Expert: Sharon Reed Abboud - 10/7/2007

Question
I am a student wondering what career to pursue.What job is lucrative, Requires creative ability - artistic talent and people skills, not entirely computer work, not repetitive or boring. What job would you suggest?

Answer
Hi Jack,

Without knowing more about you—your age, year in college, college, major, your interests, etc.—it is difficult to answer this question, but, generally speaking, the self assessment process is the same for everyone.  There are a number of websites with links to career self assessment tests (many of which are free of charge) that might help point you in the right direction for careers.  Many of these tests are fun and do not take a lot of time.  The results may give you some new ideas for careers to investigate.

Here are two good sites:

http://www.rileyguide.com/assess.html    http://www.quintcareers.com/career_assessment.html

   You can research possible careers that you are thinking about by accessing the Occupational Outlook Handbook on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website: http://www.bls.gov/oco/  This is an excellent resource where you can find out about hundreds of types of jobs.  Included in each description is: the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, and working conditions.

Since you are in college, be sure to visit your campus career center and find out what resources and services that they can offer you.  They are there to help you find your way and decide what you want to do for a future career.  Also, be sure to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your major, or the major that you are considering, and possible future careers. Consider doing an internship in a career field that might be of interest to you. Internships are often the best way to find out if a possible career is right for you.

Check out books from your library and career center about careers.  “What Color is Your Parachute?” by Richard Bolles is a particularly helpful book for deciding what to do for a career.

Is this helpful?  If not, please post a follow up question with more details about you.

Good luck!