Research a career

Don’t take chances with choosing a career. Use these tools to dig up the truth about any job that interests you

If you’d known what the job you’re doing now would really be like, would you still have chosen it? For many iVillagers, the answer would be a resounding no. Questions on how to break into a completely new career are some of the most popular subjects in our mailbox. As you and the working world you’re part of change, what was once the job of your dreams can become hell on earth. But if you’re going to move, how can you make sure you get it right this time? And if you’re going for a first job, how do you find out what it’s all about?

There’s no foolproof way to ensure a perfect match, but the more research you do, the more likely you are to end up in the right place. One advantage of having been in a job you dislike is that you know what to avoid. Although it’s difficult to tell if something is going to suit you until you actually do it, having a close look at day-to-day realities reduces the risk of making another mistake.

Reality checklist
To make an informed decision, you need a mix of different information from a variety of sources. Start with the impartial information, make sure it’s up to dateRead the promotional literature for inspiration, but bear in mind its aim is to portray the profession as attractiveListen to the gripes of those who are dissatisfied Seek out the stories of those who love itGo and see for yourselfJudge if it’s for you

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