How to Decide on a Career Field

a)    Begin by determining what you like to do. A lot of people look to others to determine their career paths: teachers, parents, neighbors, and peers. Think about people you respect and what they do for work. Take time to map out your wants and to match your skills with skills that are actively sought within certain fields of work. This will involve a fair bit of research work but it is well worth it.

b)   Identify the skills you use when you're doing the thing(s) you enjoy. Look at the things you are good at doing already. These will give you a very good indication of what you are likely to enjoy doing by way of a career.

c)    Think of fields broadly. A field of work is far more than a single job. It is an area in which many jobs or trades are possible and you should be able to consider your training and interests in terms of looking for a career path that will give you a shot at at least five related types of jobs that are available within that field. 

d)   Consider cross-field work. When working out what you would like to be and what you will need to study to get to this point, give consideration to the possibilities involved in crossing fields.

e)    Learn as much as possible about the qualifications required for fields that interest you. Library, Internet and direct contact research will be required here. It is also helpful to ask your school, local community services, university, etc. for assistance in career choices and development. Your thorough research will help you to determine quickly which areas you want to study in, as well as the depth of study required.

f)     Find people who work in the field and learn from them. Once you have worked out which specific jobs interest you, speak to those already working in these areas. This will enable you to hear their suggestions and to ask them what they like and dislike about the field in which they work.

g)   Evaluate your choice of field according to your own perceptions and the information you have gathered. Assess the comments you've received, weigh these up with your research work and add in your own feelings about your potential career path.

h)   Maintain a positive outlook. When you are finally trained and ready to find that dream career, the most important thing is to maintain a positive outlook about your life and to be ready for change, difference and shifts in your comfort zones. 

source: wikihow.com