Interests clues to careers

By Laura Dokis

Your interests provide you with important clues about the types of jobs that you might enjoy. Interests are activities that appeal to you and bring fulfilment to daily living.

Consider the fact that you will likely be performing your job up to five days a week and eight hours per day. Staying motivated and satisfied is easier if your job is interesting to you.

Establishing a career goal takes time and effort. There are a number of ways you can approach this task.

Some people say that luck played a role i.e. “I just fell into a job”, or “a friend or relative offered a job opportunity”.

For example, in a First Nation community a specific project through the Band Office may arise, or seasonal work opportunities occur.

If you are one of those lucky people who secure a career or job without a search then perhaps you have saved yourself some time and effort.

But later in life some may question whether or not their jobs are fulfilling, or find they have regrets about not pursuing formal training or education. The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong method, but if you are wondering how to begin setting your career goals there are some simple steps that you can take to help set you in the right direction.

Start by making a list of activities that you enjoy. The Medicine Wheel can help you with covering all areas of your interests. Create four sheets that include; mental, spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of your life.

Don’t overthink it! Just start recording whatever comes to mind.

Once complete, consider speaking with an Elder or community advisor who knows you and who may offer insight and suggestions about your list. By writing down interests in all areas of your life you will create a more holistic picture of what you enjoy doing.

After you have completed your list there are several options that you can pursue For example, speaking with an education counsellor can help you to match your interests to potential jobs and/or post-secondary training that will lead you to your goal.

You can also seek online interest questionnaires or compare your lists to various jobs or post-secondary opportunities. The most important part of this process is getting to know who you are before embarking on a search.

Interests are only one area to explore. There are many other considerations such as values, lifestyle, skills, abilities and the job market, but interests are a good place to begin to explore what will help you to find a satisfying career.

Laura Dokis has worked as an education administrator, career counsellor, and human resources professional at the Anishinabek Educational Institute and Canadore College.