You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out — Start Here
Starting your career journey can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re in college, just entering the workforce, or even considering a career change, the pressure to "figure it all out" can be daunting. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to have everything figured out right away.
Instead, you can start by focusing on exploration, curiosity, and self-awareness. Here’s how you can take action, even if you’re not 100% sure what your future career looks like:
1. Explore Your Interests
You might have some ideas about what you want to do or what interests you. Start there, but don't feel confined to one narrow path. Explore a variety of industries, roles, and environments. Internship programs, part-time jobs, and volunteering can give you valuable hands-on experience to explore what you enjoy — and what you don’t.
Remember, it's okay if your initial ideas evolve as you learn more about yourself and the world around you.
2. Focus on Transferable Skills
Rather than stressing about finding the "perfect" job or niche, consider the skills you’ve developed over time. Whether through school, volunteer work, or personal projects, you’ve likely already honed important skills such as communication, problem-solving, and organization. These are transferable skills that will help you in a wide range of jobs.
Instead of trying to fit yourself into one specific box, think about how your skills apply to different roles. This will give you flexibility and a broader range of career opportunities.
3. Start Networking and Learning From Others
Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do yet, talking to others who have been in your shoes can be incredibly valuable. Networking is key in any career journey, so reach out to people who have experience in industries or roles you're curious about.
You can connect with professionals on LinkedIn, attend networking events, or even ask for informational interviews to gain insight. Be open to learning about different career paths, even if they weren't initially on your radar.
4. Try New Things and Stay Open to Change
Exploration doesn’t stop at just thinking about careers. It’s also about doing. Take on side projects, attend workshops, or experiment with new skills. Even if it’s something that seems outside your comfort zone, it can spark new interests and help you discover new opportunities.
And remember: It’s okay to change your mind. Career paths are rarely linear. The journey of finding your fit often involves trial and error, and that's completely normal.
5. Find a Support System
It’s important to surround yourself with people who can help guide you along the way. Whether it's mentors, peers, or career coaches, having someone to talk to can provide clarity and support. If you're feeling lost, it’s reassuring to know you're not alone in the process.
6. Take It One Step at a Time
Starting your career doesn’t mean you need to have it all figured out right now. It’s more about building momentum and taking things one step at a time. Set small, achievable goals and keep moving forward — whether that means applying for a job, seeking out a mentor, or taking a class to learn a new skill.
Interested in More?
If you're ready to dive deeper into your career exploration and need some personalized guidance, get connected with one of our talent consultants for a customized approach to career exploration. We’ve developed materials to support you along this journey, including our Self-Discovery & Career Values Alignment resource and the Intro to Self-Discovery: Why It Matters Early in Your Career video. These tools are designed to help you reflect on your passions, values, and strengths, providing a clearer path toward aligning your career goals with what truly matters to you.
You don’t need to have it all figured out, but starting today — with curiosity and intention — is a step in the right direction.
