6 Key Things to Remember When You're Exploring Options

Try to remember these 6 things when you're exploring options

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.

1. Think industries and sectors. 
   Broaden your search by looking at industries and sectors not just the occupations you're familiar with. For example, if you're interested in nursing, think health care. Interested in computer programming? Think information technology.
2. Validate your sources.
   Be careful where you get your intel. Many groups present information in a way that supports their own goals. This is true of organizations, businesses, political causes and lobby groups. Claims that sound too good to be true usually are.
3. Make sure the info is up-to-date. 
   Check the date of information you're using. Is it current? Information about jobs can go stale quickly. This is just as true about the future. We can't be sure what may happen years into the future. Information with those kinds of predictions don't really have a place in your career plan.
4. Check out many sources.
   Gather information from all kinds of sources. Compare what you find. Can you note biases?
5. Think geography.
   Look for information that applies to where you're living now or where you'd like to live. Some types of work are only available in specific locations. Examples would be jobs that are only in large urban centres or only in remote areas.
6. Watch for patterns and themes.
   Do people keep talking about the same jobs, programs or businesses? Are you interested in this area of work? Are you looking in the right place for information? These patterns may be pointing you in promising directions.