If you're graduating soon, or are a recent graduate, you
probably have an idea of a job you'd adore. But getting
your dream job doesn't instantly happen; it's something
you have to work toward and make happen. Here we ask
experts for their advice for finding that dream job:
Ask yourself: What makes you happy?
If you don't know what your dream job would be, start reflecting on what it might entail. Sola Bello, who left a successful
investment banking career after more than 10 years so
that she could start Lexion Capital Management, says:
"To figure out what your dream job would be, in each
position you should ask yourself when you are the
happiest and most fulfilled. Then, focus on turning those
aspects into your full-time job. As a financial adviser, I
have the chance to merge my passion for investing with
my goal of empowering clients financially."
Dr. Michael Provitera is a professor, management
consultant and author of "Mastering Self-Motivation." He
suggests thinking about the things you loved doing as a
child. Maybe there were activities you enjoyed doing that
might lead you to your dream job. If you, for example,
loved drawing and art, a creative role might suit you well.
Provitera also suggests thinking about the things you
love to do now. If you're a great golfer, he says, you
might open up a golf-related business and be happy
doing so .
Find support . To find your dream job, you'll need help.
John Paul Engel, executive director of Project Be The
Change, says he has his dream job with his global
consulting firm and nonprofit company. According to
Engel, it's important to find a mentor (or two) who has
the things you want in life. He suggests you ask them
questions to help you find your own path to your dream
job, such as:
How did you get into this life?
What is the most important thing you've learned that
has helped you be successful?
What can someone like me do to live this life?
You can find a mentor on LinkedIn, or even
Google, but "the trick is to pick up the phone. If you
don't think they will talk to you, offer them an hour of
volunteer work to their favorite charity for every minute
they spend with you."
He suggests getting involved with an association so that
you can meet people who will open doors for you.
Volunteering can also be a great way to meet people
who can help.
Refine the notion of your dream job . If you won't settle
for anything less than your dream job right out of college,
you might be disappointed. "Your employment career will
be a journey not a final destination. Furthermore, what
may be your dream today may change tomorrow. A
dream job is a job that is helping you progress toward
your dreams, not a perfect fantasy position,"
Consider how the position you're currently in will help
you move closer toward your ideal job. Glean every bit of
knowledge from a position that you can so that the path
to your dream job will be shorter.
Make it happen . No one will just hand you your dream
job. It's up to you to take action to make it happen.
"The little decisions that you make everyday [are] what
your life becomes," What steps can you take
toward the job you want?