Start Planning Your Career.
Start the process of learning about yourself and the job market, and then using that information to make career choices. Career planning can help you decide on a professional path, identify the skills you need, find a way to get those skills and create a plan to realize your choices.
Explore Careers and Find Your Passion.
When you are satisfied with your job, you’ll experience
Increased Productivity
Efficient use of energy and resources that brings a sense of accomplishment.
Better Health
Lower stress levels that contribute to better physical and mental health.
Sense of Belonging
A positive environment that cultivates a great culture for collaboration.
This career planning page will help steer you toward an invigorating career which will lead to long-term job satisfaction.
Evaluate Your Path Towards Career Fulfillment.
To find a career path that leads to job satisfaction, consider your values, priorities and passions. Consider these questions and tips:
#1
What matters most to you in a job? Is it pay, job security, work-life balance, or something else?
#2
Ask yourself, “What activities make me lose track of time?” This helps pinpoint your passions.
#3
Look into industries with high growth potential to ensure job security.
#4
Investigate companies known for fostering employee satisfaction and growth opportunities.
#5
Talk to professionals already in the field to gain insights about job expectations and satisfaction levels.
#6
Use online tools like career assessments to match your skills and interests with potential careers.
By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can pave the way toward a fulfilling career that aligns with your personal values and passions.
Explore Career Options.
Online tools and networking platforms can play a helpful role in your job exploration journey:
Online Tools
Websites such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed offer extensive databases of job descriptions, company reviews, and salary information. Platforms like O*NET Online provides detailed insights into different careers, including required skills and job outlook.
My Next Move
Job Path
O*NET Online
Career Fit
Career One Stop
Big Future
Networking
Attend industry conferences, join professional associations, or participate in online forums to expand your professional network. Building these connections will open the door to valuable insight from industry experts.
Santa Cruz County Job Fairs and Company Presentations
Pima County Recruitment & Job Fairs
Internships/Apprenticeships
Immerse yourself in a field of interest for real-world experience and a clearer picture of daily responsibilities. Internships can also lead to full-time job offers.
Find Arizona Apprenticeships
Find Arizona Jobs & Internships
Don’t Know Where To Start?
Earning a robust income is only one factor when considering what work path to pursue. As you explore your strengths and passions, you’ll want to strike a balance between how much time you spend with people versus time looking at a computer screen.
Consider these examples:
Healthcare
The healthcare industry provides many opportunities with varying income earning potential. But having the desire to help others is a common motivation for people who pursue healthcare careers. Healthcare careers can involve providing care to patients, supporting medical professionals, or managing healthcare facilities.
- Physical Therapist: Help patients regain mobility, offering both emotional and physical support. Average Salary: $100,000
- Speech-Language Pathologists: Assist individuals with communication disorders, positively impacting their daily lives. Average Salary: $89,000
Arts
A musician or artist path requires significant solitary practice time would ideally suit someone with a strong preference for independent work, a high level of self-discipline, and the ability to focus intensely during extended periods alone. This career requires time to refine skills through dedicated practice sessions in a quiet environment. Artistic careers can involve irregular hours with performances in the evenings or on weekends.
- Music Directors and Composers: Create music that resonates with audiences, providing personal fulfillment. Average Salary: $62,000
- Craft and Fine Artists: Use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition. Average Salary: $52,000
Technology
Careers in technology can yield very high income since there aren’t enough qualified workers and the information technology field is at the forefront of innovation. But it may not be satisfying for someone who is highly social. Careers that involves software and hardware technology requires significant time spent on a computer to do extensive coding, debugging, and interacting with various development tools, all of which necessitate significant computer usage.
- Software Developers: Innovate and develop software solutions integral to modern life. Average Salary: $133,000
- Data Scientists: Analyze data to drive decision-making across industries. Average Salary: $115,000
Your Satisfying Career Is Out There.
Not everyone knows what career will be satisfying. If you’re unsure about your career path, consider taking career aptitude tests, researching different industries, exploring internships and volunteer opportunities, talking to professionals in various fields, and reflecting on your skills and interests to help you discover a path that aligns with your strengths and passions.
The U.S. government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) is the leading career resource about the job market. The OOH provides information that covers most jobs in the economy. It highlights key characteristics of occupations, such as job duties, work environment, wages, number of jobs, job outlook, and the education and training that jobseekers need.
Learn How To Use OOH.
Explore Additional Education & Career Links
We’ve prepared a series of education and career links to help you learn more about your options and possible pathways you can take.