Recently, I asked ten random high school students if they knew what career path they would take after high school or at least had a dream career that they were working towards. The results of my random small survey may or may not surprise depending on which side of the line you tread, “glass half empty or glass half full.” Of the ten students, only three could with certainty mention what career path they would follow.

With this in mind I asked myself, when should one be certain or at the very least confident of the career path they wish to follow???

To adequately answer this question, I need to first of all try to break down people into five categories. I must clearly state, these categories are not all inclusive or exhaustive. There is a very high chance you may not fall in any of these categories.

1. The late bloomers.

This category of people usually have a large number of options, probably from having too many to choose from. There is a possibility that if you fall in this category, you are relatively good at and enjoy doing a lot of activities that most would use as key identifiers for various career interests.

Being a late bloomer is necessary a bad thing, it just means you have taken your time in making your choice.

2. Early bird.

From as far back as you can remember, you knew what you wanted to be. Your whole life has been tailored to achieving that specific goal. This may be displayed even in your hobbies, the book or novels you read, the shows you watch all point towards you’re your dream. This category would have a near immediate answer if asked the question: “what do you want to be?”

However knowing early doesn’t remove the need for hard work. Just because one is certain doesn’t mean it’s set in stone.

3. Bandwagon group

Every dozen or so interactions in the professional circles and you may chance to hear a statement like; “all my friends were going to law school so I too ended up there.” The bandwagon is not always a bad thing but for most university courses, commitment and passion are just as necessary as academic effort to propel you to the finish line. And in practice for example, who would want to be operated on by a surgeon whose passion is not saving lives?

4. Follow  the money

Money is a powerful tool in making the choice of what career to pursue. The economic aspect of careers and education cannot be ignored as in the end, all ends need to meet. However this approach has several uncontrollable factors that can make it backfire hilariously if not to the misery of the individual or group.

5. Guardian’s choice

It is no secret that many of us spend part if not all our lives living our parents’ dreams or trying to live up to their (sometimes grand) expectations. Before you were born it could have been decided that you would be a rocket scientist or astronaut or whatever other sometimes outlandish or often realistic dream your parents had for your career. Some are resigned to it a few successfully fight it. A slightly larger group is aided by the academic ceiling but some actually love it. Whatever the case is this group also warrants a number on the list

As I said early these are not exhaustive, but just the ones I have encountered. Not everyone will fall in these categories and that too is acceptable.

Try our career test to see what career best meets your personality, character and interest and match it to your skills. This could be your deal closer.  http://studenthub.ug/career-survey