective career has projected demand for your desired position before making and time or financial commitments to a new career.  

Consider Your Education Opportunities 

Different careers have different education and certification requirements. For example, an entrepreneur does not need a formal education to become a successful entrepreneur. Whereas, an anesthesiologist needs to graduate from high school, university, and medical school and pass extensive certification and state requirements. When evaluating your next career move, consider if you need additional education to be qualified for the desired position. If you need to go back to school or complete a certification, evaluate your schedule and financial flexibility and determine if you have the time and money to pursue your next career. 

Consider Your Personality, Strengths, and Weaknesses 

There are limitless career opportunities available but there is only one version of you. Narrow down your career options by learning about yourself. Are you someone who enjoys writing? Can you solve complex math skills? Do you enjoy interacting with people or working alone? Do you prefer physically demanding work or mentally demanding work? Knowing more about yourself will help you understand where you are most likely to thrive. 

Consider Taking Assessment Tests 

Accurately evaluating your personality and traits can be difficult. Many people find that they cannot discern their strengths and weaknesses without being biased. You can determine your personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses without individual bias by taking personality and career assessment tests.  

Personality Assessment Test - These assessments strive to evaluate who you are as an individual. Personality Assessment tests can give your insight into your drive, motivation, interpersonal skills, and behaviors.  

5 Reliable Personality Assessments:

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)– This is a famous personality assessment developed from research by the late Psychologist Carl Jung. It tests 16 different personality traits and can provide you with extensive information about your unique personality. There are many different places you can receive an MTBI assessment. This 16 Personality Factors assessment is one of the best free tests you can take online.

• The Big 5 Personality Test – Many Psychologists like this personality assessment test for understanding the motivations behind someone’s behavior. Like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, you can find free and serviced assessments available.

• DISC – The DISC assessment provides you with insight about how you interact with other people. The website linked offers free and an additional paid comprehensive assessment. This test is helpful for people who want more insight to how they handle interpersonal relationships.

• The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) – Evaluates your personality based on 9 categories. An enneagram assessment seeks to understand people and their personalities based on their motivation. There are many free and paid enneagram assessments available. RHETI has one of the most comprehensive enneagram assessments. Their assessment costs start at $12 per assessment.

Career Assessment Test - These assessments evaluate your interests and recommend potential career paths that fit your interests. Most career assessment tests focus on understanding what activities you enjoy, and this information dictates the recommendations given. 

5 Reliable Career Assessment Tests:

• MyPlan – Offers free and paid services. MyPlan can help you narrow down a list of 700+ careers that would best fit your personality.

• CareerFitter – Offers free and paid services. The free assessment will provide you with the general understanding for career environments that suit your personality. The comprehensive paid assessment provides you with more insightful information and specific information about potential career paths for less than $30. 

• John Holland's SDS Test – This assessment evaluates you using 6 traits: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (RIASEC). RIASEC assessments recommend career paths based on how you measure to the 6 traits. The John Holland’s SDS Tests is a RIASEC assessment that costs less than $10.

• MAPP Test – Like the other assessments, the MAPP test evaluates what tasks you enjoy performing. This assessment offers additional insight into your interpersonal interactions and the personal habits you use to perform the tasks you enjoy. They offer a free assessment but will charge you for a comprehensive evaluation.  

• Sokanu Career Test – This assessment will provide you with insight into 4 areas of your life: your goals, interests, personality traits, and career history. You can take their evaluation for free. However, joining their membership for a monthly $4 subscription will offer you extensive information and access to over 1000 career possibilities, education information, and advise for career advancement once you have established your career. 

Consider Career Counseling 

Self-reflection and assessment tests can help you learn more about yourself. However, self-reflection and assessment tests cannot replace the expertise and unbiased opinion from a licensed career counselor. A career counselor can evaluate you on a personal level and address your questions and concerns that are possibly preventing you from making your next professional decision. If you have the means to meet with a counselor, they will provide you with the most comprehensive advice for pursuing your next career. Additionally, they have the expertise to break down any emotional barriers that could influence your professional performance. Qualified career counselors are members of the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and meet education requirements and certifications for professional counseling.